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$5 Dinners | Budget Recipes, Meal Plans, Freezer Meals

Budget Recipes, Meal Plans, Freezer Meals and Cooking Tutorials for the Busy Home Chef

Save on Groceries in 2025

New on $5 Dinners – Recipes, Meal Plans, Frugal Hacks and More!

Freezer Friendly Blackened Salmon Sandwich

Freezer Friendly Blackened Salmon Sandwich

Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting

ROUNDUP: Cheap $1 Loaf Bread Recipes

Air Fryer Garlic Bread Pizza

Alfredo Marinara Beef Tortellini Bake

Freezer Friendly Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Fajitas

Smashed Chicken Caesar Wraps

Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Lazy 3-Ingredient Enchiladas

Pesto Tortellini Bake

Freezer Friendly Pesto Tortellini Bake

Fruit Flag - A Patriot Dessert for July 4th

The Fruit Flag Dessert – July 4th, Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day!

Patriotic Red, White & Blue Charcuterie Board

VIDEO: Learn to Cook on a Budget Series

Budget Friendly Recipes for Your Meal Plan

Freezer Friendly Blackened Salmon Sandwich

Freezer Friendly Blackened Salmon Sandwich

ROUNDUP: Cheap $1 Loaf Bread Recipes

Air Fryer Garlic Bread Pizza

Alfredo Marinara Beef Tortellini Bake

Most Popular & Trending Recipes

Halloween Finger Foods

Instant Pot One-Pot Spaghetti with Sauce

Slow Cooker Hashbrown Beef Bake

Instant Pot Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Recipe

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Berry Yogurt Bark from 5DollarDinners.com

Berry Yogurt Bark

Weeknight Spinach Lasagna Skillet

Burrito Cups

Freezer Meal Plans, Weekly Meal Plans & Free Printable PDFs

Freezer Cooking Simplified: MyFreezeasy $5 Meal Plan Freebie Central

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Latest Blog Posts

What We Ate This Week – Budget Dinner Ideas for Your Meal Plan

May 29, 2025 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

INTRODUCING - What We Ate This Week!!! Use this List of Ultra Budget Recipes that Our Family Enjoyed Last Week for Your Meal Plan Inspiration In 2025, I want to share with you more of what happens in the Chase family kitchen, and how I think about food, feeding my boys healthy dinners that don't break the bank...day in and day out. (Yes, it gets old sometimes...even for … [Read more...]

What’s Trending on Instagram

May 19, 2025 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom 1 Comment

Are you following me over on Instagram? I have a fun community over there where I share a lot of Reels demonstrating cooking hacks and cooking tips. Which insta are you following? I thought it would be fun to share what photos, reels, and videos are trending on our Instagram profiles once a month! These are your current favorites.  Are you following all of our accounts? … [Read more...]

Non-Eggy Breakfasts, Because Holy Egg Prices!

February 19, 2025 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

A list of non-egg based breakfasts, because whoa egg prices! If you haven't heard about or noticed the recent egg price inflation, it's affecting just about every corner of the US.  Apparently we are having a supply issue because of an avian flu outbreak in the fall. Given this, we should see prices ease off as the supply rebalances. But in the meantime, I'll be making … [Read more...]

Stack the Savings on Your Holiday Baking + Mini Pumpkin Pies with Gingerbread “Dust”

November 1, 2024 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

STACK THE SAVINGS at Dollar General: Save big on holiday baking ingredients and supplies when you shop the amazing bundles + combine them with the $5 off $25 coupon on Saturdays!  As you start to sketch out your holiday baking plan, I want you to add Dollar General to your list of stores to check for great prices on holiday ingredients. One of my go-to places for … [Read more...]

Deck the Freezer Party – Recipes & RSVP HERE!!

October 12, 2024 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Holiday To-Do List Already Starting to Stress You Out?! What if you could prep SIX 5-Ingredient freezer meals in 30 minutes...before the holiday chaos begins?!? I'm Erin Chase and I'm here to show you how...   Join me the week of NOVEMBER 1st for a few days of tips and tricks that will help you breeze through this meal prep! Each day throughout the Deck … [Read more...]

The Ultimate Back to School Recipes List

August 6, 2024 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

31 days of school lunchbox ideas

Freezer Friendly Dinners, Lunchbox Ideas, School Snacks, Make-Ahead Smoothies and On-the-Go Breakfasts! It's that time of year again. The craving for routines returns. The school supply shopping, shoe shopping and new clothes shopping takes over. You spend more money than you want to, even with braving the crowds on tax-free weekend. And you STILL HAVE TO FEED … [Read more...]

“What am I going to do with my kids all summer?!” – 10 Solutions and a Printable Summer Activities at Home List

May 25, 2024 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

summer kid activities

Are you starting to panic about summer activities at home? Worried that your kids will be staring at your face or at a screen for the next three months?   In an effort to stop the "I'm booooooooored!" grumbling before it starts, I've been researching all things summer activities and wanted to share a few options and ideas that I have on my list with you! Summer … [Read more...]

