Looking for affordable family meals to stretch your grocery budget? Find 58 easy and cheap dinner ideas for families that use everyday ingredients and inexpensive proteins like ground chicken, turkey, canned tuna, kielbasa, and frozen meatballs that are perfect for feeding your family for less.
This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure here.
Love printables? Sign up here to access my free resource library that has meal planning printables such as shopping lists and favorite meal worksheets.
As grocery prices continue to rise, it can feel almost impossible to find affordable dinner ideas that your whole family will want to eat. This can be even more challenging if you have picky eaters in the family (like I do).
Which is why it’s so important to have a go-to list of cheap and easy dinner ideas, especially if you are living on a tight budget and need to make your groceries stretch. Over the years, my goal has always been to share quick and easy family meals that use simple and inexpensive ingredients to help save you money.
You May Like:
- 85 Easy Budget-Friendly Meal Ideas
- 27 Frugal Meal Ideas When Money is Tight
- 30 Ways to Save Money on Groceries
So, I thought to kick off the New Year, I would share some of our go-to budget-friendly recipes and cheap meal ideas that I know your whole family will love. You will find recipes that use low-cost proteins like ground turkey, ground chicken, canned tuna, chicken, and frozen meatballs. As well as inexpensive but filling kielbasa recipes, pasta dishes, and hearty meatless meals that use affordable pantry staples.
And, to keep costs low, I’ve tried to only include recipes that use proteins that typically cost less than $5 per pound. Which means I didn’t include any ground beef recipes, as the cost per pound lately has been closer to $7 (with the exception of the frozen meatballs, as you can get many meals out of one bag). However, if you are able to find ground beef on sale or can get a good deal buying it in bulk, then it would be a great option to swap into some of these cheap and easy dinners.
Overall, the goal was to make this list of dinner ideas as affordable as possible, but like with the ground beef, you can switch out the canned chicken for rotisserie chicken, as it usually gets marked down the next day and placed in the refrigerated deli section. Or, you can buy chicken thighs or legs in bulk, which can usually be inexpensive to use in these recipes.
Easy and Cheap Family Dinner Ideas
Perfect for busy weeknights, these simple budget-friendly meals for families include everything from kid-friendly dinners like pizza casserole to one-pot recipes such as turkey chili. These delicious recipes will help stretch your grocery dollars and make dinnertime stress-free.
Affordable Ground Chicken and Turkey Dinners
Ground chicken and ground turkey are staples when it comes to budget-friendly recipes, as they are not only inexpensive per pound but good for you, so you can save money and still feel good about what you are feeding your family.
Ground Chicken Spaghetti– Food Exit Recipes
All you need is just 30 minutes of your time to make this wholesome protein rich dinner for your family in a single pan. Perfect budget-friendly meal for busy weeknights.
Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Chicken parmesan is a family favorite, and this recipe lets you enjoy all the flavors you love but in a simplified way. Start by mixing a pound of ground chicken with a half cup of bread crumbs,¼ cup of parmesan cheese, an egg, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Then form into small patties, and cook in a skillet until brown and cooked through to 165°F.
Once cooked, add to a slider bun, top with some marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Then, place in a baking pan and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or until the cheese melts. Serve with chips or fries for a quick weeknight dinner.
Chicken Pasta Bake
Chicken pasta bake is a hearty meal your whole family will love. Boil your pasta, then cook a pound of ground chicken in a skillet with a sprinkle of garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Once it’s cooked, add in some pasta sauce and warm through.
Add to a baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese and some parmesan cheese. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
You May Like:
Cheesy Chicken and Potato Skillet
Make this one-pan chicken potato skillet when you need dinner on the table in a hurry. Dice some potatoes (or use frozen diced potatoes), and cook in a skillet until tender. Add a pound of ground chicken (seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning). Cook with potatoes until the chicken is cooked through.
Once chicken and potatoes are cooked, sprinkle with some cheddar cheese and cover so that the cheese melts. Then, serve and enjoy.
Chicken Tacos
Tacos are always a hit for any family dinner. These ground chicken tacos only take a few simple ingredients for a delicious weeknight meal. Just cook one pound of ground chicken with a packet of taco seasoning in a skillet. Once cooked, add to your taco shells (hard or soft) with some shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce, salsa, and sour cream.
