I cook for two almost every night, and I have spent more evenings than I’d like to admit staring at my phone wondering what I can pull together that won’t leave us hungry or bored. Cheap dinners for two under $10 are absolutely doable, and they don’t have to feel like punishment food. After three months of testing recipes, tracking receipts, and asking my husband which meals he’d actually request again, I pulled together the budget-friendly dinners that consistently hit the table in our house.
In this guide, I’m sharing 20+ of my favorite cheap dinners for two under $10, plus a 7-day meal plan and the shopping strategies that keep our grocery bill predictable. Every recipe includes an honest cost breakdown based on what I actually paid at Aldi, No Frills, and our local ethnic market. If you’re a couple trying to save money, a college student feeding yourself and a roommate, or a newlywed figuring out how to cook together on a tight budget, this is for you.
Table of Contents
- Our 5 Favorite Cheap Dinners for Two Right Now
- Budget Pasta Dinners That Feel Like Comfort Food
- Hearty Rice Bowls and Stir-Fries
- Soups, Chilies, and Stews for Two
- One-Pot and Sheet-Pan Dinners Under $10
- Vegetarian and Plant-Based Cheap Dinners for Two
- How to Feed Two People for Under $10: Smart Shopping Strategies
- Build a Budget Pantry from Scratch
- 7-Day Meal Plan Under $10 Per Night
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts on Cheap Dinners for Two Under $10
Our 5 Favorite Cheap Dinners for Two Right Now
If you only have time to scan one section, start here. These are the budget-friendly dinners our team keeps coming back to after testing dozens of recipes.
- Spaghetti with Garlic, Olive Oil, and Parmesan – About $3.50 for two servings when pasta is on sale.
- Korean-Style Ground Beef and Rice – About $4.80 for two; cooks in one pan in 20 minutes.
- Classic Beef and Bean Chili – About $6 for two, with leftovers for lunch.
- Lentil Soup with Carrots and Celery – About $3 for two big bowls; freezes well.
- Sheet-Pan Lemon Chicken with Vegetables – About $8.50 for two, depending on chicken prices.
Each of these meals fits under $10 for two people using everyday ingredients. Let’s break down how to make them, and then I’ll share the full recipe roundup and shopping strategies.
Budget Pasta Dinners That Feel Like Comfort Food
Pasta is the cheapest dinner for two on a tight budget, and it doesn’t have to be boring. A box of dried pasta, a jar of sauce, and a few aromatics can turn into something you’d happily order at a restaurant. The trick is layering flavor with what you already have.
Spaghetti with Garlic, Olive Oil, and Pantry Staples
This is the meal I make when I have nothing in the fridge. Boil 8 ounces of spaghetti, and while it cooks, gently warm a quarter cup of olive oil with 4 minced garlic cloves and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Toss the drained pasta with the oil, a splash of pasta water, half a cup of grated parmesan, and a handful of chopped parsley if you have it.
Cost breakdown for two: 8 oz spaghetti ($0.80), olive oil ($0.50), garlic ($0.30), parmesan ($1.50), parsley ($0.40). Total around $3.50. If you add a can of drained tuna ($1.20) or a handful of toasted breadcrumbs ($0.30), the meal feels restaurant-worthy and still stays under $5.
Baked Ziti for Two
Baked ziti sounds like a family-sized project, but a half batch works beautifully for two people with one lunch leftover. Boil 6 ounces of ziti, then stir it with 1 cup of marinara, half a cup of ricotta, and half a cup of shredded mozzarella. Pour into a small baking dish, top with another quarter cup of mozzarella, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until bubbly.
Cost breakdown for two: Ziti ($0.60), marinara ($1.00), ricotta ($1.00), mozzarella ($1.50). Total around $4.10, or under $5 with garlic bread on the side.
Stovetop Mac and Cheese Upgrade
Skip the boxed version. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour, and slowly pour in 1.5 cups of milk to make a quick béchamel. Stir in 1.5 cups of shredded sharp cheddar until smooth. Toss with 8 ounces of cooked elbow noodles, then top with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and a drizzle of melted butter. Run it under the broiler for 2 minutes for a crispy top.
Cost breakdown for two: Macaroni ($0.50), milk ($0.40), cheddar ($1.80), butter and flour ($0.40), breadcrumbs ($0.30). Total around $3.40. Add steamed broccoli for under $1 more and you’ve got a complete dinner.
