easy one pot dinner under 5 dollars

Here’s a list of Easy One-Pot Dinners Under $5 — perfect for families, students, or anyone looking to eat well on a tight budget. Each recipe uses minimal ingredients, is super simple to prep, and keeps the dishes to a minimum. 1. One-Pot Cheesy Rice & Beans Cost: ~$3 Serves: 3–4 Ingredients: 1 cup white rice 1 can black beans (drained) 1/2 cup shredded cheese 1 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp garlic powder Optional: salsa or hot sauce Instructions: Cook rice with 2 cups water and seasoning. Stir in beans and cheese. Let sit covered for 5 minutes. Serve with salsa or tortilla chips. 2. One-Pan Pasta with Tomato & Spinach Cost: ~$4 Serves: 2–3 Ingredients: 1/2 lb pasta 1 can diced tomatoes 2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen) 1/2 onion, sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced Instructions: Sauté onion and garlic in a bit of oil. Add pasta, tomatoes (with juice), and 1.5 cups water. Simmer until pasta is done. Stir in spinach until wilted. 3. Budget Taco Skillet Cost: ~$5 Serves: 3–4 Ingredients: 1/2 lb ground beef or turkey 1 cup rice 1 can diced tomatoes 1 tsp taco seasoning Optional: cheese or sour cream Instructions: Brown meat in a skillet. Add rice, tomatoes, 1.5 cups water, and seasoning. Simmer covered until rice is tender. Top with cheese if you like. 4. One-Pot Ramen Stir-Fry Cost: ~$2–$3 Serves: 2 Ingredients: 2 packs instant ramen (no seasoning packets) 1/2 bag frozen mixed vegetables 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 egg (optional) 1 tsp sesame oil or any cooking oil Instructions: Boil ramen for 2 minutes. Drain most water. Add veggies, soy sauce, and oil. Cook until veggies are hot. Crack in egg if using, stir until cooked. 5. Creamy One-Pot Tuna Pasta Cost: ~$4.50 Serves: 2–3 Ingredients: 1/2 lb pasta 1 can tuna 1/4 cup mayo or cream cheese 1 tsp mustard or lemon juice Salt & pepper Instructions: Cook pasta in salted water. Drain, return to pot. Stir in tuna, mayo, mustard/lemon. Season and serve warm.