Feeding a family can be wonderfully rewarding, but let’s face it, grocery bills can quickly become a source of stress. If you’re like many families watching your budget, finding meal solutions that are both affordable and appealing to everyone can feel like a constant challenge. But what if I told you that delicious, satisfying family meals don’t have to break the bank? I’ve been navigating the same rising grocery costs and have discovered some incredible “Cheap Easy Family Meals” that cost under $10, helping us enjoy tasty dinners without overspending.
Eating well on a budget is absolutely achievable and definitely doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction! These “cheap easy family meals” are designed to be incredibly budget-friendly while still delivering big on taste. These are my top 10 go-to affordable meals that my family of four loves, and I’m excited to share them with you. You can even see me whip up some of these budget-friendly dinners on my Youtube channel!
A close up of a bowl of Spanish Rice Soup with visible rice, tomatoes, and seasonings, suggesting a hearty and flavorful dish.
10 Cheap and Easy Family Meals Under $10
Spanish Rice Soup
1. Spanish Rice Soup
This Spanish Rice Soup recipe is not only incredibly flavorful but also one of the most affordable options, typically costing just around three dollars to make. With a little extra wiggle room in your budget, you can easily elevate this soup with delicious toppings like a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, creamy avocado, a squeeze of fresh lime, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to make it even more exciting for the family.
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
Ramen Noodle Stir Fry with Vegetables
2. Ramen Noodle Stir Fry with Vegetables
Ramen noodles are a classic go-to when you’re trying to save money, but this Ramen Noodle Stir Fry recipe takes them to a whole new level. This dish is packed with flavor and is so delicious that it’s a far cry from those basic college ramen meals you might remember. It’s a fantastic way to create a satisfying and cheap easy family meal using pantry staples and frozen vegetables.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost
- Stir-Fry Vegetables (Frozen Mix): $2.48
- 3 Packages Ramen Noodles: $1.08 each
Total Estimated Cost: $3.56
Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole
3. Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole
This Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole is a real winner when it comes to budget recipes. It tastes so good, you would never guess it’s a “cheap” meal! It has that comforting, brunch-worthy flavor that feels like a special treat, making it perfect for a weekend breakfast-for-dinner or any time you want a cheap easy family meal that feels a bit more indulgent.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost
- Crescent Rolls: $1.98
- 1/2 Package Sausage: $1.38
- 6 Eggs: $2.44
Total Estimated Cost: $5.80
Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli
4. Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli
When you’re on a tight budget, it’s tempting to cut out meat entirely, but with recipes like this Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli, you absolutely can enjoy meat and still save money! Using canned chicken in casseroles is a smart strategy to keep your meals hearty and satisfying while keeping costs down. This is a classic cheap easy family meal that’s always a hit.
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
A baking dish filled with Chicken and Rice Casserole, showing a creamy texture with visible chicken, rice, and broccoli pieces, illustrating a comforting and family-friendly meal.
Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta
5. Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta
Pasta dishes are always a family favorite, and this Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta is no exception. It’s surprisingly cheap to make but tastes like it could come straight from a restaurant kitchen! This recipe proves that you don’t need expensive ingredients to create a dish that feels luxurious and is perfect for a cheap easy family meal any night of the week.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost
- Pasta: $0.98
- Diced Tomatoes: $0.88
- Alfredo Sauce: $1.74
- Bacon Bits: $1.70
Total Estimated Cost: $5.30
Easy Cheese Manicotti
6. Easy Cheese Manicotti
Manicotti might sound fancy, but this Easy Cheese Manicotti recipe is actually one of my favorite budget-friendly meals. Keeping it vegetarian is key to keeping the costs down, and it’s so satisfying you won’t even miss the meat. This is an excellent option for a cheap easy family meal that’s both comforting and meatless.
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
White Bean and Spinach Soup
7. White Bean and Spinach Soup
Eating affordably doesn’t mean sacrificing nutrition. I always prioritize nutrient-dense ingredients in my cheap easy family meals, and this White Bean and Spinach Soup is a perfect example. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, proving that you can eat well and stay healthy even when you’re on a tight budget.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost
- Onion: $0.55
- Cannellini Beans: $0.78
- Diced Tomatoes: $1.36
- Frozen Spinach: $1.12
Total Estimated Cost: $3.81
Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
8. Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
Beans are a fantastic source of cheap protein and fiber, making them a staple in budget-friendly cooking. They are incredibly affordable and so filling! This Black Bean Enchilada Casserole uses beans to create a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for families looking for cheap easy family meals that are also vegetarian-friendly.
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
Lentil Spaghetti
9. Lentil Spaghetti
Lentils are another budget superstar and an easy way to add substance to any dish. I love adding them to spaghetti sauce – it tastes just like regular spaghetti but is much heartier and more filling. My kids absolutely love this Lentil Spaghetti, and it’s a great way to sneak in extra protein and fiber into a classic cheap easy family meal.
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
Easy Red Beans and Rice
10. Easy Red Beans and Rice
Red Beans and Rice is a naturally cheap and easy meal to prepare. This recipe uses a red beans and rice mix to simplify things even further, making it incredibly affordable and quick to get on the table. It’s a flavorful and satisfying cheap easy family 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 pot of Red Beans and Rice with sausage, showing a rich and flavorful stew, demonstrating a hearty and budget-conscious meal option.
Start Cooking These Cheap Family Meals Today!
I truly hope these budget-friendly meal ideas help you feed your family without stressing about grocery costs. These “cheap easy family meals” are designed to be both delicious and affordable, making dinner time enjoyable for everyone. For a visual guide, you can watch me prepare some of these recipes in these videos here and here. Enjoy creating tasty and affordable dinners for your family!
