23 Budget-Friendly Family Dinners Under $10

Family dinners do not need to cost a fortune. These budget-friendly recipes prove you can stretch your grocery dollars while still serving hearty, delicious meals. From casseroles and pastas to soups and skillet favorites, each one comes together for less than $10.

Olive Garden Marinara Sauce

Olive Garden Marinara Sauce
Olive Garden Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in the rich flavors of Olive Garden Marinara Sauce! This classic Italian staple brings restaurant-quality taste to your table. Perfect for elevating pasta dishes, homemade pizza, or tender meatballs. Try this simple recipe for an authentic dining experience at home.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Marinara Sauce

Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Big Mac Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Experience the iconic Big Mac transformed into a hearty sloppy joe sandwich. This mouthwatering mashup combines seasoned ground beef with special sauce and classic toppings for a delicious twist on two comfort food favorites that’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or game day gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Spicy Chicken Stir Fry

Spicy Chicken Stir Fry
Spicy Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Food Fun and Faraway Places.

This flavorful stir fry combines juicy chicken, sweet pineapple and spicy jalapeños for a quick weeknight dinner that’s ready in just 35 minutes. It’s the perfect balance of heat and sweetness your family will love.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chicken Stir Fry

Easy Beginner’s Chili Recipe

Easy Beginner’s Chili Recipe
Easy Beginner’s Chili Recipe. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This hearty homemade chili brings comfort food magic to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for kitchen beginners, it combines savory ground beef, tender beans and classic spices for a foolproof meal that tastes like you’ve been cooking for years.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beginner’s Chili Recipe

Lubys Cafeteria Macaroni and Cheese

Lubys Cafeteria Macaroni and Cheese
Lubys Cafeteria Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this copycat Luby’s Mac and Cheese recipe. Velvety smooth, rich, and perfectly cheesy, this homemade version brings the beloved cafeteria classic right to your family table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Lubys Cafeteria Macaroni and Cheese

Perfect Black Beans From Scratch

Perfect Black Beans From Scratch
Perfect Black Beans From Scratch. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Unlock the secret to perfectly tender black beans at home with our expert methods. Skip the canned version and discover how simple it is to create flavorful, budget-friendly black beans from scratch. Your Tex-Mex dishes will never taste better!
Get the Recipe: Perfect Black Beans From Scratch

Easy Tofu Fried Rice Recipe: For Busy Weeknights

Easy Tofu Fried Rice Recipe: For Busy Weeknights
Easy Tofu Fried Rice Recipe: For Busy Weeknights. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Discover the magic of our simple tofu fried rice! This wholesome dish combines crispy tofu with colorful vegetables in a savory sauce that’s ready in minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious and nutritious without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tofu Fried Rice Recipe: For Busy Weeknights

Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup

Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup
Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Savor the rustic flavors of this hearty Italian sausage and lentil soup that rivals Carrabba’s famous recipe. With simple ingredients transformed into rich, soul-warming comfort food, it’s the perfect antidote to chilly weather that will leave you craving another spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup

Ham and Cheese Frittata

Ham and Cheese Frittata
Ham and Cheese Frittata. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

Indulge in a Ham and Cheese Frittata where sweet caramelized onions meet nutty gruyère cheese in every bite. This easy yet elegant dish transitions effortlessly from breakfast to lunch, promising a satisfying meal that’s ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Frittata

Grandma’s Old Fashioned Potato Soup

Grandma’s Old Fashioned Potato Soup
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Potato Soup. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This soul-warming potato soup blends russet potatoes with rich evaporated milk and butter for pure comfort in every spoonful. The simple ingredients create a creamy, nostalgic flavor that transports you straight to Grandma’s kitchen. Pure homemade goodness awaits!
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Old Fashioned Potato Soup

Burrito Casserole

Burrito Casserole
Burrito Casserole. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This crowd-pleasing Tex-Mex casserole wraps seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, and melted cheese in soft flour tortillas. It’s a hearty, comforting dinner that brings bold Southwest flavors to your family table in just one satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Burrito Casserole

Crustless Pizza Bowls

Crustless Pizza Bowls
Crustless Pizza Bowls. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Enjoy all your favorite pizza flavors without the fuss! These ingenious pizza bowls combine pasta, sauce, toppings, and gooey cheese for a delicious family meal. Skip the crust but keep all the taste in this simple weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Crustless Pizza Bowls

