As a busy parent, you know how challenging it can be to put together a meal for your family every night.
Trying to figure out what to make on a budget can be even more difficult. Fortunately, there are plenty of cheap and easy dinner ideas that are both delicious and filling.
I’ve put together a list of 43 budget-friendly dinner options that your whole family is sure to love.
43 Cheap Dinners for Family
1. Spaghetti and Meatballs
This classic dish is always a hit. Store-bought meatballs are affordable, and cooking spaghetti is easy. Just add a side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
2. Taco Salad
Ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese come together to make this delicious salad. Top it with a dollop of sour cream and some salsa.
3. Baked Chicken Legs
Chicken legs are incredibly cheap and filling. Coat them in BBQ sauce or a simple spice blend before baking to add flavor.
4. Vegetable Stir-fry
Rice and frozen vegetables are cheap and make for a healthy meal. Add your favorite protein like tofu, chicken, or shrimp to make it more filling.
5. Tuna Casserole
Canned tuna, pasta, and cream of mushroom soup form the base of this casserole. Add bread crumbs and cheese on top if you want some extra crunch.
6. Baked Ziti
Another classic Italian dish that’s easy to make. Cook ziti and mix it with marinara and ricotta cheese before baking.
7. Quesadillas
Tortillas, cheese, and chicken or beef are all you need to make a quick and affordable meal. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
8. Chili
This hearty meal is perfect for colder nights. Canned beans and ground beef form the base of the dish, and spices like cumin and chili powder add flavor.
9. Fried Rice
Leftover rice, eggs, and frozen vegetables make for a quick and satisfying meal.
10. Black Bean Soup
Canned black beans are the star of this flavorful soup. Add some diced tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin to spice it up.
11. Shepherd’s Pie
Ground beef mixed with mashed potatoes and frozen vegetables makes for a hearty and affordable meal.
12. Sloppy Joe
Ground beef mixed with ketchup and mustard is served on buns for a classic meal.
13. Baked Potatoes
Top baked potatoes with chili, cheese, or sour cream for a satisfying and cheap meal.
14. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
This classic combo is a hit with kids and adults alike. Use whole wheat bread and low-fat cheese to make it a bit healthier.
15. Mac and Cheese
A classic comfort food, mac and cheese is easy to make and incredibly affordable.
16. Mini Pizzas
Make homemade mini pizza using store-bought crust and your favorite toppings.
17. Super Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta
Cook up some pasta and top it with store-bought tomato sauce. Add some parmesan cheese and seasonings for extra flavor.
18. Chicken Alfredo
Cook chicken and mix it with alfredo sauce before serving over pasta.
19. Meatloaf
Ground beef, breadcrumbs, and eggs form the base of this classic dish. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans.
20. Potato Hash
Potatoes are an affordable and healthy dinner option. Dice potatoes and sauté them with onions and bell peppers. Top with a fried or poached egg.
21. Chicken Fajitas
Sauté chicken, onions, and peppers before serving on tortillas with salsa and guacamole.
22. Vegetable Soup
Frozen vegetables and chicken broth make for an easy and healthy soup. Add some chicken or meat if you want more protein.
23. Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Cook pork in the slow cooker with BBQ sauce before serving on buns.
24. Beef Stir-Fry
Thinly slice beef and stir-fry it with your favorite vegetables and a savory sauce.
Serve over rice or noodles for a quick and flavorful dinner.
25. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Fill bell peppers with a mixture of cooked ground beef, rice, and vegetables, then bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
26. Teriyaki Chicken
Marinate chicken in teriyaki sauce and then grill or bake until cooked through.
Serve with steamed vegetables and rice for a delicious Asian-inspired meal.
27. BBQ Pulled Chicken
Slow-cook chicken in BBQ sauce until it’s tender and easily shredded. Serve on buns with coleslaw for a tasty and budget-friendly dinner.
28. Baked Salmon with Lemon and Herbs
Season salmon fillets with lemon juice, herbs, and spices, then bake until flaky and flavorful. Serve with roasted vegetables or a side salad.
29. Stuffed Shells
Stuff jumbo pasta shells with a mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and seasonings, then bake in marinara sauce until bubbly and golden.
30. Chicken Enchiladas
Shred cooked chicken and roll it in tortillas with cheese and enchilada sauce. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
31. Beef Tacos
Cook ground beef with taco seasoning and serve in taco shells with your favorite toppings like lettuce, cheese, and salsa.
32. Lemon Herb Roast Chicken
Rub a whole chicken with lemon, herbs, and spices, then roast until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender.
Serve with roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables.
33. Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Sauté shrimp with a medley of colorful vegetables and a flavorful sauce for a quick and healthy stir-fry. Serve over rice or noodles.
34. Beef Burritos
Fill tortillas with seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, and cheese.
Roll them up and bake until the cheese is melted and the burritos are heated through.
35. Chicken Parmesan
Coat chicken breasts with breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, then bake them until golden and crispy. Serve with spaghetti and marinara sauce.
36. Baked Cod with Herbs
Season cod fillets with herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil, then bake until flaky and tender. Serve with steamed vegetables or a side salad.
37. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Sauté thinly sliced beef with broccoli and a savory sauce for a quick and flavorful stir-fry. Serve over rice or noodles.
38. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Stuff jumbo pasta shells with a mixture of spinach, ricotta cheese, and seasonings, then bake in marinara sauce until heated through and bubbly.
39. Turkey Meatloaf
Use ground turkey to make a healthier version of classic meatloaf. Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.
40. Honey Glazed Chicken Thighs
Coat chicken thighs with a sweet and tangy honey glaze, then bake until juicy and caramelized.
Serve with roasted potatoes and a side of green beans.
41. Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Bread and bake slices of eggplant until crispy, then layer them with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
42. Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Combine cooked chicken, broccoli, rice, and a creamy sauce in a casserole dish. Bake until hot and bubbly.
43. Vegetarian Chili
Make a hearty chili using a variety of beans, vegetables, and spices. Serve with cornbread or rice for a satisfying and budget-friendly dinner.
Final Thoughts,
Feeding your family on a budget doesn’t have to be a challenge. With these 43 cheap and easy dinner ideas, you can put together a delicious meal every night of the week.
Remember to stock up on basic ingredients like pasta, canned beans, and rice to make meal planning even easier. Happy cooking!
