10 Best Family-Friendly Meals Under $10

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Feeding the family on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or variety!

When you’re looking to stretch your grocery dollars, these 10 best family-friendly meals under $10 are guaranteed to please.

From hearty plates of pasta to tasty tacos, these budget-conscious recipes will keep everyone satisfied and asking for seconds without breaking the bank.

Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice

This Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice is a delightful and colorful dish that packs a punch of flavor.

With its mix of fresh veggies and fragrant sauces, it’s a meal that even picky eaters will enjoy. Plus, it’s quick and easy to whip up, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that won’t break the bank.

The combination of crisp vegetables sautéed to perfection, served over fluffy rice, creates a satisfying, nutritious, and delicious meal.

It’s a fantastic option for families looking for healthy recipes that cost under $10.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the bell pepper, carrot, zucchini, and broccoli to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp.
4. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well to coat the vegetables evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve the stir-fried vegetables over cooked rice, garnishing with chopped green onions.

Taco Night with DIY Toppings

Taco night is a fantastic way to bring the family together for a fun and delicious meal.

This recipe is all about creating your own tacos with a variety of toppings, making it easy for everyone to customize their meal to their liking.

With fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, tacos can be both satisfying and budget-friendly.

The beauty of taco night lies in its simplicity. You can prepare all the components ahead of time, allowing for a relaxed dinner where everyone can assemble their tacos just the way they like.

Each bite is packed with taste and texture, from savory meats to fresh veggies. It’s a meal that the whole family will enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey. Drain excess fat, if necessary.
2. Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and follow package instructions, usually adding a bit of water and simmering until thickened.
3. Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side until warm and pliable.
4. Prepare Toppings: While the meat is cooking, chop lettuce, tomatoes, and any additional toppings.
5. Assemble Tacos: Let everyone build their own tacos with the meat and their choice of toppings. Enjoy!

One-Pot Cheesy Vegetable Pasta

This One-Pot Cheesy Vegetable Pasta is a comforting and satisfying dish that the whole family will adore.

With a creamy cheese sauce enveloping the pasta and vibrant vegetables, it’s bursting with flavor while being super easy to whip up!

Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines everything in one pot, saving you time and cleanup.

You’ll love how the cheese melts into the pasta, blending beautifully with the fresh vegetables for a delightful meal.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (any shape)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
2. Stir in the pasta and vegetable broth, bringing to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cover, cooking for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes and spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts.
4. Remove the pot from heat and mix in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

Vegetarian Quesadillas with Salsa

Vegetarian quesadillas are a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Packed with colorful veggies and gooey cheese, they bring a satisfying crunch with every bite.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, and best of all, it’s simple to whip up!

These quesadillas are tasty and budget-friendly, fitting perfectly into our list of 10 Best Family-friendly Meals Under $10.

You can customize them with your favorite fillings, making catering to everyone’s tastes easy. Pair them with fresh salsa for a burst of flavor!

Ingredients

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking
• Fresh salsa for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine diced bell peppers, corn, black beans, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Assemble the Quesadillas: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of it with cheese. Add a generous amount of the veggie mixture on top, then sprinkle more cheese. Fold the tortilla in half.
3. Cook: Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
4. Serve: Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve with fresh salsa on the side.

Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese

This creamy tomato soup paired with grilled cheese is a classic comfort food that’s sure to please the whole family.

It’s rich, velvety, and bursting with the tangy flavor of ripe tomatoes, making it a perfect choice for chilly days or any time you need a quick meal under $10.

Not only is it simple to whip up, but it also requires minimal ingredients that you probably already have at home.

With a delightful balance of creaminess and acidity, this dish is a favorite among kids and adults alike. Serve it alongside a crispy grilled cheese for a satisfying, nostalgic, and delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices of bread
• 4 slices of cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• Butter for spreading

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, and dried basil. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream. Blend the soup with an immersion blender until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. For the grilled cheese, butter one side of each slice of bread. Place cheese between two slices, butter side out, in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Serve the soup hot, topped with additional cream if desired, alongside the grilled cheese for dipping.

Beef and Bean Chili with Cornbread

This Beef and Bean Chili is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for family dinners without breaking the bank.

With tender beef, a medley of beans, and a rich, tangy sauce, it’s a dish that promises comfort and satisfaction.

Paired with fluffy cornbread, it creates a delicious combo that everyone will love, making it an ideal choice for one of the 10 Best Family-friendly Meals Under $10.

Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also highly customizable! You can add your favorite veggies or spices to suit your family’s taste.

It’s a fantastic way to use pantry staples and whip up a hearty meal in no time.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute.
4. Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and beef broth. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve hot with cornbread on the side.

Homemade Chicken Nuggets with Dipping Sauces

Homemade chicken nuggets are a delightful and budget-friendly treat for the entire family.

They’re crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them a perfect finger food for kids and adults alike.

Plus, making them at home means you can control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier option compared to store-bought varieties.

This recipe is simple and requires just a few basic ingredients.

Pair these nuggets with your favorite dipping sauces, like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch, to make mealtime even more fun.

These homemade chicken nuggets are one of the 10 best family-friendly meals under $10 that everyone can enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the Breading: Set up a breading station with three bowls. Place the flour seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder in the first bowl. In the second bowl, beat the egg. In the third bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
2. Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken first in the flour, shaking off excess, then in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
3. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about an inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.
4. Fry the Nuggets: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Drain and Serve: Once cooked, place the nuggets on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauces.

Savory Breakfast Burritos

Breakfast burritos are a fantastic way to start the day! Bursting with flavors, these wraps combine eggs, veggies, and spices all rolled up in a warm tortilla.

They are delicious and simple to prepare, making them a hit for busy mornings.

Your family will love the combination of ingredients, which can be easily customized. Plus, they fit perfectly into the budget as one of the 10 best family-friendly meals under $10.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 4 flour tortillas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet, sauté the onions and bell peppers until they are tender.
3. Pour the egg mixture over the cooked veggies and scramble until fully cooked.
4. Heat the tortillas briefly in another skillet to make them pliable.
5. Divide the egg mixture among the tortillas, sprinkle with cheese, and roll them up tightly.
6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Mini Pita Pizzas with Fresh Toppings

Mini pita pizzas are a fun and tasty way to please the whole family without breaking the bank.

They offer a delightful mix of crispy and soft textures topped with fresh, vibrant ingredients.

This recipe is simple to make, allowing everyone to customize their own pizzas with their favorite toppings, making it perfect for family meals.

The flavor combination is a winner, with the warm pita bread serving as a perfect base for rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and a colorful variety of fresh veggies.

Not only are these mini pizzas satisfying, but they are also a great way to sneak in some healthy ingredients.

They come together quickly, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 4 whole wheat pitas
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup diced cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup diced pineapple (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the pitas on a baking sheet and spread a spoonful of pizza sauce on each one.
3. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce on each pita.
4. Top with diced cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple if using. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.