Feeding a family isn’t easy right now for many Americans. If you’re looking for ways to save money on grocery costs, these Dollar Tree dinners can help. Each one costs less than $15, serves three to four people and uses ingredients you can find at most Dollar Tree stores. Whether you’re in a pinch or just want affordable meals you can count on, these ideas are worth adding to your rotation.
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Here are six budget-friendly dinner ideas, with cost breakdowns, serving sizes and direct links to the ingredients.
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Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Feeds: three to four people
Ingredients:
Columbina Penne Pasta – 20 ounces for $1.25
Ragu Classic Alfredo Sauce – 16 ounces for $1.25
Crider Deluxe Canned White Chicken in Water – 4.5 ounces for $1.25
Green Giant Mixed Vegetable Blend – 15 ounces for $1.25
Supreme Tradition Garlic Powder – 2.5 ounces for $1.25
Parmesan Cheese – 2.5 ounces for $1.25
Total: $7.50
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. In a separate pan, heat the Alfredo sauce and canned chicken until warmed through. Add the mixed vegetables and garlic powder, cooking until the vegetables are tender. Combine the sauce mixture with the drained pasta, mix well and top with Parmesan cheese before serving.
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Beef, Bean and Rice Burritos
Feeds: four to six people
Ingredients:
Omega Long Grain White Rice – 2 pounds for $1.25
Brown’s Best Pinto Beans – 16 ounces for $1.25
Nuevo Leon Medium Burrito Tortillas – 12 count for $1.25
Pace Picante Salsa – 8 ounces for $1.25
Crider Canned Chicken – two 4.5-ounce cans for $2.50
Supreme Tradition Seasoning Mix – 1 ounce for $1.25
Total: $8.75
Cook the rice and beans according to package instructions. In a skillet, heat the canned chicken with taco seasoning and a small splash of water. Once everything’s warmed through, fill each tortilla with a scoop of rice, beans, seasoned chicken and salsa. Roll them up and serve warm. Simple, hearty and filling.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Feeds: three to four people
Ingredients:
Columbia Spaghetti – 20 ounces for $1.25
StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water – 5 ounces for $1.25
Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup – 10.5 ounces for $1.25Del Monte Harvest Sweet Peas – 15 ounces for $1.25
Shredded Cheddar Cheese – 8 ounces for $1.25 to $4 (Not available at all Dollar Tree locations)
Supreme Tradition Onion Powder – 2.5 ounces for $1.25
Total: $7.50
Cook pasta. Mix with tuna, cream of mushroom soup and onion powder. Bake until warmed through and creamy.
Stir-Fry Veggie Bowl
Feeds: three to four people
Ingredients:
Green Giant Mixed Vegetable Blend – 15 ounces for $1.25
Pantry Basix Soy Sauce – 15 ounces for $1.25
Omega Long Grain White Rice – 2 pounds for $1.25
Crider Deluxe Canned White Chicken in Water – 4.5 ounces for $1.25 (optional)
Total: $3.75 to $5
Sauté vegetables, add soy sauce and serve over rice. Include chicken for added protein.
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake
Feeds: four people
Ingredients:
Tyson Chicken Nuggets – 7 ounces for $1.25
Columbina Rotini Pasta – 20 ounces for $1.25
Hunt’s Pasta Sauce – 24 ounces for $1.25
Parmesan Cheese – 2.5 ounces for $1.25
Mozzarella cheese – $1.75 to $3 (Not available at all Dollar Tree locations)
Total: $5.00 to $7
Bake or air fry the nuggets. Cook pasta and mix with sauce. Layer chopped nuggets on top and sprinkle with Parmesan. If your Dollar Tree carries mozzarella, add it before baking. If not, you may need to pick it up elsewhere. Even with mozzarella, the total meal should still come in well under $15.
Beef Chili With Crackers
Feeds: three to four people
Ingredients:
Southgate Chili with Beans – two cans for $2.50
Premium Saltine Crackers – 16 ounces $1.25
Del Monte Whole Kernel Corn – 15 ounces for $1.25
Shredded cheese (optional; if available at your store) – $1.25
Total: $5 to $6.25
Heat the chili and corn together in a saucepan and stir to combine. Serve hot with crackers on the side. Top with shredded cheese if your store carries it or if you have some at home.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Dollar Tree Dinners That’ll Feed Your Whole Family for Under $15
