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With grocery prices that seem to go higher every day, it may seem challenging to feed your family reasonably balanced meals without killing the budget. Despite this, cooking healthy meals for a family on a budget can easily be done with some forethought and creativity. In addition to 20 easy family meals under $10, I will share my meal planning tips, tricks, and answered commonly asked questions below.

Advantages of Cheap Family Meals Cooked at Home

Financial Savings:

The cost of eating out is much more costly compared to cooking at home. Cooking with cheap ingredients can save you tons of money for your family.

Nutritional Control:

Using home-cooked meals allows you to handle what goes in and just how much of every food group, which makes for healthier minds in your loved ones.

More Family Time:

Cooking as a group can bring families together. Plus, it is a great time to start teaching kids some awesome cooking skills.

Waste Reduction:

Meal planning helps you save money and reduce food waste, as it promotes environmental sustainability.

Some Advice for Cheap Grocery Shopping

Make a Meal Plan:

Plan what you will eat for the whole week according to what you already have and what is on sale. It will help you make a more purposeful shopping list and cut down on impulse purchases.

Shop by season:

Items in-season are usually cheaper and tastier. Find your local farmer’s markets or sales on seasonal groceries.

Buy Bulk:

Items like rice, pasta, beans, and spices can quickly add up if you buy only 4 or 5 each week, but it is cheaper to buy more than you need that same week.

Opt for Store Brands:

Identical quality, lower price—generic/store brands really do typically taste just the same!

Reduce processed foods:

Processed foods are typically more costly and less nutritious than whole foods. Focus on fresh fruits, grains, and proteins.

20 Cheap Family Meals under $10

Check out this list of 20 inexpensive, wholesome family meals you can make for under $10—your family will eat well without blowing the budget.

1. One-pot Vegetable Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz. pasta ($1)
  • 2 cups mixed fresh or frozen vegetables ($2)
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil ($0.50)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth ($1)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste ($0.10)

Grand Total: about $4.60

Instructions:

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté with mixed vegetables for 5 minutes.
  • Add the pasta and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil and then simmer until the pasta is ready.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste before serving.

2. Chicken Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

  • Chicken, 1 lb. sliced ($5)
  • 2 cups frozen stir-fry vegetables ($2)
  • $0.50 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil—$0.020
  • 2 cups cooked rice ($1)

Grand Total: Around $8.70

Instructions:

  • Heat oil in a pan. Stir in the chicken and brown.
  • Then add vegetables and stir fry for 5-7 minutes. Stir in soy sauce.
  • Serve over cooked rice.

3. Bean and Cheese Quesadillas

Ingredients:

  • 4 tortillas ($1)
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained ($1)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese ($2)
  • Salsa for dipping ($1)

Grand Total: Approximately $5

Instructions:

  • Lay the tortillas flat, spread half of each with black beans, and cover with cheese.
  • Place tortillas in half and cook in a skillet until cheese has melted.
  • Serve with salsa.

4. Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup lentils ($1)
  • 1 onion, chopped ($0.50)
  • 2 carrots, diced ($0.50)
  • Celery: $0.50 2 stalks, diced
  • 4 c. vegetable broth ($1.50).
  • Salt and Pepper ($0.10)

Grand Total: Around $3.60

Instructions:

  • Place the onion, carrots, and celery in a pot and sauté until soft.
  • Add lentils, broth, salt, and pepper. Pour in boiling water and bring to a simmer until the lentils have softened.

5. Tuna Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz. pasta ($1)
  • 1 can tuna, drained ($1)
  • 1 cup frozen peas ($1)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise ($1)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste ($0.10)

Grand Total: About $4.20

Instructions:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
  • Combine pasta, tuna, peas, mayo, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Chill before serving.

6. Veggie Fried Rice

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked rice ($1)
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables ($2)
  • 2 eggs ($0.40)
  • 1 x soy sauce ($0.50)
  • 1 tablespoon . vegetable oil ($0.20)

Grand Total: Approximately $4.10

Instructions:

  • Heat oil in a pan. Scramble eggs and set aside.
  • Add vegetables and stir fry. 5 minutes Stir in rice, soy sauce, and scrambled eggs.
  • Mix well and serve.

7. Homemade Pizza

Ingredients:

  • 1 pre-made pizza crust ($2)
  • 1 cup pizza sauce ($1)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese ($2)
  • The toppings you want (pepperoni, veggies) ($2-$3)

Grand Total: $7-$8

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to the temperature of what your crust sets it to.
  • Slightly spoon sauce over crust. Top with cheese and any toppings of your choice.
  • Follow packet instructions and bake until the cheese bubbles.

8. Chili con Carne

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. ground beef ($5)
  • 1 can kidney beans ($1)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes ($1)
  • 1 onion, diced ($0.50)
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder ($0.20)

Total Cost: around $8.70

Instructions:

  • Brown ground beef in a pot and drain fat. Put onion and sauté until soft.
  • Add in beans, tomatoes, and chili powder; simmer for 30 minutes.

9. Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken ($3)
  • 1 cup rice ($1)
  • 2 cups chicken broth ($1)
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables ($2)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese ($2)

Grand Total: Approximately $9

Instructions:

  • Heat the oven to 375°F.
  • In a baking dish, mix the chicken, rice, broth, and vegetables. Top with cheese.
  • Cover and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

10. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz. spaghetti ($1)
  • Optional: 4 cloves garlic, minced ($0.40)
  • ½ cup olive oil ($1)
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (divided) ($0.10)
  • Parsley for garnish (optional) ($0.40)

Grand Total: Around $2.80

Instructions:

  • Cook spaghetti in accordance with packing instructions.
  • In a pan, fry the garlic in olive oil till browned. Add red pepper flakes.
  • Coat the spaghetti in the garlic oil and sprinkle with parsley.

