Food

Budget Bites: Delicious Meals You Can Cook for Under $10

Published

2 months ago

June 11, 2025

Let’s be honest – food shopping isn’t as cheap as it used to be.
Between rising grocery prices and busy schedules, eating well can feel like a luxury.

But what if we told you that tasty, filling meals don’t need to cost more than a tenner?
With the right ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can whip up mouth-watering dishes that go easy on your wallet.

This blog is your go-to guide for budget-friendly cooking. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or just someone watching their spending, you’ll find recipes here that are both satisfying and affordable.

We’ve kept things simple – each meal costs less than $10 to make, and most serve three to four people. So you’re not just saving money – you’re feeding the whole family for less!

Plus, we’ve included easy cost breakdowns, helpful tips, and a handy chart to make planning even easier. Let’s cook smart – and eat even better!

1. One-Pot Veggie Pasta

If you’re after comfort food that’s quick, tasty, and kind on your pocket, this one’s a winner.
One-pot veggie pasta is a no-fuss dish that brings together simple ingredients in the most satisfying way.

All you need is a packet of pasta, a tin of chopped tomatoes, garlic, onion, spinach, and a pinch of dried herbs.
Throw everything into one pot with a splash of olive oil and a bit of water.
Let it simmer, stir now and then – and within 20 minutes, dinner is served!

This dish is perfect for using up leftover veg too.
Carrots, peas, capsicum – they all fit right in.
Add cheese on top if you’ve got some spare change left in your budget!

Ingredients & Cost

Ingredient	Quantity	Est. Cost (AUD)
Pasta	500g	$1.50
Chopped Tomatoes	400g tin	$1.20
Onion & Garlic	1 each	$1.00
Spinach (frozen)	150g	$1.50
Mixed Herbs/Oil	Pantry items	–
Total		$5.20

Serves 3–4 – Cost per serve: $1.30–$1.73

2. Chickpea Curry & Rice

Warm, hearty, and full of flavour – chickpea curry is a budget superstar.
It’s packed with protein, rich in spices, and surprisingly easy to make.

Grab a tin of chickpeas, some coconut milk, onion, curry powder, and a cup of rice.
Sauté the onion, stir in the spices, add chickpeas and coconut milk, and simmer until creamy.
Serve it over fluffy rice, and enjoy a rich, comforting meal that tastes like a hug in a bowl.

It’s perfect for meal prepping too.
Store leftovers for the next day – the flavour gets even better!

Ingredients & Cost

Ingredient	Quantity	Est. Cost (AUD)
Chickpeas (tinned)	400g	$1.00
Coconut Milk	400ml	$1.60
Onion & Garlic	1 each	$1.00
Curry Powder	1 tbsp	$0.30
Rice	1 cup (dry)	$1.00
Total		$4.90

Serves 4 – Cost per serve: $1.23

3. Loaded Jacket Potatoes

Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside – jacket potatoes are a timeless classic.
They’re not only cheap but incredibly filling and versatile.

Start with large brushed potatoes, bake them until golden and soft.
Then, slice them open and load them with your favourite toppings.
Try baked beans, grated cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
You can also mix in chopped spring onions or leftover veggies for extra flavour.

This is the perfect comfort meal for cold nights.
It’s simple, wholesome, and feels indulgent without costing a fortune.

Ingredients & Cost

Ingredient	Quantity	Est. Cost (AUD)
Brushed Potatoes	4 large	$2.50
Baked Beans	400g tin	$1.20
Cheese (grated)	150g	$2.00
Sour Cream	100g	$1.50
Total		$7.20

Serves 2–3 – Cost per serve: $2.40–$3.60

4. Fried Rice with Veggies & Egg

Leftover rice is a goldmine for quick, budget-friendly meals.
With just a few ingredients, fried rice becomes a tasty and colourful plate.

Start by frying onion, garlic, and mixed frozen veg in a pan.
Add the rice, a splash of soy sauce, and scramble in a couple of eggs.
It’s fast, filling, and flexible – use whatever veg you’ve got on hand.

For under $6, this meal is ideal when you’re low on time and money.
Plus, it’s great for lunchboxes or next-day leftovers.

