Ten Meals I Make For Under $10

My family is on a very limited budget.  With 2 kids, a mortgage, bills, activities etc., and only 1 income, we really have to watch every penny.

Part of keeping the budget in check is making inexpensive meals.  I am always on the search for a meal my family will like that is inexpensive and easy to make, and today I am listing my family's ten favorites! 


10.  Spaghetti:  I know this is a no-brainer, but my kids love this basic meal.  The box of spaghetti cost about $1, a jar of sauce is about $2, and 1lb. of ground chuck is approx. $3.  We pair it with some green beans (about $1) and some fresh bread ($2), and it's a meal for $9!  (Note: To mix it up sometimes, we use macaroni noodles or bowtie pasta!)

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9.  Chicken and Rice Casserole: This is a hearty meal that makes the kids happy.  I buy frozen, bagged chicken and when I make this, I just use 2-3 breasts, which come to about $3.  I boil the chicken, shred it and add it to 2 cups of cooked rice, (about $1.50), a can of cream of chicken OR cream of mushroom soup, ($1), and about 1 cup of shredded cheese ($1).  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  We cook up some frozen broccoli ($1)  and bagged salad with chopped tomatoes and cucumbers, (approx. $2).

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8.  Taco Soup: This dish is always a hit, and I love making it because it cooks up in the crock pot all day while I get other stuff done, and makes the house smell wonderful!  I brown 1 lb. of ground chuck (about $3), and after draining and rinsing, I add it to the slow cooker with 1 package of taco seasoning, ($.50), 1 package of ranch salad dressing seasoning, ($.50), 1 can of drained and rinsed black beans ($1), 1 can of corn ($1), 1 can of rotel tomatoes ($1), and 5 cups of water.  I let it cook on low for about 5 hours, and then add 1/2 cup of macaroni noodles, (about $.25), and cook for another 30 minutes or until noodles are soft.  Serve with crushed tortilla chips (about $.50), and a sprinkling of cheddar cheese, (approx. $.50).  You have a meal everyone will love for about $8.50!!

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7.  Breakfast For Dinner:  My kids are ALWAYS asking for this!  One of our faves is Apple Cinnamon Pancakes and Sausage.  I use about 1 1/2 cups of pancake mix (about $1.50), and to that I add 1 egg (approx. $.15), 1/2 cup of water, 1 cup of  Chunky Applesauce (about $1), 1 TBSP. of Cinnamon (about $.20), and 1/2 C. of raisins (about $.50).  Cook the pancakes according to package directions.  We also use microwave sausage, which is about $3.50 per package!

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6.  BBQ Sloppy Joes:  Kids love a messy meal, and this is a quick and easy one to get on the table.  I brown 1 lb. of ground chuck (about $3), and after draining and rinsing it, I add about 1 Cup of BBQ sauce (about $1).  Serve with buns, (about $1) and tater tots or chips (about $3). 

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5.  Turkey Chili:  I use ground turkey in my chili instead of ground beef because I like the flavor and it's one way to get my family to eat a little less red meat.  Plus, this recipe is so hearty that my husband doesn't even miss the beef!  I brown 1 lb. of ground turkey (about $4) and season with seasoning salt, pepper and a little Worcestershire sauce, (about $.50).  Once the meat is fully cooked, I add 2 cans of chili beans in sauce, (about $1.50), and 2 cans of diced tomatoes (about $1.50).  I mix that all together and add about 1 TBSP. of chili powder (about $.25), and allow it to simmer on medium for 30 minutes, stirring often.  You can top it with a little cheese (approx. $.50) and serve with corn muffins ($1 for a box of jiffy corn muffin mix).

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4.  Margherita Pasta:  This is a light dish that is great for spring or summer.  Boil 1 lb. of pasta ($1) and toss with about 1/2 cup of olive oil ($1), 1 cup of chopped cherry tomatoes ($1), and 2 TBSP. of fresh, chopped basil (about $1). (NOTE:  If you NEED meat, add a little chopped bacon...about $1.50 for 1/4 lb.)  Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan over the top (about $.50), and serve with fresh bread ($2) and some bagged salad with the rest of the cherry tomatoes and cucumbers (about $2).

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3.  Chicken Pot Pie: This is one of my go-to meals in a pinch.  I boil 2 chicken breast, (about $3), and shred them up.  I mix that with 1 can of cream of chicken soup ($1), 1 bag of frozen mixed vegetables ($1).  I roll out 1 sheet of pre-made pie crust, place it in the pie plate, and place the chicken mixture inside.  I cover it with the remaining pie dough (about $3 for a box of 2), and pinch the edges together.  Cut holes in the top for venting and cook at 350 degrees for 1 hour.  Serve it with a bagged salad mixed with whatever veggies I have in the fridge, (about $2).

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2.  Homemade Pizza:  We buy Kangaroo Flatbread's and make our own individual pizza's!  Use 1 flatbread per person, (a package of 5 is about $2), and spoon on about 2 TBSP. of pizza sauce each ($2 for a jar), and some shredded mozzarella (about $2 for a bag).  My husband and I also like to add pepperoni to ours (about $1), but you can really let your imagination run wild and add anything you like!  Bake at 500 degree's for 6 minutes for a softer crust and 8-9 minutes for a crispier crust.

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1.  Italian Cheesy Chicken:  This is something I just recently started making and it has been requested several times since.  I brown 3 chicken breasts (about $3), and slice and set aside.  Cook 1 lb. of spaghetti or other pasta ($1), and after draining it, mix with Philadelphia Italian Cheese and Herb Cooking Cream, (about $2).  Add the chicken back in and mix it all together.  Serve with green beans ($1) and fresh bread ($2).

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Hope that these ideas help you to get dinner on the table in a fast and inexpensive way!

I will be linking up this week with Tope Ten Tuesday at Many Little Blessings and Works for Me Wednesday at We Are THAT Family!  Be sure to check them out!