57 Cheap Family Dinners
Feeding the family doesn’t have to mean stretching your budget—or sacrificing flavor. With a little creativity and some smart pantry staples, you can whip up hearty, satisfying meals that bring everyone to the table without breaking the bank.
🍲 Delicious & Budget-Friendly: A Roundup of Cheap Family Dinner Ideas
Cheap family dinners are all about comfort, resourcefulness, and getting the most out of simple ingredients.
This roundup gathers some of the best budget-friendly recipes that are easy to make, filling, and full of flavor. From one-pot meals and casseroles to soups, pastas, and skillet favorites, these dishes prove that affordable cooking can be both delicious and family-approved.
The Best Minestrone Soup
The best minestrone soup recipe you’ll ever make, the warm flavors and hearty texture of this classic comfort food rival that of Olive Garden’s infamous dish. Go to recipe.
Creamy Sausage and Potato Soup
Easy and comforting soup with potato, spinach, tomato, and Italian sausage! Go to recipe.
Ramen Noodle Soup
15-minute ramen noodle soup is rich, filling, and loaded with vegetables. This vegetarian dish is healthy and cozy and comes together quickly. It’s perfect for a simple lunch or dinner. Go to recipe.
Easy Vegetarian Borscht Soup
This easy one-pot vegetarian borscht recipe only takes 30 minutes to make! Delicious and wholesome winter beet soup full of nutrients makes for an easy lunch or weekday dinner. Go to recipe.
Easy Chicken Veggie Soup
Healthy, hearty, nutritious and cheap. This chicken vegetable soup is one of my family’s favorite meal. Go to recipe.
Creamy Vegan Sweet Potato Lentil Soup
Gluten free, vegan sweet potato and lentil soup is a healthy and tasty meal that will satisfy both your hunger and your tastebuds. This delicious vegetable soup is smooth and filling as well as simple to make.
Sweet potato and lentil soup comes out creamy, savory, and decadent thanks to ingredients that not only taste amazing, but are nourishing for your body as well. Go to recipe.
30 Minute Chicken and Rice Soup
I remembered one of my mom’s quick recipes for Chicken and Rice Soup and I decided to spice it up a little bit. It is perfect on a cool night when you need dinner fast. Go to recipe.
Tacos de Papa Dorados (Potato Tacos Recipe)
Crispy potato tacos served with your favorite toppings are a budget friendly and easy to make meal the whole family will love. Go to recipe.
Easy Chicken Sliders
Easy Chicken Sliders are a great way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey or shredded chicken. Shredded chicken, cheese, red onion, dijon mustard and spices are sandwiched between slider buns and heated. These are the perfect dinner, lunch or even a snack for football game day. Go to recipe.
One Pan Orzo Recipe with Lemon
This one pan orzo pasta with lemon recipe is made with a handful of ingredients and is the perfect family meal for busy weeknights! It’s a fragrant and very flavorful side dish. The only thing I can warn you is that it is very addictive. Don’t be surprised if this little pasta meal will be on a weekly rotation at your dinner table. Go to recipe.
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese with Frozen Veggies
Make creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese with Frozen Veggies in just 20 minutes! This easy, kid-friendly, and veggie-packed meal is perfect for busy weeknights. One-pot, no-mess, and full of flavor! Go to recipe.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta (One Pot)
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta can be on your table tonight! This is a great recipe for pulling together an easy meal on the fly, and has great flavor. Get dinner on the table FAST with some handy shortcuts! Go to recipe.
Cheeseburger Macaroni (“Hamburger Helper”)
A copycat of “hamburger helper”, this Cheeseburger Pasta is a VERY popular weeknight dinner. Simple. Homemade. Delicious! Go to recipe.
Homemade Smoked Mac and Cheese
My smoked mac and cheese recipe uses browned butter and a secret ingredient that takes my recipe from so-so to WHOA! It’s so good, you’ll be scraping the pan for more! Go to recipe.
Pastalaya
This Cajun Pastalaya is a quick, 30-minute twist on jambalaya, swapping rice for pasta in a hearty, flavorful dish. It’s a cozy, family-favorite comfort meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Go to recipe.
Baked Ziti
This one-pan Baked Ziti is a quick, 30-minute comfort meal that’s hearty, adaptable, and easy to clean up. With sausage, pasta, and melty cheese, it’s a family favorite perfect for busy weeknights. Go to recipe.
Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo recipe comes together in one pot and is perfect for busy days when you need a filling, tasty dinner, but don’t have time to tend to it over a hot stove. You only need a handful of ingredients and your handy dandy slow cooker to make this at home! Go to recipe.
Italian Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
This Italian Sausage and Broccoli Pasta is full of flavor with sausage, garlic, Parmesan, and a delicious, light sauce that brings the dish together. It is a quick and easy meal on the table in less than 30 minutes. Go to recipe.
