Feeding your family on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or variety—especially with food prices on the rise! We’re sharing cheap family meals under $10 that are both inexpensive and downright delicious. These dinner meals under $10 will satisfy your taste buds and your wallet. Best of all, we’ve researched the costs for you, proving that great meals don’t have to cost a fortune!
We all know that food prices are rising, making it harder to stretch a grocery budget. But don’t worry—this list of cheap meals under $10 will help you save money without compromising taste or nutrition. By using pantry staples, seasonal ingredients, and affordable proteins like chicken, beans, and pork, you can create delicious, hearty meals without overspending.
These cheap family meals under $10 are not only budget-friendly but also quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Many of these meals are versatile, allowing you to customize them based on what’s in your fridge or pantry. We encourage you to do a quick pantry and fridge check before shopping—swap out vegetables for what you already have, and use canned goods or frozen items to maximize savings. The goal is simple: great meals for less!
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
Stretch your budget by buying proteins like chicken and pork in bulk and freezing portions for later use. Incorporate inexpensive ingredients like beans, rice, and pasta to create hearty meals. For added savings, plan your menu around sales at your local grocery store.
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Cheap Meals Under $10 Featuring Chicken
Chicken meals are a great option when you’re looking for something frugal, uncomplicated, and healthy. Not only is chicken a versatile ingredient, but it’s also relatively inexpensive. Here are some of our favorite chicken recipes to help you stretch your dollar.
1. Sheet Pan Boneless Chicken Thighs
Save money and time with this delicious recipe! With minimal prep and a quick bake time of under 30 minutes, this colorful meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Best of all, it’s packed with flavor and costs less than $6 to feed the whole family!
Ingredients and Cost:
- Chicken thighs – $1.77
- Potatoes – $1.77
- Carrots – $1.83
Total Cost: $5.37
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs
Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies – this quick and easy sheet pan dinner delivers on the “wow” factor. And, it is the ultimate in healthy, weeknight meals. Get the recipe here and make it tonight.
2. Smoked Chicken Thighs
This is the ultimate budget-friendly barbecue star! Juicy, flavorful, and tender, these simple-to-make thighs soak up all that smoky goodness without breaking the bank. Perfect for dinner meals under $10, they’re always a favorite and your wallet will thank you! Use leftovers from your fridge for a side or pair with a bagged salad and you’ve got yourself a complete meal.
Ingredients and Cost:
- Chicken thighs – $2.66
Total Cost: $2.66
Boneless Chicken Thighs on Smoker
Smoked Chicken Thighs are a savory, smoky meal perfect for a night in or to bring with you to your next family get-together.
3. Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken
Made in the Instant Pot with fresh or frozen chicken and a jar of salsa verde, it’s simple and flavorful. Serve it over rice or in tortillas for a delicious dinner idea that’s kind on your wallet and ready in no time.
Ingredients and Cost:
- Chicken thighs – $1.77
- Chicken breast – $2.67
- Salsa Verde – $2.19
Total Cost: $6.63
Instant Pot Chicken Verde
Instant pot chicken salsa verde is flavorful and tender and can be made into creamy chile verde easily. It's a weeknight favorite!
4. Baked Chicken Tenderloins
Tenderloins are both healthy and flavorful—no breadcrumbs or flour needed! Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a family meal. Pair with your favorite veggies for a delicious dinner idea that the whole family will love!
Ingredients and Cost:
- Chicken tenders – $5.91
Total Cost: $5.91
Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
Make healthy baked chicken tenders in the oven or air fryer with this easy chicken tenderloin recipe! Add green beans, bell pepper, broccoli, potatoes, or asparagus to make this an easy one-pan dinner.
5. Instant Pot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes
Affordable and packed with flavor—this recipe is the ultimate cost effective meal! With tender chicken, creamy cheese, and ranch seasoning, it’s a hearty dinner idea that won’t break the bank. Bonus: it’s ready in no time!
