5 Delicious & Budget-Friendly Fall Dinners Under $10
As the weather cools down, I find myself craving comforting and satisfying dinners. However, I also want to be mindful of my grocery budget. That’s why I’m sharing these 5 hearty and family-friendly recipes that cost approximately $10 or less for the entire dish. These meals rely on affordable proteins, pantry staples, and flavors that evoke a sense of warmth and coziness.
Looking for more inspiration? Be sure to check out my Cheap Family Meals Under $10 for a wider selection of budget-conscious options. You might also enjoy my French Onion Chicken Casserole and Creamy Chicken and Egg Noodles for more family-friendly comfort food recipes.
Why You’ll Love These Budget Fall Dinner Recipes
These 5 budget-friendly fall dinners are perfect for families looking for delicious and affordable meals. They’re cozy, satisfying, and won’t break the bank. Each recipe, from creamy casseroles to hearty chili and convenient one-pot meals, is designed to cost approximately $10 or less.
- ⏰ Ready in just 30–60 minutes
- 🛒 Made with affordable pantry staples
- 🍲 Packed with cozy fall flavors
- 🍽️ Serves 4–6 people comfortably
- 🧊 Most are freezer-friendly for easy meal prep
If you’re looking for more comforting dishes, I also recommend trying my Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Soup and Zuppa Toscana Casserole. These recipes are sure to please!
Made with love,
And if you prefer a hands-off approach, don’t miss my Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili, a delightful version of one of these favorites that practically cooks itself.
Step-by-Step Recipe Video
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Master Shopping List for Budget-Friendly Fall Dinners
The beauty of this collection lies in its simplicity. You don’t need an extensive shopping list. With just a few basic ingredients, you can prepare all 5 recipes!
Proteins
- 3–4 chicken breasts (or canned chicken)
- 2 lbs ground beef (or substitute ground turkey)
- 12 oz canned chicken (for casserole)
Pantry
- 12 oz egg noodles (for casserole)
- 8 oz egg noodles (for stroganoff)
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 ½ cups instant brown rice
- 3 (15 oz) cans great northern beans
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans
- 1 can diced green chilies
- 2 cups salsa
- 24 oz pasta sauce
- 16 oz Alfredo sauce
- 10 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 10 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- Chicken broth (about 8 cups total)
- Flour (for thickening)
- Spices: chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper
Dairy
- Sour cream (about 1 ¼ cups total)
- Milk (about 1 ½ cups total)
- Butter (5 tbsp)
- Cheddar cheese (about 4 cups shredded)
- Mozzarella cheese (¾ cup)
- Parmesan cheese (⅓ cup)
- Whipping cream (¼ cup)
Produce (fresh/frozen)
- 2 large onions
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
🍁 Fall is officially here! Stay warm and cozy with my 15 Cozy Slow Cooker Soups.
🛒 Pro tip: Opt for store brands, purchase proteins in bulk, and take advantage of frozen veggie sales to keep all of these meals under $10 each. Strategic shopping can make a huge difference!
5 Cheap Fall Dinner Recipes: Easy, Delicious, and Budget-Friendly
1. White Chicken Chili: A Budget-Friendly Fall Favorite
The Best White Chicken Chili
For an even easier option, try my Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili. It’s a hands-off version that allows you to set it and forget it!
2. Chicken Noodle Casserole: A Classic Comfort Food on a Budget
Dump and Go Chicken Noodle Casserole
3. Easiest One Pot Creamy Pasta: A Quick and Affordable Meal
EASIEST One Pot Creamy Pasta
4. Mexican Beef and Rice One-Pot Meal: Flavorful and Frugal
Mexican Beef and Rice One-Pot Meal
5. Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole: A Comforting Twist on a Classic
Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole
Essential Tips for Budget-Friendly Cooking This Fall
- Purchase proteins in bulk and freeze them in 1 lb portions for future use.
- Stock up on canned goods like soups, beans, and chilies when they’re on sale.
- Consider swapping ground beef for ground turkey; it’s often a lighter and more affordable option.
- Embrace frozen veggies to save money and eliminate prep time.
Looking for more budget-friendly tips and tricks? Explore my Cheap Family Meals Under $10 for a wealth of ideas.
Simple Meal Planning Strategies Using These Recipes
These 5 recipes can easily cover a week’s worth of dinners, with enough leftovers for lunches.
- Prepare two casseroles and freeze one for a convenient meal option later in the month.
- Make a large batch of chili for delicious and easy lunches throughout the week.
- Alternate between pasta and rice dishes to add variety and keep your meals interesting.
For more freezer-friendly meal ideas, check out → 15 Cozy Slow Cooker Soups.
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📌 Don’t forget to pin this roundup on Pinterest to save it for your future meal planning endeavors!