Grocery bills are constantly rising, making it challenging to stay within budget. Like many families, I’ve noticed my grocery spending increasing, and it’s become more important than ever to find affordable meal solutions. To combat this, I rely on my go-to list of Inexpensive Family Meals that cost under $10 to keep our food expenses in check throughout the month.
Eating on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or enjoyment! These inexpensive family meals under $10 are incredibly budget-friendly without compromising on taste. These are my top 10 favorite affordable dinner recipes that easily feed my family of four. You can even watch me prepare these budget meals on my YouTube channel!
A delicious bowl of Spanish Rice Soup, showcasing its rich color and texture, perfect for a family dinner.
10 Inexpensive Family Meals Under $10
Spanish Rice Soup
Spanish Rice Soup
This Spanish Rice Soup is one of the most budget-conscious recipes in my repertoire, typically costing just around three dollars to make. For a small extra cost, you can elevate this soup with toppings like sour cream, cheese, avocado, a squeeze of lime, or fresh herbs, adding layers of flavor and texture.
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
Ramen Noodle Stir Fry with Vegetables
Ramen noodles are a classic choice for saving money, but this Ramen Noodle Stir Fry recipe transforms them into a flavorful and satisfying meal far beyond typical college fare. This stir fry is packed with taste and is incredibly delicious, proving that budget-friendly can also be gourmet.
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
Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole
This Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole is a standout budget recipe because it tastes far more luxurious than its price tag suggests. It’s reminiscent of a dish you might expect at a fancy Sunday brunch, making it perfect for a special yet affordable family meal.
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
Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli
When budgeting, meat might seem like an unaffordable luxury, but this Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli proves you can enjoy meat without breaking the bank. Utilizing canned chicken is a smart way to keep this casserole substantial and satisfying while maintaining a low cost.
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
Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta
As a pasta lover, this Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta is a personal favorite. It’s incredibly inexpensive to prepare yet delivers a restaurant-quality taste. This dish is a testament to how simple ingredients can combine to create an exceptional, budget-friendly meal.
Ingredients and Cost
- Pasta: $0.98
- Diced Tomatoes: $0.88
- Alfredo Sauce: $1.74
- Bacon Bits: $1.70
Total: $5.30
Easy Cheese Manicotti
Easy Cheese Manicotti
Manicotti might not immediately come to mind as an inexpensive meal, but this Easy Cheese Manicotti recipe is surprisingly budget-friendly. Keeping it vegetarian helps to minimize costs without sacrificing flavor, making it a perfect choice for a meatless meal.
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
White Bean and Spinach Soup
Eating affordably should never mean compromising on nutrition. This White Bean and Spinach Soup is designed to be both budget-friendly and nutrient-dense, ensuring that even inexpensive meals can be wholesome and good for you.
Ingredients and Cost
- Onion: $0.55
- Cannellini Beans: $0.78
- Diced Tomatoes: $1.36
- Frozen Spinach: $1.12
Total: $3.81
Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
Beans are an excellent source of cheap protein and fiber, making them a fantastic ingredient for budget meals. This Black Bean Enchilada Casserole leverages the affordability and filling nature of beans to create a hearty and satisfying dish that’s easy on the wallet.
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
Lentil Spaghetti
Lentils are a budget superstar, perfect for adding substance to any dish. In this Lentil Spaghetti, they blend seamlessly into the sauce, adding heartiness and nutrition. Kids especially enjoy this dish, often without even realizing it’s packed with lentils!
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
Easy Red Beans and Rice
Red Beans and Rice is a classic for a reason—it’s incredibly cheap and easy to make. Using a red beans and rice mix simplifies the process and ensures maximum affordability for this comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients and Cost
- Kielbasa Sausage: $3.46
- Zatarain’s Red Beans and Rice Mix: $2.52
Total: $5.98
A delicious bowl of Spanish Rice Soup, showcasing its rich color and texture, perfect for a family dinner.
Start Cooking Inexpensive Family Meals Today!
I truly hope these budget-friendly meal ideas are helpful for feeding your family without overspending. For a visual guide on how to prepare these recipes, you can watch me in action in these videos here and here. Enjoy creating delicious and inexpensive family meals!