Hearty Rice Bowls and Stir-Fries
When I want something fast that doesn’t taste like the same pasta again, rice is my second-cheapest weeknight dinner anchor. A 10-pound bag of rice at an Asian grocery runs about $7 and feeds us for two months.
Korean-Style Beef and Rice
This is the recipe my husband requests by name. Brown half a pound of ground beef with 2 cloves of minced garlic and a small diced onion. Stir in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and a pinch of ginger. Simmer for 5 minutes, then serve over 1.5 cups of cooked rice with sliced green onions on top.
Cost breakdown for two: Ground beef ($2.50), rice ($0.30), soy sauce ($0.40), aromatics ($0.60). Total around $3.80 to $4.80 depending on beef prices. Reddit’s r/Cooking community mentions this exact recipe as a regular in their rotation, and I can see why.
Vegetarian Chickpea Curry Rice Bowl
Drain and rinse one can of chickpeas. Sauté half a diced onion in 2 tablespoons of oil until soft, then add 2 cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of grated ginger, and 2 teaspoons of curry powder. Stir in the chickpeas, 1 cup of diced tomatoes (canned is fine), and half a cup of coconut milk or plain yogurt. Simmer for 10 minutes and serve over rice.
Cost breakdown for two: Chickpeas ($0.80), rice ($0.30), coconut milk ($0.90), aromatics ($0.60), tomatoes ($0.50). Total around $3.10. This is one of our most reliable vegetarian cheap dinners for two under $10.
Chicken and Vegetable Fried Rice
Use leftover rice if you have it; cold rice fries better than fresh. Dice one chicken thigh ($1.00) and stir-fry it in 2 tablespoons of oil until cooked through. Push it to one side and scramble 2 eggs in the cleared space. Add 2 cups of cold rice, 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Stir everything together for 3 minutes.
Cost breakdown for two: Chicken thigh ($1.00), rice ($0.30), frozen veggies ($0.70), eggs ($0.40), soy sauce ($0.40). Total around $2.80. It is genuinely one of the cheapest meals you can make and it tastes like takeout.
Soups, Chilies, and Stews for Two
A pot of soup or chili is the original cheap dinner for two because a single batch stretches across multiple nights. Soups also forgive ingredient substitutions, which matters when you are working with whatever’s left in the fridge.
Classic Beef and Bean Chili
Brown half a pound of ground beef with one diced onion. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Stir in 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 can of kidney beans (drained), 1 can of black beans (drained), and half a cup of water. Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes.
Cost breakdown for two (with leftovers): Ground beef ($2.50), beans ($0.90), tomatoes ($0.80), spices ($0.40), onion ($0.30). Total around $4.90 for dinner plus one lunch serving. This is the cheapest dinner for two under $10 that also gives me a break from cooking the next day.
Hearty Lentil Soup
Lentils are one of the cheapest sources of protein you can buy. Sauté one diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks in 2 tablespoons of oil until soft. Add 2 cloves of garlic, 1 cup of dry green or brown lentils, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 6 cups of broth or water, and a bay leaf. Simmer for 30 minutes, then season with salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar.
Cost breakdown for two (with leftovers): Lentils ($0.80), vegetables ($1.20), broth ($0.50), tomatoes ($0.80). Total around $3.30 for a big pot that feeds us twice. A bowl with crusty bread is a complete, filling dinner.
Chicken and Rice Soup from Leftovers
Whenever I roast a chicken, I save the carcass for this soup. Simmer the carcass in 8 cups of water with an onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, and a bay leaf for an hour. Strain, shred the meat, and return it to the broth with 1 cup of cooked rice, the chopped vegetables, and a handful of spinach. Season with salt and pepper.
Cost breakdown for two: Essentially free if you’re starting with a leftover chicken carcass. Add rice ($0.30), vegetables ($1.00), and seasonings ($0.30) for a total around $1.60. It’s the cheapest dinner on this list when made from leftovers.
One-Pot and Sheet-Pan Dinners Under $10
One-pot dinners save time on cooking and cleanup, and they almost always cost less because you’re not running multiple burners with multiple ingredients. Sheet-pan dinners are similar: everything roasts together on one tray, and the flavor concentrates as the vegetables caramelize.
Sausage and Pepper Skillet
Slice 4 precooked smoked chicken sausages ($3.50) and brown them in a large skillet with 1 sliced onion and 2 sliced bell peppers. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 can of diced tomatoes, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes and serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread.
Cost breakdown for two: Sausage ($3.50), peppers and onion ($1.50), tomatoes ($0.80), garlic ($0.20). Total around $6.00. This dinner feels indulgent but stays well under $10.
