We took the KFC challenge, and we didn`t stop there.

A recent KFC commercial, in case you haven`t seen it, challenged families to re-create a seven-piece fried chicken meal for $9.99, which is what the chain charges.

Our 8-piece fried chicken meal (side dish and biscuits included) cost just $7.82 to make at home. And that got us thinking about other great meals that would feed a family of four well for $10 or less.

We counted all ingredients -- including cooking oils, seasonings and condiments -- in figuring up the cost of these dinners. Your exact cost will depend on where, when and how you shop.

1.) Fried chicken with baked beans and biscuits

Cheap sliders. Delicious.

Cut up a whole chicken. Roll pieces in flour seasoned with salt, pepper and paprika. Heat 1 inch vegetable oil in a heavy 10-inch skillet. Fry chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 20 to 25 minutes total.

Meanwhile, bake refrigerated biscuits according to package directions. Heat canned baked beans and serve with chicken and biscuits.

Cost: $7.82

2.) Sliders with onion rings

Cut eight dinner rolls in half horizontally to make mini-buns.

Form 1 lb. ground beef into eight round patties and cook as you would hamburgers, flattening them as you go. Top with half-slices of American cheese and place on buns with ketchup, mustard or other condiments.

Meanwhile, dust 2 large sliced onions with flour and fry in hot oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Serve onion rings with sliders.

Cost: $8.45

3.) Potato-pea tortilla with crescent rolls

Note: In Spain, tortilla refers to a kind of omelet.

In a large bowl, combine the contents of a 5-oz. package of instant three-cheese or au gratin potatoes, 8 lightly beaten eggs, 1 cup milk and 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Pour mixture into a well-greased 10-inch ovenproof, nonstick skillet. Place the skillet in a preheated 450-degree oven and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until tortilla is browned and puffy.

Carefully remove from oven and let rest a minute before slicing and serving with crescent rolls.

Cost: $5.30

4.) Black bean tostadas with Spanish rice

Spread 8 tostadas (deep-fried corn tortillas sold in Hispanic section of supermarket) with a layer of canned refried black beans. Top with 1 lb. cooked ground beef, lettuce, chopped onion, salsa and cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 to 10 minutes.

While tostadas cook, make instant Spanish rice according to package directions.

Cost: $7.80