Discover 6 delicious one-pot meals you can make for under $10! Easy, budget-friendly, and inflation-proof recipes perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family meals. Rising grocery prices don’t have to ruin your meals. One-pot dishes are a lifesaver for anyone looking to cook hearty, satisfying meals without overspending. Minimal prep, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor, here are six budget-friendly ideas under $10 to feed your family, save money, and beat inflation.
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Why One-Pot Meals Work
Everything cooks together: proteins, carbs, and vegetables, so flavors meld perfectly. Plus, buying staples like rice, pasta, and beans in bulk, and using frozen veggies, helps you stretch your dollar even further.
1. Cozy Lentil & Veggie Stew
Serves 4 | Under $10
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried lentils, 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 chopped carrots, 1 chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tsp cumin, 4 cups vegetable broth, salt & pepper
- Optional: spinach or kale
Instructions:
- Onions and garlic.
- Add carrots, lentils, tomatoes, and broth. Simmer 25–30 minutes.
- Stir in greens and season.
2. Savory Chicken & Rice Casserole
Serves 4 | Under $10
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken thighs, 1 cup rice, 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp paprika, salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Brown chicken in a pot.
- Add rice, soup, vegetables, and broth. Cover and simmer 20–25 minutes.
- Season and serve hot.
3. Quick Tuna & Veggie Pasta
Serves 4 | Under $10
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta, 1 can tuna (drained), 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 cup cheese (optional), salt, pepper, chili flakes
Instructions:
- Cook pasta; set aside.
- Sauté garlic in oil, add tuna, peas, and pasta.
- Toss together, season, and top with cheese if desired.
4. Chickpea & Spinach Curry
Serves 4 | Under $10
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 chopped onion, 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp curry powder, 1 cup frozen spinach, salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Sauté onions and garlic. Add chickpeas and tomatoes.
- Stir in curry powder, simmer 15 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted. Serve with rice.
5. Sausage & Potato Skillet
Serves 4 | Under $10
Ingredients:
- 4 small sausages (sliced), 2 cups diced potatoes, 1 chopped onion
- 1 tsp paprika, 2 tbsp oil, salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Sauté onions and sausages in oil.
- Add potatoes and cook until tender.
- Season and serve straight from the skillet.
6. Easy Vegetable Fried Rice
Serves 4 | Under $10
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice, 1 cup frozen vegetables, 2 beaten eggs
- 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oil, salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Scramble eggs in oil; set aside.
- Sauté vegetables, add rice and soy sauce.
- Mix in eggs, season, and serve.
FAQs
Can I swap ingredients if I don’t have them?
Absolutely! One-pot meals are flexible. Swap proteins, grains, or vegetables based on what you have or what’s on sale.
Can these recipes feed more than 4 people?
Yes. Simply double or triple the ingredients to feed a larger family or prepare leftovers for the week.
Also Read:
Stop Overthinking Dinner: Try These 5-Ingredient Air Fryer Meals
The Best Smoky 1-Pot Jollof Rice Recipe (Cook & Glow)
