Feeding a family on a tight budget is NO JOKE! We created this Cheap and Easy Family Dinners roundup to help keep dinnertime fresh and alleviate that recipe rut. Every delicious recipe in this round up comes together fast, requires minimal hands-on prep time, and makes at least four big servings for about what you’d spend for one serving at a restaurant. WIN!
SHEET PAN DINNERS
One of the quickest, easiest ways to get dinner on the table quickly is to throw everything on a sheet pan and bake it up. Plus, there’s only one pan to clean up, which is perfect for busy weeknights! Feed the whole family with these five cheap and easy sheet pan meals:
1. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
These easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are a simple hands-off way to get that smoky-sweet flavor of traditional griddle fajitas.
4.95 from 279 votes
$13.90 recipe / $3.48 serving Get the Recipe
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas is a Budget Bytes staple! Why? Because it achieves the same smoky flavor of traditional fajitas without a smokin’ hot skillet. We bet this easy, delicious dinner will also earn a spot in your dinner rotation!
2. Sheet Pan Kielbasa, Potatoes, and Green Beans
Sheet Pan Kielbasa Potatoes and Green Beans
Sheet pan meals don't get any easier or more delicious than this Sheet Pan Kielbasa Potatoes and Green Beans dinner.
4.89 from 52 votes
$9.47 recipe / $2.37 serving Get the Recipe
Sheet Pan Kielbasa, Potatoes, and Green Beans is an excellent, hearty meal for a busy weeknight. This easy dinner recipe brings together smoked kielbasa and frozen veggies, so it comes together quickly with minimal prep.
3. Sheet Pan BBQ Meatballs
Sheet Pan BBQ Meatballs
These Sheet Pan BBQ Meatballs are easy, colorful, and delicious. Plus the leftovers hold up great, so they're meal prep friendly!
4.81 from 31 votes
$7.84 recipe / $1.96 serving Get the Recipe
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you will love the sticky-sweet caramelized pineapple rings prepared alongside our Sheet Pan BBQ Meatballs! You can serve up serious summer-BBQ vibes with this drool-worthy dinner all year long (without sweating over a hot grill)!
4. Sheet Pan BBQ Meatloaf Dinner
Sheet Pan BBQ Meatloaf Dinner
Make an entire dinner for two at one time with this fast and easy Sheet Pan BBQ Meatloaf Dinner. Perfect for meal prep!
4.89 from 72 votes
$6.27 recipe / $3.14 serving Get the Recipe
Do you love a classic meatloaf? If so, this Sheet Pan BBQ Meatloaf Dinner is for you! It’s asimple twist on the traditional version but gets dinner – complete with two sides – on the table in less than an hour.
5. Sheet Pan Pizza
Sheet Pan Pizza
Sheet Pan Pizza is a low-effort recipe guaranteed to make any occasion special and satisfy cravings for take-out pizza at half the cost.
5 from 10 votes
$9.89 RECIPE / $1.41 SERVING Get the Recipe
For an unforgettable family meal, you’ve got to try out this Sheet Pan Pizza! This easy recipe produces restaurant-quality pizza at half the cost.
ONE POT DINNERS
You can’t go wrong with a one-pot dinner. One pot pasta and rice dishes typically make about four servings each, create a well-rounded meal, and require minimal prep and cleanup! Whether it’s Meatless Monday or you need a meal to match your family’s favorite protein, these five cheap and easy one pot dinners will have you covered:
6. One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
Cheeseburger Pasta is a fast and easy homemade version of hamburger helper that cooks all in one pot for easy cleanup!
4.56 from 94 votes
$5.03 recipe / $1.26 serving Get the Recipe
Ditch the box of Hamburger Helper and try this homemade version instead! Check out the full recipe for One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta to learn how we achieve the signature taste of the original with a special, budget-friendly ingredient you already have on-hand.
7. Cheesy Sausage Pasta
Cheesy Sausage Pasta
Cheesy Sausage Pasta is a quick and easy meal for quick weeknight dinners. Everything cooks in one pot for fast prep and minimum clean-up!
4.76 from 91 votes
$7.07 recipe / $1.77 serving Get the Recipe
This cheap, easy Cheesy Sausage Pasta has everything you’d ever want in a dinner recipe: a hearty serving of veggies, a hint of spice from the sausage, quick-cooking egg noodles, and ooey-gooey melted cheese on top! Plus, it all comes together in the same skillet and will hit the dinner table in less than 30 minutes!
8. Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet
Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet
This easy one pot Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet makes a comforting weeknight dinner during those long, dark winter months! Makes great leftovers, too!
4.82 from 43 votes
$7.12 recipe / $1.78 serving Get the Recipe
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet is the ultimate, budget-friendly comfort food. Since rice is so filling, it helps stretch expensive proteins and frozen vegetables in a way that still satisfies the whole family. You’ll love this cheesy, decadent, and easy one-pot dinner!
