Are you tired of eating unhealthy meals because you think it’s the only way to stay on budget? Well, the truth is it doesn’t have to be that way! With the right ingredients and creativity, you can start preparing food that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg while also giving you the nutrition you need to power through your day! So ditch the fast food and get cooking! To help you get started, this post will provide you with a list of recipes for healthy meals under $10.
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The Secret To Eating Healthy On A Budget
Many people strive to eat healthy on a budget, but few can accomplish this. The truth is that eating a nutritious and balanced diet without breaking the bank is within reach. The secret lies in budget-friendly meal planning: setting aside the time to research prices and find where your money can best be spent on simple, nutritious ingredients.
Having these ingredients on hand at home will help avoid taking expensive grocery store trips, which can add up quickly. Another effective tip is using leftovers from previous meals and buying frozen produce and other low-cost items in bulk. Implementing these strategies can open up a whole new world of possibilities for inexpensive, healthy eating.
Recipes For Healthy Meals Under $10
Even those great at planning still need a few go-to recipes for the days when time is tight, and inspiration is low. Below are some amazing healthy meals under $10 that don’t skimp on flavor or nutrition:
Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
If you’re looking for comfort food that won’t break the bank, this slow-cooker lentil soup is for you. All you need is a few cheap ingredients, and the slow cooker does all the hard work for you, so you can just set it and forget it!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 ribs celery, diced
- 2 cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of corn
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to a slow cooker.
2. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 hours.
3. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Sheet Pan Chicken Fried Rice
This sheet-pan chicken fried rice makes a hearty and flavorful meal that is ready in under 30 minutes. The best part? It only requires one pan for easy cleanup!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked brown or white rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, and cook for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the cooked rice, chicken, peas, and bell peppers until evenly combined.
- Pour in the soy sauce and stir to combine.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked.
- Serve immediately
Balsamic Beet And Lentil Salad
This balsamic beet and lentil salad is the perfect pick for those looking for something on the lighter side. Packed with flavor and nutrition, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup dry green or brown lentils
- 3 beets, peeled and diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the lentils and cook for 20 minutes or until tender. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Toss the beet cubes with garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and mustard—season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread the mixture in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20 minutes or until the beets are tender.
- In a medium bowl, combine cooked lentils with roasted beets. Toss to combine.
- Serve warm or chilled, and enjoy!
Beef And Pea Curry
This beef and pea curry is the way to go if you want a protein-packed meal with global flavors. This hearty dish is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen peas
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, frequently stirring, until browned.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until fragrant.
- Stir in the garam masala, cumin, coriander, and tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes over low heat.
- Add the peas and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until the peas are cooked through.
- Serve warm over a bed of rice, and enjoy!
Southwest Stuffed Peppers
A perfect low-carb and veggie-packed meal, these southwest stuffed peppers are sure to hit the spot! Filled with protein and flavor, they make a great lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers (any color), halved lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Arrange the bell pepper halves on the sheet and set them aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the onion, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the beans and cooked quinoa/rice, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Divide the stuffing among the bell pepper halves and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the peppers are tender.
- Serve warm, and enjoy!
Roasted Veggie Quesadilla
This roasted veggie quesadilla is an excellent meal to satisfy your cravings. Packed with veggies and plenty of cheese, it’s sure to please!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil, onion, garlic, bell peppers, zucchini, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
- Lay out two of the tortillas on a baking sheet. Top each with half of the cheese and half of the vegetable mixture.
- Top each with the remaining tortillas and press down gently so that they adhere to the filling.
- Bake in a preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, slice into wedges, and enjoy!
Enjoy These Healthy Meals For Under $10!
These delicious meals are sure to satisfy your hunger and make for an enjoyable dining experience. Whether you’re looking for something hearty, flavorful, or healthy- there’s something here for everyone! So next time you’re in the mood for a tasty meal, try one of these easy recipes for healthy meals under $10. And if you want to change things up or add a bit of your personal touch, you can always tweak the ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy!
