So there you have it—a stew that’s rich in texture with a smoky, slightly tangy flavor profile. Try serving it with a slice of crusty bread or over a bed of quinoa for an extra hearty meal. I have been an author, content developer, and professional blogger for seven years. Creamy, cheesy enchiladas that feel indulgent but rely unimeal app on affordable pantry and fridge staples. Here are some frequently asked questions I receive about planning and cooking cheap meals.
Cheese Chicken Soup
Cabbage, that underrated bargain vegetable, gets her turn in this vegetarian hash from Dan Pelosi. Ribbons of cabbage are roasted until they are caramelized and then tossed with white beans, garlic, anchovies and fresh parsley. Ready in 35 minutes for the perfect weeknight dinner.
Easy Take out Fake out Recipes on a Budget
Sear the seasoned beef to perfection, then sauté some onions and garlic for a touch of fragrance. Toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it simmer until dinnertime. While it cooks, whip up your favourite side dish – mashed potatoes, tagliatelle, or fluffy rice – to complete this satisfying meal. Try bulking up a simple dinner with budget-friendly staples like beans and pulses. Our recipes feature cheap cuts of meat like chicken thighs, sausages and mince.
- Cheesy Beef EnchiladasThis cheesy beef enchiladas is a go-to meal for busy families.
- This creamy, cheesy, Ritz cracker-topped casserole is packed with chicken, rice, and freshly blanched broccoli with the quintessential cream of mushroom soup.
- Sloppy Joes are the kind of dinner that doesn’t pretend to be fancy but always disappears fast.
- Easy French Dip SandwichesThis easy french dip sandwiches is a go-to meal for busy families.
- Focusing on only 3 key ingredients, our chicken fajita recipe requires minimal prep and cook time, meaning dinner on the table FAST.
- It’s a perfect stretch-meal recipe, using ground beef efficiently while staying flexible.
If you’re looking for dinners that feel satisfying without feeling expensive, you’re in the right place. Cheesy Beef EnchiladasThis cheesy beef enchiladas is a go-to meal for busy families. Tomato Bacon PastaThis tomato bacon pasta is a go-to meal for busy families. Chicken Noodle CasseroleThis chicken noodle casserole is a go-to meal for busy families. Chicken Mozzarella PastaThis chicken mozzarella pasta is a go-to meal for busy families. Slow Cooker Enchilada QuinoaThis slow cooker enchilada quinoa is a go-to meal for busy families.
Rigatoni with Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Looking for affordable family dinners that don’t taste cheap? Each recipe is flavorful, filling, and made by trusted food bloggers, giving you delicious ideas that save time, stretch your grocery budget, and satisfy everyone at the table. The cheapest meals usually rely on pantry staples like rice, pasta, beans, and eggs. Think dishes like fried rice, spaghetti, lentil soup, or egg burritos. These meals are not only affordable, but also super customizable depending on what you already have on hand. You can stretch them even further by doubling recipes and saving leftovers.
We’ve all had those nights when even the thought of cooking feels exhausting. That’s when these quick, no-fuss meals come in handy. And again, if budget isn’t your only consideration, we’ve compiled this massive list of easy dinner ideas that taste amazing. With the right ingredients, you can whip up something hearty and satisfying without spending more than a few bucks per serving. Lunch often gets overlooked, but it’s a prime opportunity to stretch your ingredients and repurpose leftovers.
Stracciatella Soup
Made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients, it’s quick, filling, and full of flavor. This Hamburger Soup is an easy, budget-friendly dinner packed with vegetables and hearty flavor. It’s a perfect stretch-meal recipe, using ground beef efficiently while staying flexible. Add extra carrots or swap in what you have—this soup adapts beautifully which gives you the opportunity to make it low carb and it is already gluten free. When counting ingredients, I omitted salt, black pepper, and oil and butter, as most people already have those ingredients on hand. Otherwise, I decided to choose pasta and chickpeas as the base for these recipes, as they lend well to simple sauces and preparations.
Chicken Fajitas
Light, savory, and shockingly easy to throw together. This one pot crack chicken casserole is dangerously good. Everything cooks together, even https://recipes.heart.org/en/ the pasta, so you can spend less time cleaning and more time digging in. Bright, fresh, and just fancy enough to feel like you tried. This lemon chicken and orzo cooks up in one pan with tender chicken, light broth, and a citrusy pop that wakes up your whole dinner routine without blowing the budget.
Chicken and Dumplings
This easy, kid-friendly dish starts with crescent roll dough on the bottom, then it’s loaded with ground beef, cheese, and any of your favorite taco toppings. Bring the flavors of artichoke spinach dip to your plate with this affordable and creamy artichoke spinach pasta. It’s a cost-effective way to enjoy a rich and comforting meal that’s both filling and flavorful. It’s sweet, it’s sour, it’s just as delicious as delivery! Colorful, crunchy red bell peppers add lots of healthy crunch to this soul-satisfying stir-fry.
It’s simple, it’s garlicky, and it’s downright delicious—perfect for those nights when you want something quick but full of flavor. If you’ve been in a grocery store lately, you’ve likely noticed some sticker shock when it comes to food prices (thanks, inflation!). Meat, eggs, oils, and seafood have seen the biggest increases (source), but your overall grocery bill has likely taken a hit, too.
Ground Turkey Stir Fry
For ease and economy, substitute frozen chopped spinach for fresh, but be sure to drain and season well. Find out our smartest ways to save money at the grocery store. Ready in 25 minutes, these quesadillas are a perfect spring dinner.
Budget-Friendly Dinner Recipes Everyone Loves
We are Adam and Joanne, the creators of Inspired Taste. Since 2009, we’ve been dedicated to creating trusted, easy recipes to help home cooks feel confident and excited in the kitchen. I provide real dinner solutions so busy women can kick kitchen overwhelm to the curb and learn to make simple, healthy dinners to fit any schedule and family. Savory meat and vegetables topped with fluffy mashed potatoes. A timeless, filling dinner that stretches every ingredient.
Beef Noodle Casserole
Cooking on a budget shouldn’t mean canned beans and ramen noodles night after night. Welcome to the world of delicious recipes designed for small budgets. Providing your family with delicious, hearty and affordable dinners can be challenging. To help, I’ve curated a list of 60 Budget-Friendly Family Dinners that everyone will love!