6 Easy Dinners Under $10 for Students to Save on Groceries
Groceries are becoming more and more expensive. And as a student, money is already tight. That doesn’t mean you have to eat ramen again though. We’ve gathered some of the most delicious dinners under $10 so you can save on groceries this week. These dishes are packed with nutrients and protein and come in various styles for every craving. And what’s even better is that all of these dinners are great for leftovers for lunch the next day.
Related: College Kitchen Basics You Need
Grocery Stores to Save Money
Picking the right meal is important when it comes to saving money. However, finding the best grocery store is also critical. If you want to really cut back on your weekly grocery shopping, then check out some of the most affordable stores, such as ALDI, Food 4 Less, Walmart, Grocery Outlet, and even wholesale stores like Sam’s Club and Costco.
Easy Dinners Under $10
6. Spaghetti and Meatballs
Take this classic dinner meal and transform it into an affordable cuisine. A pot of spaghetti is a delicious and hearty meal that will last multiple nights, helping you save even more on groceries. You can easily grab all your essential ingredients for this dinner at ALDI or Walmart for around $9.
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti Noodles
- Marinara
- Meatballs
- Mushrooms and Peppers
- Garlic Bread
Check Out: Pick Me Ups for Stressed College Students
5. Broccoli and Pork Stir-Fry
Instead of ordering takeout, why not make it at home? With just a few ingredients, you can make delicious stir-fry at home in only a few minutes. Pork and broccoli is a delicious combination full of protein and fiber. You even have the freedom to make your traditional sauce or buy an easier, store-made stir-fry sauce for cheaper.
Ingredients:
- Pork Tenderloin / Pork Belly
- Broccoli
- Stir-Fry Noodles
- Stir-Fry Sauce
- Green Onions
4. Hamburger Bowls
Craving a hamburger but can’t be bothered to fire up the grill or skillet? That’s okay, hamburger bowls are the next big thing! One of the best dinners under $10 is a deconstructed hamburger. All you need is a bowl of lettuce with chopped tomatoes, pickles, and a layer of french fries, all topped with ground beef and a delicious burger sauce. It’s easy and cheap, which in turn saves your bank account.
Ingredients:
- Ground Beef
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Pickles
- French Fries
- Hamburger Sauce
Also Read: Life Tips for College Students
3. Chili Mac Skillet
Another favorite when it comes to dinners under $10 is chili mac, a hearty and comforting meal perfect for leftovers. What’s even better is that you can really pack this dish with vegetables for a fiber-filled meal.
Ingredients:
- Ground Beef
- Elbow Noodles
- Peppers and Onions
- Chili Beans
- Diced Tomatoes
- Chili Seasoning
- Cheddar Cheese
2. Bean and Rice Burritos
Instead of going out for taco Tuesday, stay in and make some burritos. Burritos are not only extremely filling and delicious, but you can make some ahead of time for easy and quick lunches throughout the week. You can even load them up with vegetables for fiber-filled meals.
Ingredients:
- Black Beans
- Brown Rice
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Flour Tortillas
- Shredded Cheese
- Sour Cream
Read Next: Kitchen Tips for Students Learning to Cook
1. Sausage and Vegetable Sheetpan
Sheet pans are one of the best dinners under $10. They’re super easy to make, make very few dishes, and offer an abundance of options. One of the easiest sheet pan dinners is just cut-up smoked sausage and vegetables. You can make it heartier with diced potatoes for a couple of extra dollars. Some other delicious protein options include pork chops, chicken breasts, or even pork loins.
Ingredients:
- Smoked Sausage
- Peppers
- Onions
- Broccoli
Read More: Healthiest Snacks for College Students on the Go
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