Since we all know that the cost of living is rising, it's essential to find ways to make cheap and delicious meals that will satisfy a family of four.
Cooking for a family can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. With some creativity and strategic planning, you can put together four delicious and affordable dinners your family will love. And if you want to shop smart, don’t miss out on this 19 Cheap & Healthy Grocery List Tips & Tricks
Here are some of our favorite recipes that can be made for $10 or less! So don't let the budget keep you from enjoying a great meal with your loved ones. These recipes are sure to please!
Note: We calculate each recipe price based on average grocery prices, so you may find local prices may vary. We also assume you have a few staple ingredients on hand, like salt or cooking oil, and don’t include those in the recipe cost.
This easy black bean soup recipe is delicious, hearty, and perfect for a quick and easy meal. You can have it on the table in just 20 minutes!
Estimated cost per serving: $0.64
This cauliflower mac and cheese is a healthier alternative to the classic dish. Cutting the cauliflower up small and mixing it in with noodles and cheese almost melts into the background of this dish - while giving a bit of a texture boost to mac and cheese’s usual silkiness.
Estimated cost per serving: $1.17
The delicious pasta alla vodka recipe was made wildly popular by Gigi Hadid’s Insta story. Who doesn’t love a steaming plate of pasta in creamy tomato sauce? This easy recipe is budget-friendly and simple to make.
Estimated cost per serving: $1.12
This easy potato leek soup recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious vegetarian dinner. With only a handful of ingredients, this soup is simple to make and packed with flavor.
Estimated cost per serving: $1.32
An easy-to-follow step-by-step guide for the best one-pan stuffed crust Margherita Pizza ever. Everybody's favorite classic pizza flavor is the perfect trio of Italian flavors like fresh tomato, mozzarella, and aromatic basil. Ready in only 35 minutes, it's an excellent option for a quick weeknight dinner and a fun way to surprise your family.
Estimated cost per serving: $1.72
This creamy chicken and orzo dish is protein-packed, full of spinach, and surprisingly creamy even without cream, thanks to the starch from the orzo pasta. Who doesn’t enjoy a good one-pot meal? When that one-pot meal also has all of the elements of a delicious, balanced dinner, it’s even better.
Estimated cost per serving: $1.67
This easy BBQ chicken sandwich recipe is perfect for any night of the week! With only five inexpensive ingredients and a quick chicken shredding hack, you can have these juicy, flavorful sandwiches on the table in under half an hour.
Estimated cost per serving: $0.97
Chicken Flautas is a quick and easy dish for a light, budget-friendly dinner. This recipe only calls for a few ingredients, but you will be surprised by the flavorful result.
Estimated cost per serving: $1.00
This sheet pan salmon dinner is not only delicious, but it's also healthy and easy to make. With a rainbow of colorful veggies, this meal is perfect for everyone looking to get more vegetables in their diet. You can easily swap any of the veggies for the ones you find on sale or those currently in season.
Estimated cost per serving: $1.72
This easy kale pesto gnocchi recipe is a warm, delicious, and healthy weeknight dinner that's ready in only 15 minutes. With only 4 main ingredients, this is an easy meal that your family will love.
Estimated cost per serving: $0.69
This easy Gochujang Chicken Stir Fry recipe is perfect for a quick and tasty Asian-inspired meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and filling vegetable stir fry on the table in no time!
Estimated cost per serving: $1.32
This quick and easy pasta dish with zucchini and creamy Alfredo sauce is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Made with only 4 affordable ingredients, it will become one of your go-to recipes.
Estimated cost per serving: $1.38
This easy chicken parmesan recipe is healthy, cheap, and delicious. You'll only need 5 ingredients and 30 minutes to make this fantastic meal.
Estimated cost per serving: $0.42
Seasoned pork chops are cooked in the perfect way to keep them juicy, tender and goes very well with the balance of sweetness from 2 types of apples plus aromatic thyme and rosemary make this dish the best version of pork chop recipe.
Estimated cost per serving: $2.10
Simple shrimp pasta recipe packed with flavor. Cajun seasoning is always the best spice choice for shrimp. Cheap and easy to make, yet so delicious and satisfying.
Estimated cost per serving: $2.04
Tuesday night is taco night and why not have it a family taco Tuesday with these homemade healthy, yet delightful chipotle chicken tacos. Tender, crunchy, and incredibly satisfying.
Estimated cost per serving: $2.98
This super easy teriyaki chicken dinner comes together in half an hour! Serve it over some steamed rice and watch it disappear from everyone’s plate right before your eyes.