NEW COOKBOOKS: Feeding Teenage Boys on a Budget + Teen Cuisine

April 19, 2024 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom 1 Comment

Introducing Erin Chase's latest cookbook about feeding teenagers on a budget, plus the companion mini-cookbook that will teach your teens how to cook scrumptious recipes with "Shorts" videos! The idea for this cookbook came to me about 15 years ago...in a booth at a lunch in NYC with my cookbook editor.  And the time to share it with you is now... So, yes...this is … [Read more...]

Erin’s “What I Like Right Now” List

August 1, 2023 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Things I'm Crushing On (And Using All the Time) This Month Holiday 2023 FAVES … [Read more...]

VIRAL: Beef Ravioli Bake

March 29, 2023 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

I think Ravioli Bakes might be my new favorite dinner. I don't know why...they just seem so easy. Well, they are easy. The ravioli doesn't take any pre-cooking. You just add it into the dish, pour the sauce (in this case a beefy-spaghetti sauce) over the top, then pile on as much cheese as your waistline can handle. ;) Then, bake. And you end up with this. Now, there … [Read more...]

CHALLENGE: 5-Ingredient Freezer Meal Plan

February 17, 2023 by Lauren Drawdy Leave a Comment

recipes for 5 ingredient challenge

How to prepare SIX meals in LESS THAN 30 MINUTES with this 5-Ingredient Meal Plan! I don't know about you, but it makes my heart happy when a recipe only needs a handful of ingredients. And when they are "normal" ingredients, too! You know what I'm talking about. Ingredients you often have in your kitchen, and are commonly found at a typical grocery store. So I made a … [Read more...]

Guacamole with Street Corn

February 11, 2023 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom 1 Comment

If I started keeping track, I imagine I eat an avocado or guacamole at least 5 times a week. Sometimes I get guacamole at my fave tex-mex restaurant, sometimes I make my own, sometimes I get it on top of a Chipotle salad, sometimes I just scoop it right out of the skin with a little lemon juice and salt. I'm always looking to mix things up and keep the guacamole "fresh" and … [Read more...]

Erin’s Recipes from Big Bad Budget Battle

August 23, 2022 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Get the Recipes Erin Cooked on Food Network's Big Bad Budget Battle WELCOME to my Big Bad Budget Battle Besties! I'm so glad you're here and I can't wait to connect with you and further help you on your journey to spending less money on groceries and cooking well on a budget. I am beyond tickled by the concept of the show, the opportunity to compete on the show, and … [Read more...]

RE-DESIGNED for YOU: The “20 Meals for $150” Plans

March 29, 2022 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Save TIME, MONEY, and MORE with these amazing 20 Meals for $150 Plans!  ELATED. ECSTATIC. STOKED. That describes how I'm feeling this week, as I re-share this amazing grocery saving and sanity saving resource with you!  Many moons ago, I decided to make some updates to the "20 meals for $150" plans. I started creating them in 2013, and it was just time for a … [Read more...]

The Best Ever Make-Ahead Freezer Meals Cookbooks!

August 2, 2021 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

If you love getting ahead with dinner prep, and you love cookbooks, these Make-Ahead Freezer Meal Cookbooks are the books for YOU! The Freezer Meal Stereotype Often times when people think of freezer meals, they think of mushy casseroles. Or slow-cooker-only recipes. Or bland, tasteless, freezer burned meals.  It is also the assumption that these bland, mushy … [Read more...]

Best Grocery Savings Mobile Apps

December 27, 2018 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom 3 Comments

Check out the Best Grocery Savings Mobile Apps! These are also Erin's favorites. (She might be a bit biased about the first one!) MyFreezEasy With MyFreezEasy, it really is as easy as 1-2-3. Get organized, choose your recipes, use the shopping list provided, and then follow the instructions to get your make ahead freezer meals into your freezer! You'll save on groceries … [Read more...]

Pumpkin Pie French Toast

October 17, 2011 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom 84 Comments

Oh my heavens - divine, divine, divine. This Pumpkin Pie French Toast recipe is a MUST TRY in the fall and winter months! I so wish I'd doubled this recipe for Pumpkin Pie French Toast while I was first making it. Tripled, or quadrupled even! These are so scrumptious...perfect for the fall season. It's really simple...you just add some pumpkin puree and spices to … [Read more...]

Mocha Brownies

June 17, 2011 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom 5 Comments

Before you say it, yes...brownies were dessert of the month in April...just a few short weeks ago. But Caramel Cashew Brownies and these Mocha Brownies are different. Very, very different. I know. I know. This is really an indication that I have a brownie problem. Please. Send help. Brownies anonymous, anyone?! So I served these to a group of ladies last week...and … [Read more...]

