Inexpensive Meals - Dinner Recipes for Under $1.00 Per Serving

Meal planning can help cut the cost of rising food costs without compromising good taste and nutritional value.

The following recipes are based on the average cost of food in 2007. This is the most current data available from USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) for the purposes of performing cost analysis on recipes. Costs may need to be refined to specific regions of the country and current price increases.

Baked Chicken with Vegetables

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Yield: Six servings
Cost:
Per Recipe: $ 5.58
Per Serving: $ 0.93
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Chicken Cacciatore

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Yield: Four servings
Cost:
Per Recipe: $ 3.14
Per Serving: $ 0.78
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Herb Broiled Beef

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Yield: Four servings
Cost:
Per Recipe: $ 3.51
Per Serving: $ 0.88
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Italian Broccoli and Pasta

Serving Size: 1 1/4 cups
Yield: Four servings
Cost:
Per Recipe: $ 3.13
Per Serving: $ 0.78
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Manly Muffin Meat Loaf

Serving Size: Two muffins
Yield: Six servings
Cost:
Per Recipe: $ 3.56
Per Serving: $ 0.59
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Pasta Primavera

Serving Size: 1/3 of recipe
Yield: Three servings
Cost:
Per Recipe: $ 1.42
Per Serving: $ 0.47
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Quick Skillet Lasagna

Serving Size: One cup
Yield: Seven servings
Cost:
Per Recipe: $ 3.81
Per Serving: $ 0.54
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Sensational Six-Layer Dinner

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Yield: Six servings
Cost:
Per Recipe: $ 5.10
Per Serving: $ 0.85
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Spinach and Meat Cakes

Serving Size: Two meat cakes
Yield: Six servings
Cost:
Per Recipe: $ 5.63
Per Serving: $ 0.94
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Tortilla Pizzas

Serving Size: One pizza
Yield: Six servings
Cost:
Per Recipe: $ 3.75
Per Serving: $ 0.62
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