31 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes for a Family That's Cheap to Make

I remember those busy weeknights when my mom would whip up dinner in what felt like no time at all.

She always seemed to have a magic touch in the kitchen, creating meals that were not only delicious but also perfect for our family of four.

It wasn’t until I became a mom myself that I realized just how incredible her skills were.

One day, as I was sifting through her old recipe box, I noticed a common theme – most of her quick and easy dinner recipes were also incredibly cheap to make.

Inspired by my mom’s culinary magic, I started experimenting in my own kitchen, trying to recreate those effortless cheap meals.

To my delight, I found that it’s entirely possible to feed a family without spending a fortune or spending hours cooking.

Today, I’m excited to share some of my favorite quick and easy dinner recipes that are not only perfect for busy families but also budget-friendly.

Let’s dive in and discover how you can make mealtime a breeze without breaking the bank!

My Personal Favorite Cheap Meals That Everyone LOVES

Here are some of my personal favorite cheap meals that have become hits in my household.

These recipes are tried-and-true, loved by my family, and perfect for anyone looking to save money without sacrificing flavor.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or simply someone who enjoys tasty food without the hefty price tag, these meals are sure to become your go-to favorites too.

1. Pantry Chili

When I’m looking to whip up a quick and satisfying meal, I always turn to my pantry staples: cans of beans, diced tomatoes, corn, tomato paste, and cilantro (if I’ve got them on hand and if your family approves, which mine does).

Here’s my go-to method:

Sauté the Onions:
- Start by sautéing onions with cumin and chili powder until they’re fragrant.
Add the Beans:
- Toss in the beans and give them a good stir.
Combine Everything Else:
- Add the diced tomatoes, corn, and tomato paste.
Simmer:
- Let it all simmer for a bit. Add the cilantro. Trust me, it tastes even better the next day!

This dish is a lifesaver and incredibly satisfying. Need to stretch it even further? Serve it over rice!

But wait, there’s more! You can turn this into a delicious casserole bake:

Cornbread Casserole:
- Use a box of Jiffy cornbread mix and prepare it according to the box instructions.
- Pour the bean mixture into the bottom of a baking dish.
- Top with the cornbread mix.
- Bake until the cornbread is done (it will take a bit longer due to the water content of the chili beans).

Have you tried making a casserole with your chili?

What’s your favorite way to stretch a meal?

This cornbread chili bake is a huge hit in my house, and I bet it will be in yours too!

2. Savory Parmesan & Herb Pancakes

Savory pancakes are a fantastic cheap dinner recipe for any meal because you can put just about anything in them and top them with anything you like!

Plus, they only take 20 minutes to make start to finish.

In the summer I like to add some grilled peaches on the side.

Here’s my favorite way to enjoy them:

Ingredients:

Your favorite pancake batter
Finely chopped onion
Fresh thyme
Grated Parmesan cheese
Buttermilk (for extra fluffiness)

Instructions:

Mix the Batter:
- Start with your favorite pancake batter and mix in finely chopped onion, fresh thyme, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- For a twist, use buttermilk instead of whole milk.
Cook the Pancakes:
- Cook the pancakes as you normally would, ensuring they’re light and fluffy with a perfect balance of sharpness from the cheese and freshness from the herbs.
Customize Your Toppings:
- Add a fried egg and juicy tomatoes on top for a complete, healthy meal ready in just 20 minutes!
- For a spicy kick, throw in a few chopped jalapenos into the batter.
- Not a fan of Parmesan? Use a different kind of cheese that you love.
- Prefer bacon and scrambled eggs? Swap out the fried or poached egg for your favorite sides.

Why You’ll Love These Pancakes:

Versatile: Customize them with any ingredients you have on hand.
Quick: A complete meal in just 20 minutes.
Delicious: Light, fluffy, and packed with flavor.

Have you tried savory pancakes before?

What are your favorite toppings or mix-ins?

These customizable, savory pancakes are a game-changer in my kitchen, and I know you’ll love them too!

3. Mushroom Soup Chicken & Rice Casserole

Buying chicken legs in bulk and freezing them for quick meals is a money-saving way to save money and have delicious meals ready in no time.

One of my all-time favorites is a mushroom soup chicken and rice casserole that I’ve been enjoying for as long as I can remember.

This recipe is incredibly straightforward.

