15 Cheap Dinners for a Family That Everyone Will Love

Looking for budget-friendly meal ideas that will keep your family satisfied without breaking the bank? You’ve come to the right place! In this post, we’ll explore a variety of cheap dinners that are perfect for feeding a hungry family.

From hearty casseroles to flavorful stir-fries, these recipes are not only affordable but also quick and easy to prepare.

Say goodbye to stressful mealtimes and hello to delicious, wallet-friendly dishes that everyone will love.

So ditch the takeout menus and say goodbye to dinnertime meltdowns. This guide is your roadmap to affordable, delicious, and family-pleasing meals that everyone will love.

1. One-Pot Taco Pasta

This vibrant pasta dish is a family favorite. Ground beef is seasoned with taco spices and simmered with pasta, diced tomatoes, and beans for a hearty and flavorful meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup salsa
• 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, chicken broth, salsa, and pasta.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and combined.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Serve With: A side salad and tortilla chips.

Drink With: Iced tea or a cold Mexican beer.

2. Tuna Noodle Casserole

This classic comfort food is budget-friendly and comes together quickly. Canned tuna is combined with creamy noodles, peas, and a simple cheese sauce for a satisfying and nostalgic dish.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 oz egg noodles
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, tuna, peas, and shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Gently fold in the cooked noodles until evenly coated.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
6. In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serve With: A side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.

Drink With: A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

3. Black Bean Burgers

These vegetarian burgers are packed with protein and flavor. Black beans, mashed with oats, breadcrumbs, and spices, are formed into patties and cooked until golden brown. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, pulse black beans until slightly chunky.
2. Transfer beans to a large bowl and mix in bread crumbs, red onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the beaten egg and mix until well combined.
4. Form the mixture into 4 patties.
5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until crispy and heated through.
6. Serve on burger buns with your favorite toppings.

Serve With: Sweet potato fries and coleslaw.

Drink With: A refreshing lemonade or iced tea.

4. Chicken Pot Pie

This comforting dish is surprisingly easy to make at home. Tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy gravy are baked in a flaky crust for a satisfying and warming meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 pre-made pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large saucepan, cook chicken, carrots, peas, and celery in butter until chicken is cooked through.
3. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and onion powder until well blended.
4. Gradually stir in chicken broth and milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens.
5. Remove from heat and pour the mixture into a pie dish.
6. Place the pie crust over the filling, sealing the edges and cutting away excess dough.
7. Cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
9. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve With: A mixed green salad or roasted vegetables.

Drink With: A glass of chardonnay or a cold apple cider.

5. Lentil Soup

This hearty soup is packed with protein and fiber. Lentils are simmered with vegetables and flavorful broth for a delicious and inexpensive meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup dried lentils
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened.
3. Stir in lentils, cumin, turmeric, and red pepper flakes.
4. Add vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for about 30-35 minutes, until lentils are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Serve With: Crusty bread or a side salad.

Drink With: A robust red wine or herbal tea.

6. Breakfast for Dinner

Pancakes, eggs, sausage, and hash browns are a budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing dinner option. Plus, you can use up leftover pancake batter for breakfast the next day.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1 egg
• 3 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake.
5. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Serve With: Bacon or sausage, and fresh fruit.

Drink With: Orange juice or a hot cup of coffee.

7. Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce

This simple dish is a blank canvas for customization. Cooked pasta is tossed with a creamy tomato sauce made with pantry staples like canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Add in your favorite vegetables, protein, or cheese for a complete meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato sauce and bring to a simmer.
4. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until well combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated.
7. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Serve With: Garlic bread and a side salad.

Drink With: A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lime.

8. Fish and Chips

This classic British dish is surprisingly easy to make at home. Beer-battered cod is fried until golden brown and served with crispy french fries for a satisfying and affordable meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup cold beer
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 large potatoes, cut into fries
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Lemon wedges and tartar sauce for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk in beer and egg until smooth.
3. Dip fish fillets into the batter, coating evenly.
4. Fry the fish in the hot oil until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
5. Fry the potato fries in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
6. Serve the fish and chips hot with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.

Serve With: Coleslaw or mushy peas.

Drink With: A cold beer or a glass of lemonade.

9. Chicken Stir-Fry

This quick and easy dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Chicken is stir-fried with vegetables and a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Serve over rice or noodles.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced thinly
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1/2 cup snap peas
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix chicken with soy sauce and hoisin sauce. Set aside.
2. Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Add the chicken and cook until no longer pink.
5. Add bell pepper, broccoli, carrot, and snap peas. Stir-fry until vegetables are tender-crisp.
6. Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice.

Serve With: Steamed rice or noodles.

Drink With: Green tea or a light beer.

10. Potato and Sausage Foil Packets

This simple and hands-off meal is perfect for camping or busy weeknights. Sausage, potatoes, vegetables, and seasonings are wrapped in foil and baked until tender.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 sausage links, sliced
• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat or oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss sausage, potatoes, bell pepper, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Divide the mixture among 4 pieces of foil. Fold and seal each packet.
4. Grill or bake for 20-25 minutes, until potatoes are tender and sausage is cooked through.
5. Carefully open the packets and serve hot.

Serve With: A simple green salad or corn on the cob.

Drink With: A cold beer or iced tea.

11. Sloppy Joes

This classic comfort food is perfect for feeding a crowd. Ground beef is simmered with a sweet and tangy sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hamburger buns

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Spoon the mixture onto hamburger buns and serve hot.

Serve With: Potato chips or coleslaw.

Drink With: A root beer float or a soda.

12. Quesadillas

These versatile and customizable pockets are perfect for a quick and easy meal. Flour tortillas are filled with cheese, beans, meat, or vegetables and cooked until golden brown.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (optional)
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 cup onions, sliced
• Olive oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with olive oil.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of cheese, chicken, bell pepper, and onions.
3. Top with another tortilla and cook until the bottom is golden and the cheese is melted. Flip and cook the other side.
4. Remove from skillet and slice into wedges.
5. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Serve With: Salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

Drink With: A margarita or iced tea.

13. Bean and Cheese Burritos

These hearty burritos are packed with protein and fiber. Refried beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings are wrapped in tortillas for a satisfying and portable meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Sour cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat the refried beans in a skillet until warm.
2. Spread 1/4 of the beans onto each tortilla.
3. Top with shredded cheese, salsa, and green onions.
4. Roll up the tortillas, folding in the sides.
5. Place in the skillet and cook until the tortillas are golden and the cheese is melted.
6. Serve with sour cream.

Serve With: Mexican rice or a side salad.

Drink With: A cold beer or a glass of lemonade.

14. Chicken Fajitas

This Tex-Mex classic is perfect for a fun and interactive family meal. Marinated chicken is grilled or pan-fried and served with tortillas, peppers, onions, and your favorite toppings.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced thinly
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 packet fajita seasoning
• 8 flour tortillas
• Sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for serving

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink.
3. Add bell peppers and onions, cooking until tender.
4. Stir in fajita seasoning and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve the chicken and veggies on warm tortillas with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.

Serve With: Mexican rice or refried beans.

Drink With: A margarita or a cold beer.

15. Pizza

Homemade pizza is a budget-friendly and customizable option. Make your own dough or use store-bought, then top with your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pizza crust
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
3. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the crust.
4. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Add pepperoni slices, black olives, and bell peppers.
6. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
7. Slice and serve hot.

Serve With: A side salad or garlic bread.

Drink With: A glass of red wine or a cold soda.

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