Grocery costs are rising, and sticking to a budget can be challenging. If you’re looking for ways to save money without sacrificing delicious meals, you’ve come to the right place. I understand the struggle of wanting to feed your family well without breaking the bank. That’s why I’m sharing my top 10 favorite Food Recipes Cheap that are perfect for families and cost under $10!
Eating affordably doesn’t mean compromising on flavor or satisfaction. These cheap family meals are incredibly budget-friendly, packed with taste, and easy to make. These are my go-to recipes when I need to stretch my grocery budget and still put wholesome food on the table for my family of four. Get ready to discover how to make delicious and cheap food recipes a regular part of your meal plan!
A close up shot of Spanish Rice Soup in a white bowl with a spoon, garnished with cilantro.
1. Spanish Rice Soup – A Flavorful & Cheap Food Recipe
This Spanish Rice Soup is not only incredibly flavorful but also one of my most affordable recipes. It comes in at just over three dollars, making it a fantastic option when you are looking for food recipes cheap. For a few extra dollars, you can elevate this simple soup with toppings like sour cream, cheese, avocado, a squeeze of lime, or fresh herbs to make it even more satisfying.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost:
- Frozen Onions and Peppers: $1.38
- Black Beans: $0.78
- Canned Corn: $0.50
- Knorr Rice Sides Spanish Rice: $1.26
- Total Estimated Cost: $3.92
2. Ramen Noodle Stir Fry with Vegetables – Elevating Cheap Food Recipes
Ramen noodles are a go-to for many when trying to save money, but this Ramen Noodle Stir Fry is far from your typical college dorm meal. This recipe transforms humble ramen into a flavorful and delicious stir fry that’s both satisfying and incredibly cheap food recipe. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a tasty and economical meal packed with vegetables.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost:
- Stir-Fry Vegetables (Frozen Mix): $2.48
- 3 Packages Ramen Noodles: $1.08 each
- Total Estimated Cost: $3.56
3. Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole – Budget-Friendly Brunch Recipe
This Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole is a favorite of mine because it tastes far more indulgent than its price tag suggests. It’s a perfect example of how cheap food recipes can still feel special. This casserole is so good, it could easily be served at a Sunday brunch, proving that delicious and affordable can go hand-in-hand.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost:
- Crescent Rolls: $1.98
- 1/2 Package Sausage: $1.38
- 6 Eggs: $2.44
- Total Estimated Cost: $5.80
4. Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli – Economical Comfort Food
When budgeting, meat might seem like the first thing to cut, but with smart cheap food recipes like this Chicken and Rice Casserole, you can still enjoy meat without overspending. Using canned chicken is a brilliant way to keep this casserole high in volume and protein, yet incredibly low in cost. It’s a comforting and cheap family meal that doesn’t skimp on satisfaction.
Ingredients and Estimated 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 Estimated Cost: $4.82
5. Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta – Restaurant-Quality Cheap Eats
Pasta is a versatile and budget-friendly staple, and this Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta is a testament to how cheap food recipes can be incredibly delicious. This dish is so rich and flavorful, it tastes like it came straight from a restaurant, proving you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy a gourmet-feeling meal at home.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost:
- Pasta: $0.98
- Diced Tomatoes: $0.88
- Alfredo Sauce: $1.74
- Bacon Bits: $1.70
- Total Estimated Cost: $5.30
6. Easy Cheese Manicotti – Surprisingly Affordable Italian
Manicotti might not immediately come to mind as a cheap family meal, but this Easy Cheese Manicotti recipe is surprisingly budget-friendly. By keeping it vegetarian, this recipe keeps costs down while delivering all the comforting flavors of classic Italian cuisine. It’s a perfect example of how to make cheap food recipes exciting and diverse.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost:
- Manicotti Pasta: $1.68
- Pasta Sauce: $1.18
- Ricotta Cheese $2.48
- Mozzarella Cheese: $1.00
- Total Estimated Cost: $6.34
7. White Bean and Spinach Soup – Nutritious and Economical Soup
Eating on a budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing nutrition. This White Bean and Spinach Soup proves that cheap food recipes can be both healthy and satisfying. I prioritize nutrient-dense ingredients in all my cheap family meals, and this soup is no exception. It’s packed with goodness and flavor, all while being incredibly economical.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost:
- Onion: $0.55
- Cannellini Beans: $0.78
- Diced Tomatoes: $1.36
- Frozen Spinach: $1.12
- Total Estimated Cost: $3.81
8. Black Bean Enchilada Casserole – Protein-Packed Budget Recipe
Beans are a fantastic source of cheap protein and fiber, making them a staple in many cheap food recipes. This Black Bean Enchilada Casserole highlights just how affordable and filling beans can be. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for families looking for budget-friendly options without compromising on nutrition or taste.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost:
- Pinto Beans: $0.78
- Black Beans: $0.78
- Canned Corn: $0.50
- Enchilada Sauce $1.54
- Corn Tortillas: $1.98
- Total Estimated Cost: $5.58
9. Lentil Spaghetti – Hearty and Cheap Family Dinner Idea
Lentils are an incredibly cheap and versatile ingredient that can easily boost the nutritional value and heartiness of any dish. In this Lentil Spaghetti recipe, lentils are added to spaghetti sauce to create a meal that tastes just like classic spaghetti but is even more filling and nutritious. It’s a kid-friendly and cheap family meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost:
- Lentils: $1.34
- Pasta Sauce: $1.18
- Spaghetti: $0.98
- Frozen Zucchini and Squash: $1.92
- Total Estimated Cost: $5.42
10. Easy Red Beans and Rice – Simple & Affordable Comfort Food
Red Beans and Rice is a classic dish that’s naturally cheap food recipe and easy to make. This recipe uses a red beans and rice mix to simplify the process even further, resulting in a meal that’s incredibly affordable and satisfying. It’s a comforting and flavorful option when you need a cheap family meal that’s quick to prepare.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost:
- Kielbasa Sausage: $3.46
- Zatarain’s Red Beans and Rice Mix: $2.52
- Total Estimated Cost: $5.98
Start Cooking These Cheap Family Meals Today!
I hope these budget-friendly meal ideas inspire you to create delicious and affordable meals for your family. Feeding your family well on a budget is absolutely achievable, and these food recipes cheap are a great starting point. For visual step-by-step instructions, be sure to check out my recipe videos here and here. Happy cooking!
