Simple, Tasty and Cheap Family Meals Under $10

Feeding a family on a budget can feel like a juggling act. You want to serve delicious, nutritious meals without breaking the bank. It’s not just about finding cheap ingredients; it’s about creating meals that everyone will enjoy. To achieve these low prices, it’s important to shop at budget-friendly stores like Wal-Mart, Aldi, or Costco. Stores like Publix tend to be more expensive unless you can score a BOGO deal. Let’s dive into some practical ideas for cheap family meals under $10 that will keep both your wallet and your family happy.

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Cheap Family Meals Under $10

1. Spaghetti with Homemade Sauce

Spaghetti is a classic budget meal, but it doesn’t have to be boring. A simple, homemade sauce can make all the difference. Start with a can of crushed tomatoes, some garlic, onion, and your favorite spices. Add ground beef or turkey if you can stretch the budget a bit, but even without meat, this dish can be hearty and satisfying. Here’s how you can make a delicious spaghetti dinner for under $10.

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti: $1.00
• Can of crushed tomatoes: $1.50
• Garlic (3 cloves): $0.25
• Onion: $0.50
• Ground beef (1/2 lb): $3.50
• Olive oil: $0.50
• Salt and pepper: $0.25
• Italian seasoning: $0.25

Total: $7.75

Recipe:

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, and cook until they’re soft and fragrant.
3. If you’re using ground beef, add it to the pan and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and stir. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and add it to the pan with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
7. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

This meal is simple, tasty, and can easily feed a family of four. You can also add a side salad or some garlic bread if your budget allows.

2. Chicken and Rice Casserole: Cheap Family Meal Under $10

A chicken and rice casserole is both filling and affordable. Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a cheaper option. Mix the chicken with rice, a can of cream of mushroom soup, and some frozen vegetables. Bake it all together, and you have a one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare and easy to clean up. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs (1 lb): $3.00
• Rice: $1.00
• Can of cream of mushroom soup: $1.25
• Frozen mixed vegetables: $1.00
• Onion: $0.50
• Chicken broth: $1.00
• Salt and pepper: $0.25

Total: $8.00

Recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of rice, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 2 cups of chicken broth, and 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and place them on top of the rice mixture.
4. Chop the onion and sprinkle it over the casserole.
5. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.

This dish is a one-pan wonder that’s easy to prepare and clean up. The creamy rice and tender chicken make it a family favorite.

3. Vegetable Stir-Fry

Stir-fries are a fantastic way to use up any vegetables you have on hand. Carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, and onions all work well. You can add tofu or a small amount of chicken if you’d like. Serve over rice or noodles, and season with soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil for extra flavor. Here’s a budget-friendly version:

Ingredients:

• Carrots: $1.00
• Broccoli: $1.50
• Bell peppers: $1.00
• Onion: $0.50
• Soy sauce: $0.50
• Sesame oil: $0.50
• Rice: $1.00
• Tofu (optional, 1 lb): $2.00

Total: $8.00

Recipe:

1. Cook 2 cups of rice according to package instructions.
2. While the rice is cooking, chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Add the onion and cook until it starts to soften.
5. Add the carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers, and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
6. If using tofu, cut it into cubes and add it to the pan. Cook until it’s golden brown.
7. Add 2-3 tablespoons of soy sauce and stir to coat the vegetables and tofu.
8. Serve the stir-fry over the cooked rice.

This meal is quick, healthy, and versatile. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a great way to reduce waste and save money.

4. Bean and Cheese Quesadillas

Beans are an excellent, budget-friendly source of protein. Spread refried beans on a tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and fold in half for a simple meal. Cook in a pan until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted. Serve with salsa and a side of rice or a simple salad. Here’s a simple recipe for bean and cheese quesadillas:

Ingredients:

• Flour tortillas: $2.00
• Can of refried beans: $1.25
• Shredded cheese: $2.50
• Salsa: $1.50
• Rice: $1.00

Total: $8.25

Recipe:

1. Cook 1 cup of rice according to package instructions.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Spread a generous layer of refried beans on one half of each tortilla.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the beans.
5. Fold the tortillas in half and place them in the skillet.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Serve with salsa and a side of rice.

These quesadillas are quick to make and can be customized with any additional toppings or sides your family likes.