Sheet-Pan Lemon Chicken with Vegetables
Toss 2 bone-in chicken thighs ($3.00) with 2 cups of chopped potatoes, 2 cups of chopped broccoli, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of one lemon, 2 cloves of minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread on a sheet pan and roast at 425°F for 35 minutes.
Cost breakdown for two: Chicken thighs ($3.00), potatoes ($0.80), broccoli ($1.50), lemon ($0.50), olive oil ($0.40). Total around $6.20. The lemon and garlic make this taste more expensive than it is.
Vegetarian Black Bean Quesadillas
Mash one can of drained black beans with half a teaspoon of cumin, half a teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a squeeze of lime. Spread the mixture on a large tortilla, top with half a cup of shredded cheese, fold it over, and cook in a dry skillet for 3 minutes per side until golden. Serve with salsa and a dollop of plain yogurt.
Cost breakdown for two: Tortillas ($0.80), beans ($0.70), cheese ($1.50), salsa ($0.50), yogurt ($0.40). Total around $3.90. This is one of my favorite cheap dinners for two when I want something on the table in 15 minutes.
Vegetarian and Plant-Based Cheap Dinners for Two
Vegetarian meals almost always cost less than meat-based ones, and they can be just as satisfying. Beans, lentils, eggs, and pantry staples do most of the heavy lifting here.
Lentil Tacos
Cook 1 cup of dry lentils in 2.5 cups of water for 25 minutes until tender. Drain any excess liquid, then stir in 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and half a teaspoon of garlic powder. Spoon into warm tortillas with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and cheese.
Cost breakdown for two: Lentils ($0.80), tortillas ($0.80), spices ($0.30), toppings ($1.00). Total around $2.90 for two generous plates. Most readers on r/EatCheapAndHealthy call this the cheapest meal they make that doesn’t feel cheap.
Mushroom and Spinach Risotto-Style Rice
You don’t need arborio rice for a creamy result. Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of butter until golden. Add 1 cup of rice and 2 cloves of minced garlic, then pour in 3 cups of warm broth one splash at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more. Stir in 2 cups of baby spinach and half a cup of grated parmesan at the end.
Cost breakdown for two: Mushrooms ($1.50), rice ($0.30), spinach ($1.00), broth ($0.50), parmesan ($1.00). Total around $4.30.
Loaded Bean Nachos
Spread a layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Top with one can of drained black beans, half a cup of shredded cheese, and sliced jalapeños. Bake at 400°F for 8 minutes, then top with diced tomato, sliced green onion, plain yogurt, and a drizzle of hot sauce.
Cost breakdown for two: Chips ($1.00), beans ($0.70), cheese ($1.50), toppings ($0.80). Total around $4.00 for a fun Friday night dinner.
How to Feed Two People for Under $10: Smart Shopping Strategies
Cooking cheap dinners for two under $10 is as much about how you shop as what you cook. These are the strategies that took our grocery bill from $450 a month down to $280 without feeling like we were cutting corners.
Shop at Aldi, Ethnic Markets, and Discount Grocers First
Aldi consistently beats Walmart and Loblaws on basics like eggs, milk, rice, beans, and frozen vegetables in our area. The ethnic market near us has 10-pound bags of rice for half the supermarket price and produce at a fraction of the cost. Members of r/budgetfood echo this: the cheapest groceries come from smaller specialty stores, not the big chains.
Build Your Cart Around Sales and Loss Leaders
Every grocery store runs loss leaders each week – items priced below cost to get you in the door. I scan the weekly flyer on Sunday, then plan our dinners around whatever protein is on sale. When chicken thighs hit $1.99 a pound, we eat chicken thighs. When ground beef is featured, we do chili and Korean beef bowls.
Buy in Bulk When It Saves Money (and You’ll Use It)
Sam’s Club and Costco are great for shelf-stable staples and freezer-friendly proteins. The trick is only buying in bulk if you will actually use it before it spoils. A 5-pound bag of rice is a deal. A 5-pound bag of fresh spinach that you won’t finish is a waste.
Use Loyalty Cards and Cashback Apps
Most major chains now have free loyalty programs that drop prices by 5-15% on staples. Cashback apps like Ibotta and Fetch give rebates on specific items each week. I earn back about $15 to $20 a month just from scanning receipts.
Plan Around What You Already Have
Before I write the meal plan, I check the fridge, freezer, and pantry first. That leftover half-bag of rice becomes fried rice. That chicken carcass becomes soup. Planning around what you already have is the single biggest money saver.