You can use your choice of chicken pieces, baked in a rich and creamy mushroom soup with rice, all topped with a layer of melted cheese.

Here’s a simple rundown of how to make this tasty chicken casserole:

Prep Your Ingredients:
- Thaw your frozen chicken legs and gather all your ingredients: chicken pieces, mushroom soup, rice, and cheese.
Assemble the Casserole:
- In a baking dish, combine the rice and mushroom soup, then place the chicken pieces on top.
Bake:
- Pop it in the oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle cheese on top and return to the oven until it’s melted and bubbly.

This chicken and rice casserole is not only easy to make but also incredibly budget-friendly.

Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal that won’t break the bank.

Why You’ll Love It:

Cost-Effective: Buying chicken legs in bulk saves money.
Convenient: Freezing chicken legs makes meal prep easy.
Delicious: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.

Do you love this chicken and rice casserole as much as I do?

This dish has been a staple in my kitchen for years, and I’m sure it will become one in yours too!

4. Cottage Pie

Cottage pie is a fantastic and budget-friendly meal that I often turn to. It’s perfect for using up those random vegetables you have in the fridge.

Simply mix them into a pound of ground beef, and top it all with a layer of mashed potatoes.

And don’t worry about the mashed potatoes being unhealthy—you can easily prepare them in a healthier way.

Prep Your Ingredients:

Gather Your Supplies: Grab some ground beef, a variety of vegetables, and potatoes for mashing.

Assemble the Pie:

Cook the Filling:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Add in your mix of vegetables and cook until tender.
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil the potatoes until soft, then mash them with your choice of healthy ingredients—think a bit of butter, some milk, and a pinch of salt.
Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread the beef and vegetable mixture into the bottom of a baking dish. Evenly spread the mashed potatoes over the top.

Bake:

Pop It in the Oven:
- Bake until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly, ensuring everything is heated through.

Why You’ll Love It:

Cost-Effective: Using ground beef and leftover vegetables keeps costs low.
Healthy Options: Mashed potatoes can be made healthier with the right ingredients.
Versatile: Swap the beef for lentils to create a vegetarian version that’s even more budget-friendly.

This cottage pie is a staple in my kitchen, offering a delicious, hearty meal that doesn’t break the bank.

Have you tried making cottage pie?

5. Cheap Chicken Parm

You can’t mess up this cheap meal dinner recipe!

Chicken Parmesan is a favorite in our family, and it’s something I can usually whip up with freezer and pantry staples.

Here’s how to make this simple and delicious dish:

Prep Your Ingredients:

Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need chicken tenders, chicken patties, or even chicken nuggets, marinara sauce, cheese, pasta, and frozen or canned vegetables. Optional: bread, butter, and garlic powder for garlic bread.

Assemble the Chicken Parmesan:

Prepare the Chicken:
- Arrange chicken tenders, patties, or nuggets in a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over the chicken and sprinkle generously with cheese.
Cook the Pasta:
- While the chicken is baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Heat up your frozen or canned vegetables.

Bake:

Bake the Chicken:
- Pop the chicken with marinara and cheese into the oven and bake until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Add the Sides:

Make the Garlic Bread (Optional):
- Butter slices of bread, sprinkle with garlic powder, and bake in the oven until crispy and golden.

Why You’ll Love It:

Cost-Effective: Uses affordable, readily available ingredients.
Kid-Friendly: Chicken nuggets make it a hit with the little ones.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and cooking time.

This chicken Parmesan is so easy to make, yet always a favorite at our dinner table.

It’s perfect for busy nights when you need a quick, satisfying meal.

This recipe is sure to become a staple in your home too!

6. Pasta Salad

My family can’t get enough of pasta salad.

And in the summer we make it a cold past salad with some grilled corn. Yumm-o!

Pasta salad is an easy, budget-friendly dish that’s perfect for large families. Here’s how to make it:

Prep Your Ingredients:

Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need pasta, fresh veggies like cucumber, tomatoes, olives, a can of green beans, a can of corn (both drained), garbanzo beans (if available), fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, mint, whatever you have on hand), and Italian dressing.

Assemble the Pasta Salad:

Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
Mix the Vegetables:
- In a large bowl, combine the drained green beans, corn, and garbanzo beans.
Add Fresh Herbs:
- Chop up any fresh herbs you have and mix them into the bowl.
Dress the Salad:
- Pour Italian dressing over the mixture and toss everything together.