5. Homemade Pizza: Cheap Family Meal Under $10

Pizza doesn’t have to be expensive. You can make your own dough or buy a pre-made crust. Use jarred tomato sauce, shredded cheese, and toppings your family likes. Vegetables, leftover meats, or even just a mix of cheeses can make for a delicious, personalized pizza night. Here’s how you can make a delicious homemade pizza for under $10:

Ingredients:

• Pre-made pizza crust: $2.50
• Jar of pizza sauce: $1.50
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: $2.50
• Toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, etc.): $3.00

Total: $9.50

Recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the pizza crust package.
2. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the crust.
3. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
4. Add your favorite toppings. Use whatever you have on hand to save money.
5. Bake the pizza according to the crust package instructions, usually about 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Making your own pizza is fun and allows you to customize it to your family’s tastes. Plus, it’s much cheaper than ordering out!

6. Lentil Soup

Lentils are cheap and packed with nutrients. A simple lentil soup can be made with lentils, carrots, celery, onions, and some basic spices. Add a can of diced tomatoes and a splash of vinegar for extra flavor. This soup is hearty and can be made in large batches for leftovers. Here’s a simple lentil soup recipe:

Ingredients:

• Lentils: $1.50
• Carrots: $1.00
• Celery: $1.00
• Onion: $0.50
• Can of diced tomatoes: $1.00
• Vegetable broth: $2.00
• Spices (salt, pepper, cumin): $0.50

Total: $7.50

Recipe:

1. Rinse 1 cup of lentils and set aside.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Chop the carrots, celery, and onion, and add them to the pot. Cook until they start to soften.
4. Add the lentils, can of diced tomatoes, and 4 cups of vegetable broth to the pot.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of cumin.
6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
7. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad if desired.

This lentil soup is hearty and perfect for a cold day. It’s also easy to make in large batches for leftovers.

7. Cheap Family Meal Under $10: Baked Potatoes with Toppings

Baked potatoes are incredibly versatile. Bake a few large potatoes and set out a variety of toppings. Cheese, sour cream, chives, bacon bits, and even chili can turn a simple baked potato into a filling meal. It’s also a fun way for everyone to customize their dinner. Here’s how to make a baked potato bar for under $10:

Ingredients:

• Large potatoes (4): $3.00
• Shredded cheese: $2.50
• Sour cream: $1.50
• Green onions: $1.00
• Bacon bits: $2.00

Total: $10.00

Recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and dry the potatoes. Prick them a few times with a fork.
3. Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack for about 1 hour, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
4. While the potatoes are baking, prepare your toppings. Grate the cheese, chop the green onions, and cook the bacon bits if necessary.
5. Once the potatoes are done, let them cool slightly before cutting them open.
6. Set up a topping bar with the cheese, sour cream, green onions, and bacon bits.
7. Let everyone customize their own baked potato with their favorite toppings.

This meal is fun and interactive, allowing everyone to make their own perfect potato.

8. Tuna Casserole

Tuna casserole is a retro classic that’s still a budget-friendly favorite. Combine canned tuna with cooked noodles, a can of cream of mushroom soup, and some peas. Top with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a bit of crunch. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• Canned tuna: $2.00
• Egg noodles: $1.50
• Can of cream of mushroom soup: $1.25
• Frozen peas: $1.00
• Shredded cheese: $2.50
• Breadcrumbs: $0.75

Total: $9.00

Recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook 3 cups of egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, 2 cans of tuna (drained), 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of frozen peas, and 1 cup of shredded cheese.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
5. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
6. Bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

This tuna casserole is creamy, cheesy, and sure to be a hit with the whole family.

9. Pancakes and Eggs: Cheap Family Meal Under $10

Breakfast for dinner is always a hit. Pancakes are cheap to make and can be paired with scrambled eggs for a bit of protein. Add some fruit or a side of bacon if your budget allows. It’s a fun way to mix up your dinner routine without spending a lot of money. Here’s how to make a budget-friendly breakfast feast:

Ingredients:

• Pancake mix: $2.00
• Eggs (dozen): $2.00
• Milk: $1.50
• Butter: $1.00
• Syrup: $2.50

Total: $9.00

Recipe:

1. Prepare the pancake mix according to package instructions, using the milk and eggs.
2. Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter.
3. Pour the pancake batter onto the griddle, forming small circles. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
4. While the pancakes are cooking, scramble the remaining eggs in a separate pan.
5. Serve the pancakes with butter and syrup, and the scrambled eggs on the side.

This cheap family meal under $10 is fun and easy to make. Plus, it’s always a treat to have breakfast for dinner.

10. Chili

Chili is a great way to use inexpensive ingredients to make a big batch of food. Ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices come together in a pot for a warm, comforting meal. Serve with cornbread or over rice to make it even more filling. Here’s a simple chili recipe:

Ingredients:

• Ground beef (1/2 lb): $3.50
• Onion: $0.50
• Garlic (3 cloves): $0.25
• Can of kidney beans: $1.00
• Can of black beans: $1.00
• Can of diced tomatoes: $1.00
• Chili powder: $0.50
• Salt and pepper: $0.25

Total: $8.00

Recipe:

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until they’re soft.
3. Add the can of kidney beans, can of black beans, and can of diced tomatoes (with their juices).
4. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chili powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese or sour cream if desired.

