Grocery shopping can feel like navigating a maze of rising prices, and sticking to a budget can be tough. If you’re watching your spending, especially on food, you’re in the right place. I understand the struggle of wanting to feed your family well without breaking the bank. That’s why I rely on my go-to list of Cheap Family Dinner Ideas that all come in under $10.
Affordable meals don’t have to be bland or boring! These cheap family dinner ideas prove you can have delicious, flavor-packed meals without emptying your wallet. These are my top 10 budget-friendly meals perfect for feeding a family of four. Want to see these meals come to life? Check out my YouTube channel where I show you how to make them!
A delicious bowl of Spanish Rice Soup, part of a collection of cheap family dinner ideas.
10 Cheap Family Dinner Ideas Under $10
Spanish Rice Soup
1. Spanish Rice Soup
This Spanish Rice Soup is a champion when it comes to affordable meals, clocking in at just over three dollars. It’s packed with flavor and incredibly satisfying. If you want to dress it up a bit, for just a few extra dollars you can add toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, a squeeze of lime, or fresh herbs to really elevate this simple soup.
Ingredients and Cost
- Frozen Onions and Peppers: $1.38
- Black Beans: $0.78
- Canned Corn: $0.50
- Knorr Rice Sides Spanish Rice: $1.26
Total: $3.92
Ramen Noodle Stir Fry with Vegetables
2. Ramen Noodle Stir Fry with Vegetables
Ramen noodles are often the go-to for budget meals, but I bet you’ve never had them quite like this! This Ramen Noodle Stir Fry with Vegetables is bursting with flavor and is far from your typical college ramen experience. It’s a fantastic way to transform inexpensive ramen into a satisfying and flavorful family dinner.
Ingredients and Cost
- Stir-Fry Vegetables (Frozen Mix): $2.48
- 3 Packages Ramen Noodles: $1.08 each
Total: $3.56
Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole
3. Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole
This Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole is a personal favorite for budget-friendly recipes. The best part? It doesn’t taste like a “cheap” meal at all! It has that comforting, brunch-worthy flavor that feels indulgent, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels a little special without the high cost. This is one of those cheap family dinner ideas that feels like a treat.
Ingredients and Cost
- Crescent Rolls: $1.98
- 1/2 Package Sausage: $1.38
- 6 Eggs: $2.44
Total: $5.80
Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli
4. Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli
When you’re trying to save money, meat might seem like the first thing to cut out. But you can still enjoy meat and stick to your budget! Chicken casseroles, especially when using canned chicken, are a brilliant way to keep your meals substantial and satisfying without a hefty price tag. This Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli is a perfect example of how to make meat work in your cheap family dinner ideas.
Ingredients and 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: $4.82
Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta
5. Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta
Pasta is always a winner in my book, and this Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta is proof that delicious pasta dishes don’t have to be expensive. It’s incredibly affordable but tastes like it could come straight from a restaurant kitchen! This is a great option when you’re looking for cheap family dinner ideas that are also a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients and Cost
- Pasta: $0.98
- Diced Tomatoes: $0.88
- Alfredo Sauce: $1.74
- Bacon Bits: $1.70
Total: $5.30
Easy Cheese Manicotti
6. Easy Cheese Manicotti
Manicotti might sound fancy, but my Easy Cheese Manicotti recipe is surprisingly budget-friendly. To keep the costs down, this version is vegetarian, focusing on simple, affordable ingredients that come together to create a comforting and satisfying meal. Don’t underestimate this as one of your go-to cheap family dinner ideas.
Ingredients and Cost
- Manicotti Pasta: $1.68
- Pasta Sauce: $1.18
- Ricotta Cheese $2.48
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1.00
Total: $6.34
White Bean and Spinach Soup
7. White Bean and Spinach Soup
Eating on a budget shouldn’t mean sacrificing nutrition. I believe in making sure all my meals are packed with nutrients, and this White Bean and Spinach Soup is no exception. It’s a healthy, hearty, and incredibly affordable option for a family dinner. For cheap family dinner ideas that are also good for you, this soup is a winner.
Ingredients and Cost
- Onion: $0.55
- Cannellini Beans (White Beans): $0.78
- Diced Tomatoes: $1.36
- Frozen Spinach: $1.12
Total: $3.81
Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
8. Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
Beans are a fantastic source of cheap protein and fiber. They are incredibly affordable and so filling! This Black Bean Enchilada Casserole utilizes the power of beans to create a flavorful and satisfying meal that won’t break the bank. When it comes to cheap family dinner ideas that are both healthy and satisfying, beans are your best friend.
Ingredients and Cost
- Pinto Beans: $0.78
- Black Beans: $0.78
- Canned Corn: $0.50
- Enchilada Sauce: $1.54
- Corn Tortillas: $1.98
Total: $5.58
Lentil Spaghetti
9. Lentil Spaghetti
Lentils are an amazing and cheap way to add substance to any dish. I love adding them to spaghetti sauce. The best part is, it tastes just like regular spaghetti, but even heartier and more filling. My kids absolutely love this Lentil Spaghetti, and it’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrients without them even noticing! If you’re looking for cheap family dinner ideas that are also kid-friendly, this is a must-try.
Ingredients and Cost
- Lentils: $1.34
- Pasta Sauce: $1.18
- Spaghetti: $0.98
- Frozen Zucchini and Squash: $1.92
Total: $5.42
Easy Red Beans and Rice
10. Easy Red Beans and Rice
Red Beans and Rice is a classic for a reason – it’s cheap, easy, and delicious! I make this Easy Red Beans and Rice with a red beans and rice mix to keep it extra simple and affordable. The result is a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a budget-conscious family dinner. This recipe is definitely a staple in our rotation of cheap family dinner ideas.
Ingredients and Cost
- Kielbasa Sausage: $3.46
- Zatarain’s Red Beans and Rice Mix: $2.52
Total: $5.98
Start Making These Cheap Family Meals Tonight!
I truly hope these budget-friendly meal ideas help you feed your family without stressing about grocery costs. These cheap family dinner ideas are designed to be both easy on your wallet and delicious for everyone at the table. For a visual guide on how to prepare these recipes, be sure to check out my recipe videos here and here. Happy cooking!
Tags
budget budget friendly budget friendly meal prep budget friendly meals budget friendly recipes cheap family meals cheap family meals under $10 cheap meal ideas cheap meals cheap recipe cheap recipes easy dinner ideas meals on a budget meals under $10 whats for dinner
