Cheap Family Meals Under $10

Delicious family dinners for under $10! Get easy, budget-friendly meal ideas with complete cost breakdowns and simple money-saving tips.

Feed Your Family For $10 or Less With These Thrifty Meal Ideas

Feeding your family a hearty, home-cooked dinner doesn’t have to cost a fortune! These family meal ideas for under $10 prove that you can make delicious, satisfying recipes without breaking the budget. Each one includes a full ingredient cost breakdown, so you can see exactly how affordable homemade meals can be — even with today’s grocery prices.

When I first started my blog 10 years ago, I had just left a toxic job and we were down to one income. I worked hard couponing, budgeting, meal planning to keep us under budget every month. My first viral blog post was all about my weekly meal planning. Gosh, do I wish the grocery prices were still that low!

Below you’ll find the dinner recipes on my website that can be made for $10 or less. I’ve divided them into categories: pork recipes, chicken recipes, beef recipes, and vegetarian recipes.

We based the estimates on smart shopping habits like buying proteins in bulk, watching for sales, and using pantry staples you likely already have (think spices, oil, and condiments). Every recipe is easy to customize based on what’s in your kitchen, and you can stretch your dollar even further by adding simple sides like rice, salad, or roasted veggies.

These are real-life, family-tested dinners that make it possible to eat well, spend less, and still enjoy gathering around the table together.

Pork Recipes Under $10

Pork chops, bacon, pepperoni, and more! There are so many ways to create flavorful meals on a budget!

Pineapple Pork Chops

Tender pork chops cooked in a sweet pineapple glaze. Serve with rice to soak up all those yummy juices!

• Boneless pork chops (2 lb @ $2.98/lb) — $5.96
• Pineapple chunks (13.5 oz) — $1.62
• Oil (3 Tbsp) — $0.30
• Chili powder (1 tsp) — $0.10
• Brown sugar (2 Tbsp) — $0.20
• Garlic and seasonings — $0.50
• Salt & pepper — $0.10

Total Estimated Cost: $8.78
Approximate cost per serving (4 servings): $1.46 per serving

Make it: See the full Pineapple Pork Chops Recipe here!

Corn Dog Muffins

Corn dogs, in bite-size form! These also make a great lunchbox idea for the kids!

• 1 box cornbread/muffin mix (8.5 oz) — ~$1.00
• 1 egg — ~$0.20
• ⅓ cup milk — ~$0.10
• 5–6 hot dogs (from $1 pack of 8) — ~$0.75
• Optional cheese slices or shredded cheese (serving amount) — ~$0.70

Estimated total cost:  $2.75
Approximate cost per serving (24 mini muffins): $0.11 each

Make it: Get the full recipe for Mini Corn Dog Muffins here!

BLT Sliders

Crispy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and savory bacon, are all layered between perfectly toasted slider buns for an unforgettable bite!

• Hawaiian sweet rolls (1 package) — $2.50
• Bacon (8 oz) — $4.00
• Romaine or iceberg lettuce (1 head) — $1.50
• Tomatoes (2 medium) — $1.00
• Mayonnaise (½ cup) — $0.30
• Butter + garlic (for topping, optional) — $0.20

Total Estimated Cost:  $9.50
Cost per serving (6 servings): $1.58 per serving

Make it: See how to make our BLT sliders with the full recipe here!

Pepperoni Rolls

A West Virginia favorite! Buttery rolls filled with melty cheese and spicy pepperoni, it’s a portable meal that feeds a crowd.

• 1 lb pepperoni slices (~$3.50) — ~$3.50
• 1 lb mozzarella cheese (~$2.50) — ~$2.50
• 3½ cups all-purpose flour + ½ cup extra (~$0.40) — ~$0.40
• Active dry yeast packets (2) — ~$0.50
• ¼ cup water + milk & other wet ingredients (~$0.30) — ~$0.30
• Seasonings (salt, sugar, oil) — ~$0.30

Estimated total cost: ~ $7.50
Approximate cost per roll (makes ~12 rolls): ~ $0.63 each

Make it: Get the full pepperoni roll recipe here!

BBQ Pulled Pork Tater Tot Casserole

Layers of flavor: tangy barbecue pork, crispy taters, and melty cheese.

• 2 packages of pulled pork BBQ — $3.00
• 2 lbs frozen tater tots (approx. ~$1.75/lb) — $3.50
• 14 oz yellow melting cheese (cubed) — $2.50
• ½ cup crispy fried onions — $0.75

Estimated total cost: ~ $9.75
Approximate cost per serving (6 servings): ~ $1.63

Make it: Get the full recipe for our Pulled Pork Tater Tot Casserole here!