Related:
Chicken Rice Bowls
These super-easy chicken and rice bowls can be made in just minutes. Prepare your rice, and then cook your pound of ground chicken (with a packet of taco seasoning) in a pan. Add the rice to a bowl with the cooked ground chicken, some black beans, and corn. Top with some shredded cheese and salsa.
BBQ Chicken Nachos
Looking for the ultimate comfort food? Then look no further than these easy BBQ chicken nachos. To make these them simply cook your ground chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce. Add your nachos to a baking sheet, then add your BBQ chicken, some shredded cheddar cheese, and any other toppings you would like, such as red onions or jalapenos (if you want some spice), for a delicious and hearty dinner.
Have some rotisserie chicken on hand? Try these easy BBQ chicken nachos made with shredded chicken instead.
Chicken Sloppy Joes
It doesn’t get any easier than chicken sloppy joes. Cook some ground chicken in a skillet with some onions. Add some sloppy joe sauce. Then, add to a hamburger bun and serve with fries or chips.
Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Chicken stuffed peppers are a healthier twist on traditional stuffed peppers. We love this recipe from One Wholesome Life because it’s quick, easy to make, and so hearty and delicious.
Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches
These chicken parmesan sandwiches are similar to the chicken parmesan sliders, but instead of making patties, you brown the ground chicken( 1lb.) in a skillet with a jar of marinara sauce until cooked through. Then, you add the mixture to a hamburger bun (like a sloppy joe) and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to melt the cheese and enjoy!
Alternatively, if you don’t want to bother with the oven, you can add the cheese right to the chicken and sauce mixture and then serve on a hamburger bun.
Ground Turkey Pasta Broccoli Dinner- Dizzy Busy & Hungry
Try this super-easy, family-friendly dinner that can be ready in less than 30 minutes. Plus, it’s inexpensive and perfect to make after a busy day.
Turkey Chili
This turkey chili is not only hearty and delicious but also good for you. Brown a pound of ground turkey in a skillet with some onions and garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in a can of kidney beans, a can of diced tomatoes, and a jar of pasta sauce. Add a packet of chili seasoning and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. We like to serve it with shredded cheese on top and sour cream.
Turkey Lettuce Wraps
If you are looking for a light dinner, then these turkey lettuce wraps (Momsdish) would be perfect, as they only use a few simple ingredients for a budget-friendly meal that’s healthy and delicious.
Turkey Meatloaf- I Heart Naptime
You will love this ground turkey meatloaf that is a lighter spin on a classic comfort food. It’s packed with lean protein and tastes moist, tender, and is super flavorful.
Cheap Canned Chicken and Tuna Recipes
When it comes to meal planning to save money, canned tuna and chicken recipes are hard to beat as they are super affordable, making them perfect for a budget-friendly family meal.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
This tuna noodle casserole from Saving Talents is the perfect comfort food recipe and so simple to throw together with just a few ingredients.
Tuna Melt
Tuna melts are a family favorite (my youngest son especially). He could have them every day. It’s a good thing they are so easy to make. Just mix a can of tuna with some mayonnaise together in a bowl, then add to your bread, top with a slice of cheese (your choice), Butter both sides of the bread, then just cook as if you are cooking a grilled cheese sandwich. Serve with tomato soup or chips for a quick weeknight dinner idea.
Tuna Salad Sandwiches
Need a super quick and frugal meal to make when you are short on time. Tuna salad sandwiches never disappoint. Add a can of tuna with mayo, celery, onions, and sweet pickle relish to a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then add to two slices of bread or eat with crackers (we love to do this!) And, enjoy!
Related:
Chicken Alfredo Bake
We love chicken alfredo bake and make it with rotisserie chicken all the time, but if you are in a pinch and have some canned chicken on hand, you can make this easy dish on a budget.
Boil some penne pasta, drain, and then add to a baking dish with some canned chicken (low sodium), alfredo sauce, and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Mix together, then sprinkle 1/2 cup more of the mozzarella on top with some parmesan cheese. and bake for 20 minutes at 350°F or until everything is melted.
