Budget-Friendly Dinner Recipes for Two Under $15

When you are cooking for two on a tight budget, finding delicious meals that fit within your budget can be a challenge. However, with some creative and simple recipes, you can create a tasty and satisfying dinner without breaking the bank. Here are some fantastic recipes for two that will keep your expenses under $15.

Marcella Hazan's Amazing 4-Ingredient Tomato Sauce

Mixing classic ingredients in a way that brings out the best flavor is a key skill for any home cook. Marcella Hazan's 4-ingredient tomato sauce is a perfect example of this. This dish is simple yet profoundly delicious, and it's the foundation for numerous other recipes.

Serves 2 to 4

1 28-ounce can peeled plum tomatoes, no salt or herbs added 5 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 small white onion, peeled and cut in half Kosher salt To serve: Shaved Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper Put a 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the tomatoes, butter, and onion halves, along with a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer and then lower the heat. Crush the tomatoes lightly with the back of a spoon as they cook, stirring occasionally. Simmer very gently for 45 minutes or until droplets of fat appear on the surface of the tomatoes. Remove and discard the onion. Serve over hot pasta with Parmesan and black pepper, if desired.

Chicken and Pasta

Chicken and pasta are a classic comfort food combination that can be made on a shoestring budget. Here’s a quick and easy recipe that requires minimal ingredients and brings delicious results.

1 boneless chicken breast, sliced across the grain and seasoned with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper A little olive oil for sautéing 1 small jar of pasta sauce Boiling water with salt for pasta cooking Pasta of your choice (you can choose a less expensive variety) Saute the chicken in a little olive oil, turning it when the bottom starts to brown. Add a small jar of pasta sauce and continue to cook. Boil the water, add salt, and cook the pasta until it’s al dente. Combine the pasta with the chicken and sauce, and you have a meal under $15 for two.

Pinto Beans with Ham (or Seasoning)

Pinto beans are an excellent and affordable source of protein and fiber. They can be made into a hearty and flavorful meal with minimal additional ingredients.

4-5 cups of pinto beans Olive oil for sautéing Diced onion Chicken broth or water Ham or a multi-bean packet with seasoning Salt and pepper Rinse the beans and let them soak overnight. Sauté the diced onion in a Dutch oven with a little olive oil until translucent. De-glaze the Dutch oven with chicken broth or water. Add the beans and cook on low until they are soft. Season with salt, pepper, and ham or multi-bean seasoning, and let it simmer for half an hour.

Breakfast for Dinner

Feeling a bit adventurous and want a lightweight yet hearty meal? How about turning breakfast into dinner? A stack of scrambled eggs, some crispy bacon, and a couple of slices of fresh, crusty bread can be a delightful change.

Scrambled eggs Bacon, cooked to perfection Crusty bread, toasted to the desired crispness Fruit, for a sweet and healthy touch Scramble the eggs with a bit of cheese for added flavor. Fry the bacon until crispy and set it aside. Toast the bread and serve it with the eggs and bacon. Finish with a small container of fruit for a balanced and satisfying meal.

With these budget-friendly dinner recipes, you can easily create delicious meals for two that will keep your expenses well under $15. Experiment with different additionals and flavorings to find your perfect combination.