Good meals for 2 - $10 or under? Orly?

[BoyAlley]

Ok ok so my family always picks on me and my partner about how much money we spend on food. The types of groceries we buy to cook meals, or the types of restaurants we always go out to, etc. they say we're "out of touch with reality".

So they've given us this challenge:

An entire dinner for 2 for $10 or under. Not allowed fast food or oven dinners.

What the hell?

I need some unique ideas. Help Help!

will check my old student cookbook, if I can find it.
anything you and/or your partner do not like?

[Bro Media - BANNED FOR LIFE]

mac n cheese, 69 cents, booyah!

[BoyAlley]

Originally Posted by ThumbLord

will check my old student cookbook, if I can find it.
anything you and/or your partner do not like?

Seafood. That fishy smell lawds mercy!

[selena]

marinated/grilled chicken breast

salad

rice

Lots of things for 2 people under $10

[D]

I do this all the time, as the lady and I are saving for a condo, so are watching the budget... here's one of my favorites:

For the veggie:
1 bunch of asparagus rinsed and cut into 2" lengths. ($2)
1/2 a stick of butter. ($.50)
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. ($.20)
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried). ($.10)
1/4 teaspoon salt ($.02)
1/4 teaspoon pepper ($.02)
Large pinch of Grated Parmesean Cheese ($.20)

You may substitute Green Beans (bit cheaper, typically) for the veggie (but then also should substitute Thyme instead of Rosemary), if you so desire.

Melt the better is a medium/large skillet over medium heat. Add balsamic vinegar. Add vegetable. Add spices. Turn veggies every minute or two for the next 12-or-so minutes. Lower heat if veggies start to darken. Drain excess liquid, and serve veggies sprinkled with parmesean cheese.

For the Starch:
3 to 4 Medium Sized Red Potatoes. ($2)
1/2 stick butter ($.50)
Pepper to Taste (negligible)
Salt to Taste (negligible)

Peel and Cut potatoes into 1-2" sections (roughly 4 sections per potato). Fill medium pot with water, and bring to boil. Lightly Salt Water, and add potatoe sections. Boil for roughly 10 minutes, until "fork-soft" (where a fork can easily slide into a section, but not yet break it apart... you have about a minute window here that, if you overshoot it, you're making mashed potatoes). Cut butter into 4 sections, Drain Water (leaving potatoes in the pot), and add butter sections to pot. Salt and pepper top of potatoes (I add a bunch of pepper, and a dash of salt). Cover Pot. Wait 1-2 minutes (butter's melting, Potatoes are stiffening). Open lid, and gently stir so that potatoes are evenly peppered. Serve.

That leaves you with a little under $5 to purchase some form of meat to marinate and grill up on the grill.... or you can do something like buy bone-in chicken-breasts... debone them yourselves (costing you about $2 -$3 total), and still have enough for veggies to make yourself a nice little starter-salad.

if you'd prefer something more than water, Ice Tea's always an inexpensive drink, as, with the cost of sugar and tea-bags (made by the pitcher), it only costs you about $.20 for 4 glasses of the beverage

Hope you can use something here.

[Dirty F]

I cant help...i only eat expensive stuff.

[wdsguy]

I am not sure where you guys eat or shop at but if you can't even thinking of how to make a good meal for under $10 thats sad.

[candyflip]

I learned how to make my favorite dish at the indian restaurant and now I can make 2 times the amount for half the price. There's a TON you can do. My girl and I are trying to do this more and more just because it's healthier. Saving a few bucks doesn't hurt either.

[The Judge]

dog food

[D]

Originally Posted by wdsguy

I am not sure where you guys eat or shop at but if you can't even thinking of how to make a good meal for under $10 thats sad.

It's really a good meal for under $5, as there's 2 people. $10 is way easier.

The trick in price-sensible (but good) eating is buying things in quantities that you're sure to use. Don't waste food. And buy in bulk where you can, and you're relatively sure there will be no waste. And eat left-overs (I cook meals intending to bring the left-overs to work the next day or two for lunch).

Before I got serious about stopping the waste, I used to easily spend $800 a month, if not more, on just feeding myself. Now I'm part of a system that feeds 2... well... while having the occasional dinner guest... on $480 a month... and, frankly, I know I could do even better if I my tastes weren't as particular as they are... but I don't dig on generic brands, and I like fresh veggies and the better cuts of meats.

[DamageX]

Noodles.

[ridikuloz]

Spanish foood boyyyy!

Or go to the local supermarket get a London Broil steak for $6-7 and some rice and throw everything you can find in the kitchen on it,.

[DamageX]

Originally Posted by DamageX

Noodles.

Oh and if you feel adventurous you can always add in some veggies and stuff and still have some change to spare.

[ztik]

I'm really big fan of brussel sprouts and ramen noodles.

Just throw some sprouts in the water when it starts to boil. Continue to cook noodles as normal. Drain, add a little milk / butter and the seasoning stuff it comes with. So good, I would eat it even if it wasn't cheap.