Chicken Ramen Stir-Fry
This chicken ramen stir fry is a simple and affordable meal anyone can make. Boil 2-3 packages of ramen, and as your ramen is cooking, add your (low-sodium) canned chicken to some stir-fry vegetables. When the vegetables are cooked, simply mix with your cooked ramen and enjoy. A super easy and budget-friendly meal.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is a comforting meal the whole family will love. In a skillet, saute some diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until tender, and then add 4 cups of chicken broth and canned chicken. Let simmer while you boil your egg noodles. Once your egg noodles are cooked, drain, and add to your soup mixture (season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder) for a cozy soup better than in a can.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Craving a hearty soup recipe that is easy to make and delicious? Your whole family will love this simple chicken tortilla soup recipe from Six Sisters’ Stuff. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need a quick dinner idea.
White Chicken Chili
Chili is the perfect cozy family meal, but also super easy to throw together when you need a hearty dinner fast. This white chicken chili from Real Housemoms is a delicious option that is perfect to make all winter long.
Chicken Salad Sandwich
Chicken salad sandwiches are ideal for a last-minute dinner idea, especially if you have a can of chicken on hand that you want to use up. Just add it to some mayonnaise, and chopped celery and onions. Spread it between two slices of bread for a quick meal idea. Serve with chips, or hot bowl of soup for a busy weeknight meal.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
If you know how to make buffalo chicken dip, then this pasta is made the same way, except you add pasta with a little more cheese on top and just bake until bubbly. A simple but fun dinner idea everyone will enjoy.
You May Like:
Hearty Kielbasa/Smoked Sausage Recipes
Kielbasa is one of our favorite affordable proteins as it’s so hearty and delicious. You will find easy kielbasa and zucchini recipes as well as kielbasa and potato soup that’s perfect for busy nights.
Kielbasa with Zucchini and Butter Noodles
Kielbasa with zucchini and noodles is our go-to quick and easy dinner for super busy weeknights. I’m not even sure how the recipe came to be because we have been eating it for so long, but it’s a must in our home, as it’s such a tasty and satisfying meal.
Smoked Sausage and Rice
I’m always looking for simple and budget-friendly smoked sausage recipes because they make the perfect hearty weeknight dinner. Recently, I found this delicious smoked sausage and rice from The Salty Marshmallow, and it didn’t disappoint. It was so easy and delicious!
Kielbasa Potato Soup- xoxoBella
This slow cooker kielbasa and potato soup is ideal for busy days because it’s so simple to make. Plus, it’s hearty and family-friendly. The perfect comfort food recipe!
Kielbasa, Potato, and Green Bean Skillet
It doesn’t get any easier than this kielbasa skillet. We like to make this during the summer on our outdoor griddle, but it tastes just as good during the fall and winter months for a simple, inexpensive dinner idea.
To make this dish, just brown the kielbasa in a skillet and then remove it from the heat. Then, add a little bit of olive oil to the same pan and cook some diced potatoes and green beans that are seasoned with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook until the potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick. Once the potatoes and green beans are cooked through, I add the kielbasa back to the pan, let it warm through, and then serve.
You May Like:
Budget-Friendly Frozen Meatball Dinner Ideas
When it comes to cheap family dinner ideas, using frozen meatballs is my secret hack to get a lot of meals for less money, as a bag of meatballs at Walmart is usually around $8, and you can probably get 3 meals out of the one bag. You will find meatball recipes that include everything from meatball pizza to meatball stroganoff.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
You can never go wrong with spaghetti and meatballs. It’s a quick and comforting meal that even picky eaters love. Plus, with frozen meatballs, it’s as simple as boiling spaghetti and adding your frozen meatballs to a jar of marinara sauce. Then, simmer until they are heated through. When everything is done, just mix together, add some Parmesan cheese, and you have an easy, kid-friendly dinner all ready.
Meatball Pasta Bake
We make meatball pasta bake at least once a month because it’s one of my oldest son’s favorite meals. Just boil your pasta (we like penne for this recipe). While the pasta is cooking, I simmer the meatballs in marinara sauce just like I do when making spaghetti and meatballs.
