Skip to content

Top Navigation

MyRecipes MyRecipes
  • Course
  • Baking
  • Global
  • Healthy
  • Favorite Ingredients
  • Holidays and Occasions
  • Quick and Easy
  • Convenience Recipes
  • BBQ and Grilling
  • How To
  • Extra Crispy
  • Well Done
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Account

  • Register
  • Recipe Box this link opens in a new tab
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore MyRecipes

MyRecipes MyRecipes
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 55+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

      155+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

      Everybody understands the stuggle of getting dinner on the table after a long day. If you're looking for a simple recipe to simplify your weeknight, you've come to the right place--easy dinners are our specialty. For an easy supper that you can depend on, we picked out some of our tried-and-true favorites that have gotten us through even the busiest of days. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for a family, these easy dinners are sure to leave everyone satisfied and stress-free. Read More
    • The Brilliant Secret to Making Better Mashed Potatoes

      2The Brilliant Secret to Making Better Mashed Potatoes

      Trust me, it’s so worth it. Read More
    • 65 Super Easy Finger Foods to Make for Any Party

      365 Super Easy Finger Foods to Make for Any Party

      From chips and dip to one-bite apps, finger foods are the perfect way to kick off a party. No forks or spoons required, just easy-to-pick-up party foods, so you can clean up in no time.  Read More
  • Course

    Course

    See All Course
    • Best Appetizer Recipes...Ever
    • Best Drink Recipes for Any Occasion
    • Salad Recipes
    • The Ultimate Guide to Sensational Sides
    • Soup and Stew Recipes
    • Easy Entertaining for Everyone
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Main Dishes and Entrées
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Dessert Recipes
  • Baking

    Baking

    See All Baking
    • Bread Recipes
    • Our Most-Loved Cake Recipes
    • Cookie Recipes
    • Pie Recipes
  • Global

    Global

    See All Global
    • Spanish Recipes
    • Thai Recipes
    • Vietnamese Recipes
    • Middle Eastern Recipes
    • Mexican Recipes
    • Malaysian Recipes
    • Korean Recipes
    • Japanese Recipes
    • Italian Recipes
    • Indian Recipes
    • Greek Recipes
    • French Recipes
    • Chinese Recipes
    • African Recipes
    • American Recipes
    • Cajun and Creole Recipes
    • Caribbean Recipes
    • South American Recipes
    • Southern Recipes
    • German Recipes
  • Healthy

    Healthy

    See All Healthy
    • Easy, Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfasts
    • Healthy Dinners
    • Healthy Desserts
    • Diabetic Recipes
    • Gluten-Free Diet and Recipes
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Low Carbohydrate Recipes
    • Low Cholesterol Recipes
    • Low Fat Recipes
    • Low Sodium Recipes
    • Low Calorie Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
  • Favorite Ingredients

    Favorite Ingredients

    See All Favorite Ingredients
    • The Ultimate Guide to Chicken
    • Vegetable Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Cheese Recipes
    • Chocolate Recipes
    • Pasta Recipes
    • Pork Recipes
    • Seafood Recipes
    • Shrimp Recipes
  • Holidays and Occasions

    Holidays and Occasions

    See All Holidays and Occasions
    • A Foodie's Guide to Halloween Recipes
    • The Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide
    • Hanukkah Recipes
    • Your Ultimate Christmas Recipe Guide
    • Our Most Festive New Year's Recipes
    • Best-Ever Super Bowl Sunday Recipes
    • Best Valentine's Day Recipes
    • Mardi Gras Recipes
    • The Ultimate Guide to Easter Recipes
    • Labor Day Recipes
    • The Ultimate Fourth of July Guide
    • Memorial Day Recipes
    • Touchdown-Worthy Tailgate Recipes
    • Wedding and Shower Recipes
  • Quick and Easy

    Quick and Easy

    See All Quick and Easy
    • 15-Minute Recipes for Busy Home Cooks
    • 45-Minute Recipes
    • 5 Ingredients or Less
    • Dinner Tonight
    • No-Cook Recipes
  • Convenience Recipes

    Convenience Recipes

    See All Convenience Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Kid Approved
    • Our Top Make-Ahead Recipes
    • Our Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes
  • BBQ and Grilling

    BBQ and Grilling

    See All BBQ and Grilling
    • Grilled Beef Recipes
    • Grilled Chicken Recipes
    • Grilled Fish Recipes
    • Grilled Pork Recipes
    • Grilled Shrimp Recipes
    • Grilled Vegetable Recipes
  • How To

    How To

    See All How To
    • 7 Ways With...
    • Cooking Questions
    • Ingredients and Tools
    • Kitchen Cleaning
    • Videos
  • Extra Crispy
  • Well Done

    Well Done

    See All Well Done
    • Homemade vs. The Internet
    • How-to and Explainers
    • Mom vs.
    • Recipe Videos
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Account

  • Register
  • Recipe Box this link opens in a new tab
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

LIVE
  1. HomeChevron Right
  2. ConvenienceChevron Right
  3. BudgetChevron Right
  4. 10 Classic Dishes Under $2.50

10 Classic Dishes Under $2.50

Updated December 21, 2009
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Three-Bean Chili

Dinner just like Mom used to make. Here are 10 entrée recipes from All You that can be prepared for your family's table for $2.50 or less.

