Grocery bills weighing you down? You’re not alone! As a busy parent, I know how challenging it can be to keep the family fed without breaking the bank. That’s why I rely on my go-to list of Cheap Family Meals under $10 to get us through those tight budget weeks. And the best part? Affordable doesn’t mean boring! These recipes are bursting with flavor and are family-approved.
These are my top 10 budget-friendly dinner ideas that comfortably feed my family of four, all for under ten dollars. Want to see these meals come to life? Head over to my Youtube channel to watch me cook them!
A vibrant and comforting bowl of Spanish Rice Soup, garnished with fresh cilantro, showcasing a budget-friendly and flavorful family meal option.
Top 10 Cheap and Easy Family Meals Under $10
Let’s dive into these incredibly affordable and tasty recipes that will save your wallet and satisfy your family’s appetites.
1. Spanish Rice Soup
First on the list is my Spanish Rice Soup, a champion of cheap eats, costing just around $4 to make! This soup is packed with flavor and incredibly versatile. For a few extra dollars, you can elevate it with toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, creamy avocado, a squeeze of lime, or fresh herbs.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost:
- Frozen Onions and Peppers: $1.38
- Black Beans: $0.78
- Canned Corn: $0.50
- Knorr Rice Sides Spanish Rice: $1.26
- Total Estimated Cost: $3.92
2. Ramen Noodle Stir Fry with Vegetables
Ramen noodles are a classic budget staple, but this Ramen Noodle Stir Fry is a far cry from those basic college meals! This recipe transforms humble ramen into a flavorful and satisfying stir-fry packed with vegetables. It’s a cheap family meal that’s both quick to make and delicious.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost:
- Stir-Fry Vegetables (Frozen or Fresh): $2.48
- 3 Packages Ramen Noodles: $1.08 each
- Total Estimated Cost: $3.56
3. Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole
Looking for a cheap family meal that feels a little bit special? This Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole is your answer. It tastes like a decadent Sunday brunch dish, but it’s surprisingly budget-friendly and easy to throw together. Perfect for a comforting dinner or even breakfast-for-dinner!
Ingredients and Estimated Cost:
- Crescent Rolls: $1.98
- 1/2 Package Sausage: $1.38
- 6 Eggs: $2.44
- Total Estimated Cost: $5.80
4. Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli
Who says you can’t enjoy meat on a budget? This Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli proves you can! Using canned chicken is a fantastic way to keep costs down while still creating a hearty and satisfying family meal. Casseroles are excellent for cheap family meals as they stretch ingredients and are easy to make in large batches.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost:
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: $0.68
- Cream of Chicken Soup: $0.68
- Canned Chicken: $1.26
- Wild Rice Mix: $1.22
- Frozen Broccoli: $0.98
- Total Estimated Cost: $4.82
5. Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta
Pasta is always a winner for family dinners, and this Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta is no exception. It’s incredibly cheap to make but tastes like it belongs on a restaurant menu. The creamy tomato sauce combined with the salty bacon bits creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love. This is a cheap family meal that feels indulgent without the hefty price tag.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost:
- Pasta: $0.98
- Diced Tomatoes: $0.88
- Alfredo Sauce: $1.74
- Bacon Bits: $1.70
- Total Estimated Cost: $5.30
6. Easy Cheese Manicotti
Manicotti might sound fancy, but my Easy Cheese Manicotti recipe is surprisingly budget-friendly. By keeping it vegetarian, we keep the costs down without sacrificing flavor. This cheesy and comforting dish is a fantastic cheap family meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost:
- Manicotti Pasta: $1.68
- Pasta Sauce: $1.18
- Ricotta Cheese $2.48
- Mozzarella Cheese: $1.00
- Total Estimated Cost: $6.34
7. White Bean and Spinach Soup
Eating cheap doesn’t mean sacrificing nutrition! This White Bean and Spinach Soup is packed with nutrients and flavor. It’s a hearty and healthy option that proves cheap family meals can be good for you too. This soup is a great way to incorporate more vegetables and plant-based protein into your family’s diet.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost:
- Onion: $0.55
- Cannellini Beans (White Beans): $0.78
- Diced Tomatoes: $1.36
- Frozen Spinach: $1.12
- Total Estimated Cost: $3.81
8. Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
Beans are a superhero ingredient for cheap family meals! They are an amazing source of protein and fiber, incredibly affordable, and super filling. This Black Bean Enchilada Casserole uses beans to create a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s both budget-friendly and vegetarian.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost:
- Pinto Beans: $0.78
- Black Beans: $0.78
- Canned Corn: $0.50
- Enchilada Sauce: $1.54
- Corn Tortillas: $1.98
- Total Estimated Cost: $5.58
9. Lentil Spaghetti
Lentils are another budget-friendly powerhouse that can bulk up any meal. Adding them to spaghetti sauce is a game-changer! This Lentil Spaghetti tastes just like classic spaghetti but is heartier and more nutritious. Even picky eaters will love this cheap family meal – my kids certainly do!
Ingredients and Estimated Cost:
- Lentils: $1.34
- Pasta Sauce: $1.18
- Spaghetti: $0.98
- Frozen Zucchini and Squash: $1.92
- Total Estimated Cost: $5.42
10. Easy Red Beans and Rice
Rounding out the list is a classic comfort food: Easy Red Beans and Rice. This recipe uses a red beans and rice mix to make it incredibly cheap and convenient. It’s a flavorful and filling cheap family meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost:
- Kielbasa Sausage: $3.46
- Zatarain’s Red Beans and Rice Mix: $2.52
- Total Estimated Cost: $5.98
Start Cooking These Budget-Friendly Meals Tonight!
I truly hope these cheap family meal ideas help you feed your family without stressing about your grocery budget. For a visual guide, be sure to watch me prepare some of these recipes on my Youtube channel here and here. Happy cooking!