Once everything is cooked, mix together and spread in a baking dish. Then, top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes at 350°F or until cheese is melted.
Meatball Alfredo Pasta
Meatball alfredo pasta is made the exact way the meatball pasta bake is made, except I use a jar of alfredo sauce instead of marinara. Serve with some homemade garlic bread and enjoy!
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
When I need a last-minute dinner idea on busy weeknights, these sweet and sour meatballs are our go-to recipe. They are flavorful, family-friendly, and only require a few simple ingredients, making them perfect for a quick, budget-friendly meal to have any night of the week.
Italian Wedding Soup
I will admit I’ve never made Italian wedding soup, but it’s on my list of soups to try, so I thought I would share this easy recipe from Little Broken because it would be a perfect way to use up some of those frozen meatballs in your freezer for a hearty weeknight dinner.
Meatball Soup
There is nothing more comforting than a hot bowl of soup on a cold, winter day. This cozy meatball soup from Spend with Pennies is perfect when you need a quick, affordable, and hearty meal your whole family will love.
Meatball Stroganoff– 24 Bite
Meatball stroganoff is perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast. Made with frozen meatballs, this quick family meal is ready in just 30 minutes.
BBQ Pineapple Meatballs
BBQ pineapple meatballs from Salt & Baker couldn’t get any easier. Made with just 3 simple ingredients in your crockpot, these BBQ pineapple meatballs served over rice make the perfect kid-friendly dinner.
Meatball Sliders– Mindy’s Cooking Obsession
These Meatball Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls are an easy recipe that makes the perfect quick weeknight meal families love. (I know that we can’t get enough as they are so delicious and easy to make!)
Meatball Subs
Meatball subs are one of the best family-friendly dinner ideas. My picky eaters love them, and I like the fact that they are not only inexpensive but quick and easy to make.
Simply simmer meatballs in your favorite jarred or homemade sauce until tender. Add a few meatballs and sauce to a sub roll (we use hot dog buns to make it more budget-friendly). Top with mozzarella or a slice of provolone cheese and then bake in a preheated 350° oven for about 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bread is crispy.
Note: If you prefer your bread crispier, you can put it in the oven for 5 minutes before adding your meatballs.
Meatball Pizza
We love theme night dinners in our home, so Friday nights have officially become pizza Fridays. So, because of this, I’m always looking for easy pizza recipes that we can try. This recipe is super simple.
Just warm your frozen meatballs in the microwave or oven according to the package directions. Cut them in half, then add to your favorite pizza crust, pizza sauce, and top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bake at 450°F for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and pizza crust is golden brown.
Easy Meatless Meals
Meatless meals are a great way to save money while still making satisfying dinners that your whole family will enjoy.
Lemon Butter Pasta– Cucina By Elena
This lemon butter pasta sauce is a flavorful sauce made with fresh lemon, rich Parmigiano cheese, and butter. It’s so creamy and delicious! It’s sure to be a hit with everyone.
Lemon Chickpea Orzo Soup– Vegan Huggs
This Lemon Chickpea Orzo Soup is a year-round winner, combining hearty chickpeas and tender orzo with lemon and dill. It can be ready in just 35 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner idea.
Sweet Potato Lentil Soup- Happy Kitchen
Gluten-free, vegan sweet potato and lentil soup is a healthy and tasty meal that will satisfy both your hunger and your taste buds. This delicious vegetable soup is smooth and filling as well as simple to make.
Cheesy Broccoli and Pasta
A simple family-friendly meal, this cheesy broccoli and pasta couldn’t be any easier. It can be as simple as adding some broccoli to your favorite macaroni and cheese recipe for a quick weeknight family meal your kids are guaranteed to love. Or, you can use this recipe from Recipe Tin Eats that is perfect for busy weeknights.
Angel Hair Pasta and Sauce
One of the things I love most about summer is being able to grow fresh tomatoes in our garden because I can make this easy angel hair pasta and sauce for dinner. It’s a light meal that’s perfect for busy days (and picky-eater approved as my boys can’t get enough!)
Southwest Quinoa Salad– Let Us Munch Lettuce
Try this Southwest Quinoa Salad that is made with black beans, corn, avocado, bell pepper, and cilantro, topped with a chili lime vinaigrette.
