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Times are tough. Between tightening budgets, holiday shopping, grocery price hikes, and ongoing tariffs, our wallets could sure use a break. So when it comes to getting breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the table every single day, we’ll take any relief we can get. That’s where these budget meals come in.
I pulled pricing information from Walmart’s website. It’s the largest grocery chain in the U.S., with more than 4,700 stores nationwide—making it one of the most accessible options in America. (Note: prices may vary by location.)
Each recipe costs under $10 to make, not including salt, pepper, common household spices, oil, or butter. That price gets you the entire dish, plus any leftover ingredients. The best part? These budget meals are seriously delicious. They may cost $10 or less—but they still taste like a million bucks.
Chicken Caesar Smashed Tacos
Peyton Beckwith
Ground chicken, flour tortillas, and a Caesar salad mix will run you just under $8.50 before taxes.
“This was SO good,” said one Allrecipes reviewer. “Everyone in my family loved it. I didn’t make a single change to the recipe.”
Simple Sausage Casserole
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Your family (and your wallet) is sure to love this breakfast-for-dinner casserole that has so much flavor, and so few ingredients.
“Oh my my, was requested again before the dish was finished,” said one Allrecipes member. “We loved it even more reheated the next day in the air fryer.”
Cheesy Ramen Noodles
“On my goodness, I had this when I was a little kid,” said one reviewer. “Its cheesy goodness is like the comfort of a thousand grandmas—or maybe this is my nostalgia talking. But it’s actually delicious.”
Cheesy Lasagna Sheet Pasta
Peyton Beckwith
This three-ingredient cheesy lasagna sheet pasta could not be easier. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper if you like.
“My lasagna has never been photo-worthy, this means one less thing I need to worry about—and far less work,” said one reviewer.”
Ground Turkey Stroganoff
“Winner winner turkey dinner,” raved one Allrecipes reviewer. “I was skeptical. I was lazy. I had a pound of turkey in the freezer I’d been trying to decide what to do with for awhile. Well, it was fast, easy, and husband, toddlers, grandpa, and I all loved it. I’ll probably be keeping the ingredients for this on hand for last minute dinner rescue. Takes about the same time as hamburger helper and tastes way better!”
Fried Cabbage and Egg Noodles
“This is a German recipe for fried cabbage and noodles that belonged to my grandmother,” said Allrecipes member Judi, who shared this recipe. “It’s cabbage that is lightly browned in butter and tossed with egg noodles for a wonderful, hearty, and fast dish.
Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Coming in just under $10, this quick and easy tuna casserole is sure to delight.
“I am not a cook and do not like cooking, but I did make this and it was even easy for me,” shared one reviewer. “My wife and I both liked it. I will definitely be making it again!”
4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole
fabeveryday
A few humble ingredients combine into something greater than the sum of its parts. It’s an easy weeknight meal that will satisfy hungry bellies.
“I made this for 8 people it was an easy to follow recipe,” shared a reviewer. “Very tasty, everyone liked it”
Easy Canned Chicken & Rice
Tammy Lynn
“This canned chicken and rice recipe is the quickest thing going,” says Allrecipes member R E Vincent, who shared the recipe. “Even my teenage son can make it in less than 15 minutes! Great for kids, big and small alike. Believe it or not, this dish is ready to eat in about 10 minutes.”
Easy Creamy Mac ‘N Cheese
Our recipe for Easy Creamy Mac ‘N Cheese has only five ingredients and is on the table in less than 30 minutes. What’s not to love about that?! Whether you serve it on the side or as a main dish, it’s comfort food that the whole family will love.
“There’s not any complexity with this dish,” says Allrecipes Allstar Deb C. “It’s a straightforward, honest to goodness mac and cheese that’s quick and easy, and hits the spot.”