11. Vegetable Tacos

Ingredients:

  • 8 corn tortillas ($2)
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables ($2)
  • 1 avocado, diced ($1)
  • ½ cup salsa ($1)

Grand Total: Approximately $6

Instructions:

  • Sauté your vegetables until they are tender.
  • Serve in tortillas with veggies, avocado, and some salsa.

12. Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. ground beef ($5)
  • 1 cup ketchup ($1)
  • 1 tablespoon mustard ($0.10)
  • 4 hamburger buns ($1)
  • 1 onion, diced ($0.50)

Grand Total: $7.60

Instructions:

  • Cook and stir ground beef in a large skillet using medium-high heat until crumbly and browned—5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard any grease. Saute onion until tender.
  • Add ketchup and mustard; simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Serve on hamburger buns.

13. Egg and Vegetable Frittata

Ingredients:

  • 6 eggs ($1.50)
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables ($2)
  • ½ cup milk ($0.50)
  • Seasoning (salt and pepper) ($0.10)
  • Cheese (optional) ($1)

Grand Total: About $5.10

Instructions:

  • Bake at 350°F (175°C).
  • Thoroughly whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir in vegetables.
  • Grease a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until firm.

14. Sweet Potato Black Bean Burritos

Ingredients:

  • Sweet potatoes ($2) 2
  • 1 can black beans ($1)
  • 4 tortillas ($1)
  • 1 cup salsa ($1)
  • 1 cup cheese (optional) ($2)

Grand Total: Approximately $7

Instructions:

  • Black beans (combined with mashed sweet potato)
  • Fill tortillas with either of the mixtures and garnish them with salsa and cheese (if desired), so on. Roll and serve.

15. Vegetable Curry

Ingredients:

  • 1 can coconut milk ($2)
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables ($2)
  • 1 Tbsp. Curry Powder ($0.20)
  • 1 cup rice ($1)
  • Salt to taste ($0.10)

Grand Total: $5.30

Instructions:

  • Put the coconut milk, vegetables, curry powder, and salt in a pot. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Serve over cooked rice.

16. Baked Ziti

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz ziti pasta ($1)
  • 1 jar marinara sauce ($2)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese ($2)
  • Mozzarella cheese, 1 cup shredded, $2

Grand Total: Approximately $7

Instructions:

  • Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare ziti according to package instructions.
  • Layer the pasta, marinara sauce, and ricotta in a large baking dish. Top with mozzarella.
  • Cook for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

17. Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken thighs ($5)
  • 4 cups chicken broth ($1)
  • 1 cup egg noodles ($1)
  • 2 carrots, sliced ($0.50)
  • 2 Celery Stalks (diced) $0.50

Grand Total: About $8.00

Instructions:

  • Put chicken, broth, carrots, and celery in one pot. Bring to a boil.
  • Add in noodles and boil until they are soft. Take out the chicken, shred, and return to the pot.

18. Macaroni and Cheese with Broccoli

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz. macaroni ($1)
  • 1 cup cheese ($2)
  • 2 cups broccoli ($2)
  • 1 cup milk ($0.50)
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper ($0.01).

Grand Total: $5.60

Instructions:

  • Prepare macaroni according to package directions. Steam broccoli.
  • Next, in a pot, combine the cooked macaroni and cheese with milk and some broccoli. Stir until cheese melts.

19. Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

  • 4 bell peppers ($2)
  • 1 cup cooked rice ($1)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes ($1)
  • 1 lb. ground beef ($5)

Grand Total: Around $9.00

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F/190°C. Remove tops from peppers and seeds.
  • Mix cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and some ground beef in a bowl. Stuff mixture into peppers.
  • Bake for 30 minutes in a baking dish full of stuffed peppers.

20. Homemade Vegetable Sushi

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups sushi rice ($2)
  • 1 avocado, sliced ($1)
  • 1 cucumber, julienned ($0.50)
  • 4 sheets nori ($2)
  • Soy sauce for dipping ($1)

Grand Total: Around $6.50

Instructions:

  • Cook your sushi rice according to the package and let cool.
  • Place a thin layer of rice, then cucumber and avocado on a nori sheet. Tightly roll.
  • Cut and serve with soy sauce.

FAQs about Cheap Family Meals Under $10

What are some other dinner ideas under $10?

These cheap meals work well too.

  • Twice-baked potatoes with cheese and broccoli.
  • Breakfast: oatmeal with fruit and nuts.
  • Spring vegetable pasta primavera

What can I do in order to improve meal prep?

There are a couple of different strategies you can implement to make meal prep easier:

  • Prep ingredients in advance (slice vegetables, season proteins).
  • Cook meals in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
  • Clear containers are utilized for meal prep.

What pantry staples should I always have on hand?

Base pantry ingredients:

  • Grains (rice, pasta, quinoa)
  • Canned goods: beans, tomatoes, broth
  • Cooking oils and vinegars
  • Spices and herbs
  • Dried fruits and nuts

Can leftovers be used in new meals?

Absolutely! You can use leftovers creatively:

  • Wrap up all that meat and stick it in a salad, sandwich, or stir-fry.
  • Add leftover cut-up vegetables to omelets or frittatas.
  • Puree leftover soup with a few crushed garlic cloves for some into pasta sauce.

Conclusion

With a little planning and creativity, it’s very possible to feed your family healthy and filling meals on a budget. The 20 cheap family meals under $10 described in this article provide tasty low-cost selections that are simple to make. Including these recipes in your meal plans will allow you to feed your family. Get busy in the kitchen, and let your family enjoy these economical dishes.