West Virginia Pulled Pork Barbecue Sandwiches

This is the classic way to make a BBQ sandwich in West Virginia – it’s easy and cheap!

• Pulled pork (2 packages) — $3.00
• Lemon (1) — $0.50
• Mayonnaise (2 Tbsp) — $0.10
• Sugar (1 tsp) — $0.02
• Vinegar (1 tsp) — $0.02
• Hamburger buns (6) — $3.00
• Cole slaw (1 pint) — $1.50

Total Estimated Cost: $8.14
Cost per serving (6 servings): $1.36 per serving

Make it: Get the recipe for WV Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches here!

Pizza Quesadillas

This is a super quick and easy recipe and fun spin on pizza night! Make enough to feed a family of 6 for less than $4, and you have room to add fruit, veggies, Mexican rice, or your favorite side dish!

• Large flour tortillas (3) — $0.90
• Tomato sauce (¾ cup) — $0.18
• Shredded cheese (1½ cups) — $1.13
• Pepperoni slices (¾ cup) — $1.35

Total Estimated Cost: $3.56
Cost per serving (6 servings):  $0.59 per serving

Make it: Get the full Pizza Quesadilla recipe here!

Hawaiian Ham & Cheese Sliders

Just layer in a casserole dish and bake! These Hawaiian sliders are a real dinnertime treat made with savory ham, melty cheese, and sweet pineapple! Perfect for feeding a crowd!

• Hawaiian sweet rolls (1 pkg) — $2.50
• Deli ham (8 oz) — $2.50
• Cheese slices (4–6 slices) — $1.75
• Pineapple slices (½ can) — $1.00
• Butter + Worcestershire + garlic powder topping — $0.75
• BBQ or sweet sauce (optional) — $0.50

Total Estimated Cost: $8.00
Cost per serving (6 servings):  $1.33 per serving

Make it: Grab the Hawaiian Sliders recipe here!

Chicken Recipes Under $10

TIP: Make the most of your grocery budget by stocking up on family packs of chicken when it’s on sale, then you can use it to make several of these recipes for the week! Family packs usually come with several pounds of meat, and each of these recipes only needs 1-2 pounds.

Copycat Chick-Fil-A Nuggets

A family favorite in our house! For the same price as ONE nugget meal at the drive-thru, you can make a batch big enough for the whole family! Make it a meal with a bag of frozen waffle fries and still keep the total under $10!

• Boneless skinless chicken breast (1.5 lb) — $6.00
• Milk (1 cup) — $0.25
• Egg (1 large) — $0.23
• Flour, breadcrumbs, powdered sugar & seasonings — $0.50
• Oil for frying — $0.75

Total Estimated Cost: $7.83
Cost per serving (6 servings):  $1.31 per serving

Make it: Grab the full recipe to make our copycat Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets here!

Chicken Peanut Noodles

Rich and hearty, tender noodles, juicy chicken, crispy veggies, all smothered in a sweet and savory peanut sauce.

• Chicken thighs (1 lb) — $2.40
• Spaghetti (1 package / 1 lb) — $1.50
• Carrots (1 cup, shredded) — $0.75
• Broccoli (2 crowns, chopped) — $2.00
• Garlic (6 cloves, diced) — $0.40
• Green onion (1 stalk, chopped) — $0.15
• Peanut butter (1 cup) — $1.20
• Coconut milk (½ cup) — $0.75
• Soy sauce (¼ cup) — $0.30
• Rice vinegar (3 tsp / 1 Tbsp) — $0.10
• Sesame oil (1 tsp) — $0.15
• Honey (1 tsp, optional) — $0.05
• Lime (1) — $0.25

Total Estimated Cost: $9.00
Cost per serving (6 servings): $1.50 per serving

Make it: Get the full peanut noodles recipe here!

Doritos Chicken Tenders

The coating is made with, you guessed it, Doritos crumbs!

• Chicken breasts (1 lb) — $4.44
• 1 egg — $0.23
• ¼ cup milk — $0.05
• 1 bag Nacho Cheese Doritos — $2.50

Total Estimated Cost: $7.22
Cost per serving (6 servings): $1.20 per serving

Make it: Grab the recipe for Doritos chicken tenders here!

Chicken Lollipops with Pomegranate Glaze

This feels like a dinner you’d get at a fancy restaurant, but it can be put together for under ten bucks!

