Ten Cost-Effective Meals to Make Under $10 (Thrifty Mom Dinner Recipes)

Feeding a family on a tight budget doesn’t mean you have to rely on takeout or bland meals. Below are ten practical, flavorful dinners you can make for roughly $10 or less—many stretch to feed four. If you want a simple, kid-friendly side idea that’s also gluten-free, check this kid-friendly gluten-free potatoes idea for inspiration.

Each recipe includes an estimated total cost (based on common U.S. grocery prices), a short ingredient list, and time-saving tips so you can get dinner on the table fast.

• One-Pot Chicken and Rice — Estimated cost: $8–$10
• Ingredients: bone-in chicken thighs, long-grain rice, onion, carrot, chicken broth, basic spices.
• Why it works: Thighs are inexpensive and flavorful; everything cooks in one pot for easy cleanup. Add frozen peas at the end for color.
• Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos — Estimated cost: $6–$9
• Ingredients: canned black beans, sweet potato, tortillas, onion, taco seasoning, lime.
• Why it works: Veg-based, filling, and low-cost. Roast a batch of sweet potatoes and repurpose leftovers for breakfast.
• Pasta with Sauteed Greens and Garlic — Estimated cost: $5–$8
• Ingredients: dried pasta, garlic, a bunch of greens (spinach or kale), olive oil, parmesan (optional).
• Why it works: Pasta is a cheap base and greens add nutrition. Use reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.
• Lentil Bolognese — Estimated cost: $7–$9
• Ingredients: dried lentils, canned tomatoes, carrot, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, pasta.
• Why it works: Lentils mimic the texture of ground meat and cost pennies per serving. Make a big pot and freeze portions.
• Budget Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry — Estimated cost: $9–$10
• Ingredients: thinly sliced beef or flank steak on sale, mixed frozen vegetables, soy sauce, rice.
• Why it works: Use a small amount of beef to flavor a larger quantity of veggies and rice—great for picky eaters.
• Tuna Patties with Salad — Estimated cost: $5–$7
• Ingredients: canned tuna, egg, breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers), onion, lettuce, tomato.
• Why it works: Canned fish is inexpensive and high in protein. Pan-fry a batch and serve with a quick salad.
• Chickpea Curry over Rice — Estimated cost: $6–$8
• Ingredients: canned chickpeas, coconut milk or tomato base, curry powder, onion, rice.
• Why it works: Cheap pantry staples create a hearty, spiced meal. Leftovers taste even better the next day.
• Sheet-Pan Sausage, Potatoes, and Veg — Estimated cost: $8–$10
• Ingredients: budget sausages, baby potatoes, bell pepper, onion, olive oil, seasonings.
• Why it works: Toss on a pan and roast—minimal effort and cleanup. Swap in seasonal vegetables to save more.
• Breakfast for Dinner: Omelet Night — Estimated cost: $4–$7
• Ingredients: eggs, milk, a handful of cheese, leftover veggies or ham, toast.
• Why it works: Eggs are one of the cheapest, most versatile proteins. Stretch servings with a side of toast or fruit.
• Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders — Estimated cost: $9–$10
• Ingredients: pork shoulder (on sale), BBQ sauce, slider buns or small rolls, coleslaw mix.
• Why it works: Pork shoulder is inexpensive and becomes tender with low-and-slow cooking. Make extra for sandwiches later in the week.

Money-saving tips and tricks

• Buy some staples in bulk (rice, pasta, dried beans, lentils) and portion them; per-serving costs drop significantly.
• Use frozen vegetables when fresh is out of season—they’re often cheaper and just as nutritious.
• Cook once, eat twice: plan to repurpose leftovers into bowls, wraps, or breakfasts.
• Shop the weekly sale flyer and buy meat or pantry items when discounted; freeze what you won’t use immediately.
• Get kids involved to make mealtimes smoother—there are simple behavioral tricks you can use; see this guide to calming and engaging picky kids at dinner for strategies to turn fussy moments into cooperative ones.

Conclusion

For extra recipe ideas that keep family dinners under budget, check out this collection of cheap family meals under $10 which complements the dishes above. If you’re also planning budget-friendly seasonal touches or party snacks, you might enjoy these 10 fun Halloween decor ideas under $10 to keep holiday costs low.