Grocery shopping has become increasingly expensive, and like many, I’ve noticed my grocery bills climbing higher each month. It can be challenging to stick to a budget when food costs are constantly rising. That’s why I rely on my go-to list of Cheap Food Dinner recipes, all costing under $10, to keep my family fed without breaking the bank.
Eating on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or enjoyment! These cheap food dinner ideas under $10 are proof that you can have delicious, satisfying meals without spending a fortune. These are my top 10 favorite affordable meals, perfect for feeding a family of four. You can even watch me prepare these budget-friendly dinners on my Youtube channel!
10 Cheap Food Dinner Recipes Under $10
Spanish Rice Soup
Spanish Rice Soup
This Spanish Rice Soup is a winner when it comes to affordability and taste. It’s one of my cheapest recipes, typically costing just over three dollars to make. This soup is incredibly versatile and a fantastic base for customization. For just a little extra, you can elevate it with toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, creamy avocado, a squeeze of lime, or fresh herbs. It’s a comforting and flavorful cheap food dinner that everyone will love.
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 cheap food staple, especially when you’re trying to save money. But this isn’t your average college ramen meal! This Ramen Noodle Stir Fry recipe transforms humble ramen into a flavorful and satisfying dinner. It’s a quick, easy, and surprisingly delicious way to enjoy ramen, packed with vegetables and flavor that will make you forget about those basic dorm room days. This is a cheap food dinner that’s both nostalgic and elevated.
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 Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole is proof that cheap food dinners can be incredibly impressive. It’s one of my favorite budget recipes because it tastes far more decadent than its price tag suggests. This casserole has a rich, savory flavor profile that reminds me of a fancy Sunday brunch dish. The flaky crescent rolls, savory sausage, and fluffy eggs create a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s a cheap food dinner that feels special without the high cost.
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 tight budget, it’s easy to think you need to cut meat out completely. However, this Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli proves that you can still enjoy meat while keeping your meals affordable. Using canned chicken is a smart way to keep protein in your diet without spending a lot. Chicken casseroles are fantastic for creating high-volume meals that are also low in cost. This casserole is a comforting classic that’s both budget-friendly and satisfying, making it a perfect cheap food dinner for families.
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 a go-to cheap food dinner for many, and it’s definitely one of my all-time favorite comfort foods. This Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta recipe takes simple pasta to another level. It’s incredibly cheap to make, yet it tastes like it could come straight from a restaurant kitchen. The creamy tomato sauce combined with the salty bacon bits creates a rich and flavorful dish that’s both easy and affordable. This recipe proves that you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy a restaurant-quality pasta dinner at home.
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 sound fancy, but this Easy Cheese Manicotti recipe is surprisingly budget-friendly. It’s one of my favorite cheap food dinner options because it’s both satisfying and economical. To keep costs down, this version is vegetarian, relying on a delicious blend of cheeses for flavor and substance. It’s a comforting and cheesy Italian-inspired meal that proves you can enjoy classic dishes even when you’re watching your spending.
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 cheap food dinners doesn’t have to mean sacrificing nutrition. I always make sure my budget meals are packed with nutrients, and this White Bean and Spinach Soup is a perfect example. It’s a hearty and healthy soup that’s loaded with fiber and vitamins from the beans and spinach. This soup is not only affordable but also a great way to incorporate more plant-based protein and vegetables into your diet. It’s a cheap food dinner that’s good for both your wallet and your well-being.
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 a budget superstar! They are an incredible source of cheap protein and fiber, making them a fantastic ingredient for affordable meals. They are not only economical but also incredibly filling. This Black Bean Enchilada Casserole uses the power of beans to create a hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish. It’s layered with corn tortillas, enchilada sauce, and plenty of cheesy goodness, resulting in a comforting and satisfying cheap food dinner that’s packed with flavor and texture.
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 another budget-friendly powerhouse ingredient. They are a cheap and easy way to add substance and nutrition to any dish. I love adding them to spaghetti sauce because they blend seamlessly and add a wonderful heartiness. This Lentil Spaghetti tastes just like classic spaghetti but with an extra boost of protein and fiber from the lentils. Even my kids love this dish, and they don’t even realize it’s packed with lentils! It’s a sneaky way to make a cheap food dinner healthier and more filling.
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 cheap food dinner for a reason. It’s incredibly easy and affordable to make, especially when you use a red beans and rice mix as a base. This recipe utilizes a mix to simplify the process while still delivering fantastic flavor. The addition of kielbasa sausage elevates the dish, making it a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a budget-friendly dinner. It’s a flavorful and comforting dish that proves cheap food dinners can be incredibly delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients and Cost
- Kielbasa Sausage: $3.46
- Zatarain’s Red Beans and Rice Mix: $2.52
Total: $5.98
Make These Cheap Food Dinners Tonight!
I hope these budget-friendly meal ideas help you feed your family without overspending. These cheap food dinner recipes are not only easy on the wallet but also packed with flavor and satisfaction. If you’re interested in seeing how I make these recipes, you can watch the step-by-step videos here and here. Enjoy cooking and saving!
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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Julia Pacheco
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