[ztik]

Originally Posted by DamageX

Oh and if you feel adventurous you can always add in some veggies and stuff and still have some change to spare.

Yup carrots / corn and other such things work good too

[Sosa]

Originally Posted by ztik

I'm really big fan of brussel sprouts and ramen noodles.

Just throw some sprouts in the water when it starts to boil. Continue to cook noodles as normal. Drain, add a little milk / butter and the seasoning stuff it comes with. So good, I would eat it even if it wasn't cheap.

ramen is good stuff. Usually I just cook the noodles up and use the seasoning. no milk or butter

[Redmanthatcould]

I just wanted to use this post to say...

Lawds Mercy!!

[After Shock Media]

This is super easy, 10.00 or under and even leaving left overs. Typically basic pantry items are allowed yes? (salt n pepper, spices, flour, sugar, etc)

A bean and hamhock soup drizeled with olive oil
green salad with a vinegrette
Crusty french bread

Your beans, garlic*, onion*, salt*, pepper*, bayleaf*, beef/chick stock* or water*, cayenne*, oregano*, olive oil*, carrots*, and celery* make up the soup.
Bulk mixed greens, olive oil*, vinegar*, salt*, pepper*, mustard* make up salad and dressing.
Baggette or flour*, salt*, olive oil*, yeast*, water* for your bread.

Your total cost should be way under 7.00 total and should have enough to freeze for leftovers for several meals, or serve at least 6 to 8.
* typically would mean pantry item.

chicken
vegetables
rice
but still looking for starters and desert but heh you will be doing this with np

[eroswebmaster]

1 pound of hamburger meat, add either mac and cheese, or beans, 50 cent can of wal-mart corn, you're done.

[The Judge]

Possum stew. Trap your own, roadkills not as good, break his neck by putting your foot on the possum's head and pulling up on his tail. Use boiling water to scald in a large pan, cut it into four parts. Add salt and boil the meat until tender. Make dumplings and add them slowly to the boiling meat. After the possum has boiled about an hour, put the parts into a baking dish. Peel sweet potatoes and slice them thick. Place the slices in the pan around the pieces of possum. Add onions if desired. Bake for 1 hour. This is a Sunday dinner for 12 people with the dumplings and well under $10.

[WiredGuy]

1 Pound of Pasta (any type) - 99c
Canned tomato sauce - 99c
Some frozen veggies (carrots, peas, string beans) - 99c
Frozen Juice from concentrate (add water) - 99c

You now have $6 left over to buy any type of meat into the mix.

Cheapest possible, 99c / can of tuna (get 2) = $6 total
Chicken breast dinner, about $3 - $4 = $7-8
Pork dinner, about $4 = $8
4 Frozen Salmon, about $4 = $8
Bag of scallops, about $6 = $10
Smoked Sausages, about $5 = $9

There's plenty of ways to cook a dinner for two for just about $10. Get creative.

Other ideas:
Swap out the pasta for rice, about $2 for a small box of rice
Swap out the canned sauce for ones with flavours for about $2
Get fresh veggies instead of frozen, about 3x the price

WG

[Jman]

Originally Posted by selena

marinated/grilled chicken breast

salad

rice

Lots of things for 2 people under $10

Yup just got to use your imagination and appreciate cooking

[The Judge]

Where can you get 4 frozen salmons for $4 ?

Originally Posted by WiredGuy

1 Pound of Pasta (any type) - 99c
Canned tomato sauce - 99c
Some frozen veggies (carrots, peas, string beans) - 99c
Frozen Juice from concentrate (add water) - 99c

You now have $6 left over to buy any type of meat into the mix.

Cheapest possible, 99c / can of tuna (get 2) = $6 total
Chicken breast dinner, about $3 - $4 = $7-8
Pork dinner, about $4 = $8
4 Frozen Salmon, about $4 = $8
Bag of scallops, about $6 = $10
Smoked Sausages, about $5 = $9

There's plenty of ways to cook a dinner for two for just about $10. Get creative.

Other ideas:
Swap out the pasta for rice, about $2 for a small box of rice
Swap out the canned sauce for ones with flavours for about $2
Get fresh veggies instead of frozen, about 3x the price

WG

[selena]

Originally Posted by The Judge

Where can you get 4 frozen salmons for $4 ?

I can get a 4 pack of salmon fillets at WalMart for $3.87.

Though I'm not any kind of expert, I do cook a lot. With two boys, it's not only cheaper, but it is healthier. And I am big on the family-table kind of thing. We used to do candlelight dinners once a week or so, but now we eat super early so that my oldest son can eat before night classes.

[BannerAnt]

Originally Posted by The Judge

Possum stew. Trap your own, roadkills not as good, break his neck by putting your foot on the possum's head and pulling up on his tail. Use boiling water to scald in a large pan, cut it into four parts. Add salt and boil the meat until tender. Make dumplings and add them slowly to the boiling meat. After the possum has boiled about an hour, put the parts into a baking dish. Peel sweet potatoes and slice them thick. Place the slices in the pan around the pieces of possum. Add onions if desired. Bake for 1 hour. This is a Sunday dinner for 12 people with the dumplings and well under $10.

