30 Budget-Friendly Meals for Kids and Families Under $10 Per Meal

Feeding a family on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, nutrition, or fun! Here are 30 delicious, kid-approved meals—each with simple recipes and affordable ingredients—that will keep your grocery bill in check (less than $10 per meal!).

Breakfast Ideas

• Oatmeal Bar: Cook rolled oats, then set out toppings like banana slices, honey, raisins, and cinnamon. Let kids build their own bowls!
• Egg Muffin Cups: Whisk eggs, add chopped veggies and cheese, pour into muffin tins, and bake. Perfect for grab-and-go mornings.
• Banana Pancakes: Mash 2 ripe bananas, mix with 2 eggs and a pinch of baking powder. Cook small pancakes and serve with a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Breakfast Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese, and salsa. Fold and toast on a skillet.
• Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt, granola, and frozen berries in cups. Kids love building their own!

Lunch Favorites

• Turkey & Cheese Roll-Ups: Spread cream cheese on tortillas, layer with turkey and cheese, roll up, and slice.
• Veggie Fried Rice: Sauté leftover rice with frozen mixed veggies, a scrambled egg, and soy sauce.
• DIY Lunchables: Slice deli meat, cheese, crackers, and add a side of fruit for a homemade, budget-friendly version.
• Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup: Use whole wheat bread, American cheese, and canned tomato soup for a comforting classic.
• Chicken Salad Wraps: Mix canned chicken with mayo, celery, and grapes. Spoon into tortillas and wrap up.

Dinner Winners

• Spaghetti with Marinara: Cook pasta, top with jarred marinara sauce, and sprinkle with parmesan.
• One-Pot Chili: Brown ground beef, add canned beans, tomatoes, and chili powder. Simmer and serve with cornbread.
• Sheet Pan Sausage & Veggies: Toss sliced sausage, potatoes, and carrots with oil and seasonings. Roast on a sheet pan.
• Chicken Stir Fry: Sauté chicken strips with frozen stir fry veggies and soy sauce. Serve over rice.
• Homemade Pizza: Use store-bought dough, top with sauce, cheese, and favorite toppings. Bake until bubbly.
• Bean & Cheese Burritos: Fill tortillas with refried beans, cheese, and salsa. Roll up and bake.
• Sloppy Joes: Brown ground turkey, add sloppy joe sauce, and serve on buns with a side of carrot sticks.
• Vegetable Soup: Simmer mixed veggies, potatoes, and broth. Serve with crusty bread.
• Mac & Cheese with Broccoli: Make boxed mac and cheese, stir in steamed broccoli florets.
• Chicken & Rice Casserole: Mix cooked rice, canned chicken, frozen peas, and cream of mushroom soup. Bake until hot.

Snack & Sides

• Apple Nachos: Slice apples, drizzle with peanut butter, and sprinkle with granola.
• Mini Pita Pizzas: Top pita halves with marinara and cheese, bake until melty.
• Cheesy Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with cheese, fold, and cook on a skillet. Cut into wedges.
• Veggie Sticks & Hummus: Slice carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Serve with store-bought or homemade hummus.
• Popcorn Trail Mix: Mix popped popcorn, pretzels, and raisins for a crunchy snack.

Tips to Save Even More

• Shop sales and buy store brands.
• Plan meals around ingredients you already have.
• Double recipes and freeze leftovers for busy nights.
• Get kids involved—they’re more likely to eat what they help make!

With these recipes, you’ll keep both your kids and your wallet happy. Bon appétit!