9. One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice
One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice
You only need one pot and 8 ingredients to make this easy and flavorful Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice. Fast, easy, and delicious!
4.72 from 53 votes
$7.53 recipe / $1.88 serving Get the Recipe
Buying budget-friendly seafood options like frozen shrimp whenever they’re on sale help mix up your dinner rotation without breaking the bank. Try this fresh, filling, and easy One Pot LemonGarlic Shrimp and Rice.
10. One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta
One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta
This creamy mushroom pasta is a rich, umami-filled delight that cooks quickly and easily in one pot. The perfect dinner for busy nights.
4.86 from 42 votes
$3.74 recipe / $0.94 serving Get the Recipe
This One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta is a perfectly uncomplicated recipe for a meat-free, busy weeknight dinner. If you’re craving something more complex, you can “beef” it up (literally) or add a few handfuls of leafy greens or top it with grilled chicken.
EASY SOUP AND STEW RECIPES
Some meals are not tied to a season when you are eating on a budget. Soups and stews are so easy to have on hand and can feed everyone no matter the temperature outside.These five cheap and easy soups and stews will be the center of your meal:
11. Chicken Noodle Soup
The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is made 100% from scratch, with plenty of chunky vegetables, herbs, and a homemade broth, just like Grandma used to make!
4.92 from 192 votes
$9.10 recipe / $1.14 serving Get the Recipe
When I need a hug in a bowl, I turn to Chicken Noodle Soup. This classic recipe cooks everything in one pot for ultimate simplicity.
12. Chicken Stew
Chicken Stew
This chicken stew is a rich and hearty mix of tender chicken thighs, vegetables, and a light but flavorful herb-infused gravy.
4.92 from 150 votes
$12.22 recipe / $2.04 serving Get the Recipe
This Chicken Stew is the perfect dinner for Chicken Noodle Soup lovers looking for a heavier version of the classic, cozy meal. Adding potatoes gives the broth extra thickness and creaminess, which upgrades it from a light soup to a hearty, filling stew.
13. The Best Homemade Chili
Homemade Chili Recipe
This is the BEST homemade chili recipe is the ultimate comfort food and is made with simple ingredients like ground beef, beans, and tomatoes.
4.90 from 152 votes
$9.28 recipe / $1.55 serving Get the Recipe
When it comes to quick, easy, and budget-friendly dinners, nothing quite compares to a big pot of chili. This really is the Best Homemade Chili on the block, and the leftovers are even better!
14. Taco Soup
Easy Taco Soup
This easy Taco Soup recipe is a simple yet flavorful meal in a bowl featuring ground beef, beans, vegetables, and tons of tasty toppings!
5 from 7 votes
$11.84 recipe / $1.97 serving Get the Recipe
Homemade taco seasoning and ranch seasonings make this Taco Soup extra flavorful, but you can use store bought seasoning packets to make it even faster!
15. Easy Vegetable Beef Soup
Vegetable Beef Soup
This super easy vegetable beef soup is a filling and flavorful option for lunch, dinner, or your weekly meal prep!
4.74 from 26 votes
$11.13 recipe / $1.86 serving Get the Recipe
If you’re trying to feed many hungry mouths and make the most of your food budget, you really can’t go wrong with this Easy Vegetable Beef Soup. This big-batch soup will effortlessly feed a family of 6, makes excellent leftovers, and is a great choice for batching and freezing.
16. Creamy Tortellini Soup
Creamy Tortellini Soup
This Creamy Tortellini Soup features a rich tomato broth, hearty cheese tortellini, a medley of vegetables and tons of comfort in one bowl!
4.41 from 32 votes
$10.69 recipe / $1.34 serving Get the Recipe
Combining store-bought swaps (like frozen tortellini and dumplings) with fresh ingredients is a great way to create simple, semi-homemade meals like this Creamy Tortellini Soup! We love this cozy vegetarian soup and its rich tomatoey broth!
EASY CASSEROLE RECIPES
Casserole recipes make the best family dinners! They are easy to make and are a great way to pack tons of flavor and ingredients into every bite! If you’re looking for big meals to feed your family, you will love these four easy casserole recipes:
17. Chicken Alfredo Bake
Chicken Alfredo Bake
Transform stovetop chicken alfredo into a super-cheesy, decadent casserole with this Chicken Alfredo Bake recipe! It’s super easy to make (or make ahead!), and so delicious there won’t be any leftovers!
4.53 from 17 votes
$12.80 RECIPE / $2.13 SERVING Get the Recipe
This Chicken Alfredo Bake is the dictionary definition of the ULTIMATE creamy, cheesy, rich pasta bake. It is guaranteed to become a family favorite! Once you whip up our easy, Homemade Alfredo Sauce, you only need a couple of (cooked) chicken breasts, a bag of frozen veggies, half a box of pasta, and BOOM… dinner is ready!