This chili is hearty, filling, and perfect for a cold evening. It’s also great for leftovers or freezing for later.

11. Egg Fried Rice

Leftover rice is perfect for making fried rice. Add scrambled eggs, some frozen peas and carrots, and a bit of soy sauce. It’s quick, easy, and a great way to use up leftovers while creating a delicious meal. Here’s a quick and easy recipe for a cheap family meal under $10:

Ingredients:

• Cooked rice: $1.00
• Eggs (6): $1.00
• Frozen peas and carrots: $1.00
• Soy sauce: $0.50
• Green onions: $1.00
• Sesame oil: $0.50

Total: $5.00

Recipe:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the frozen peas and carrots and cook until they’re heated through.
3. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and crack the eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until they’re cooked, then mix them with the vegetables.
4. Add the cooked rice to the pan and stir to combine.
5. Pour in 2-3 tablespoons of soy sauce and stir until the rice is evenly coated.
6. Chop the green onions and sprinkle them over the fried rice before serving.

This egg fried rice is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for using up leftovers.

12. Macaroni and Cheese

Homemade macaroni and cheese is a step up from the boxed kind and doesn’t cost much more. Use elbow macaroni, a simple cheese sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheese. You can add a bit of cooked ham or bacon if you have some on hand. To make it, follow these steps:

Ingredients:

• Elbow macaroni: $1.50
• Butter: $1.00
• Flour: $0.50
• Milk: $1.50
• Shredded cheese: $3.50
• Salt and pepper: $0.25

Total: $8.25

Recipe:

1. Cook 2 cups of elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and stir to form a roux. Cook for about 1 minute.
4. Gradually add 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
5. Cook until the mixture thickens, then stir in 2 cups of shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat.
8. Serve hot, topped with a bit of extra cheese if desired.

This mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and sure to be a hit with the whole family.

13. Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are a nostalgic favorite that’s also budget-friendly. Ground beef or turkey mixed with tomato sauce, a bit of brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce makes a tasty filling. Serve on hamburger buns with a side of chips or carrot sticks. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

• Ground beef (1/2 lb): $3.50
• Onion: $0.50
• Garlic (2 cloves): $0.25
• Ketchup: $1.00
• Brown sugar: $0.25
• Mustard: $0.25
• Worcestershire sauce: $0.50
• Hamburger buns: $2.00

Total: $8.25

Recipe:

1. Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and cook until they’re soft.
3. Stir in 1/2 cup of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of mustard, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
4. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve the sloppy joe mixture on hamburger buns.

These sloppy joes are messy, delicious, and sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

14. Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie is a comforting dish that uses inexpensive ingredients. Ground beef, mixed vegetables, and a gravy or sauce layer are topped with mashed potatoes. Bake until golden brown, and you’ve got a complete meal in one dish. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• Ground beef (1/2 lb): $3.50
• Onion: $0.50
• Carrots: $1.00
• Peas: $1.00
• Beef broth: $1.00
• Mashed potatoes (instant or homemade): $2.00

Total: $9.00

Recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the chopped onion and carrots to the pan and cook until they start to soften.
4. Stir in 1 cup of beef broth and 1 cup of peas. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Spread the beef mixture into the bottom of a greased casserole dish.
6. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading them evenly over the beef mixture.
7. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

This shepherd’s pie is hearty and perfect for a family dinner.

15. Chicken Tacos

Chicken tacos can be made cheaply using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Season with taco seasoning and cook in a skillet. Serve with tortillas, shredded lettuce, cheese, and salsa. It’s a fun, interactive meal that everyone can customize. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs (1 lb): $3.00
• Taco seasoning: $0.75
• Tortillas: $2.00
• Shredded lettuce: $1.50
• Shredded cheese: $2.50

Total: $9.75

Recipe:

1. Season the chicken thighs with taco seasoning.
2. Heat a large pan over medium heat and cook the chicken thighs until they’re cooked through.
3. Let the chicken cool slightly before shredding it with two forks.
4. Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet.
5. Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken, lettuce, and cheese.
6. Serve with salsa or any other desired toppings.

These chicken tacos are a fun, interactive meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Eating well on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or nutrition. These cheap family meals under $10 are proof that you can feed your family delicious, satisfying meals without spending a fortune. With a little creativity and some smart shopping, you can enjoy a variety of meals that everyone will love.