10 Family Meals $10

🍲 10 Family Meals $10 or Under for 4 People

Feeding a family of four on a budget is easier than you think. 10 Family Meals $10, with just a few affordable ingredients and simple prep, you can create hearty meals for less than $10 total. Here are 10 budget-friendly dinners with quick cooking instructions

🥘 1. Spaghetti with Marinara & Garlic Bread

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 5 min | Cook Time: 20 min
Ingredients:

• 1 box spaghetti

• 1 jar marinara sauce

• 1 loaf French bread

• 2 tbsp butter, 1 clove garlic

Instructions:

1. Boil pasta until tender.

2. Heat marinara in a saucepan, then toss with pasta.

3. Slice bread, spread butter & garlic, and toast until golden.

🌮 2. Ground Beef Tacos – 10 Family Meals $10

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 15 min
Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 8 taco shells

• 1 cup shredded lettuce

• 1 tomato, 1 onion

Instructions:

1. Brown beef in skillet; drain fat.

2. Season with taco spices.

3. Fill shells with beef and top with lettuce, tomato, and onion.

🍛 3. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 15 min
Ingredients:

• 1 bag frozen mixed veggies

• 2 cups rice

• 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 garlic clove

• Optional: ½ lb chicken or tofu

Instructions:

1. Cook rice separately.

2. Stir-fry veggies (and protein, if using) in oil with garlic.

3. Add soy sauce and serve over rice.

🥣 4. Chili with Cornbread – 10 Family Meals $10

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 30 min
Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey

• 2 cans beans

• 1 can diced tomatoes

• 1 packet chili seasoning

• 1 box cornbread mix

Instructions:

1. Brown meat in pot.

2. Add beans, tomatoes, seasoning; simmer 20 min.

3. Bake cornbread per box directions; serve hot.

🥗 5. Homemade Pizza Night – 10 Family Meals $10

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 15 min
Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made crust

• 1 cup pizza sauce

• 2 cups mozzarella

• 1 cup toppings (pepperoni, veggies)

Instructions:

1. Spread sauce over crust.

2. Add cheese and toppings.

3. Bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes.

🍲 6. Chicken & Vegetable Soup

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 25 min
Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs

• 1 bag frozen veggies

• 1½ cups egg noodles

• 6 cups broth or bouillon

Instructions:

1. Boil chicken in broth until cooked, shred meat.

2. Add veggies and noodles, simmer until noodles are tender.

3. Serve warm.

🥔 7. Loaded Baked Potatoes

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 5 min | Cook Time: 1 hr
Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes

• 1 cup cheese

• ½ cup sour cream

• ¼ cup green onions

• ¼ cup bacon bits

Instructions:

1. Bake potatoes at 400°F for 1 hour.

2. Slice open, fluff insides.

3. Add cheese, sour cream, onions, and bacon bits.

🥪 8. Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup – 10 Family Meals $10

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 5 min | Cook Time: 10 min
Ingredients:

• 8 slices bread

• 4 cheese slices

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cans tomato soup

Instructions:

1. Butter bread, add cheese, grill until golden.

2. Heat soup in saucepan.

3. Serve sandwiches with soup.

🍗 9. BBQ Chicken with Rice & Veggies

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 40 min
Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken drumsticks

• ½ cup BBQ sauce

• 2 cups rice

• 1 bag frozen broccoli

Instructions:

1. Bake chicken at 375°F for 40 min, brushing with sauce halfway.

2. Cook rice separately.

3. Steam broccoli; serve together.

🥚 10. Breakfast-for-Dinner (Eggs, Pancakes, Fruit) – 10 Family Meals $10

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 5 min | Cook Time: 15 min
Ingredients:

• 8 eggs

• Pancake mix + syrup

• 4 bananas or apples

Instructions:

1. Make pancakes per mix directions.

2. Scramble or fry eggs.

3. Slice fruit; serve together.

🍴 Our Take

With just a few staple ingredients, each of these meals can feed a family of four for under $10. Rotate them weekly for variety, and you’ll keep both bellies and budgets happy.