5 One‑Pot Meals for Under $5

Cooking on a budget doesn't mean you have to compromise on flavor, nutrition, or variety. One‑pot meals are a favorite strategy for busy people who want to cook affordably without creating a mountain of dishes. They’re efficient, beginner‑friendly, and often use just a handful of inexpensive ingredients to build something comforting and satisfying.

The following five recipes are designed to serve at least two to four people and come in under $5 for the total dish. The costs are based on typical US grocery prices and assume you have pantry basics like oil, salt, and pepper already on hand. Let's dive into five one‑pot meals that are wallet‑friendly, weeknight‑ready, and wonderfully easy.

1. Hearty Lentil and Rice Stew

Estimated cost per serving: around $1.25
Servings: 4

Lentils and rice are a match made for budget cooking. They're both cheap, shelf‑stable, and super filling. Combined with a few aromatics and spices, this stew becomes a cozy and nutritious dinner that gets even better as leftovers.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown lentils
• 1/2 cup white or brown rice
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic. Cook until fragrant and translucent.
2. Stir in the carrot, spices, lentils, rice, and liquid.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for 35 to 40 minutes or until the lentils and rice are tender.
4. Add water if it gets too thick, and adjust seasoning before serving.

This dish is naturally vegan, high in fiber and protein, and makes a great meal-prep option for a few days' worth of lunches.

2. One‑Pot Cheesy Pasta with Broccoli

Estimated cost per serving: about $1.30
Servings: 3

Pasta, cheese, and veggies—this comforting combination is perfect for families or picky eaters. Using just one pot, you get a creamy, satisfying dinner that feels indulgent without costing much.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces dry pasta
• 1.5 cups frozen broccoli
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 2 cups milk (any kind)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add the pasta and milk to a large pot or deep skillet. Bring to a boil while stirring frequently.
2. Lower the heat and simmer gently, stirring often. When pasta is halfway cooked, toss in the frozen broccoli.
3. Continue cooking until the pasta is tender and the milk is mostly absorbed.
4. Stir in butter and cheese until melted and creamy. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

This meal is endlessly adaptable. Try adding diced leftover chicken or switching up the vegetables depending on what’s in season or on sale.

3. Chickpea Shakshuka Skillet

Estimated cost per serving: around $1.50
Servings: 2

This vegetarian shakshuka is a simplified version of the North African classic. Chickpeas add extra protein and fiber, and everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• A pinch of red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
2. Stir in chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices. Simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Make two small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each one.
4. Cover and cook until eggs are done to your liking, usually 5 to 6 minutes.

Serve with toast, pita, or over rice for a hearty meal. You can also skip the eggs and add spinach or chopped zucchini for a vegan version.

4. Creamy Potato and Corn Chowder

Estimated cost per serving: roughly $1.00
Servings: 4

This warm and hearty soup is made entirely in one pot and delivers creamy comfort with just a few pantry staples.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 cups milk or non-dairy alternative
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 tablespoon butter or oil
• Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in butter until translucent.
2. Sprinkle flour over the mix and stir well to make a roux.
3. Slowly add milk while whisking to prevent lumps.
4. Add potatoes and corn. Simmer on low for 20 to 25 minutes until potatoes are soft.
5. Mash slightly for a thicker texture and season well.

It’s simple, soothing, and makes great leftovers. Add a handful of shredded cheese if you want it extra creamy.

5. Budget Fried Rice

Estimated cost per serving: about $1.25
Servings: 3

Fried rice is one of the ultimate clean-out-the-fridge meals. It’s fast, flexible, and filling — and you can make a solid version for just a few bucks.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 1 egg
• 1 cup frozen vegetables
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Optional: sesame seeds or a splash of vinegar

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet. Cook onions until soft.
2. Add frozen vegetables and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Push everything to one side. Crack the egg into the pan and scramble.
4. Stir in rice and soy sauce. Cook until hot and slightly crispy on the bottom.

Fried rice is endlessly customizable. Add leftover chicken, tofu, or canned pineapple if you have them on hand.

One-pot meals aren’t just for saving time—they’re for saving money too. Whether you’re working with a nearly empty fridge or trying to stretch your grocery budget further than ever, these meals deliver in flavor, cost-efficiency, and convenience.