Let It Sit:

Refrigerate:
- Let the pasta salad sit in the fridge for a while. The flavors meld together, making it even more delicious as a leftover.

Why You’ll Love It:

Cost-Effective: Uses inexpensive, readily available ingredients.
Versatile: Can be customized with whatever herbs or beans you have.
Better Over Time: The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes, making it perfect for leftovers.

This pasta salad is a filling, tasty option that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation!

Okay –

Now that you’ve seen my personal faves for cheap meals around my house, let’s look at some other cheap meals for larger families as well as healthy meals too.

Cheap Meals for Large Families

Feeding a large family on a budget can feel like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be!

Growing up in a big family, I learned the art of stretching a dollar without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Now, as a mom myself, I’ve mastered the skill of creating delicious, cost-effective meals that everyone loves.

From hearty casseroles to quick and easy dinners, I’ve got a repertoire of recipes that make mealtime a breeze and keep our grocery bills in check.

Let’s check out these cheap family meals that are perfect for feeding a crowd!

7. Cheeseburger Cassarole

Cheeseburger casserole is a budget-friendly, family favorite that combines all the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger into a hearty, baked dish. It’s quick to prepare, packed with ground beef, cheese, and pasta, making it a perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights.

8. Beef Stew

Packed with tender beef, vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s a comforting dish that gets better the longer it simmers, making it ideal for leftovers.

9. Pizza Pasta Bake

My family loves anything pizza, so this Pizza Pasta Bake is always a hit at our house. This cheap dinner combines classic pizza taste with pasta by mixing cooked pasta with marinara sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese, then baking it until bubbly and golden. It’s a delicious, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd and sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings.

10. Meatloaf

Meatloaf might not win any beauty contests, but it sure tastes amazing, and my family can’t get enough of it. This cheap and easy dinner combines ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices, topped with a tangy ketchup glaze, and baked to perfection. It’s a delicious, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd and sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings.

11. Cheesy Taco Pene

Adding cheese to anything instantly makes it taste better, and Cheesy Taco Penne is no exception. This budget-friendly dish combines penne pasta with seasoned ground beef, taco spices, and plenty of melted cheese, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

12. White Chicken Enchiladas

White Chicken Enchiladas were an instant favorite in our house. This budget-friendly meal features tender chicken rolled in tortillas, smothered in a creamy white sauce made from butter, flour, chicken broth, sour cream, and diced green chilies, and topped with melted cheese, making it a delicious and satisfying dinner for the whole family.

More Cheap Dinner Recipes

Over the years, I’ve perfected a collection of cheap dinner recipes that are not only easy to make but also a hit with the whole family.

From hearty casseroles to quick skillet meals, these recipes are sure to keep your taste buds happy and your wallet full.

Let’s look at more of my favorite cheap dinner recipes that are perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank!

13. French Toast Casserole

Breakfast for dinner? Sign me up!

My family loves breakfast, especially unique ones!

French toast casserole is a beloved breakfast in our house, using chunks of day-old bread soaked in a mixture of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla, then baked until golden.

Simply cube the bread, whisk together the egg mixture, pour it over the bread, refrigerate overnight, and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes before serving with a drizzle of maple syrup.

14. Fried Egg Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

This is a VERY dirt cheap dinner meal everyone will like.

Fried egg grilled cheese sandwiches are a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for any time of day.

Just fry an egg, assemble it with cheese between two slices of buttered bread, and grill until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted for a delicious, budget-friendly treat.

15. Black Bean Burgers

For this cost-effective cheap dinner, mash black beans with breadcrumbs, egg, and your favorite seasonings, form into patties, and cook until crispy on the outside for a delicious and hearty meal that everyone will love.

16. Bean Burritos

Bean burritos are a quick and budget-friendly meal that our family loves. Just fill tortillas with seasoned refried beans, rice, cheese, and your favorite toppings, then roll them up and heat until warm and melty for a delicious and satisfying dinner.

17. Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas

Just fill tortillas with black beans, corn, cheese, and your favorite seasonings, then cook until the tortillas are golden and the cheese is melted for a delicious and satisfying meal.

18. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a healthy and economical favorite in our household. Fill bell peppers with a blend of rice, ground beef or turkey, diced tomatoes, and your favorite seasonings, then bake until the peppers are soft and the filling is perfectly cooked for a delicious and hearty meal.