Ten Cost Effective Meals To Make Under $10

10 cost-effective meals you can make for dinner that cost less than $10 total at the register – or make all 10 meals for under $70 (complete shopping list below!)

I have a nice list of 10 dollar meals that I keep on weekly rotation to feed my family CHEAP… like extremely cheap.

Each dinner recipe costs less than ten bucks to make AND if you meal plan ahead, you can buy the ingredients for ALL ten meals for $64.39. Yep, 10 family dinners for UNDER $70 – that’s a WIN!

Couple notes to know:
– The totals for each meal include buying the full package of each main ingredient.
– Prices are based on my current price checks for “Great Value” (Walmart’s store brand) and, as we all know, prices vary by location and time of day.
– I’m taking for granted that you have basic pantry staples like cooking oil, salt, pepper, etc.

The recipes are really self-explanatory, but here’s what we’re making:

Cost breakdown and shopping list below.

1. Loaded Chili Cheese Dogs

A classic, hearty meal that is incredibly cheap and filling.

Bar-S Classic Franks (12 oz): ~$1.00
Great Value Hot Dog Buns (8 ct): ~$1.43
Great Value Chili with Beans (15 oz can): ~$2.14
Great Value Shredded Cheddar Cheese (8 oz): ~$1.97
Total: ~$6.54

2. Creamy Chicken Alfredo

Using canned chicken makes this pasta dish fast and protein-packed without the cost of fresh meat.

Great Value Canned Chunk Chicken (12.5 oz): ~$2.62
Great Value Alfredo Pasta Sauce (15 oz): ~$1.92
Great Value Fettuccine or Penne Pasta (16 oz): ~$0.98
Total: ~$5.52

3. Smoked Sausage & Rice Skillet

A savory “one-pan” meal. Slice the sausage, brown it, and simmer with rice and veggies.

Great Value Smoked Sausage (14 oz): ~$2.97
Great Value Long Grain Rice (32 oz bag): ~$1.77
Great Value Frozen Mixed Vegetables (12 oz): ~$0.98
Total: ~$5.72

4. Bean & Cheese Burritos

Better than frozen burritos because you can load them up with fresh salsa and extra cheese.

Great Value Flour Tortillas (10 ct): ~$1.98
Great Value Refried Beans (16 oz can): ~$1.00
Great Value Shredded Cheddar Cheese (8 oz): ~$1.97
Great Value Mild Salsa (16 oz jar): ~$1.92
Total: ~$6.87

5. Tuna Mac & Cheese Casserole

Elevate boxed mac & cheese by adding protein and veggies for a complete casserole.

Great Value Macaroni & Cheese (2 boxes @ $0.58 each): ~$1.16
Great Value Chunk Light Tuna (2 cans @ $0.96 each): ~$1.92
Great Value Frozen Peas or Mixed Veggies: ~$0.98
Total: ~$4.06

6. “Breakfast for Dinner” Feast

A full spread with eggs, sausage, and biscuits with gravy.

Great Value Large White Eggs (12 ct): ~$1.97
Great Value Breakfast Sausage Links or Patties (12 oz): ~$2.64
Great Value Buttermilk Biscuits (Canned, 10 ct): ~$0.97
Great Value Country Gravy Mix (packet): ~$1.28
Total: ~$6.86

7. Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Using a 1lb roll of ground beef allows you to make a large pot of spaghetti that can feed a family.

Great Value Ground Beef (1 lb roll): ~$5.94
Great Value Spaghetti Pasta (16 oz): ~$0.98
Great Value Pasta Sauce (24 oz jar): ~$1.98
Total: ~$8.90

8. Chicken Fried Rice

A better takeout alternative. You can use the remaining rice from the 2lb bag if you bought it for Meal #3, or buy a new bag.

Great Value Canned Chunk Chicken: ~$2.62
Great Value Long Grain Rice (32 oz): ~$1.77
Great Value Frozen Mixed Veggies: ~$0.98
Great Value Eggs (12 ct): ~$1.97
Great Value Soy Sauce (15 oz): ~$1.58
Total: ~$8.92

9. Pepperoni Pizza Quesadillas

All the flavor of pizza but in a crispy tortilla shell. Dip them in the pizza sauce!

Great Value Flour Tortillas (10 ct): ~$1.98
Great Value Pepperoni Slices (6 oz): ~$2.88
Great Value Shredded Mozzarella or Cheddar (8 oz): ~$1.97
Great Value Pizza Sauce (14 oz): ~$1.88
Total: ~$8.71

10. Beefy “American Goulash”

A comforting skillet meal of macaroni, beef, and tomato sauce.

Great Value Ground Beef (1 lb roll): ~$5.94
Great Value Elbow Macaroni (16 oz): ~$0.98
Great Value Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz can): ~$0.96
Great Value Tomato Sauce (8 oz can): ~$0.48
Total: ~$8.36

Pro Tip: If you buy the 32oz bag of Rice ($1.77) and the 12-count Eggs ($1.97) once, you can split them across multiple meals (like the Sausage Skillet, Fried Rice, and Breakfast) to lower your weekly cost even further.

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