20 Cheap Family Dinners: Easy & Budget-Friendly Recipes

20 cheap family dinners are what every busy household needs. Finding affordable and delicious meals that everyone will enjoy can feel like a never ending quest. I am so excited to share my favorites with you. This collection of 20 cheap family dinners will save you time, money, and stress, making mealtime a joy.

I remember my own family growing up. My mom was a master at making simple, budget friendly meals that always tasted amazing. These recipes are inspired by her ingenuity and my own experiments in the kitchen. Let’s dive into creating delicious memories together with these easy picky eater meals!

Why You Will Love This 20 cheap family dinners Recipe

These recipes are designed to be comforting, quick, and unbelievably flavorful. Think of cozy nights spent around the table, sharing laughter and delicious food without breaking the bank. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when time is short but you still want a homemade meal.

I love these recipes because they’re also incredibly versatile. Many of them can be adapted to suit different dietary needs or preferences. Whether you’re dealing with picky eaters or simply looking to reduce your grocery bill, these budget friendly family recipes have got you covered!

Ingredients Needed for This 20 cheap family dinners Recipe

Here is a detailed list of the ingredients you will need for each recipe. Keep in mind that many of these ingredients overlap, making it easier to shop and plan your meals for the week. Remember to check out Cheap Meals for more ingredients and great meal ideas. These quick low cost dinners are some of our favorite choices!

Recipe 1: One Pot Pasta Primavera

• 1 pound pasta (any shape)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup peas
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe 2: Lentil Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup brown or green lentils
• 8 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe 3: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

• 1 pound chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 packet fajita seasoning
• Tortillas for serving
• Toppings like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole

Recipe 4: Black Bean Burgers

• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Burger buns and toppings

Recipe 5: Tuna Noodle Casserole

• 1 pound egg noodles
• 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup crushed potato chips

Recipe 6: Chicken and Rice Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup rice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe 7: Quesadillas

• Flour tortillas
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite)
• Optional fillings: cooked chicken, black beans, salsa, vegetables

Recipe 8: Sausage and Peppers

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Hoagie rolls for serving

Recipe 9: Chili

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe 10: Breakfast for Dinner (Pancakes, Eggs, and Bacon)

• Pancake mix
• Eggs
• Bacon

Recipe 11: Mac and Cheese

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 3 cups milk
• 4 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe 12: Shepherd’s Pie

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 1 can beef gravy
• 4 cups mashed potatoes

Recipe 13: Spaghetti and Meatballs

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1 pound meatballs (store bought or homemade)

Recipe 14: Pizza

• Pizza dough (store bought or homemade)
• Pizza sauce
• Shredded cheese (mozzarella or your favorite)
• Toppings of your choice

Recipe 15: Chicken Pot Pie

• Pie crust (store bought or homemade)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 1 can cream of chicken soup

Recipe 16: Sloppy Joes

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• Burger buns

Recipe 17: Baked Potato Bar

• Baking potatoes
• Toppings: cheese, chili, broccoli, sour cream, butter

Recipe 18: Chicken Stir Fry

• 1 pound chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 bag frozen stir fry vegetables
• Soy sauce
• Rice for serving

Recipe 19: Egg Drop Soup

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe 20: Garlic Noodles

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make This 20 cheap family dinners Recipe

I will provide instructions for the first recipe listed above (One Pot Pasta Primavera) as an example. The other recipes follow similar easy principles. Enjoy discovering new simple family meal ideas!

1. 1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. 2. Add the broccoli florets, sliced carrots, and peas to the pot. Cook for 3 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are slightly tender.
3. 3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta.
4. 4. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the broth. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook according to the pasta package directions or until the pasta is cooked through and the broth has been absorbed.
5. 5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6. Serve hot and enjoy! This is a fantastic quick low cost dinner you can prepare in under 30 minutes.

How to Serve This 20 cheap family dinners Recipe

For the One Pot Pasta Primavera, dish it into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil if you have them on hand. A side of crusty bread is also a great addition for dipping into the flavorful broth.

Think about serving the Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas with all the fixings: warm tortillas, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. For the Lentil Soup, a dollop of plain Greek yogurt and a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors.

How to Store This 20 cheap family dinners Recipe

Leftover One Pot Pasta Primavera can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just be aware that the pasta may become slightly softer after thawing.

Proper storage ensures that your delicious creations can be enjoyed for days, minimizing waste and maximizing your budget. From soups to casseroles, knowing how to store your meals effectively is key to making the most of these recipes. Don’t forget to check out Cheap 5 Ingredient Crockpot Dinners for even more storage tips!

Tips to Make This 20 cheap family dinners Recipe

A great tip for the One Pot Pasta Primavera is to use seasonal vegetables for the freshest flavors. Substitute zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach depending on what’s available at your local farmer’s market or grocery store. You can also use different types of pasta like penne or rotini if you prefer.

To make the Lentil Soup even more flavorful, try sautéing the vegetables in olive oil with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. For the Black Bean Burgers, add a tablespoon of flaxseed meal to help bind the ingredients together.

Helpful Notes for This 20 cheap family dinners Recipe

When making the One Pot Pasta Primavera, be sure to use low sodium vegetable broth to control the amount of salt in the dish. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors. Feel free to customize the vegetables to your liking.

For the Lentil Soup, you can use either brown or green lentils. Brown lentils cook faster, so keep an eye on them to prevent them from becoming mushy. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.

Variation of This 20 cheap family dinners Recipe

For a creamy version of the One Pot Pasta Primavera, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or heavy cream at the end. For a vegetarian version of the Black Bean Burgers, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.

If you’re looking for a heartier version of the Lentil Soup, add some diced potatoes or sweet potatoes. You can also top it with a swirl of coconut milk for a touch of richness and subtle sweetness.

Conclusion

I hope these 20 cheap family dinners inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy delicious, budget friendly meals with your loved ones. These simple family meal ideas are a perfect way to enjoy quality time with the people you love. With a little planning, you can create amazing dishes that everyone will love without breaking the bank. Don’t forget to check out Black Forest Poke Cake for a delicious and affordable dessert or please share your own favorite budget recipes in the comments below! Follow us on Pinterest for more inspiration.

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