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Save time and money with this list of cheap family dinners. It features everything from tacos and casseroles to pasta and rice meals.
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Good food doesn’t have to come with a big price tag.
It’s time to explore new family favorites. These recipes are affordable, easy, and guaranteed to win the kids’ seal of approval.
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
This dish is a game-changer for busy families. It’s hearty and comforting, with rich tomato sauce and tender meatballs.
Layer everything in the Instant Pot, set the timer, and let it do the work for you.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings
This stovetop version of a classic comfort food is both affordable and soul-warming.
It’s packed with chicken, onions, peas, milk, sour cream and other simple ingredients. You can make this in around an hour.
Get The Recipe: Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings
One Skillet Chicken Egg Roll
This deconstructed egg roll delivers all the flavors of the takeout favorite in an affordable meal.
It has a mild tang and subtle sweetness. Pair it with jasmine rice or crispy wonton chips.
Get The Recipe: One Skillet Chicken Egg Roll
Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Who says cheap can’t be delicious? These sliders are budget-friendly and packed with flavor.
They’re made with bacon, turkey deli meat, ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese.
Get The Recipe: Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
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Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Copycat
Budget-friendly meals are all about creativity and flavor. Try this comforting dish!
It’s packed with gooey, melty cheese that’s hard to resist. Even the kids will love this.
Get The Recipe: Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Copycat
Instant Pot Chicken Bites
These chicken bites are a quick and versatile dinner option, even on busy weeknights.
They’re rich and garlicky, making them the perfect choice whenever you’re in the mood for something savory.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Bites
Big Mac Tacos
These tacos bring all the classic burger flavors you love in a fun and delicious twist!
Cook the beef, assemble the tacos, and enjoy a unique spin on a fast-food classic. It will become a new family favorite.
Get The Recipe: Big Mac Tacos
TikTok Ramen Noodle
Transform ordinary instant ramen to the next level!
This recipe is quick, affordable, and perfect for a snack or light meal. You only need ramen, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
Get The Recipe: TikTok Ramen Noodle
TikTok Egg Boil
This TikTok-famous recipe offers an exciting twist on the classic seafood boil.
It features hard-boiled eggs tossed in a buttery sauce infused with garlic, paprika, brown sugar, and seafood seasoning.
Get The Recipe: TikTok Egg Boil
Sheet Pan Tofu and Veggies
Ready for an easy, cheap, and wholesome dinner? This tofu creation delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.
You and the entire family will undoubtedly enjoy its slightly sweet and umami-rich flavors.
Get The Recipe: Sheet Pan Tofu and Veggies
Vegan Egg Salad Sandwich
Prepare this vegan sandwich in just 10 minutes. It’s quick, affordable, and ideal for lunch or picnics.
You only need tofu, white wine vinegar, lettuce, and a few other simple ingredients.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Egg Salad Sandwich
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Vegan Meatloaf
This vegan meatloaf is smoky and savory, with a firm yet tender texture that holds together beautifully.
You can prepare this ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to five days.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Meatloaf
Vegetable Stew with Onion, Broccoli, and Cauliflower
Encourage the little ones to eat more veggies. This dish is warm and nourishing—something they would enjoy again and again.
Just simmer the veggies in a flavorful broth until tender and fragrant.
Get The Recipe: Vegetable Stew with Onion, Broccoli, and Cauliflower
Baked Ravioli Casserole
Casseroles are easy, affordable, and fun to make.
This version is a fantastic choice, with layers of marinara sauce, cheese ravioli, spinach, and mozzarella cheese.
Get The Recipe: Baked Ravioli Casserole
Beef and Broccoli
Here’s another awesome way to enjoy veggies. The kids will love it—it comes with a savory, garlicky soy sauce with a bit of sweetness.
Stir-fry the beef and broccoli, mix in the sauce, and serve!
Get The Recipe: Beef and Broccoli
Tuna Fried Rice
One-pan meals are perfect for big families! Try this delicious 25-minute option.
You only need canned tuna, leftover rice, and a few seasonings.
