58 Cheap Dinner Ideas for Families — Affordable Dinner Recipes
Let’s face it, no one’s paycheck is going as far as it once was. But that doesn’t mean you have to eat the same old tasteless meal over and over again. Whether you’re feeding a family of four, yourself and a partner, or just you, these easy dinner ideas will help you keep dinner both interesting and on-budget. We’ve got kid-friendly meals (hello quesadillas), romantic dinners (did someone say alfredo?) and plenty of healthy ideas with chicken, ground beef, fish, and of course plenty of healthy (and cheap!) veggies. There’s even a couple smart ways to stretch steak when you want to splurge! What are you waiting for? Dig in!
Ian Palmer
of 58
Is there a more classic cheap dinner than mac ‘n cheese? While this recipe costs a smidge more than the boxed stuff, it’s better by so many leagues that we think you’ll agree it’s worth the extra [does math] $1. Especially because this recipe shows you how to cook the pasta and make the sauce all in the same pot, no draining required!
Get the recipe for Easy-Peasy Stovetop Mac ‘n Cheesy.
Ian Palmer
of 58
Known around the Upper Midwest as “hot dish,” this pure comfort-food classic is easy, inexpensive, and plate-lickingly good.
Get the recipe for Tater Tot Casserole.
Ian Palmer
of 58
Bagel pizzas are fast and fun whether you’re a kid, or just a kid at heart. This recipe has a neat little trick for getting extra sauce, and reducing mess.
Get the recipe for Bagel Pizzas.
Ian Palmer
of 58
Ground chicken can be as much as half the price of ground beef. These flavorful little meatballs bake fast and get plenty of flavor from a can of mild hatch chiles.
Get the recipe for Tex-Mex Chicken Meatballs.
Ian Palmer
of 58
Another classic frugal-night food is tacos, of course! We make ’em even more frugal with chicken, and then add plenty of flavor and toppings so they’re yummy as can be.
Get the recipe for Ground Chicken Tacos.
Ian Palmer
of 58
This comfort food classic is not only less expensive, but it’s even a little healthier: The ground chicken cuts some sat fat from the meal.
Get the recipe for Swedish Meatballs with Chicken.
Ian Palmer
of 58
If you like the classic stir-fry, you’ll love this meatball version!
Get the recipe for Sesame Chicken Meatballs.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
of 58
This hearty as-you-like-it recipe turns a pile of potatoes and some toppings (or as we say, “whatever’s still in the fridge”) into a fun family dinner.
Get the recipe for Loaded Potato Bar.
of 58
Leftover rice + whatever-else-is-in-the-fridge = comfort food heaven. Think of this less as a recipe and more as a technique.
Get the technique for Fried Rice.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
of 58
A hearty chili hits the spot, but if you don’t want to splurge on beef, try making it white-chili style. Pro tip: you can save even more money, plus a little time, by using an already-cooked rotisserie chicken instead.
Get the recipe for White Turkey and Poblano Chili.
Ian Palmer
of 58
You can use a jarred marinara to make this dish even easier, but the can of tomatoes is tasty, and will save you a buck or two.
Get the recipe for Chicken Parmesan.
Ian Palmer
of 58
This classic pantry-food dinner is quick, filling, cheap, and most importantly, yummy.
Get the recipe for Tuna Noodle Casserole.
Ian Palmer
of 58
This stick-to-your-ribs casserole has all a low-cost ground protein, all your favorite veg, plus plenty of cheese. And it’s big enough that your family can enjoy leftovers!
Get the recipe for Ground Chicken Noodle Casserole.
Ian Palmer
of 58
This lighter take on the classic loaf is healthier as well as a little less expensive. But it packs in all the flavor!
Get the recipe for Chicken Meatloaf.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
of 58
Pasta makes a filling and inexpensive dinner, but when it’s hot (or you’re simply tired of red sauce) you may want to switch it up. This simple meal is just four ingredients, plus a dressing of vinegar, oil, and honey.
Get the recipe for Caprese Pasta Salad.
Ian Palmer
of 58
When cooked over a low temperature for several hours, something magical happens to tomatoes, red wine, ground beef, and a little milk or heavy cream. Their flavors meld into an irresistible sauce that’s more than worth the afternoon spent letting it burble on the stove.
Get the recipe for Bolognese Sauce.
Ren Fuller
of 58
A simple marinade of garlic, lemons, and olive oil makes these chicken thighs ethereal.
Get the recipe for Lemony Chicken Thighs.
Hector M. Sanchez
of 58
An easy way to cut back on expense is to cut out the most expensive ingredient: meat. Sliced thick and seared in a pan, broccoli makes a hearty and toothsome main dish. Make extra of the tomato jam. It’s very good.
Get the recipe for Broccoli Steaks.
Ian Palmer
of 58
Keep this recipe in your back pocket for when you’re looking for something that’s easy, inexpensive, but also a little elegant.
Get the recipe for Fettuccini Alfredo.
Ian Palmer
of 58
This comfort-food staple needs just chicken, mushrooms, and a few pantry staples. While we recommend using a more drinkable marsala wine, cooking wine is the much less expensive option.
Get the recipe for Chicken Marsala.
Ian Palmer
of 58
The secret to these super delicious, easy-as-pie weeknight quesadillas? A quick sauce made from flour and stock, which flavors the cooked veggies and helps them to stick together, so they don’t fall out as you’re eating.
Get the recipe for Chicken Quesadillas.
Hector M. Sanchez
of 58
Here’s another dish that skips the meat without leaving diners hungry. Instead of boiling gnocchi like pasta, a quick turn in a hot skillet gives them a slight char and a delightful crunchy-chewy texture.
Get the recipe for Pan-Seared Gnocchi.
Ian Palmer
of 58
This is a great dish to make with leftover rotisserie chicken!
Get the recipe for Weeknight Chicken and Dumplings.
Ian Palmer
of 58
Make these with leftover chicken and skipped the bottled sauce. A can of chipotles in adobo is inexpensive and will keep in your pantry until you’re ready to make it!
Get the recipe for Tex-Mex Chicken Enchiladas.
Ian Palmer
of 58
A can of beans, a pack of mushrooms, some cooked rice, and flour tortillas is all you need for a filling meal.
Get the recipe for Veggie and Bean Burrito.
Ian Palmer
of 58
A pack of tortellini and some leftover rotisserie chicken, and you’re 90% of the way to a simple, filling dinner!
Get the recipe for Chicken-and-Spinach Tortellini Soup.
Ian Palmer
of 58
This sauce, made from cream and butter, comes together fast and isn’t much more expensive than jarred red sauce. The chicken keeps it filling!
Get the recipe for Chicken Alfredo.
Ian Palmer
of 58
Forget seasoning packets or cans of meat. Sloppy Joes are easy enough to make with fresh ingredients, and they taste far better that way. Give this recipe a try and you’ll see for yourself.
Get the recipe for Sloppy Joes.
Ian Palmer
of 58
This tasty recipe stretches 1/2 pound of beef into 10 whole servings!
Get the recipe for Beef Taco–Style Stuffed Peppers.
Ian Palmer
of 58
Save up this recipe for when you’re craving steak but only have ground beef on hand.
Get the recipe for Easy Weeknight Salisbury Steak.
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