10 Classic Dishes Under $2.50

December 21, 2009
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.
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Chicken with Herbed Dumplings

Photo: 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.
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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.

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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.
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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.

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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.

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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.
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Spinach-and-Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Photo: 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.

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Ancho Chili-Rubbed Flank Steak

Photo: 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.

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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.
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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.
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