Ingredients and Cost:
- Chicken thighs – $1.77
- Baby potatoes – $3.68
- Chicken broth – $0.38
- Dry ranch dressing – $1.18
- Cream cheese – $0.48
Total Cost: $7.49
Instant Pot Creamy Ranch Chicken
Instant Pot creamy ranch chicken and potatoes is an easy family-friendly dinner made with cream cheese and ranch or Italian dressing mix.
6. Smoked Chicken Quarters
Perfect on their own or in other recipes, they’re an affordable delight for the whole family. Smoking the meat locks in the moisture of the dark meat while adding that irresistible smoky goodness.
Ingredients and Cost:
- Chicken leg quarters – $2.18
Total Cost: $2.18
Smoking Chicken Leg Quarters
Craving tender, smoky chicken? Discover the art of smoking chicken quarters to juicy perfection. Our step-by-step guide has you covered.
7. Panko Crusted Chicken
This crispy chicken recipe brings big flavor with a zesty citrus kick, a hint of heat, and a satisfying crunch. It’s cost effective dinner idea that’s ready to impress—for less than $10!
Ingredients and Cost:
- Chicken breast – $4.01
- Lemon – $0.50
- Italian seasoned panko – $1.04
Total Cost: $5.55
Lemon Pepper Panko Crusted Chicken
Try this 30-minute Lemon Pepper Panko Crusted Chicken recipe for a healthy, baked dinner. It’s delicious, easy, and perfect for any night!
8. Perfect Pan Seared Chicken Breast
This recipe is a total winner for low-cost family meals under $10! With just one skillet, 3 ingredients, and 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal everyone will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, this is one of the easiest meals you’ll make all week!
Ingredients and Cost:
- Chicken breast – $4.01
- Chicken stock – $0.19
Total Cost: $4.20
30-Minute Chicken and Gravy
Prepare juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts and creamy gravy in just 30 minutes with this easy chicken and gravy recipe!
9. Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders
This is one of the best cheap meal ideas for the week! Not only is it an inexpensive dinner, but it’s also a one-pan meal that makes cleanup a breeze. The whole family will love the flavors, and you’ll appreciate how simple and low cost it is to make.
Ingredients and Cost:
- Chicken tenders – $5.91
- BBQ sauce -$0.03
- Potatoes – $1.42
- Green beans – $1.18
Total Cost: $8.53
Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Tenders Dinner
Our baked BBQ chicken tenders dinner includes saucy strips with potatoes and veggies. Kids love this one pan chicken tenderloin recipe!
Enjoy the convenience of multiple recipes in one place? Check out Best Soup Recipes and 40 Finger Food Ideas for more great recipes.
Cheap Dinner Ideas for Casseroles
When it comes to cheap meals, casseroles are one of the best. You can make a big batch of these one-dish wonders and have enough to feed your family for days. Plus, they freeze well, so you can always have a quick meal on hand.
1. Beefy Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole
This Green Bean Casserole with Tater Tots recipe is the perfect example of an affordable meal that still packs a punch! With green beans, potatoes, and a savory hamburger base, it’s a hearty, budget-friendly option that the whole family will love.
Ingredients and Cost:
- Lean ground beef – $4.24
- Green beans – $1.36* swap to canned green beans to cut costs
- Condensed cream of mushroom – $0.47
- Cheddar cheese – $2.34
- Frozen Tater Tots – $1.56
Total Cost: $9.97
Beefy Green Bean Casserole with Tater Tots
This hearty, make-ahead Green Bean Casserole with Tater Tots and hamburger is delicious and easy to make, perfect for any occasion!
2. Easy One-Pot Beef Taco Casserole
Try this Walking Taco Casserole—a Tex-Mex twist on classic beef tacos that’s simple to make! Whether for Taco Tuesdays or just a simple family dinner, this casserole is a tasty family favorite. It’s a quick throw-together meal for the week that’s perfect for busy nights! Use whatever cheese you already have on hand in the fridge to get this recipe under that $10 mark.
