25 Best Budget-Friendly Meals Under $10

Hey fellow food lovers! If you’re on a mission to eat well without breaking the bank, you’ve landed in the perfect spot. I’ve rounded up 25 scrumptious recipes that all come in under $10. Whether you’re feeding yourself, your roommates, or your family, these meals prove that you can enjoy delicious, nutritious food on a budget. Let’s dive into these wallet-friendly wonders!

Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce and Garlic Bread

Boil spaghetti and top with store-bought or homemade marinara sauce. Serve with garlic bread made from a bakery’s day-old bread for an Italian-night classic.

Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice

Sauté whatever veggies you have (think bell peppers, cabbage, and carrots) with soy sauce and serve over steamed rice. Quick, easy, and versatile.

Black Bean Quesadillas with Guacamole

Mash black beans with cheese between tortillas and pan-fry. Serve with homemade guacamole from budget-friendly avocados, lime, and salt.

Lentil Soup with Crusty Bread

Simmer lentils with diced tomatoes, carrots, onions, and seasonings for a hearty soup. Dip with day-old crusty bread from the bakery.

Baked Ziti with Cheese

Combine cooked ziti, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese, then bake until bubbly. A comfort food classic that’s as simple as it is delicious.

Tuna Salad Sandwiches

Mix canned tuna with mayo, celery, and pickles. Serve on whole wheat bread for an easy and filling lunch.

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Layer cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, mixed veggies, and baked chicken breasts. Top with breadcrumbs and bake for a one-dish wonder.

Chili with Beans and Cornbread

Cook a simple chili using canned beans, ground meat (optional), tomatoes, and chili spices. Serve with homemade cornbread for a cozy meal.

Vegetable Fried Rice

Use leftover rice and any veggies you have to make this Chinese takeout favorite at home. Add scrambled eggs or tofu for extra protein.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

Spread BBQ sauce over a pre-made pizza crust, top with cooked chicken, red onions, and cheese. Bake for a fun and fast pizza night.

Beef Tacos with Salsa and Tortillas

Cook ground beef with taco seasoning. Serve in tortillas with homemade salsa for a taco night that hits the spot every time.

Macaroni and Cheese with Broccoli

Stir cooked broccoli into your favorite mac and cheese recipe for a tasty and somewhat guilt-free twist on the classic.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Beans

Mix cooked rice and black beans with diced tomatoes and spices. Stuff into bell peppers and bake until the peppers are tender.

Veggie and Chickpea Curry

Simmer chickpeas with coconut milk, curry powder, and mixed vegetables for a simple yet flavorful curry that warms the soul.

Spicy Black Bean Soup with Cornbread

Puree canned black beans with vegetable broth and spices for a creamy soup. Serve with a side of sweet cornbread.

Turkey and Cheese Panini Sandwiches

Layer turkey and cheese on ciabatta bread and grill for a crispy, melty panini that’s way cheaper than the café version.

Egg Fried Rice with Vegetables

Sauté veggies and day-old rice in a hot pan, then scramble an egg into the mix for an inexpensive yet satisfying meal.

Pasta Salad with Vegetables and Italian Dressing

Toss cooked pasta with chopped veggies and Italian dressing for a refreshing and easy-to-make pasta salad.

Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Bread

Make a quick Alfredo sauce with butter, cream, and Parmesan. Toss with cooked pasta and chicken. Serve with garlic bread for indulgence on a dime.

Bean Burritos with Salsa

Roll refried beans, cheese, and homemade salsa in a tortilla. A simple and satisfying meal that’s endlessly customizable.

Veggie Stir-Fry Noodles

Toss cooked noodles with stir-fried vegetables and a simple sauce for an Asian-inspired dish that’s cheaper than takeout.

Ham and Cheese Quesadillas

Fill tortillas with diced ham and cheese, then grill for a quick and satisfying meal that’s especially kid-friendly.

Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Toss cooked pasta with store-bought or homemade pesto and halved cherry tomatoes for a dish that’s bursting with flavor.

Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Blend canned tomatoes and basil for a homemade soup. Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches for the ultimate comfort meal.

Sloppy Joes with Coleslaw

Sauté ground meat with onions, peppers, and sloppy joe sauce. Serve on buns with a side of homemade coleslaw for a nostalgic meal.

Finishing Touches

There you go, my savvy culinary companions, 25 budget-friendly meals that keep both your stomach and your wallet full. These recipes showcase that with a bit of creativity and some pantry staples, eating well on a budget is not only possible but also utterly delicious. Happy cooking!