Start Slideshow

1 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Chicken with Herbed Dumplings

Chicken with Herbed Dumplings
Credit: Kana Okada; Styling: Lynn Miller

Chicken with Herbed Dumplings Recipe

This satisfying meal is perfect for chilly days. The recipe calls for a whole chicken to add rich flavor at little cost. After you have had your dinner, freeze leftovers in single-serving containers for home-cooked meals on the go.

1 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Buttermilk Chicken Tenders

Buttermilk Chicken Tenders

Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Recipe

Put this crowd-pleasing favorite on your table for just $1.28 per serving. If you prefer crunchier tenders, opt for Japanese bread crumbs, called panko. They are coarser than most regular bread crumbs and make for a lighter, crunchier coating. Use the same amount as regular bread crumbs.

2 of 10

3 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Meatloaf with Mozzarella, Mushrooms and Pepperoni

Meatloaf with Mozzarella, Mushrooms and Pepperoni

Meatloaf with Mozzarella, Mushrooms and Pepperoni Recipe

A slow cooker, ground beef, and a few other ingredients are all you need for this super-cheap, super-delicious dinner. This family-style dish costs less than $2 per serving and takes just 10 minutes of hands-on time to prepare.

3 of 10

Advertisement

4 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Lamb Chops with Tahini Sauce

Lamb Chops with Tahini Sauce

Lamb Chops with Tahini Sauce Recipe

This 20-minute lamb chop dinner is super easy. Whisk together the tangy tahini sauce, sautee the chops, and serve with spinach and rice for a balanced meal. Save any extra sauce to use for sandwiches or salads.

4 of 10

5 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Creamy Corn Chowder

Creamy Corn Chowder

Creamy Corn Chowder Recipe

This creamy cold weather staple has earned rave reviews for its easy preparation and yummy taste. Don't be afraid to experiment with the recipe. Spice up the chowder with some chopped green chillies, chili powder, and a little cumin. In case you want to lower the fat, swap in turkey bacon for regular bacon and whole milk for half and half.

5 of 10

6 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Pork Chops with Rhubarb Chutney

Pork Chops with Rhubarb Chutney

Pork Chops with Rhubarb Chutney Recipe

This flavor-packed chutney elevates your typical pork chop dinner. Serve the chutney-topped chops with a side of green vegetables for a well-balanced, healthy weekday meal. The chutney can be prepared up to two days ahead and also pairs well with chicken.

6 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Spinach-and-Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach-and-Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Credit: Ryan Benyi; Styling: Stephana Bottom

Spinach-and-Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

This Italian inspired, one-dish dinner packs a healthy dose of fiber and calcium in every $2.24 serving.

7 of 10

8 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Ancho Chili-Rubbed Flank Steak

Ancho Chili-Rubbed Flank Steak
Credit: John Montana; Styling: Lynn Miller

Ancho Chili-Rubbed Flank Steak Recipe

Give your steak a kick with this superfast, slightly spicy recipe. It cooks in under 15 minutes and costs just $2.38 per serving to make it the ultimate weekday dinner. For maximum tenderness, cut the flank steak across the grain and be careful not to overcook.

8 of 10

9 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Italian Tuna Melts

Italian Tuna Melts

Italian Tuna Melts Recipe

Super easy, super fast, super cheap, and super tasty makes this sandwich just right for supper. It takes a total of 12 minutes to prepare and costs $1.61 per serving. Serve with a veggie, such as peas, on the side for a complete meal.

9 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Three-Bean Chili

Three-Bean Chili

Three-Bean Chili Recipe

This tasty, high-fiber chili satifies both hearty and healthy appetites. It's also easy on the wallet costing $2 per serving.

10 of 10

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 10 Chicken with Herbed Dumplings
    2 of 10 Buttermilk Chicken Tenders
    3 of 10 Meatloaf with Mozzarella, Mushrooms and Pepperoni
    4 of 10 Lamb Chops with Tahini Sauce
    5 of 10 Creamy Corn Chowder
    6 of 10 Pork Chops with Rhubarb Chutney
    7 of 10 Spinach-and-Ricotta Stuffed Shells
    8 of 10 Ancho Chili-Rubbed Flank Steak
    9 of 10 Italian Tuna Melts
    10 of 10 Three-Bean Chili

    Share options

    Facebook Tweet Mail Email

    Login

    MyRecipes

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Advertising this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Sitemap

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Other Meredith Sites

    Other Meredith Sites

    • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
    • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
    • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
    • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
    • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
    • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
    • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
    • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
    • Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
    • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
    • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
    • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
    • More this link opens in a new tab
    • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
    • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
    • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
    • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
    • Parents this link opens in a new tab
    • People this link opens in a new tab
    • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
    • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
    • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
    • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
    • Shape this link opens in a new tab
    • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
    • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
    • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
    • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
    MeredithMyRecipes.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. MyRecipes is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation All Rights Reserved. MyRecipes may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.myrecipes.com

    View image

    10 Classic Dishes Under $2.50
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.