Ingredients and Cost:
- Mild Ro-tel tomatoes – $1.50
- Lean ground beef – $4.24
- Colby Jack cheese – $2.34
- Fritos – $2.47
Total Cost: $10.55
Walking Taco Casserole
Beef Taco Casserole is an easy, one dish meal. It is beefy, crunchy, and cheesy. Make it tonight and any night is truly a Taco Tuesday kind of night.
3. Baked Rigatoni
This baked rigatoni with sausage comes together with just 5 ingredients. It’s filling, flavorful, and sure to satisfy everyone at the table. You can even make it ahead of time, saving you time on those busy weeknights.
Ingredients and Cost:
- Rigatoni Pasta – $.99
- Italian sausage – $3.57
- Marinara sauce – $1.74
- Mozzarella cheese – $2.34
- Parmesan cheese – $1.56
Total Cost: $10.20
Baked Rigatoni with Sausage
Baked rigatoni with sausage is a 5 ingredient, 30-minute recipe for a zesty, cheesy pasta casserole your family will love for dinner tonight!
Total Cost: $9.25
5. Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
For a low cost comfort casserole try this Chicken Tater Tot Casserole! Made with affordable ingredients like chicken tenderloins, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, and tater tots, this dish is a one-pan wonder. Perfect for busy nights, this casserole is not only delicious but also a great option for your weekly dinner ideas. Ready to serve in under an hour, it will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients and Cost:
- Chicken tenders – $3.94
- Cream of chicken soup – $0.48
- Broccoli – $0.67
- Shredded cheddar cheese – $2.34
- Frozen Tater Tots – $1.56
Total Cost: $8.99
Chicken Broccoli Tater Tot Casserole
Dinner sorted! Our cheesy chicken tater tot casserole is packed with flavor and takes just 40 minutes to make.
6. Smoked Macaroni Cheese
Smoked mac and cheese with bacon is the ultimate grown-up comfort food that won’t break the bank! This delicious dinner can double as a filling main dish or a yummy side to BBQ favorites like grilled turkey burgers, ribs, or pulled BBQ chicken sliders. Perfect for cheap family meals, this dish comes in at just over $10 because we are sure you have some of these ingredients already in your fridge or pantry.
Ingredients and Cost:
- Elbow macaroni – $1.00
- Butter – $0.35
- Half-and-half – $ 1.78
- Cream cheese – $0.96
- Sharp cheddar cheese – $3.51
- Gruyere cheese – $2.38
Total Cost: $9.98
Smoked Mac and Cheese with Bacon
Smoked Mac and Cheese with bacon is cheesy comfort food with smoky flavors. Make this pellet grill macaroni and cheese recipe for game day!
Here are some of our favorite budget casserole recipes to help you save money.
Easy Cheap Meals with Beans for Protein-Packed Dinners
If you’re looking for a super inexpensive meal option, look no further than beans! When it comes to super cheap meals, beans are hearty, healthy and they’re delicious.
There are many different ways to cook beans, so you’ll never get bored. Plus, they can be a great addition to other dishes like rice, quesadillas, and salads. Here are some of our favorite budget-friendly bean recipes for dinner.
1. Instant Pot Lima Beans and Ham
Transform basic ingredients into a comforting meal with this Instant Pot Lima Beans and Ham Soup. Packed with flavor from dried or frozen lima beans and ham, it’s a go-to for dinner time. Whether you’re looking for a low cost meal or a way to use up leftover holiday ham, this recipe makes it simple to create a hearty dinner that’s perfect for any night.
Ingredients and Cost:
- Dried lima beans – $2.08
- Precooked ham – $5.94
- Chicken broth – $1.14
Total Cost: $9.16
Dry Lima Beans Instant Pot
Cooking dinner gets so much easier with this savory, satisfying Instant Pot Lima Beans and Ham Soup recipe. Dried beans or frozen lima beans are tasty and budget-friendly, and a flavorful precooked ham makes this a real family dinner.
