Finding ways to feed a family on a budget without sacrificing taste can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible! This collection of 11 delicious dinner recipes is designed to keep your family satisfied, all while staying under $10. Whether you're in the mood for pasta, stir-fries, or comfort food, these recipes are simple, affordable, and nutritious. Let’s dive into these budget-friendly meals that prove eating well doesn’t have to be expensive!
Disclaimer: The meal ideas provided on this page are for informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure accuracy, actual costs may vary based on your location, grocery prices, portion sizes, and availability of ingredients. Please note that dietary preferences, allergies, and nutritional needs are not accounted for in these recipes. Always verify ingredients and consult a nutritionist or medical professional if you have specific dietary concerns. TheGlobeFinds is not responsible for any variations in cost or substitutions made while preparing these meals. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas and customizing them to suit your family’s needs!
1. Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce
Ingredients:
1 pound of spaghetti
1 jar of marinara sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
Heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
Drain the pasta and mix it with the sauce.
Top with Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve.
2. Bean and Cheese Burritos
Ingredients:
1 can refried beans
1 cup shredded cheese
4 flour tortillas
Salsa (optional)
Instructions:
Warm the tortillas in a pan for 30 seconds on each side.
Heat the refried beans in a saucepan until hot.
Spread a spoonful of beans onto each tortilla and sprinkle with cheese.
Roll the tortillas into burritos and serve with salsa.
3. Stir-Fried Vegetables and Rice
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked rice (leftover rice works great)
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 eggs (optional)
Instructions:
Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the vegetables and sauté for 5–7 minutes until tender.
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and scramble the eggs in the other side (optional).
Add the rice to the pan, stir everything together, and pour in the soy sauce.
Stir-fry for another 5 minutes until everything is hot and mixed well.
4. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato Soup
Ingredients:
8 slices bread
4 slices cheese (American, cheddar, or your choice)
Butter for grilling
2 cans tomato soup
Instructions:
Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place a slice of cheese between two pieces of bread (buttered sides out).
Grill the sandwich in a pan over medium heat until both sides are golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Heat the tomato soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Serve the sandwiches with a side of hot tomato soup.
5. Pasta Primavera
Ingredients:
1 pound pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, peas, etc.)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Cook the pasta according to package directions.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Drain the pasta and toss it with the sautéed vegetables.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
6. Breakfast for Dinner (Eggs, Toast, and Fruit)
Ingredients:
8 eggs
8 slices bread
2 cups fruit (fresh or frozen)
Butter for toast
Instructions:
Scramble or fry the eggs in a pan.
Toast the bread and butter each slice.
Serve the eggs with the toast and a side of fruit (such as apples, bananas, or berries).
7. Taco Salad
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef or beans
4 cups lettuce (chopped)
1 cup shredded cheese
1 cup salsa
2 cups tortilla chips (crushed)
Instructions:
Brown the ground beef in a skillet or heat the beans in a pan.
In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, cheese, and salsa.
Add the beef or beans to the salad and top with crushed tortilla chips.
8. Baked Potatoes with Toppings
Ingredients:
4 large potatoes
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded cheese
2 tablespoons chives (optional)
Instructions:
Pierce the potatoes with a fork and bake at 400°F for 45–60 minutes, or until soft.
Split the potatoes open and top with sour cream, cheese, and chives.
9. Chicken Stir-Fry with Frozen Vegetables
Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts, sliced thinly
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cups cooked rice
Instructions:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the chicken until fully cooked.
Add the frozen vegetables and soy sauce, cooking for 5–7 minutes.
Serve the stir-fry over rice.
10. Homemade Pizza
Ingredients:
1 package pizza dough (or make your own)
1/2 cup pizza sauce
2 cups shredded cheese
Toppings of choice (peppers, onions, pepperoni, etc.)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven according to the pizza dough package directions.
Roll out the dough and spread pizza sauce on top.
Add cheese and your favorite toppings.
Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
11. Vegetable and Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
1 cup lentils
2 carrots, diced
1 onion, diced
2 cans diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
Instructions:
In a large pot, sauté the carrots and onions until tender.
Add the lentils, tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 30–45 minutes, until lentils are tender.
Serve with a slice of crusty bread if desired.
With these 11 delicious and budget-friendly dinner ideas, you can feed your family without overspending. Each meal is simple, nutritious, and costs no more than $10, making them perfect for families looking to save money while still enjoying tasty, homemade meals. Give these recipes a try and see how easy it is to keep your meals flavorful and affordable!