Freezer Friendly Blackened Salmon Sandwich

June 18, 2025 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Freezer Friendly Blackened Salmon Sandwich

Freezer Friendly Blackened Salmon Sandwich Freezer Friendly Blackened Salmon Sandwich This amazing blackened salmon sandwich is delicious and flavorful with the highlight being a filet of salmon coated in a spicy seasoning blend and cooked to perfection in melted butter. Prepare the salmon filets for the freezer and you have a wonderful future dinner waiting for … [Read more...]

Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting

June 17, 2025 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

The Best Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting: Smooth, Sweet, and Easy to Make There’s nothing quite like the rich, tangy flavor of homemade cream cheese frosting. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a smooth, creamy topping that elevates any cake, cupcake, or cookie. This foolproof recipe delivers perfect results every time—sweet, balanced, and irresistibly … [Read more...]

ROUNDUP: Cheap $1 Loaf Bread Recipes

June 16, 2025 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

$1 French Loaf Bread, So Many Possibilities: Cheap & Tasty Recipes You’ll Love Think that $1 loaf in the bakery is just for garlic bread? Think again. We’ve rounded up our favorite cheap and creative ways to turn that humble $1 grocery store loaf into satisfying meals and snacks. From hearty breakfasts to quick lunches and budget-friendly dinners, these recipes … [Read more...]

Air Fryer Garlic Bread Pizza

June 13, 2025 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

This air fryer pizza made with Texas Toast garlic bread is the perfect summer snack that the kids can make on their own! Love this easy "make your own pizza" that can be cooked in the air fryer. This recipe calls for frozen garlic bread, "Texas toast" style, but you could also use a bagel for the crust! Enjoy! Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Easy summer snack the … [Read more...]

Alfredo Marinara Beef Tortellini Bake

June 12, 2025 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Creamy Alfredo Marinara Tortellini Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Food Casserole Made with the Most Underrated Sauce! This Alfredo Marinara Tortellini Bake with beef is a hearty, family-friendly dish packed with flavor.  Tender cheese tortellini are baked in a rich blend of creamy Alfredo and zesty marinara sauce, layered with seasoned ground beef and gooey melted … [Read more...]

Freezer Friendly Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Fajitas

June 11, 2025 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Freezer Friendly Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Fajitas Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Fajitas A simple and quick to prepare for the freezer, and so fast to get going in the slow cooker. These are my favorite kind of “no-cook” dinners. And these shredded fajitas will not disappoint! Enjoy! 2 lbs beef chuck roastSalt and pepper1/2 cup red salsa1 Tbsp lime juice1 … [Read more...]

Smashed Chicken Caesar Wraps

June 11, 2025 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Easy Smashed Chicken Caesar Wraps – A Flavor-Packed Lunch You’ll Want Every Day These Smashed Chicken Caesar Wraps are the ultimate mashup of bold flavor and effortless prep. Ground chicken and Parm are smashed and cooked to golden perfection, then wrapped up with crisp Caesar salad and a sprinkle of Parmesan in a soft tortilla. These wraps are perfect for a quick lunch, … [Read more...]

Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

June 10, 2025 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Bright & Creamy Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars That Taste Like Summer in Every Bite If you're craving a dessert that's equal parts fresh, fruity, and indulgent, these Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars are the answer. With a buttery LEMON OREOS crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and bursts of juicy blueberries, every bite is a perfect balance of tart and sweet. These … [Read more...]

Lazy 3-Ingredient Enchiladas

June 5, 2025 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Bookmark and Print This Viral Lazy 3-Ingredient Enchiladas Recipe I predict this one will be on repeat at your house very soon!  It just takes 3 ingredients and a little time in the oven and your LAZY ENCHILADAS are ready to be enjoyed!  3-Ingredient Lazy Enchiladas These are such a breeze to throw together for a quick and "lazy" weeknight … [Read more...]

Freezer Friendly Pesto Tortellini Bake

June 4, 2025 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Pesto Tortellini Bake

Freezer Friendly Pesto Tortellini Bake Pesto Tortellini Bake Super easy, super delicious! The whole family will love this flavorful pasta dish! 20 oz. cheese ravioli24 oz alfredo sauce4 Tbsp pesto sauce1/2 cup Parmesan cheese1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheeseGarnish: fresh basilSide: veggiesSide: salad Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly spray a … [Read more...]

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Favorite Meal Planning & Cooking Resources

Whis-Kid Cooking Lessons Grocery Budget Makeover My Freezeasy Erin Chase Store 5DD Freebie Library 20 Meals for $150 Plans

  • Smashed Chicken Caesar Wraps
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  • Lazy 3-Ingredient Enchiladas
  • Freezer Friendly Pesto Tortellini Bake
  • The Fruit Flag Dessert – July 4th, Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day!

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