Grocery prices have gone up so much, and I’m finding myself spending more than I want to on my monthly grocery budget. When I’ve made my way through my monthly grocery budget, I whip out my favorite cheap family meals under $10 to get us through the month.
Eating affordably doesn’t have to be boring! These cheap family meals under $10 are extremely budget-friendly and packed with flavor. These are my top 10 favorite affordable meals to feed my family of 4. Watch me make these cheap meals on my Youtube channel!
10 Cheap Family Meals Under $10
Spanish Rice Soup
Spanish Rice Soup
This Spanish Rice Soup is one of my most affordable recipes, costing just over three dollars. With a couple extra dollars you can grab toppings like sour cream, cheese, avocado, lime, or fresh herbs!
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
We all think to grab ramen noodles when our wallets are getting thinner, but I bet you haven’t prepared them like this. Ramen Noodle Stir Fry is so flavorful and delicious and it won’t remind you of your college meals!
Ingredients and Cost
Stir-Fry Vegetables: $2.48
3 Packages Ramen Noodles: $1.08 each
Total: $3.56
Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole
Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole
This is one of my favorite budget recipes because it doesn’t taste like a cheap recipe at all. It tastes like something you’d eat at Sunday brunch!
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 you’re on a budget, you might be tempted to cut meat totally out of the picture, but you can totally eat meat and save money! Chicken casseroles using canned chicken are a great way to keep meals high volume but 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
Pasta is one of my favorite meals ever, and this Creamy Tomato Bacon pasta is so cheap but tastes like it came from a restaurant!
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
You might not think of manicotti as a cheap meal, but my Easy Cheese Manicotti is one of my favorite budget-friendly meals. I keep this one vegetarian to keep costs down.
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 cheaply does not have to mean eating poorly. I make sure that all of my meals are nutrient-dense, including this White Bean and Spinach Soup!
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 amazing cheap protein and fiber source. They’re so affordable and so filling!
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 cheap and easy way to beef up any dish. I love throwing them in spaghetti sauce. It tastes just like normal spaghetti, only heartier. My kids love this one.
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 cheap and easy meal to make. I make this one with a red beans and rice mix and it ends up being so cheap and affordable.
Ingredients and Cost
Kielbasa Sausage: $3.46
Zatarain’s Red Beans and Rice Mix: $2.52
Total: $5.98
Make These Cheap Family Meals!
I hope these budget-friendly meals help you feed your family. If you’d like to watch me make these recipes, you can check out those videos here and here.
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
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14 Comments
Tiffany
September 6, 2024 at 12:55 am ·Reply
I’ve been looking for affordable recipes and these are fantastic. I’ve made several on the 10 under $10 and they are so flavorful. My favorite is the Spanish Rice Soup! It is so yummy!
Elizabeth
August 13, 2024 at 9:38 pm ·Reply
Her prices are correct…she shops Walmart, great value.
Alexandra
August 4, 2024 at 6:08 am ·Reply
Thank you so much for taking the time to show us these recipes! Much appreciated!
Karen co*ker
July 15, 2024 at 7:02 pm ·Reply
I need this!
Bryan
July 15, 2024 at 8:11 am ·Reply
I guess u haven’t shop lately. Add almost $1 to everything
Toni
August 19, 2024 at 9:11 pm ·Reply
At least a dollar. Most things are more than that! Even at Walmart.
Obsa
June 28, 2024 at 10:01 pm ·Reply
Thank you very much
Sarah R
May 29, 2024 at 10:03 am ·Reply
We’re trying a few of these meals this upcoming two weeks. Love how easy and budget friendly your meal plans have been. You are a lifesaver!
January 30, 2024 at 12:37 am ·Reply
I in love with this website! Your choice of meals are affordable and great. I do pray you’ll publish a book some day as this would help so many people. Especially with how expensive things are nowadays.🙏
Laurie
November 26, 2023 at 9:17 am ·Reply
Just got your cookbook. I love it. All of the photos are great. I can’t wait to try all of the desserts.
Amanda
July 30, 2023 at 5:22 am ·Reply
Great recipes thanks so much
July 28, 2023 at 11:22 pm ·Reply
I love your recipes but the prices for food you have listed are way off …like 5 – 10 years off. 68 cents for soup?????? Its over 2.00 a can now
Camille
May 23, 2023 at 5:53 am ·Reply
These look delish!
Codi Smith
April 5, 2023 at 8:26 am ·Reply
I absolutely love your meals and menus! They help so much especially when I’m in a rut!
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