[RawAlex]

Tons of options here.

You can do a salads for two for probably $2 to $3. Add in pasta and a tomato sauce, and you are already on a pretty full meal.

Pasta and lettuce are your friends in making filling and relatively healthy meals very cheaply.

[After Shock Media]

Originally Posted by selena

I can get a 4 pack of salmon fillets at WalMart for $3.87.

Though I'm not any kind of expert, I do cook a lot. With two boys, it's not only cheaper, but it is healthier. And I am big on the family-table kind of thing. We used to do candlelight dinners once a week or so, but now we eat super early so that my oldest son can eat before night classes.

Hell I think you can get a 10 to 12 pack at costco in the frozen bags for about 14 bucks or so.

I am an ingredient whore btw and can be expensive for certain things however I am able to keep costs way down and flavor way up.

[JuiceMonkey]

spaghetti! some cheap sauce.. bread.. salad..
maybe even share a donut for desert heh

[CarlosTheGaucho]

Come over to Prague and you can get a lunch for 3 bucks and dinner for 5 bucks in a restaurant (well if you go outside TEH center).. plus it's a nice trip

[peterk]

Buy some vegetables

[Madame0120]

• 1 chicken 4.00
• 2 baking potatoes 1.50
• stick of butter .75
• sour cream 1.29
• fresh veggies 2.00
• brown and serve rolls .50

Next day Left Overs
1 package of wide noodles
carrots, celery, onions
Chicken Soup

[Donkey Punch]

1 pound lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 jar (16 ounces) Old El Paso® Thick 'n Chunky salsa
1 can (11 ounces) Green Giant® whole kernel corn, drained
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (6 ounces)
1 cup Original Bisquick® mix
3 eggs

1. Heat oven to 400ºF. Cook beef in 10-inch ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until brown; drain. Stir in salsa and corn; heat over medium-high heat until hot.
2. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the cheese. Stir Bisquick mix, eggs and remaining cheese in medium bowl until blended. Spoon batter around edge of beef mixture, leaving center uncovered. Sprinkle with reserved cheese.
3. Bake uncovered about 20 minutes or until golden brown and toothpick inserted in topping comes out clean.


Source:
http://www.bettycrocker.com/Recipes/...recipeId=34219

Ton's of cheap meal recipes @ bettycrocker.com

[DollarKing]

Originally Posted by D

Before I got serious about stopping the waste, I used to easily spend $800 a month, if not more, on just feeding myself.

How did you manage that eating out at restaurants?
Fast food and restaurants are the most uneconomical places to eat for a start. I know a place where i buy all my food reduced like paying 80 cents for a whole roasted chicken off the spit etc.
I always buy my own food and cook it myself but theres no reason why anyone coulden't get by on a couple of dollars a day for food if they bothered to work it out right.
Some foods like seafood are usually hard to get cheap though even when you buy it from a store but obviously if you like a variety in your diet then you will find it harder to do it on so little money i mentioned above unless you find a place that knocks out a lot of food that has to be sold on the day for next to nothing.
Another cheap way would be to look for ready made sandwiches and stuff that stores have thrown out into dumpsters at the back of places you would be surprised the amount of good food that does actually get wasted!

[[ScreaM]]

McDonald's is my favorite place for cheap food.

[BoyAlley]

Originally Posted by Donkey Punch

1 pound lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 jar (16 ounces) Old El Paso® Thick 'n Chunky salsa
1 can (11 ounces) Green Giant® whole kernel corn, drained
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (6 ounces)
1 cup Original Bisquick® mix
3 eggs

1. Heat oven to 400ºF. Cook beef in 10-inch ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until brown; drain. Stir in salsa and corn; heat over medium-high heat until hot.
2. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the cheese. Stir Bisquick mix, eggs and remaining cheese in medium bowl until blended. Spoon batter around edge of beef mixture, leaving center uncovered. Sprinkle with reserved cheese.
3. Bake uncovered about 20 minutes or until golden brown and toothpick inserted in topping comes out clean.


Source:
http://www.bettycrocker.com/Recipes/...recipeId=34219

Ton's of cheap meal recipes @ bettycrocker.com

OK OK.
Even though it sounds like breeder food, I'm gonna try this one and see what happens.

[nAtuRaLbEautY]

don't have any idea for meals that costs $10 or below. i suggest just eat some biscuit or noodles, yeah they are not that expensive and yet healthy.

[DollarKing]

Originally Posted by [ScreaM]

McDonald's is my favorite place for cheap food.

That's really healthy eating at mcdonald's all the time and mcdonald's anyway is not cheap you obviously don't have any imagination!

[u-Bob]

well, rhino steak is pretty cheap and it will make your penis bigger

[WiredGuy]

Originally Posted by The Judge

Where can you get 4 frozen salmons for $4 ?

I just got a 4 pack for $5.99, my bad, $6, not $4.
WG

[Spunky]

Ketchup soup..steal packets from the local fast food restaurants,add boiling water,salt and pepper to taste