Ingredients & Cost

Ingredient	Quantity	Est. Cost (AUD)
Rice (cooked)	2 cups	$0.80
Frozen Veg Mix	1 cup	$1.20
Eggs	2	$1.00
Onion & Garlic	1 each	$1.00
Soy Sauce	Pantry item	–
Total		$4.00

Serves 3 – Cost per serve: $1.33

5. Flatbread Margherita Pizza

Craving pizza on a budget? This one’s a game-changer.
All you need is a piece of flatbread, tomato paste, shredded cheese, and a few fresh herbs.

Spread the tomato paste on the flatbread, top with cheese, and bake until golden.
Add a sprinkle of basil or oregano before serving – delicious!

It’s perfect as a light dinner or weekend lunch.
And because it’s so simple, even kids can help make it.

Ingredients & Cost

Ingredient	Quantity	Est. Cost (AUD)
Flatbread (large)	2 pieces	$2.50
Tomato Paste	100g	$0.80
Mozzarella Cheese	150g	$2.20
Basil or Herbs	Fresh or dry	$0.50
Total		$6.00

Serves 2 – Cost per serve: $3.00

Quick Comparison Chart

Meal	Total Cost (AUD)	Serves	Cost per Serve
One-Pot Veggie Pasta	$5.20	4	$1.30
Chickpea Curry & Rice	$4.90	4	$1.23
Loaded Jacket Potatoes	$7.20	3	$2.40
Fried Rice with Veg & Egg	$4.00	3	$1.33
Flatbread Margherita Pizza	$6.00	2	$3.00

Final Thoughts

Cooking on a budget doesn’t mean boring meals or plain plates.
With a little planning and a few clever swaps, you can enjoy delicious, satisfying dishes without overspending.

These meals prove that $10 can go a long way in your kitchen. They’re simple, family-friendly, and packed with flavour.

Try one this week and see just how rewarding budget cooking can be. You might even find a new favourite recipe!

Hungry for more? Keep an eye out – we’ll be sharing more wallet-friendly meal ideas soon.
Bon appétit, the budget way!

Related Topics:Budget Friendly Delicious Meal Food

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Smarter Cooking, Less Waste: Your Guide to a Zero-Waste Kitchen

Published

2 months ago

June 11, 2025

Jayden Walker

A zero-waste kitchen means cooking and storing food without creating rubbish. It’s a simple way to help the planet and save money.

When we waste less food, we use fewer resources like water and energy. Plus, you get to be creative with your cooking!

Small changes like planning meals or storing food properly make a big difference over time. This guide will show you how to make your kitchen kinder to the earth and your wallet.

Let’s start making smarter choices, one meal at a time.

Planning Ahead: Smarter Shopping & Meal Prep

Planning your meals each week stops you buying too much food.

Make a shopping list from your meal plan and stick to it. This helps avoid waste and saves money.

Buy loose fruit and vegetables instead of those wrapped in plastic. Choose foods that last longer and avoid buying too many perishables at once.

Prep some meals or chop veggies ahead of time to make cooking quicker. Keep track of what’s in your pantry to avoid repeats.

Smart Cooking Techniques to Reduce Waste

Use all parts of your ingredients to avoid waste. Vegetable stems and leaves can make tasty stocks or sauces.

Get creative with leftovers by turning them into soups or sandwiches.

Cook in batches and freeze extra portions for busy days.

Make the right portion sizes to stop throwing food away.

With a little thought, nothing goes to waste in your kitchen.

Efficient Food Storage Ideas

Good storage helps food last longer and cuts waste.

Use airtight containers to keep food fresh.

Try beeswax wraps or silicone lids instead of cling film or foil.

Label containers with dates so you know what to eat first.

Organise your fridge so older food is at the front.

A tidy kitchen means less forgotten food and fewer repeats bought.

Composting & Recycling Kitchen Scraps

Many kitchen scraps don’t need to go in the bin.

Vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, and eggshells can be composted.

Avoid putting meat or dairy in compost as they attract pests.

If you don’t have a garden, check if your council collects food waste.

Even a small worm bin on your balcony works well.

Composting reduces landfill waste and helps grow healthy plants.

Common Kitchen Waste & Zero-Waste Alternatives

Waste Item	Zero-Waste Alternative	Tip
Plastic cling film	Beeswax wraps / silicone lids	Wash and reuse wraps
Single-use plastic bags	Cloth or mesh produce bags	Take your own shopping bags
Food scraps (veg peels)	Compost bin / worm farm	Start small composting at home
Takeaway containers	Reusable containers	Bring your own containers
Paper towels	Cloth towels / reusable napkins	Wash and reuse