Family Meals Under $10 In Australia

23rd July 2025

Budgeting

Saving money on food shopping in Australia requires some skill but feeding a family on a budget shouldn’t mean sacrificing taste or nutrition. Here are some ideas to create delicious, healthy meals that come in under $10 per serve.

 

Three healthy meal ideas for under $10

Cooking healthy meals on a budget is easier than you might think. Don’t be afraid to substitute ingredients and be approximate in quantities. 

Mac and cheese from scratch

A family favourite, this recipe is quick and easy, if you’re short on time skip the oven step and serve once cooked and combined. 

Ingredients:

  • 250g macaroni
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste

 

Instructions:

  1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
  4. Add grated cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  5. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and mix well. 
  7. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs, drizzle with olive oil and put in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Serve hot.

Daal

This recipe can be adapted to cook in a slow cooker; simply put all the ingredients in the slow cooker at once, add an extra cup of water and turn it on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup lentils (red or yellow)
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 tomatoes, chopped (or 1 400g can of diced tomatoes)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander for garnish

 

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. In a pot, combine lentils and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender (about 20 minutes).
  3. In a pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add cumin and mustard seeds and cook until they start to pop.
  4. Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onion is golden brown.
  5. Add turmeric powder and chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes are soft.
  6. Add the cooked lentils to the pan and mix well. Season with salt.
  7. Simmer for 20 minutes to blend the flavours. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with rice or bread. 

Chicken and vegetable pasta

Chicken is a source of protein that comes in at a lower cost than other meats, making it a great option to keep the weekly grocery spending down. This recipe is kid-approved and can be a good ‘go to’ mid-week meal if you are short on time. 

Ingredients:

  • 250g pasta (any type)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

 

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large pot, cover chicken breasts with cold water or stock.
  3. Bring the water to a boil and simmer for about 10 minutes.
  4. Wait until the chicken has cooled slightly before shredding with two forks.
  5. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  6. Add broccoli florets and cook until tender.
  7. Add cherry tomatoes and cooked chicken to the pan. Stir and cook for a few minutes until heated through.
  8. Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.
  9. Serve hot, with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

More tips for meals under $10

Shopping for affordable ingredients is key to making budget-friendly meals. Choosing recipes that use in-season vegetables or substituting frozen can help to keep recipes under $10. Carbs like pasta, rice or oats can be purchased in bulk, and it’s one ingredient where choosing the ‘no-brand’ option does not compromise quality. For protein, look for recipes that use chicken thighs, legumes or mince.

Managing a household budget is possible with the right forward planning

While food is an unavoidable cost, by planning ahead and taking advantage of meals that cost less than $10 you can ensure your household budget stretches a little further. This means when Christmas or Easter comes along there’s that little extra saved up for gifts and fun surprises.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest food to feed a lot of people?

Stock up on beans, lentils, eggs, rice, pasta, and in-season vegetables. These ingredients are versatile, nutritious, and affordable.

What is a good meal for 10 people?

To feed ten people, a meal that incorporates rice or pasta will ensure everyone is satisfied. Some examples include butter chicken, lasagna, chili or baked pasta. 

What is the cheapest food to feed a family?

Legumes and oats offer the maximum nutrition for price, so include these items in your meal planning for the week. Legumes are great in chili, soups or curries and oats make a perfect breakfast or snack. Canned tomatoes, pasta, rice and frozen veg also pack in nutrition for every dollar spent.

The information provided in this blog is of a general nature and is provided without considering your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial, investment, or other professional advice.

Before making any financial decisions or taking action based on the information presented, you are strongly encouraged to assess its appropriateness in light of your individual circumstances. Red Tree Finance does not intend to provide personalised financial advice, and you should seek independent financial, legal, tax, and other relevant advice tailored to your unique situation.

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