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