Easy and Cheap Family Meals Under $10

Introduction

Discovering affordable and flavorful meals that feed the whole family doesn’t have to be a challenge. This recipe for a One-Pot Cheesy Rice & Bean Skillet is a true winner—simple to prepare, packed with nutrition, and featuring ingredients you can find at any grocery store for less than $10. Whether you’re managing a tight budget or just want an easy recipe to keep dinner stress-free, this dish proves you can enjoy hearty, homemade food without breaking the bank!

Why You’ll Love This Easy $10 Family Meal

With busy weeknights and hungry mouths to feed, it’s no wonder why meals that are both affordable and filling are so popular. This recipe uses pantry staples like rice, beans, and cheese, stretching your dollar further while keeping preparation minimal. Every serving is comforting, satisfying, and guaranteed to please kids and adults alike. Plus, cleanup is a breeze—everything comes together in one skillet.

Smart Flavor on a Budget

What makes this dish stand out is how it packs big flavor with just a handful of budget-friendly ingredients. Sautéed onions and garlic form the aromatic base, while canned tomatoes and a sprinkle of spices add a burst of flavor. A generous helping of melted cheese on top brings everything together in the most comforting way possible.

The Easiest Way to Cook a Family Meal Under $10

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Sauté aromatics, simmer rice and beans, and finish with cheese—no complicated steps or costly ingredients required. This is an ideal meal to get kids involved with dinner prep, or for busy nights when you’re short on time and energy.

Customizing Your Skillet Meal

Adapt this recipe to whatever you have on hand! Swap in black beans for kidney beans, add diced bell peppers or frozen corn, or use pepper jack instead of cheddar for an extra kick. It’s endlessly flexible and great for using up leftovers or stray veggies in the fridge.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe comfortably serves 4 people. Thanks to the beans and rice, each serving offers protein, fiber, and plenty of energy—perfect for fueling your family without overspending. Each portion typically contains about 350-400 calories, depending on cheese quantity and optional add-ins.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients grouped by store section—perfect for fast, focused budget shopping. No more forgetting vital ingredients or overspending!

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir for 1 minute to coat the grains and toast them lightly.
3. Pour in the can of undrained diced tomatoes, black beans, water or broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
5. Remove from heat. Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top, re-cover, and let sit for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
6. Garnish with green onions or cilantro, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy a filling, budget-friendly meal!

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is perfect to include in your weekly meal planning—especially on nights when you want to keep costs low but still give your family a nutritious, delicious dinner. Save and schedule this recipe to generate smart shopping lists, plan your week, and ensure every meal fits your budget.

Planning Benefits:

• Consolidates all recipe ingredients for the week—no more duplicate spice jars or extra rice bags piling up in the pantry!
• Organizes your shopping list by grocery aisle for ultra-efficient trips.
• Lets you visualize total costs and switch out recipes easily to fit your family’s needs.

Pro tip: When planning multiple low-cost meals, use CookifyAI’s planning feature to automatically calculate total amounts—especially helpful for staples like rice, beans, and cheese.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Enjoy delicious, easy, and cheap family meals—no matter your budget!