Feeding your family doesn’t have to mean emptying your wallet.

At a time when groceries keep getting more expensive, a trip to Dollar Tree might offer more than just budget finds—it could cover dinner, too.

With a few simple ingredients and some creative combinations, it’s possible to serve up satisfying meals for less than $10 each.


These nine dinner ideas make use of Dollar Tree staples, pantry basics, and smart prep to stretch your budget without sacrificing comfort or flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for grandkids or just trying to keep things affordable, these easy recipes are proof that good meals don’t have to cost a fortune.

Why shop for meals at Dollar Tree?​

Beyond party decorations and greeting cards, Dollar Tree carries a variety of affordable pantry staples: canned goods, frozen vegetables, pasta, rice, and even some ready-to-eat items.

When combined with a few seasonings or pantry basics you already have at home, you can put together hearty, nourishing meals for the whole family.

Ready to stretch your dollars into dinner? Here are nine ideas to get started.

1. Hearty three-bean chili​

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can pinto beans
• 1 can tomato sauce
• Chili powder, cumin, onion powder (from home)​

Total Cost: $6.25

Simmer all ingredients in a large pot for about 30 minutes. This protein-rich meal serves four and is even better the next day.

Try this: Add shredded cheese or sour cream on top if you have some in the fridge.

2. Mediterranean lentil soup​

Ingredients:

• 1 bag dried lentils
• 1 can mixed vegetables
• 1 can tomato soup
• Italian seasoning, garlic powder
  Total Cost: $5.00

Simmer lentils with veggies and diluted tomato soup. Add spices for a Mediterranean twist.

Serving tip: Pair with toast or a simple salad for a full meal.

Also read: Dinner vegetables that may naturally improve your sleep​

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3. Colorful pasta primavera​

Ingredients:

• 1 box pasta
• 1 bag frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 jar pasta sauce
  Total Cost: $5.00

Cook pasta and veggies separately, then combine with the sauce. It’s colorful, filling, and packed with fiber.

Get kids involved: Let grandkids help rinse or stir—it might make them more likely to eat their veggies!

4. Chicken and rice casserole​

Ingredients:

• 1 box rice sides
• 1 bag white rice
• 1 can chicken
• 1 can mixed vegetables
• 1 can condensed soup
  Total Cost: $7.50

Prepare rice, then stir in chicken, vegetables, and diluted soup. Bake or heat until bubbly.

Flavor boost: Add pepper, garlic powder, or hot sauce if you like.

Also read: A fan-favorite Costco dinner is back—here’s why shoppers are excited​

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5. Veggie stir-fry with rice and quinoa​

Ingredients:

• 1 pouch ready-to-eat rice
• 1 bag frozen stir-fry veggies
• 1 pouch quinoa & brown rice blend
• Soy sauce (optional)
  Total Cost: $5.00

Quickly steam veggies and heat the rice pouches. Toss together with soy sauce for a fast, plant-based dinner.

Time-saver tip: Ready-to-eat pouches make this a great weeknight option.

6. Creamy potato and corn chowder​

Ingredients:

• 1 can potato soup
• 1 can corn
• 1 can diced potatoes
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 1 can chicken noodle soup (for broth)
  Total Cost: $6.25

Combine ingredients and heat gently. The result is a creamy, cozy soup for four.

Use leftovers: Save the rest of the chicken noodle soup for lunch with crackers.

Also read:​

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7. Tex-Mex bean and rice skillet​

Ingredients:

• 1 bag white rice
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can pinto beans
• 1 can corn
• 1 pack tortillas
  Total Cost: $6.25

Mix cooked rice with beans and corn. Serve with warmed tortillas and toppings if available.

Stretch it: Leftovers make great burrito fillings or lunch bowls.

8. Pasta e fagioli​

Ingredients:

• 1 box pasta
• 1 can white beans
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can tomato soup
• 1 can tomato sauce
• Italian herbs
  Total Cost: $6.25

Combine cooked pasta with the beans, soup, and sauce. Simmer and season to taste.

Why it works: This dish is filling and full of fiber—great for colder nights.

9. Spanish rice and beans​

Ingredients:

• 1 box Spanish rice mix
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can corn
• 1 can refried beans
  Total Cost: $5.00

Make the Spanish rice, then top with black beans, corn, and a scoop of refried beans. Add tortillas for a fuller plate!

Serving idea: Top with salsa or shredded cheese if you have it.

Also read: Meals under $10? These 7 fast-food places are making it possible​

Tips for getting even more out of your Dollar Tree haul​

• Check your pantry first. You may already have spices, oils, or broth to elevate these meals.
• Mix and match. These recipes use many of the same ingredients, so get creative with leftovers.
• Freeze extras. Double your batch and freeze half to make a future night even easier.

Bon appétit—and happy saving!

Read next:

• Top fast-food family meal deals, ranked for value and variety
• 11 everyday kitchen items that help frugal households save big
• Chipotle launches family-style meal kit with $10 discount—here’s what’s inside

Have you cooked dinner from Dollar Tree ingredients? Do you have a go-to cheap meal that’s always a hit with the family? We’d love to hear your tips, recipes, and stories—drop a comment and join the conversation.