2. Instant Pot Pinto Beans
This bean recipe uses a no-soak method to cook dried beans with bacon, creating a dish that’s full of flavor and nutrients. Ideal for cheap family meals under $10, this recipe is a delicious way to feed the family without overspending.
Ingredients and Cost:
- Dried beans – $1.08
- Lime – $0.25
- Cilantro – $0.17
- Chicken broth – $1.14
- Bacon – $1.20
Total Cost: $3.84
Pinto Beans
Making Instant Pot Pinto Beans from dried beans is about as close to instant as it gets. You don’t even need to soak the beans before pressure cooking them. If you are like me, you have a few bags of dried beans in the pantry. Well, get them out and cook them tonight. You’re sure to thank me tomorrow.
3. Tuscan Bean Salad
This Italian Tuscan Bean Salad is a versatile meal idea that’s perfect for summer days. With the creamy texture of cannellini beans, the boldness of garlic, and the tang of red onions, it’s both satisfying and cost-effective. Whether you’re planning meals for the week or need a quick side dish for dinner, this salad is a flavorful solution.
Ingredients and Cost:
- Canned cannellini beans – $1.88
- Lemon – $0.25
- Cucumbers – $1.49
- Cherry tomatoes – $3.97
- Crumbled feta – $2.30
Total Cost: $9.89
Italian White Bean Salad
A delicious Italian Tuscan white bean salad is perfect for any season! This cannellini bean salad is packed with flavor and so easy to make.
4. Instant Pot White Beans
Instant Pot white beans are a versatile meal idea that’s perfect for families. High in fiber and protein, this recipe uses dried beans for maximum savings, ensuring a dinner that’s also delicious. The Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process, so no soaking is required, making it ideal for a busy night or meal prep for the week.
Ingredients and Cost:
- Dried white beans – $2.06
- Chicken broth – $1.14
Total Cost: $3.20
White Beans
These easy and no-soak Instant Pot White Beans recipe is a perfect alternative to store-bought canned beans using a pressure cooker!
5. Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup
This Instant Pot navy bean soup is a one-pot wonder that skips the soaking step for dried beans. This soup has big flavor and is a hearty comfort that makes for a family favorite on cold nights!
Ingredients and Cost:
- Dried navy beans – $1.34
- Chicken broth – $1.14
- Carrots – $1.83
- Celery – $1.88
Total Cost: $6.19
Navy Bean Soup
This Instant Pot navy bean soup recipe is a one-pot meal that's perfect anytime you need a tasty, richly flavored, budget-friendly dinner.
6. Slow Cooker Calico Beans
This bean dish combines a variety of beans like kidney, cannellini, and pork and beans for a colorful and hearty meal. Mixed with tangy condiments, bacon, and ground beef (or make vegetarian), it delivers a sweet and smoky flavor that everyone will love. Ideal for cheap meals for the week, this casserole is simple to prepare and guaranteed to have your family coming back for seconds.
Ingredients and Cost:
- Bacon – $1.20
- Lean ground beef – $4.24
- Canned pork and beans – $0.79
- Canned garbanzo beans – $0.94
- Canned butter lima beans – $2.00
- Canned kidney beans – $0.94
Total Cost: $10.11
Crock Pot Calico Beans
Crock Pot Calico Beans are the perfect hearty dinner, potluck or BBQ dish! This dump-and-go slow cooker beans recipe is an easy family favorite meal ready when you are.
7. Great Northern Bean Soup
This soup is perfect for chilly nights and it’s an excellent option for inexpensive meals for the week that everyone will love. Just toss the ingredients into a crock pot or slow cooker for a meal that’s as comforting as it is affordable!
Ingredients and Cost:
- dried great northern beans – $1.96
- Chicken broth – $1.14
- Diced ham – $3.24
- Carrots – $.98
- Celery – $1.88
Total Cost: $9.20
Crock Pot Great Northern Bean Soup
Hearty and filling, great northern bean soup makes the ideal dinner for cozy winter nights, or as a delicious make ahead crock pot meal from dried beans.