• Chicken drumsticks or equivalent (about 2 lb) — $6.00
• Pomegranate juice and glaze ingredients (e.g., pomegranate seeds/juice, sugar, vinegar) — $2.00
• Oil and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic, etc.) — $0.50
• Optional garnish/serving items (e.g., parsley, extra pomegranate) — $0.75

Total Estimated Cost: $9.25
Cost per serving (6 servings): $1.54 per serving

Make it: Find the full recipe to make pomegranate glazed chicken lollipops here!

Slow Cooker Italian Chicken and Potatoes

• Boneless skinless chicken (2 lb @ $2.57/lb) — $5.14
• Italian dressing (bottle or seasoning packet) — $1.00
• Potatoes (2 large) — $1.20
• Carrots (1 cup) — $0.75
• Parmesan cheese & seasoning — $0.50

Total Estimated Cost: $8.59
Cost per serving (6 servings): $1.43 per serving

Make it: Get the full Crockpot Italian Chicken & Potatoes Recipe here!

Instant Pot Firecracker Chicken

Skip takeout and make this easy dupe at home for way less!

• Boneless skinless chicken (2 lb @ $2.57/lb) — $5.14
• Cornstarch & seasonings (for coating) — $0.50
• Sauce ingredients (hot sauce, brown sugar or honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce) — $1.50
• Rice (to serve 6) — $1.50
• Green onion & garnish — $0.30

Total Estimated Cost: $8.94
Cost per serving (6 servings): ≈ $1.49 per serving

Make it: Get the Firecracker Chicken recipe right here!

Honey Mustard Chopped Chicken Salad

So much flavor! Who says salads have to be boring?

• Shredded chicken (2 cups / about ¾ lb) — $2.50
• Iceberg lettuce (1 head) — $2.00
• Cherry tomatoes (1½ cups) — $1.50
• Cucumber (1 medium) — $0.75
• Red onion (½ medium) — $0.30
• Cooked bacon (⅔ cup, chopped) — $1.50
• Honey-mustard dressing (homemade) — $0.70

Total Estimated Cost: $9.25
Cost per serving (6 servings):  $1.54 per serving

Make it: Find the full recipe for our Chopped Chicken Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing here!

Beef Recipes Under $10

Beef is not always seen as a thrifty ingredient, but if you stock up when ground beef is on sale, and you cut it with cheaper ingredients like ground sausage, you can make it stretch!

Lazy Enchiladas

We call them “lazy enchiladas” because they are so easy to make! Ready in 20 minutes!

• Frozen taquitos (1 box) — $4.98
• Refried beans (16 oz) — $1.50
• Enchilada sauce (10 oz) — $1.48
• Shredded cheddar cheese (8 oz) — $2.00

Total Estimated Cost: $9.96
Cost per serving (6 servings): $1.66 per serving

Make it: Get the full recipe for Taquito Enchiladas here!

Taco Spaghetti

An easy Instant Pot recipe that makes getting dinner on the table a breeze!

• Ground beef (1 lb) — $4.44
• Taco seasoning (1 packet) — $0.50
• Rotel (10 oz can) — $1.25
• Chicken broth (3 cups) — $1.50
• Spaghetti noodles (8 oz) — $1.00
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup) — $1.25

Total Estimated Cost: $9.94
Cost per serving (6 servings):  $1.66 per serving

Make it: Get the one-pot taco spaghetti recipe here!

Dr. Pepper Meatballs

Serve with a side of rice for a filling meal that the whole family is going to love!

• Ground beef (1 lb) — $4.44
• Mild Italian sausage (½ lb) — $2.00
• Bread crumbs (¼ cup) — $0.10
• Milk (¼ cup) — $0.05
• Garlic powder (½ tsp) — $0.01
• Onion powder (½ tsp) — $0.01
• Salt (¼ tsp) — $0.01
• Dr Pepper (1 can) — $0.50
• Tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch & seasonings — $1.00

Total Estimated Cost: $8.12
Cost per serving (6 servings): $1.35 per serving

Make it: Snag the full Dr. Pepper Meatballs recipe here!

Bulgogi Meatballs

This Korean inspired dish takes meatballs to the next level with tons of umami flavor! We like to serve ours with rice and broccoli.

• Ground beef (1 lb) — $4.44
• Sweet Italian sausage (1 lb) — $2.00
• Powdered ginger (1 tsp) — $0.04
• Garlic powder (1 tsp) — $0.01
• Onion powder (1 tsp) — $0.01
• Soy sauce (3 Tbsp) — $0.23
• Brown sugar (2 Tbsp) — $0.04
• Apple, puréed (1 medium) — $0.65
• Green onion, chopped (¼ cup) — $0.25
• Yellow onion, puréed (½ medium) — $0.30
• Egg (1 large) — $0.23
• Mirin, optional (1 Tbsp) — $0.17

Total Estimated Cost: $8.37
Cost per serving (6 servings): $1.40 per serving

Make it: Find the full recipe to make Beef Bulgogi Meatballs here!