Build a Budget Pantry from Scratch
If you’re starting with an empty kitchen, here’s the pantry list that lets you make any of the recipes in this guide without a special trip to the store. Total cost to stock it: roughly $45, and it lasts several weeks for two people.
- Pantry staples: Rice (5 lb bag), dried pasta (2 boxes), canned beans (4 cans), canned tomatoes (2 cans), lentils (1 lb), all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, pepper, oil, and vinegar.
- Aromatics: Onions (5 lb bag), garlic (3 heads), carrots (2 lb), potatoes (5 lb).
- Proteins: Eggs (one dozen), dried or canned chickpeas, and a few cans of tuna.
- Dairy and cheese: A block of cheddar, a small container of parmesan, milk, and butter.
- Frozen: One bag of mixed vegetables and one bag of spinach.
Once you have this base, you can add fresh proteins and produce as your weekly budget allows.
7-Day Meal Plan Under $10 Per Night
This is the meal plan I run most weeks. Every dinner comes in under $10 for two people, and most of the ingredients overlap so you save on waste.
- Monday: Spaghetti with garlic and olive oil. Use a portion of the dried pasta from your pantry.
- Tuesday: Lentil tacos. Cook the full cup of lentils and save half for Wednesday.
- Wednesday: Lentil soup. Use the leftover cooked lentils plus carrots, celery, and tomatoes.
- Thursday: Sausage and pepper skillet over rice. Buy sausages on sale.
- Friday: Sheet-pan lemon chicken with vegetables. Use the rest of the potatoes and broccoli.
- Saturday: Black bean quesadillas. Cheap and fun for a weekend dinner in.
- Sunday: Beef and bean chili. Stretch one batch across dinner and Monday lunch.
Estimated total grocery cost for the week: $55 to $65 depending on sales, which works out to roughly $4 to $5 per person per dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What meal can I get for under $10?
A spaghetti dinner with garlic, olive oil, and parmesan feeds two people for around $3.50, while a chicken and vegetable stir fry over rice costs about $4 for two. Chili, lentil soup, and lentil tacos also fit comfortably under $10 for a couple, and most leave leftovers for lunch.
What to make for dinner for 2 on a budget?
Pasta with garlic and olive oil, Korean-style ground beef and rice, beef and bean chili, lentil soup, and chicken fried rice are all reliable choices. Each uses pantry staples like rice, pasta, beans, and one affordable protein to feed two people for under $10 total.
What is the cheapest thing for dinner?
The cheapest dinner for two is one built around pantry staples like rice, beans, lentils, or pasta with a small amount of protein. Lentil tacos at about $2.90, chicken fried rice at about $2.80, and lentil soup at about $3.30 are the lowest-cost meals you can make at home.
How to eat for less than $10 a day?
Plan three meals around pantry staples like rice, beans, eggs, and oats, then add one fresh protein and in-season produce. Shop at Aldi or ethnic markets, use loyalty cards, and cook in batches so leftovers cover the next day’s lunch. Buying loss leaders each week and avoiding pre-packaged meals keeps daily food costs low.
What is the cheapest meal to make on a budget?
Lentil tacos are one of the cheapest meals you can make, costing around $2.90 for two generous servings. Chicken fried rice using leftover rice, eggs, and frozen vegetables is another option at about $2.80, and lentil soup feeds two with leftovers for under $3.50.
What are some ways to feed my family for under $10?
Build dinners around inexpensive proteins like eggs, beans, lentils, and chicken thighs, then stretch them with rice, pasta, potatoes, and frozen vegetables. Buy in bulk at discount stores, plan meals around weekly sales, and cook once to cover two nights. A 7-day meal plan using these strategies keeps dinners for two under $10 per night.
Final Thoughts on Cheap Dinners for Two Under $10
Cooking cheap dinners for two under $10 isn’t about eating the same five meals on repeat or choking down rice and beans because you have to. It’s about knowing which ingredients are genuinely cheap, building a small pantry that supports dozens of recipes, and shopping smart enough that you have room in the budget for the fresh stuff that makes dinner taste like more than the sum of its parts.
If you’re just starting out, pick two or three recipes from this list to try this week – I’d suggest the spaghetti with garlic and oil, the Korean beef and rice, and the lentil soup. Master those, then add a new one each week. Within a month, you’ll have a rotation of cheap dinners for two under $10 that you actually look forward to eating.