go out for a dinner

10 BUDGET-FRIENDLY FAMILY DINNER IDEAS UNDER $10

This year, my family of four started using a cash food budget, and it’s completely transformed the way I approach grocery shopping, meal planning, and meal prep. Dinners that cost under $10 are now a necessity! The great news is, we don’t have to live on ramen noodles and canned beans. These 10 family-friendly meals are all under $10 per dinner.

Just a heads-up: Our price estimates are based on grocery costs from Instacart, so prices may vary depending on your location. (We also assumed you have a few basic pantry staples, like olive oil, salt, and spices, already on hand.)

QUICK AND EASY SLOPPY JOES

What makes sloppy Joes a great budget-friendly meal? They use affordable ground beef to create delicious, satisfying sandwiches that the whole family will enjoy! This meal comes close to our $10 limit, but you can save a bit more if you catch buns or beef on sale. (Estimated cost: $9.98)

PHILLY CHEESESTEAK PASTA SKILLET

This creamy pasta is hearty and loaded with colorful veggies. Beef and cheese are the priciest ingredients, so feel free to skip one for even more savings without sacrificing flavor. (Estimated cost: $9.41)

5-INGREDIENT FAMILY-FRIENDLY BAKED POTATO SOUP

This is a go-to soup recipe for my family, and it’s incredibly easy! The potatoes are just frozen hash browns, which means no peeling or chopping. (Estimated cost: $6.37)

FRENCH ONION FRITTATA

Frittatas are a budget cook’s secret weapon, as they use up leftovers and rely on inexpensive staples like eggs. This one feels elevated with caramelized onions and Gruyère cheese but remains budget-friendly—especially if you have leftover bread. (Estimated cost: $7.32)

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA

I was surprised to find that chicken tikka masala could be so affordable! The bulk aisle is perfect for stocking up on spices without blowing your budget. It’s making me question whether I’ll ever order expensive takeout again! (Estimated cost: $8.77)

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN PARM MEATBALLS

Ground chicken is often cheaper than beef and makes juicy meatballs that cook perfectly in the slow cooker. We love serving these with garlic bread for a quick and satisfying meal. (Estimated cost: $7.83)

ONE-POT BBQ CHICKEN BURRITO BOWLS


This recipe combines all the best elements of a burrito bowl—seasoned rice, creamy beans, corn, and BBQ chicken—into a fast, flavorful dinner. (Estimated cost: $9.25)

TOMATO TORTELLINI SOUP

This creamy soup is easy, affordable, and loved by everyone in my family. Using frozen tortellini instead of fresh can save you even more on this meal. (Estimated cost: $8.48)

CHICKPEA AND CHEDDAR QUESADILLAS

I used to overlook canned beans for budget dinners, but these quesadillas have completely changed my mind about using chickpeas as a filling. (Estimated cost: $7.52)

ONE-POT CREAMY CHICKEN AND RICE CASSEROLE

A classic budget meal, this casserole is a staple for many families. I often use half the chicken called for and double the vegetables to make it even more affordable. (Estimated cost: $6.74)

20 EASY DINNER IDEAS FOR WHEN YOU’RE NOT SURE WHAT TO MAKE

Sometimes, you just need a quick and easy dinner recipe—one that’s perfect for busy nights when you don’t have time to cook for hours but still want something more satisfying than a simple PB&J.

ONE-POT GARLIC-PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA

A creamy, cheesy pasta dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Experiment with different herbs, seasonings, and sauces to switch things up!

SLOW-COOKER MONGOLIAN BEEF

A rich, savory dish made with garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. With just 10 minutes of prep, your slow cooker does all the work in only two hours.

CHEESY BEEF PASTA

This nostalgic, kid-friendly dish is packed with cheesy, beefy goodness and ready in about 30 minutes. For a vegetarian version, try tofu crumbles and tempeh bacon.

CREAMY SHRIMP UDON

Thick udon noodles are the perfect base for this rich and cheesy shrimp dish, ready in just half an hour.

EASY FISH TACOS

Flaky fish, crisp slaw, and vibrant toppings make these tacos a fresh, zesty dinner ready in just 30 minutes.

VEGAN BUTTERNUT SQUASH AL PASTOR TACOS

A plant-based take on a Mexican classic, balancing sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in every bite.

ASPARAGUS-STUFFED CHICKEN BREAST

Elegant yet effortless, this chicken breast is stuffed with fresh asparagus and Provolone cheese, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

HONEY BBQ CHICKEN WINGS

Juicy, flavorful wings coated in a smoky-sweet glaze—perfect for game nights, parties, or a fun family dinner.

GARLIC BROCCOLI SHRIMP STIR-FRY

A quick and flavorful dish combining tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a garlicky ginger sauce for a nutritious dinner.

ONE-POT CREAMY TUSCAN PASTA

Penne pasta simmered in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with spinach and Parmesan—simple, delicious, and perfect for leftovers.

HONEY SOY-GLAZED SALMON

Pan-seared salmon marinated in a sweet and savory honey-soy glaze. Serve with steamed broccoli and rice for a balanced meal.

FAJITA PARCHMENT-BAKED CHICKEN

Wrap chicken and fajita veggies in parchment paper for an easy, flavorful meal with zero fuss and minimal cleanup.

SLOW-COOKER POT ROAST

This hearty, melt-in-your-mouth pot roast requires minimal effort—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it simmer to perfection.

VEGGIE GARLIC NOODLES

A quick, savory noodle stir-fry loaded with veggies and a sweet-and-savory garlic sauce.

CHICKEN & BISCUIT BAKE

A comforting and simple meal made with store-bought biscuits, rotisserie chicken, and frozen mixed veggies.

TACO SOUP

Just dump the ingredients in a pot and let them simmer! Top with cheese, avocado, or tortilla chips for extra flavor.

ONE-POT LEMON GARLIC SHRIMP PASTA

A restaurant-worthy seafood pasta dish made with simple ingredients in just one pot.

CHICKEN & VEGGIE STIR-FRY

A customizable stir-fry with a flavorful sauce—swap in any protein or veggies you have on hand.

OVEN-BAKED FRENCH BREAD PIZZAS

Pizza night made easy! Customize your French bread pizza with your favorite toppings for a fun and quick meal.

EASY BUTTER CHICKEN

A simplified take on the classic Indian dish, combining tender chicken with a creamy, spiced tomato sauce—all in one pot for easy cleanup.

Which one are you trying first?