Get The Recipe: Tuna Fried Rice
Oven Hamburger Steaks With Mushroom Gravy
Mix and match simple ingredients to create the most delicious dishes. This one combines beef and mushrooms with avocado oil, broth, garlic, and onions.
Serve it with buttered green beans or steamed asparagus.
Get The Recipe: Oven Hamburger Steaks With Mushroom Gravy
Chicken Quesadillas
Quesadillas are quick, cheap, and family-friendly. This recipe can be your go-to for busy weeknights.
It only requires simple ingredients like shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and tomatoes.
Get The Recipe: Chicken Quesadillas
Spinach Manicotti
Craving elegant Italian dishes? This one is a must-try, with a delightful balance of tangy tomato sauce and cheesy filling.
It pairs well with garlic bread and red wine.
Get The Recipe: Spinach Manicotti
Crispy Bean and Cheese Tacos with Chipotle Sauce
Take your dinner menu to a whole new level. These tacos are smoky, cheesy, and slightly spicy.
Drizzle them with the homemade chipotle sauce for an extra kick.
Get The Recipe: Crispy Bean and Cheese Tacos with Chipotle Sauce
Puerto Rican Picadillo
Ground beef is probably one of the most versatile ingredients ever.
You can also use it to make the yummiest picadillo! This recipe also includes sweet peppers, tomatoes, olives, and raisins.
Get The Recipe: Puerto Rican Picadillo
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Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein
This Instant Pot creation features spaghetti, soy sauce, sesame oil, bell peppers, and pork.
Top it with sesame seeds for garnish. Then, pair it with egg rolls and jasmine tea!
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein
Creamy Chicken and Chorizo Orzo
This one-pot dish is so hearty and indulgent.
It’s perfect for an easy family dinner, made with chicken, chorizo, and other pantry staples. Stir in the cream for a luscious finish.
Get The Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Chorizo Orzo
Peanut Butter Chicken
Get ready to wow your family with every bite!
This dish features a blend of savory, nutty, and slightly sweet flavors, thanks to peanut butter, onions, and bell peppers.
Get The Recipe: Peanut Butter Chicken
Vegan Cabbage Soup
This vegan soup is brimming with the natural flavors of the vegetables!
It combines tomatoes, beans, potatoes, and cabbage. Feel free to tweak the recipe and include some of your favorites.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Cabbage Soup
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Get ready to make dinner more exciting than ever!
Preparing meals during the busiest weeknights might feel overwhelming, but with a little planning and some budget-friendly recipes, you can make it happen.
Prep everything ahead of time—start with casseroles and one-pan meals.
25 Best Sunday Dinner Recipes That Are Comforting To The Soul
The best Sunday dinner recipes are those that are comforting to the soul. These dinner recipes will bring the family together for a meal and some time together.
Read it here: 25 Best Sunday Dinner Recipes That Are Comforting To The Soul
25+ Dinner Recipes That’ll Make You Love Cooking at Home Again
These dinner recipes are exactly what you need to look forward again to cooking every night. Stop settling for frozen meals! You deserve meals like enchiladas and baked salmon, even on busy nights.
Read it here: 25+ Dinner Recipes That’ll Make You Love Cooking at Home Again
35+ Easy Dinner Recipes That Will Rescue Busy Nights
These easy dinner recipes are perfect if you want delicious food on the table fast. Skip the delivery because you deserve meals as tasty as spicy shrimp tacos and sofritas, even on a busy weeknight.
Read it here: 35+ Easy Dinner Recipes That Will Rescue Busy Nights
Looking for more dinner recipes? These dishes are delicious, affordable, and family-approved:
- 30+ Dinner Party Salad Ideas That Make Greens the Star of the Night
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- 25+ No Prep Dinner Ideas So Effortless, You’ll Hardly Notice You’re Cooking!
- 25+ Easy Weeknight Dinners That’ll Keep You Out of the Drive-Thru Line!
- 25+ Lazy Sunday Dinner Ideas So Easy, You’ll Want Them Every Day Off!