Dinner Meals Under $10 Using Pasta
Pasta is a pantry staple that’s perfect for creating cheap meal ideas for quick and satisfying dinners. Its versatility allows you to pair it with a variety of simple sauces, vegetables, and proteins for endless possibilities. Adding fresh or frozen vegetables, like spinach or broccoli, can make these meals even more nutritious without increasing the cost. With pasta, you can have a delicious and budget-conscious meal on the table in no time!
1. White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Creamy and comforting, white cheddar mac and cheese is the perfect dish. It’s filling enough to stand alone as a vegetarian dinner, but also works as a versatile side dish. For just a few dollars, you can create a delicious, hearty meal that is kind on the wallet.
Ingredients and Cost:
- Cavatappi Cellentani – $3.16
- Unsalted butter – $1.29
- Whole milk – $1.34
- White cheddar cheese – $2.34
- Gruyere cheese – $1.59
Total Cost: $9.72
White Macaroni and Cheese
Ever since I saw Martha Stewart make macaroni and cheese on her cooking show back in the day, I have been in love with White Cheddar Mac and Cheese. That day, I went out to get the ingredients to make it for my family. Later that night, I anxiously waited to see their reaction. Would they like it? Soon I was rewarded with their reaction. “Mom, this the BEST mac and cheese EVER.”
2. Penne Pomodoro
Made with a savory tomato basil sauce and pasta, it’s ready in just 30 minutes and costs less than $10 to prepare. This recipe is perfect for dinnertime or large gatherings, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
Ingredients and Cost:
- Crushed Tomatoes – $1.67
- Penne pasta – $1.18
- Parmesan cheese – $1.56
- Fresh basil – $1.78
Total Cost: $6.19
Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
Penne Pomodoro is a simple yet flavorful 30-minute meatless tomato basil pasta recipe. Make this easy Italian meal for dinner tonight!
3. Instant Pot Chili Cheese Mac
Mac and Cheese with an adult twist! Made with budget-conscious ingredients like ground beef, diced tomatoes, and pasta, it’s a comforting meal that you can feel good about.
Ingredients and Cost:
- Lean ground beef – $6.36
- Canned tomato puree – $1.61
- Canned diced tomatoes – $1.06
- Elbow macaroni – $0.56
Total Cost: $9.59
Instant Pot Chili Mac
Make some Instant Pot chili mac for dinner tonight! Everyone loves cheesy comfort food, and Instant Pot goulash takes 30 minutes to make!
Simple and Easy Cheap Meals with Beef
Ground beef is an affordable, versatile protein that’s ideal for cheap meals for the week. It can be used in a variety of dishes to create filling and flavorful meals that the whole family will enjoy. With its adaptability and rich flavor, beef is an excellent choice for affordable meals.
1. Stovetop Chili
Made with just four simple ingredients, it’s perfect for a warm lunch or dinner on a chilly day. Serve it with milk-free cornbread or in sourdough bread bowls for a dinner the whole family will love. With rich, zesty flavors, this is one of those recipes you’ll make again and again!
Ingredients and Cost:
- Lean ground beef – $4.24
- Canned chili beans – $0.94
- Canned diced tomatoes with green chiles – $0.99
Total Cost: $6.17
Our Favorite Stovetop Chili
Warm up with a bowl of our delicious Dutch oven stovetop chili. This 30-minute recipe with only 4 ingredients is perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Firecracker Meatballs
This recipe idea can be served as a spicy appetizer or transformed into a complete meal by pairing it with rice or noodles. The highlight is the firecracker sauce—packed with bold flavors, it takes this dish from simple to sensational.
Ingredients and Cost:
- Ground beef – $7.47
- Panko bread crumbs – $1.56
- Green onions – $0.48
- Sour cream – $0.44
Total Cost: $9.95
Spicy Meatball Recipe
Firecracker Meatballs are spicy and delicious drizzled with a creamy sauce and topped with sesame seeds. It’s an appetizer you can’t miss!
