Feeding a family can be expensive, especially with rising grocery costs. If you’re looking for ways to stretch your food budget without sacrificing flavor or nutrition, you’ve come to the right place. This collection of Budget Family Dinner Recipes proves that delicious and satisfying meals don’t have to break the bank. We’re sharing ten of our favorite affordable meals, all designed to feed a family of four for under $10. Get ready to discover some new family favorites that are both easy on your wallet and a hit at the dinner table!
A close up shot of Spanish Rice Soup in a white bowl with a spoon, garnished with cilantro.
10 Budget Family Dinner Recipes Under $10
These recipes are not only budget-friendly but also packed with flavor and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights. Say goodbye to boring budget meals and hello to delicious dinners your whole family will love!
Savory Spanish Rice Soup
Savory Spanish Rice Soup
This Spanish Rice Soup is a champion of cheap eats, ringing in at just around $4. It’s incredibly flavorful and versatile – you can easily customize it with toppings you likely already have on hand. Think a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, creamy avocado, a squeeze of lime, or fresh herbs from your garden.
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
Quick Ramen Noodle Stir Fry with Vegetables
Quick Ramen Noodle Stir Fry with Vegetables
Ramen noodles are a go-to for budget-conscious meals, but this isn’t your typical college dorm fare. This Ramen Noodle Stir Fry is elevated with stir-fry vegetables for a flavorful and surprisingly sophisticated dish that’s far from bland. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover veggies too!
Ingredients and Estimated Cost
- Stir-Fry Vegetables (Frozen Mix): $2.48
- 3 Packages Ramen Noodles: $1.08 each
Total Estimated Cost: $3.56
Comforting Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole
Comforting Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole
Don’t let the word “casserole” fool you – this Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole is anything but ordinary. It tastes like a weekend brunch indulgence, but it’s secretly a budget superstar. The flaky crescent roll crust makes it feel special, while the sausage and egg filling is hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost
- Crescent Rolls: $1.98
- 1/2 Package Sausage: $1.38
- 6 Eggs: $2.44
Total Estimated Cost: $5.80
Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli
Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli
Eating on a budget doesn’t mean cutting out meat entirely. This Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli uses canned chicken to keep costs down while still delivering a protein-packed and comforting meal. The combination of creamy soups, rice, chicken, and broccoli is a timeless family favorite.
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
Delicious Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta
Delicious Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta
Pasta is a budget-friendly staple, and this Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta takes it to another level. It’s incredibly affordable, yet the creamy tomato sauce and hint of bacon bits create a restaurant-worthy flavor that’s sure to impress even picky eaters.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost
- Pasta: $0.98
- Diced Tomatoes: $0.88
- Alfredo Sauce: $1.74
- Bacon Bits: $1.70
Total Estimated Cost: $5.30
Simple Easy Cheese Manicotti
Simple Easy Cheese Manicotti
Manicotti might sound fancy, but this Easy Cheese Manicotti recipe proves it can be a budget-friendly option too. By keeping it vegetarian, this recipe focuses on simple, affordable ingredients while delivering a comforting and satisfying Italian-inspired meal.
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
Healthy White Bean and Spinach Soup
Healthy White Bean and Spinach Soup
Budget-friendly meals can absolutely be nutritious! This White Bean and Spinach Soup is packed with nutrients and flavor. White beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber, while spinach adds vitamins and minerals, making this soup a healthy and filling option for a light dinner.
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
Flavorful Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
Flavorful Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
Beans are a budget cook’s best friend, and this Black Bean Enchilada Casserole showcases their versatility. Beans provide both protein and fiber, making this casserole hearty and satisfying without relying on expensive meat. The enchilada sauce and corn tortillas bring all the classic Mexican flavors you crave.
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
Hearty Lentil Spaghetti
Hearty Lentil Spaghetti
Lentils are nutritional powerhouses and incredibly budget-friendly. In this Lentil Spaghetti recipe, they are used to create a meat-like texture in a classic spaghetti sauce, adding extra heartiness and protein. Even kids will love this healthy and economical twist on a family favorite.
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
Simple Red Beans and Rice
Simple Red Beans and Rice
Red Beans and Rice is a classic dish for a reason: it’s incredibly cheap, easy to make, and satisfying. This recipe uses a red beans and rice mix to simplify the process and keep the cost down, while kielbasa sausage adds a boost of flavor and protein. It’s a flavorful and filling meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost
- Kielbasa Sausage: $3.46
- Zatarain’s Red Beans and Rice Mix: $2.52
Total Estimated Cost: $5.98
A close up shot of Red Beans and Rice in a white bowl with a fork, garnished with green onions.
Start Cooking These Budget-Friendly Family Dinners Tonight!
We hope these budget family dinner recipes inspire you to create delicious and affordable meals for your loved ones. Eating well on a budget is absolutely possible, and these recipes are a great starting point. For visual learners, be sure to check out the recipe videos on our Youtube channel for step-by-step instructions and more budget cooking tips. Happy cooking!