Ground Turkey Stroganoff
If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dinner that comes together quickly, this Ground Turkey Stroganoff is exactly what you need. Go to recipe.
Feta Pasta Recipe
This Feta Pasta Recipe is creamy, tangy and full of bursting cherry tomatoes. The roasted tomatoes and rich feta cheese bake together to create a silky sauce that coats tender pasta noodles for a simple, delicious dish. Go to recipe.
One Pot Pasta
Easy 15-minute one-pot pasta made with very basic ingredients! This pasta recipe is perfect for busy people, or those of you who don’t like spending too much time in the kitchen, and the lazy cooks! It’s simple, frugal and delicious! Go to recipe.
Haluski: Egg Noodles With Caramelized Onions, Bacon, & Cabbage
Haluski is a delicious American-Slavic immigrant meal that is quick, easy, budget-friendly, and family-friendly. Caramelized bacon and onions are sauteed with fresh cabbage and then tossed with egg noodles, which are also allowed to get just a little crispy on the edges.
This is so simple but incredibly tasty and comforting. Go to recipe.
Baked Spaghetti
A simple baked spaghetti casserole with marinara sauce, ground beef, and cheese. A comforting dish that’s easy to make and perfect for leftovers. Go to recipe.
Southern Mac and Cheese
This Southern Mac and Cheese is rich, creamy, and outrageously cheesy. Every forkful wraps tender pasta in a velvety sauce with cozy, down-home flavor. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels right for Sunday supper, holidays, or any day that needs extra warmth. Go to recipe.
Chicken Spaghetti
This Chicken Spaghetti is creamy, cozy, and lightning-fast to throw together. Tender chicken, twirlable pasta, and a velvety sauce make every bite comfort in a bowl. It’s the kind of family-friendly dinner you can count on when the day gets busy. Go to recipe.
Bubble Up Pizza Casserole
Bubble Up Pizza Casserole is a cheesy, family-friendly dish made with biscuit dough, pizza sauce, gooey melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings baked together until bubbly. It’s quick to throw together and gives you all the flavors of pizza in cozy casserole form. Go to recipe.
Crockpot Chili
This easy crockpot chili recipe is the best budget-friendly comfort food for every occasion. Load it up with all your favorite toppings, and pair it with sweet corn muffins and a side of guacamole for a truly unbeatable dish! Go to recipe.
Red Lentil Curry
If you love curry, you are going to love this protein-packed, simple, pantry staple Red Lentil Curry that cooks up in 30 minutes. Go to recipe.
Black Bean Curry Recipe
Can you put black beans in curry? Absolutely! This is the best black bean curry recipe, packed with flavor and naturally vegan, gluten free, and dairy free. Go to recipe.
Curry Quinoa Bowl
Vegan curry superfood bowl of zesty black bean quinoa served with a simple but full of flavor creamy curry. The curry is so easy to make, which makes it perfect for a busy mid-week dinner. It’s frugal, nutritious, and tasty. Go to recipe.
Macro Friendly White Chicken Chili
This macro-friendly white chicken chili recipe is creamy and high in protein thanks to the chicken, white beans, and cottage cheese. It uses simple ingredients and you can cook it on the stove or in a slow cooker in under 30 minutes. Go to recipe.
Bulgur Risotto With Chanterelle Mushrooms
As summer fades and fall’s vibrant colors and cozy aromas fill the air, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a warm bowl of bulgur risotto, brimming with the rich flavors of chanterelle mushrooms and sweet peas. Go to recipe.
Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Nothing beats a classic Ground Beef and Potatoes skillet, easy to make at home or over a campfire. Go to recipe.
Sloppy Joe Baked Potato
A baked potato loaded with sloppy joe mix and melty cheddar cheese. A fun and easy way to repurpose leftovers for dinner or lunch. Go to recipes.
Cheeseburger Pie (The EASIEST Dinner!)
A cheeseburger in pie form? Heck YES! This Cheeseburger Pie is filled with hearty beef, grilled onions and cheese, and it comes together quickly and easily on a busy weeknight! The whole family will LOVE it! Go to recipe.
Lemony Butter Bean Stew with Spinach & Leeks
This easy, creamy, lemony Butter Bean Stew with Spinach and Leeks is the perfect vegetarian dinner for a chilly evening, ready in just 30 minutes! Go to recipe.
Greek Stuffed Tomatoes & Peppers
Tomatoes and green peppers stuffed with an amazingly delicious rice mixture that is full of fresh herbs and baked to perfection! Go to recipe.
Quick Vegetable Hash Skillet Dinner
A vegetable hash dinner is comfort food cooked in a single skillet that is extremely quick and easy to make. Go to recipe.