Copycat White Castle Sliders

Taste just like the real thing and you won’t believe how easy AND thrifty it is to make them at home!

• Ground beef (1 lb) — $4.44
• Slider buns / dinner rolls (assumed count for ~12 sliders) — $2.00
• Cheese slices (12) — $1.50
• Dill pickle slices (24) — $0.40
• Onions (for the steam bed) — $0.75
• Seasonings (salt, pepper) — $0.10

Total Estimated Cost:  $9.19
Cost per serving (6 servings, 2 sliders each): $1.53 per serving

Make it: Get the full recipe to make copycat White Castle Sliders here!

Pasta & Vegetarian Recipes Under $10

No meat, no problem! These tasty pasta dishes are just as filling and delicious!

TikTok Feta Pasta

As made famous on TikTok, this easy pasta dish is a blend of tangy Feta cheese and real tomatoes.

• Pasta (12 oz) — $1.50
• Cherry tomatoes (2 pints) — $3.00
• Block of feta cheese (8 oz) — $3.00
• Garlic (3 cloves) — $0.15
• Olive oil (¼ cup) — $0.50

Total Estimated Cost: $8.15
Cost per serving (6 servings): $1.36 per serving

Make it: The full recipe to make Feta Pasta is available here!

Enchilada Pasta

The original recipe is cooked in an 8-inch square casserole dish, and can serve 4-6 people. If you bump up the amount of pasta, sauce, and cheese, you can have larger servings and still keep the total cost under $10.

• Pasta (2½ cups uncooked) — $1.50
• Olive oil (1 Tbsp) — $0.10
• Small onion (1) — $0.70
• Garlic (3 cloves) — $0.15
• Corn (1 cup) — $0.60
• Black beans (1 can) — $1.00
• Enchilada sauce (1 can) — $1.50
• Shredded cheese (1 cup) — $1.25

Total Estimated Cost: $6.80
Cost per serving (~4 servings): $1.70 per serving

Make it: Get the enchilada pasta recipe here!

Air Fryer Lasagna Roll-Ups

Get all the flavors of cheesy lasagna, rolled up into individual portions. Cooks a lot faster in the air fryer too! Serve with a side salad for a full family meal under $10.

• Lasagna noodles (6 pre-cooked sheets) — $1.50
• Ricotta cheese (1 cup) — $1.25
• Mozzarella cheese sticks (3, cut in half) — $1.80
• Pasta sauce (½ cup) — $0.30
• Oil/seasoning (for air-fryer prep) — $0.20

Total Estimated Cost: $5.05
Cost per serving (6 servings): $0.84 per serving

Make it: Get the full recipe to make Air Fryer Lasagna Roll-Ups here!

Vegetable Lo Mein

A colorful dish full of vibrant veggies, and one of the most thrifty recipes on the list! You could even add your favorite protein and still stay in budget!

• Noodles (1 package) — $1.20
• Broccoli (1 cup, chopped) — $0.65
• Red pepper (1) — $1.50
• Red cabbage (1–2 cups) — $0.75
• Half yellow onion (puréed or chopped) — $0.30
• Green onion (¼ cup chopped) — $0.25
• Sauce: soy sauce (3 Tbsp) — $0.23
• Sauce: brown sugar (2 Tbsp) — $0.04
• Oil & seasonings (garlic powder / onion powder or fresh garlic) — $0.10

Total Estimated Cost: $4.02
Cost per serving (6 servings): $0.67 per serving

Make it: Get the full Vegetable Lo Mein recipe here!

Cauliflower Nuggets

A sneaky way to get the kids to eat their veggies…and thrifty too!

• Cauliflower (½ head) — $1.50
• Egg (1 large) — $0.23
• Gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs (¾ cup) — $0.60
• Grated cheese (1 cup) — $1.50
• Seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, etc.) — $0.10

Total Estimated Cost: $3.93
Cost per serving (6 servings):  $0.66 per serving

Make it: See the full Cauliflower nuggets recipe here!

Whether you’re meal planning for a busy week or just looking for ways to cut your grocery bill, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here. Pin this post for later, bookmark your favorite recipes, and start serving up family dinners that taste amazing — all for under ten bucks!

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