Red Beans and Rice– Strength and Sunshine
This one-pot vegan & gluten-free version of Louisiana Red Beans & Rice is full of deep smoky and spicy flavors, rice, kidney beans, and veggies.
Fried Rice– Chef Savvy
Learn how to make The Best Fried Rice Recipe at home! This copycat fried rice recipe tastes just like your favorite restaurant but even better! It’s loaded with tons of vegetables, scrambled eggs, leftover white rice with a secret ingredient!
More Quick and Cheap Dinner Ideas
Find more quick and cheap dinner ideas that are perfect to make when time and money are tight. These budget-friendly recipes include pizza casseroles, breakfast options, and more.
Bubble Up Pizza Casserole– The Cookin’ Chicks
Bubble Up Pizza Casserole is a quick and easy meal option using refrigerated biscuit pieces, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings!
Loaded Baked Potato
Make dinner time fun for your kids and set up a baked potato bar. Bake your potatoes in the oven or microwave, then just add your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon, ham, or whatever you would like. Perfect when you need a quick idea for dinner that you know your kids will enjoy.
Bean and Cheese Burrito
This is one of my go-to 5-minute meals when I need a quick dinner in a hurry that’s not only tasty, but budget-friendly and filling. Add some refried beans, salsa, and some shredded cheese to a tortilla shell, roll up, and microwave for 20-30 seconds until everything is heated through.
If you would prefer to have your tortilla crispy, turn it into a quesadilla. Just add your ingredients to your tortilla shell, fold over, and cook in a skillet on medium until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
Black Bean Tacos
Try these easy black bean tacos from Cookie+Kate that are a delicious, inexpensive, and simple-to-make recipe for an easy weeknight family meal that will satisfy everyone.
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
This easy pizza casserole is always in our dinner rotation as my family can’t get enough. It’s simple enough for busy nights, and it’s requested often.
Baked Ziti
Baked ziti has always been my oldest son’s favorite meal. He requests it for his birthday almost every year. To make this easy dish, just boil some penne pasta, then add to your favorite pasta sauce (homemade or jarred), sprinkle with some Italian seasonings, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Top with shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until cheese has melted. So simple and so delicious!
Cheese and Egg Pasta Bake– Chef’s Pencil
The Easy Cheese & Egg Pasta Bake from Chef’s Pencil is a budget-friendly, family-approved dinner that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, golden-crusted meal. Made with cooked pasta, eggs, salty cheese (like feta or parmesan), and Greek yogurt or sour cream, this dish is perfect for using up leftovers and requires just 10 minutes of prep.
Breakfast Burritos
One of the best ways to save money on groceries is to add breakfast recipes to your meal plan once a week. They are not only cheap but filling and easy to throw together. Just scramble some eggs with your favorite cheese and meat. Then, add to a warm tortilla shell, roll up, and serve with some salsa.
Pancakes and Breakfast Sausage
Don’t like eggs? Then, when planning your breakfast meal for the week, try making some pancakes and sausage. They are not only delicious but budget-friendly and and your kids will love it.
Breakfast for dinner? Find more easy recipes:
Egg Salad Sandwiches
Egg salad sandwiches are the perfect side to your favorite soup recipe. Plus, you can whip them up really quickly to have a hearty dinner ready in no time.
To make an egg salad sandwich, mash some boiled eggs in a bowl, add some mayonnaise and a little bit of mustard with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. It’s as easy as that. Then, just spread between two slices of bread.
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
And, when all else fails, you can’t go wrong with a delicious bowl of tomato soup (homemade or from a can if you are in a hurry) and a grilled cheese sandwich. The perfect cozy weeknight meal that everyone will love.
Looking for more easy and cheap dinner ideas?
- 40 Best Hot Sandwich Recipes
- 30 Days of Easy One-Pot Meals
- 23 Simple Sheet Pan Dinners for Busy Nights
- 18 Best 5 Ingredient Crockpot Dinner Recipes
Don’t forget to sign up for my Free Resource Library to grab my meal-planning printables. You will also get access to lots more printables all completely free for you to print out and enjoy!
Follow me on Pinterest for more recipes and meal-planning inspiration