Southern Boiled Cabbage with Bacon

Southern Boiled Cabbage with Bacon
Southern Boiled Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Discover the magic of tender cabbage leaves delicately simmered with rich, smoky bacon. This beloved Southern classic brings comfort to your table without breaking the bank. The perfect accompaniment to any meal, it’s a simple yet satisfying side dish that transforms everyday dinners into something special.
Get the Recipe: Southern Boiled Cabbage with Bacon

Fried Cabbage and Sausage

Fried Cabbage and Sausage
Fried Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in this rustic one-pan wonder where crispy bacon and savory sausage meld perfectly with tender cabbage. This budget-friendly dinner delivers maximum comfort with minimum effort – pure satisfaction on a plate for those cozy evenings when only hearty goodness will do.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage and Sausage

Skinny Cowgirl Veggie Burger

Skinny Cowgirl Veggie Burger
Skinny Cowgirl Veggie Burger. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

This mouthwatering veggie burger delivers bold flavor without the guilt. Packed with wholesome ingredients and savory seasonings, it satisfies cravings while keeping things light. Perfect for your next meatless Monday or summer cookout!
Get the Recipe: Skinny Cowgirl Veggie Burger

Easy Taco Casserole

Easy Taco Casserole
Easy Taco Casserole. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in the bold flavors of your favorite tacos without all the prep work. This hearty Taco Casserole combines seasoned beef, melty cheese and zesty toppings in one easy dish that’s ready to satisfy your weeknight cravings. Perfect for busy families!
Get the Recipe: Easy Taco Casserole

Crispy and Cheesy Quesadillas Fritas

Crispy and Cheesy Quesadillas Fritas
Crispy and Cheesy Quesadillas Fritas. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These golden pockets of crispy masa dough cradle gooey melted cheese for an authentic Mexican street food experience. Ready in just 40 minutes, they’re perfect for family dinners or party appetizers. Make ahead and customize with your favorite fillings for an irresistible treat.
Get the Recipe: Crispy and Cheesy Quesadillas Fritas

Southern Hominy Casserole

Southern Hominy Casserole
Southern Hominy Casserole. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This creamy hominy casserole combines tender kernels with mushrooms and cheddar in a velvety sauce, all crowned with crispy cornflake topping. It’s the ultimate comfort food that elevates any meal from holiday feasts to simple family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Southern Hominy Casserole

Hamburger Potato Casserole Without Canned Soup

Hamburger Potato Casserole Without Canned Soup
Hamburger Potato Casserole Without Canned Soup. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This hearty hamburger potato casserole combines savory ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and a rich, creamy sauce all baked to golden perfection. It’s a budget-friendly comfort food option that comes together easily for those busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Potato Casserole Without Canned Soup

Creamy Cheesy Green Tomato Casserole Recipe

Creamy Cheesy Green Tomato Casserole Recipe
Creamy Cheesy Green Tomato Casserole Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This creamy Southern classic transforms tangy green tomatoes into a comforting casserole. With layers of sweet onion, savory cheese, and a golden buttery cracker topping, it’s the perfect crowd-pleasing side for Sunday dinners and potluck gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cheesy Green Tomato Casserole Recipe

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole
Mexican Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Transform taco night with this mouthwatering Mexican Tater Tot Casserole! Seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and creamy soups are topped with crispy golden tater tots for an irresistible family meal that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

Ground Beef Casserole

Ground Beef Casserole
Ground Beef Casserole. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This comforting ground beef casserole combines tender pasta with smoky bacon and a rich blend of two cheeses. It’s a family-friendly dinner that comes together easily on busy weeknights, and somehow tastes even better reheated the next day!
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Casserole

Chili Relleno Casserole

Chili Relleno Casserole
Chili Relleno Casserole. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Craving chili rellenos without the fuss? This easy casserole delivers all those authentic flavors in a simple dish. Bisquick creates the perfect base for green chilies and a delicious blend of two cheeses. It’s comfort food that brings restaurant quality to your dinner table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chili Relleno Casserole

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

REVEALED: Copycat Secrets for 2025

free email bonus

Yes, you CAN make it at home! I'll show you how.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

homemade Olive Garden Asiago Torgelloni Alfredo with chicken on a plate

Copycat Recipe Secrets for 2025

REVEALED:

Yes, you CAN make it at home! 
I'll show you how.

FREE EMAIL BONUS