Oven-Baked Greek Giant Beans: Gigantes Plaki
Greek comfort food at its best – this traditional Greek giant beans dish is cooked in a rich tomato and veggie sauce and it’s full of Mediterranean flavors: garlic, onions and fresh dill.
It’s a perfect vegan-friendly dinner or flavorful side dish. Go to recipe.
Bacon & Mushroom Egg Fried Rice
This cheap and easy recipe for Bacon and Mushroom Egg Fried Rice is ready in just 20 minutes so it is perfect for busy weeknights! Smoked bacon pieces and meaty mushrooms come together in a deeply savoury rice which is just crying out for a squeeze of sriracha. Go to recipe.
Easy Fried Rice, Chinese Style
With leftover rice, a couple of eggs, and whatever vegetables or proteins they had on hand, this simple and flavorful fried rice was a natural go-to. Go to recipe.
Easy Mushroom Rice Pilaf
This mushroom pilaf is easy to make, cheap and provides a satisfying meal for quick family dinners. Go to recipe.
Arroz con Pollo (Latin One Pot Chicken and Yellow Rice)
This Arroz con Pollo is an easy one-pot meal full of Latin flavors, combining juicy chicken, fluffy yellow rice, and vegetables for a complete meal. With savory spices like cumin and paprika, plus smoky bacon, each bite bursts with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and comes from my Venezuelan family. Go to recipe.
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender chicken, creamy rice, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together easily for a satisfying family dinner. Go to recipe.
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is healthy, satisfying, and 200% delicious. It’ll take center stage at any picnic, potluck, or cookout. Go to recipe.
Ensalada de Gallina (Venezuelan Chicken Potato Salad)
Ensalada de Gallina Venezolana (Venezuelan Chicken Potato Salad) reigns supreme as one of the best dishes in Venezuelan homes every December. A simple, creamy, and delightful cold salad perfectly embodies fiestas decembrinas (December festivities). Go to recipe.
Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken & Asparagus
Sheet pan lemon chicken and asparagus is a classic dinner made quick and simple. Forget juggling different cook times and tons of dirty dishes—you can make this entire chicken dinner on a single sheet pan in the oven! Go to recipe.
Breaded Parmesan Chicken
Breaded Parmesan Chicken is a delicious and simple way to serve clean, lean, chicken with some amazing flavors. All it takes is 4 ingredients and can be made in 30 minutes. Go to recipe.
Easy Baked Chicken Tenders (Extra Crispy!)
Need crispy baked chicken tenders in 35 minutes flat? These oven-baked chicken fingers turn out golden and juicy, no splatter, no drive-thru. They’ve been our weeknight MVP since my oldest was a toddler.
If you need a quicker air-fryer version, try my Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. The batch-and-freeze option keeps lunches effortless all week. Go to recipe.
Brown Sugar Soy Chicken
This Brown Sugar Soy Chicken has a simple marinade of brown sugar, soy sauce, butter, water, and seasoning. Whether you marinate it for two or twenty-four hours, the chicken has tremendous flavor. Go to recipe.
Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes
Tender and juicy meatballs sit atop fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes, and are topped with savory gravy and fresh herbs. Your search for tonight’s simple, family-friendly dinner recipe ends here! Go to recipe.
Tomato Sauce Meatballs
These meatballs in tomato sauce are full of flavor and deliciousness. Leftovers burgers or meat patties can be transformed into a cheap and satisfying meal for whole family. Go to recipe.
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs
Tender chicken thighs and vibrant veggies come together in this simple sheet pan meal. It’s a fast, no-fuss dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Go to recipe.
Chicken and Rice Bowl
Packed with chicken, veggies, rice, and savory teriyaki sauce, this bowl is hearty and delicious. It’s the perfect easy recipe when you want dinner on the table without the fuss. Go to recipe.
Easy Crock Pot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Mexican cuisine with this simple and foolproof Crock Pot Chicken Enchiladas recipe! This hearty and delicious casserole, made with everyday pantry staples, is the perfect solution for a satisfying meal. Go to recipe.
Cabbage And Sausage Stew
A cheap and delicious cabbage stew with sausages and tomato sauce. Flavored with sausages and dill, it will become of of your favorite ways to cook cabbage. Go to recipe.
Chicken Green Peas Stew
A simple, cheap and delicious chicken green peas stew. The kids love it. Go to recipe.
🏡 Comfort, Flavor & Savings All in One
Family dinners don’t have to be expensive to feel special. With the right recipes, you can turn everyday ingredients into meals that are nourishing, flavorful, and loved by everyone at the table. Cooking on a budget isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about making smart choices and savoring the simple pleasures of home-cooked food.
Which of these cheap family dinners will you be trying first? And don’t forget to save this roundup—it’s the perfect go-to list for busy weeknights when you want great food without the extra cost.
Here’s to full plates, happy hearts, and meals that keep both bellies and budgets satisfied.
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