18. Classic Baked Ziti
Easy Baked Ziti
This Easy Baked Ziti recipe has layers of pasta, homemade red sauce with Italian sausage, and three types of melty cheese!
4.85 from 44 votes
$12.16 recipe / $1.52 serving Get the Recipe
Our recipe for Classic Baked Ziti is another super easy pasta bake guaranteed to satisfy your whole family! Make it a complete meal with a Simple Side Salad and Homemade Freezer Garlic Bread.
19. Chicken And Biscuit Casserole
Chicken and Biscuit Casserole
This Chicken and Biscuit Casserole is cozy, comforting, super versatile, and delicious enough to become a family favorite dinner.
4.84 from 24 votes
$8.75 RECIPE / $1.46 SERVING Get the Recipe
This super-simple, super-versatile Chicken And Biscuit Casserole makes a delicious family dinner using whatever you’ve got in the fridge or freezer. You won’t regret doubling, or even tripling, the Cheddar drop biscuit topping. (Especially if you plan to bake this casserole in a dish with more surface area to cover than the 8×8” dish we used!)
20. Chili Cornbread Skillet
Chili Cornbread Skillet
This hearty and comforting Chili Cornbread Skillet is an easy, one-pot meal that is sure to make the whole family happy. Freezer friendly!
4.70 from 65 votes
$7.49 recipe / $1.25 serving Get the Recipe
If you love the classic combo of Vegetarian Chili and Homemade Cornbread, you’ve got to try our Chili Cornbread Skillet! This fun, vegetarian dish is the perfect mashup of the two Southwestern staples in a way that’s reminiscent of a Vegetable Pot Pie.
VEGETARIAN FAMILY DINNERS
Replacing expensive meat with cheaper protein sources (like beans, lentils, and chickpeas) is a great way to cut your grocery bill in half. Whether your family always eats vegetarian, or you’re looking to mix things up with some vegetarian meals, we have tons of easy and filling meatless dinners on our website! Add variety to your family’s dinner rotation with these six Cheap and Easy Vegetarian Family Dinners:
21. Sheet Pan Portobello Fajitas
Sheet Pan Portobello Fajitas
Sheet Pan Portobello Fajitas are an easy and flavorful vegetarian dinner idea that all cooks on one pan for easy cleanup!
4.82 from 33 votes
$10.81 recipe / $2.70 serving Get the Recipe
For a vegetarian spin on the classic Mexican restaurant dish, give our Sheet Pan Portobello Fajitas a try! We swap out the chicken in our classic Sheet-Pan Fajita recipe, opting for slightly spicy, super-smoky portobello mushroom caps instead. We promise you won’t miss a thing!
22. One Pot Veggie Pasta
One Pot Veggie Pasta
This one pot veggie pasta is an easy, satisfying, and quick dinner. Use whatever vegetables you have on hand and make it your own!
4.91 from 21 votes
$7.99 recipe / $2.00 Get the Recipe
If you’ve got a ton of fresh vegetables on hand, and looking for an easy, cheesy, and cheap dinner, look no further than this One Pot Veggie Pasta! The combination of tomatoes, zucchini, and squash gives the dish ratatouille vibes, but we also add mushrooms to balance out the flavors and make this a hearty one-pot meal!
23. Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili
This Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili makes a huge batch, is packed with flavor and nutrients, and can be made for only about 5 dollars!
4.91 from 91 votes
$4.64 recipe / $0.77 serving Get the Recipe
Slow cookers are a great asset when it comes to preparing long-simmered soups and stews without tending to them for hours and hours. We added some lentils to this vegan chili recipe which helps make this Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili thicker and heartier and packs some extra protein!
24. Spicy Coconut Vegetable Stir Fry
Spicy Coconut Vegetable Stir Fry
This rich and spicy coconut vegetable stir fry is adaptable to whatever vegetables are lingering in your fridge, making it a great sweep the kitchen recipe!
4.80 from 65 votes
$5.93 recipe / $1.48 serving Get the Recipe
For a dairy-free and vegetable-forward easy dinner, check out this Spicy Coconut Vegetable Stir Fry! This summery, tropical dish is also super-versatile, perfect for cleaning out the crisper, and pairs well with all types of protein, rice, legumes, or whatever you have in the pantry!
25. Spanish Chickpeas and Rice
Spanish Chickpeas and Rice
This one pot Spanish Chickpeas and rice has big flavor thanks to liberal dose of spices, artichoke hearts, and fresh lemon.
4.82 from 136 votes
$7.39 recipe / $1.84 serving Get the Recipe
Chickpeas (or Garbanzo Beans) are another great way to make a quick, filling, and cheap dinner without meat! Paella inspires this recipe for Spanish Chickpeas and Rice, but you won’t need any of the expensive seafood or saffron!
Dinner is always a time for families to gather around the table and have quality time. I hope you enjoy these cheap and easy favorites. If you’re looking for more, my friend Becky has so many amazing (and easy) dinner recipes you can try.