Estimated cost per serving: $1.14
This easy pork tenderloin stroganoff recipe is full of rich, savory flavor without being too heavy - perfect for a warm, comforting dinner meal. You can serve it with some simple veggie salad or any side dish your family likes. We recommend a side of creamy mashed potatoes or some crunchy green beans.
Estimated cost per serving: $2.05
This variation of classic fettuccine Alfredo is packed with extra flavor and vitamins from crunchy green peas and asparagus.
Estimated cost per serving: $2.39
Don’t waste your money on greasy Chinese takeout and make your own beef and broccoli that tastes even better. You will be surprised how simple it is to make this classic takeout favorite at home.
Estimated cost per serving: $2.53
Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup or stew made with hominy corn. This soup is hearty and satisfying, and not at all difficult to make. If you can’t find white hominy corn, simply replace it with chickpeas and enjoy the fantastic flavor!
Estimated cost per serving: $2.92
Pasta salad with grilled Portobello mushrooms is a perfect vegetarian dinner option for a weeknight family dinner.
Estimated cost per serving: $2.09
Garlic shrimp stir-fry with some healthy vegetables is bound to become your family favorite. A budget-friendly and easy Asian-inspired recipe full of flavor and texture.
Estimated cost per serving: $2.11
This shrimp scampi pasta recipe is quick, easy, and delicious. The shrimp simmered in the sauce for a few minutes takes this dish to another level. An inexpensive and quick recipe that can be done in 30 minutes with no hassle or stress!
Estimated cost per serving: $2.29
This wild rice mushroom and butternut squash recipe is a perfect addition to your budget-friendly family dinner rotation. It is delicious and satisfying.
Estimated cost per serving: $2.11
Surprise your family with juicy homemade cheeseburgers on a weeknight! Following this simple recipe, you don’t have to wait till the weekend to enjoy this comforting meal. The weeknight cheeseburger only takes 40 minutes to make!
Estimated cost per serving: $2.50
A well-made chicken pot pie that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. Homemade chicken pot pie is a comfort food classic and comes together so quickly!
Estimated cost per serving: $2.39
This classic family favorite chicken broccoli rice bake is a guaranteed dinner hit. Super easy to make and almost no cleaning required after.
Estimated cost per serving: $2.75
You will get rave reviews from your family for this healthy turkey chili! Nothing beats a bowl of comforting and flavorful chili for dinner; it’s even better if it’s healthy and full of nutrients.
Estimated cost per serving: $1.07
This easy sheet pan pork bake is proof that making a delicious dinner doesn't have to cost a fortune! All its ingredients are budget-friendly, and it takes no time to make!
Estimated cost per serving: $1.60
You simply can’t go wrong with a cheesy potato casserole for dinner. It’s almost unbelievable how only four ingredients can make such a yummy and filling meal.
Estimated cost per serving: $0.78
This easy chicken tikka masala meatballs recipe is a fantastic dinner recipe idea even for a busy weeknight. It’s flavorful, healthy, and uses yogurt instead of heavy cream.
Estimated cost per serving: $2.30
A lightened-up, healthy quinoa bake you can enjoy with your family. It’s delicious, slightly spicy, and super satisfying, full of black beans, veggies, and cheesy goodness.
Estimated cost per serving: $1.34
This sheet pan meal combines two well-known Asian-inspired dishes into a sheet pan to make it easy for you to cook this dish at home. Easy sheet pan dinner recipe with tender chicken and crunchy roasted cashews coated in a sweet, tangy sauce made with applesauce and apple cider vinegar.
Estimated cost per serving: $3.51
Don’t think that risotto is only for weekends. This chicken and chorizo recipe is easy enough to enjoy any day of the week.
Estimated cost per serving: $1.68
This simple yet delicious combo of beans, tomatoes, and onions will surprise you with layers of flavors. It is easy and affordable to make and done in less than 30 minutes. Pair with some toasted bread, or serve over rice for a perfect dinner meal!
Estimated cost per serving: $1.08
Soft tortillas stuffed with cheesy vegetables and topped with a rich, slightly spicy red sauce - fantastic weeknight dinner option.
Estimated cost per serving: $3.32
Make a surprisingly quick and budget-friendly baked ziti that's perfect for a weeknight meal with spaghetti sauce, three kinds of Italian cheeses.
Estimated cost per serving: $3.32
We have even more delicious budget-friendly recipes for any meal of the day! So keep your meals exciting and delicious without spending too much money on groceries!
Start browsing our recipes and plan your next delicious, budget-friendly meal! And don't forget to save your favorites so you can come back to them later. We know that cooking at home can be a challenge, but with a little effort and these handy tips, you'll be able to enjoy homecooked dinners that are both affordable and tasty.