Use up that leftover ground beef to make hamburgers! The perfect hamburger is only as good as its bun– make them homemade with out quick and easy hamburger bun recipe.
Affordable Pork-Based Cheap Family Meals
Pork is another great option for creating cheap family meals that are both flavorful and hearty. Pork is an excellent option for stretching your grocery budget while providing delicious and versatile meal options for the entire family.
1. Smoked Pork Tenderloin
Elevate your dinner game with this cheap meal idea! Smoked pork tenderloin offers rich, smoky flavors and a caramelized crust that complements its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. This cheap family meal under $10 is surprisingly simple to make, thanks to our step-by-step guide.
Ingredients and Cost:
- Pork tenderloin – $7.63
Total Cost: $7.63
Smoking Pork Tenderloin
Smoked Pork Tenderloin is moist and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Use our tips and recipe for smoking pork tenderloin in your own backyard!
2. Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin
Ready in under an hour, it’s a delicious combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that will impress your family. Best of all, this recipe is a one pan meal to save you time in the kitchen before and after dinner!
Ingredients and Cost:
- Pork tenderloin – $7.63
- Hoisin sauce – $0.42
- Green beans – $1.00
- Potatoes- 1.32
Total Cost: $10.37
Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes
Cook a delicious dinner on one pan with this simple recipe for Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin. It's a fantastic idea for dinner tonight!
Serving Suggestions
We love using budget-friendly ingredients like refried beans and black beans to create hearty, protein-packed meals that are both delicious and inexpensive. Stretching your meals with starch-rich foods like rice, pasta, and potatoes can help keep you full while staying within budget. Need a quick and easy meal? Ramen noodles can be transformed into a flavorful dish with just a few pantry staples. Also, don’t forget to wrap leftovers in foil to keep them fresh and reduce food waste—every bit counts when you’re cooking on a budget!
Many of these cheap meals under $10 pair well with simple, budget-friendly sides to stretch your meal further. Try serving a rice casserole as a hearty side or adding a sprinkle of bacon bits on top for extra flavor. If you’re making a Tex-Mex-inspired dish, a splash of soy sauce can add depth, while a simple mixture of beans and veggies can make any meal more filling.
Looking for breakfast-for-dinner options? Pair flaky drop biscuits with eggs and bacon for a quick, classic meal. If you’re making a spicy dish, balance it out with a side salad or a mildly spiced casserole. No matter what you choose, using affordable spices and simple ingredients ensures that every meal is full of flavor while staying within budget!
Frequently Asked Questions
Look for discounts on meats, purchase generic brands, and use frozen vegetables when fresh ones are out of season.
Yes! Many of these dishes, like casseroles and bean-based meals, are perfect for meal prepping and freezing for future use.
Absolutely. Swap ingredients based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
A spaghetti dinner is always a great choice! Pair it with tomato sauce, lean meat, and a side of garlic bread for a meal that feels homemade and hearty.
Yes! Squash, mushrooms, corn, and other seasonal veggies can create a hearty vegetable-based dish that’s satisfying and budget-friendly.
Use flour tortillas as a quick crust, add tomato sauce, shredded cheese, and whatever toppings you have—pork chop leftovers, mushrooms, or even barbecue sauce can work!
Absolutely! Many of these easy meal ideas can be made using just a microwave or a slow cooker, making them perfect for small kitchens or dorm rooms.
Use staples like salt, olive oil, spices (cumin, garlic cloves, etc.), soy sauce, or brown sugar to enhance flavors. These simple pantry staples add depth and richness to any dish, even on a budget!
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Harriet Young says
Amazing recipes, thanks for sharing! I loved the baked rigatoni and can’t wait to work my way through the rest.
Fay says
What a great resource! Some fabulous ideas. Thank you!
Erik says
Amazing ways to get that dollar to last! Been enjoying the casserole options–so easy!
Ann says
Budget friendly is a necessity now with these inflation prices. Thanks!