Feeding a family can be expensive, especially with rising grocery costs. It’s a common worry to see your grocery budget dwindling faster than you’d like each month. But don’t let budget concerns make you think you have to sacrifice delicious, satisfying meals! I’ve been there, and that’s why I rely on my go-to list of Cheap Family Dinner Recipes that all come in at under $10.
Eating on a budget doesn’t mean eating boring meals. These cheap family dinner recipes are proof that you can have flavorful, exciting dinners without breaking the bank. These are my top 10 favorite affordable meals that easily feed my family of four. You can even watch me prepare these budget-friendly meals on my Youtube channel!
A brightly lit kitchen counter displays ten dishes representing cheap family meals under , each in its own bowl or pot, ready to be served.
Top 10 Cheap Family Dinner Recipes (Under $10 Each!)
Spanish Rice Soup
1. Spanish Rice Soup
This Spanish Rice Soup is not only incredibly flavorful but also one of the most affordable recipes in my repertoire. It rings in at just over three dollars! If you have a few extra dollars to spare, you can elevate this simple soup with toppings like a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, creamy avocado, a squeeze of lime, or fresh herbs to brighten the flavors.
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 go-to for anyone watching their budget, but this isn’t your typical college ramen meal. This Ramen Noodle Stir Fry recipe transforms humble ramen into a flavorful and satisfying dinner. It’s so delicious, you’ll forget you’re eating such an economical meal!
Ingredients and Estimated Cost
- Stir-Fry Vegetables (Frozen or Fresh): $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 personal favorite for budget-friendly cooking because it tastes far more decadent than its price tag suggests. It’s so good, it tastes like a dish you would happily pay for at a Sunday brunch spot! This is a perfect cheap family dinner recipe that feels special.
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 trying to save money, it might be tempting to cut meat out entirely. However, with smart choices, you can still include meat in your diet while staying on budget! Chicken casseroles, especially those using canned chicken, are excellent for creating high-volume, low-cost meals that are comforting and satisfying. This Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli is a family favorite for a reason.
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
Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta
5. Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta
Pasta is a comfort food classic, and this Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta recipe proves you can enjoy it even when you’re watching your spending. This dish is incredibly cheap to make, but the flavor is so rich and delicious, it tastes like it belongs on a restaurant menu! It’s a surprisingly elegant cheap family dinner recipe.
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 my Easy Cheese Manicotti recipe is surprisingly budget-friendly. To keep costs down, this version is vegetarian, but it’s packed with flavor and cheesy goodness that the whole family will love. It’s a great way to enjoy Italian flavors without overspending, making it a perfect addition to your list of cheap family dinner recipes.
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 have to mean sacrificing nutrition. I believe in making sure all my cheap family dinner recipes are not only budget-friendly but also packed with nutrients. This White Bean and Spinach Soup is a perfect example – it’s wholesome, filling, and easy on the wallet. It’s a healthy and cheap family dinner recipe you can feel good about serving.
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. They are incredibly affordable and so filling! This Black Bean Enchilada Casserole uses the power of beans to create a hearty and satisfying meal that’s kind to your grocery budget. It’s a flavorful and cheap family dinner recipe with a Tex-Mex twist.
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 a budget cooking superstar! They are a cheap and easy way to add substance and nutrition to any dish. I especially love adding them to spaghetti sauce. This Lentil Spaghetti tastes just like classic spaghetti, but it’s even heartier and more filling thanks to the lentils. Plus, my kids love it, which is always a win! It’s a smart and cheap family dinner recipe that boosts both flavor and nutrition.
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 classic for a reason – it’s a cheap and easy meal to make that’s packed with flavor. My version uses a red beans and rice mix to make it even simpler and more affordable. This Easy Red Beans and Rice recipe is a comforting and cheap family dinner recipe 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
Start Cooking These Cheap Family Dinner Recipes Tonight!
I truly hope these budget-friendly meal ideas help you feed your family without stressing about your finances. Remember, delicious and satisfying meals don’t have to be expensive! For a visual guide, you can watch me prepare some of these recipes in these videos here and here. Happy cooking!
