Feeding a family on a limited budget is a serious challenge! That’s why we have compiled this collection of affordable and effortless family dinners to make mealtime more exciting and break free from the same old recipes. Each mouthwatering recipe in this roundup is quick to prepare, requires minimal effort, and serves at least four generous portions for the price of a single serving at a restaurant. It’s a definite win!
SHEET PAN DINNERS
Save time and effort by preparing a delicious dinner in no time with the simple method of tossing all ingredients on a sheet pan and baking. This not only ensures a speedy meal, but also minimizes the clean-up process, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights. Treat your entire family to budget-friendly and effortless sheet pan meals with these five options.
1. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
$13.90 recipe / $3.48 servingGet the Recipe
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are a must-have at Budget Bytes! Why? Because they deliver that classic smoky fajita taste without the need for a scorching hot skillet. We’re confident that this simple and mouthwatering dinner will become a regular feature in your meal lineup too!
2. Sheet Pan Kielbasa, Potatoes, and Green Beans
Sheet Pan Kielbasa Potatoes and Green Beans
$9.47 recipe / $2.37 servingGet the Recipe
Sheet Pan Kielbasa, Potatoes, and Green Beans is a perfect choice for a busy weeknight dinner. This simple and satisfying recipe combines flavorful smoked kielbasa with convenient frozen veggies, making it a breeze to prepare with minimal effort.
3. Sheet Pan BBQ Meatballs
Sheet Pan BBQ Meatballs
$7.84 recipe / $1.96 servingGet the Recipe
If you are someone who enjoys sweet treats, then you will definitely be fond of the delectable caramelized pineapple rings that are cooked together with our Sheet Pan BBQ Meatballs! This mouthwatering dinner will give you the feeling of a summer barbecue no matter the season, and the best part is that you won’t have to endure the heat of a grill to enjoy it!
4. Sheet Pan BBQ Meatloaf Dinner
Sheet Pan BBQ Meatloaf Dinner
$6.27 recipe / $3.14 servingGet the Recipe
Are you a fan of the timeless classic meatloaf? If the answer is yes, then you’ll absolutely adore this Sheet Pan BBQ Meatloaf Dinner! It offers a delightful variation to the traditional recipe while still allowing you to have a delicious dinner, including two sides, ready in under an hour.
5. Sheet Pan Pizza
Sheet Pan Pizza
$9.89 RECIPE / $1.41 SERVINGGet the Recipe
If you want a memorable family meal, give this Sheet Pan Pizza a try! This simple recipe creates pizza that rivals restaurant-quality at a fraction of the price.
ONE POT DINNERS
One-pot dinners are always a safe bet. They yield about four servings and provide a satisfying and balanced meal, with the added benefit of requiring minimal preparation and cleanup. Whether it’s for Meatless Monday or to complement your family’s preferred protein, these five inexpensive and effortless one-pot dinner recipes have got you covered.
6. One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
$5.03 recipe / $1.26 servingGet the Recipe
Instead of relying on a box of Hamburger Helper, why not give this homemade version a shot? Discover the complete recipe for One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta, where we masterfully recreate the distinct flavor of the original using a unique and affordable ingredient that you probably already have in your pantry.
7. Cheesy Sausage Pasta
Cheesy Sausage Pasta
$7.07 recipe / $1.77 servingGet the Recipe
This budget-friendly and effortless Cheesy Sausage Pasta dish encompasses all the desired elements of a satisfying dinner recipe. It features a generous portion of vegetables, a touch of spiciness from the sausage, speedy-cooking egg noodles, and a delectable layer of melted cheese on the surface! Moreover, the entire preparation can be accomplished in a single skillet and will be ready to serve in under 30 minutes!
8. Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet
Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet
$7.12 recipe / $1.78 servingGet the Recipe
Experience the ultimate indulgence with this Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet – a delightful, pocket-friendly comfort food option. By harnessing the satiating power of rice, this recipe cleverly maximizes the use of pricier proteins and frozen vegetables, ensuring a satisfying meal for the entire family. Prepare to fall in love with the rich, cheesy goodness of this effortlessly prepared one-pot dinner.
9. One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice
One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice
$7.53 recipe / $1.88 servingGet the Recipe
To vary your dinner menu without overspending, consider purchasing affordable seafood options such as frozen shrimp when they are discounted. Give this straightforward and satisfying recipe a try: One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice.
10. One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta
One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta
$3.74 recipe / $0.94 servingGet the Recipe
If you’re looking for a simple and delicious meal on a busy weeknight, try out this One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta. It’s a meat-free dish that requires minimal effort. If you’re in the mood for something extra flavorful, you can enhance it by adding some beef or tossing in a generous amount of leafy greens. Alternatively, you can also elevate it by serving it with grilled chicken on top.
EASY SOUP AND STEW RECIPES
When you’re on a budget, there are certain meals that you can enjoy regardless of the season. Soups and stews are incredibly convenient and can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of the weather outside. Here are five affordable and effortless soups and stews that will take the spotlight in your meal.
11. Chicken Noodle Soup
The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
$9.10 recipe / $1.14 servingGet the Recipe
Chicken Noodle Soup is my go-to when I’m craving a comforting bowl of warmth. This timeless recipe combines all the ingredients in a single pot, making it incredibly easy to prepare.
12. Chicken Stew
Chicken Stew
$12.22 recipe / $2.04 servingGet the Recipe
For those who adore Chicken Noodle Soup but crave a heartier twist, look no further than this Chicken Stew. By incorporating potatoes, the broth becomes luxuriously thick and creamy, transforming it from a light soup into a satisfying, comforting stew. It’s the ultimate dinner option!
13. The Best Homemade Chili
Homemade Chili Recipe
$9.28 recipe / $1.55 servingGet the Recipe
When seeking quick, effortless, and affordable dinners, nothing rivals the satisfaction of a generous pot of chili. This remarkable Best Homemade Chili sets the bar high, and the leftovers only get tastier!
14. Taco Soup
Taco Soup
$11.84 recipe / $1.97 servingGet the Recipe
You can enhance the taste of this Taco Soup by using homemade taco seasoning and ranch seasonings. However, if you’re looking for a quicker option, store-bought seasoning packets can also be used.
15. Easy Vegetable Beef Soup
Vegetable Beef Soup
$11.13 recipe / $1.86 servingGet the Recipe
If your goal is to satisfy numerous hungry individuals while maximizing your food budget, you can never go astray with the Easy Vegetable Beef Soup. This generous portion of soup will effortlessly nourish a family of 6, provides delightful leftovers, and is an ideal option for preparing in large quantities and freezing.
16. Creamy Tortellini Soup
Creamy Tortellini Soup
$10.69 recipe / $1.34 servingGet the Recipe
Creating simple, semi-homemade meals like Creamy Tortellini Soup is made easy by using store-bought swaps such as frozen tortellini and dumplings, combined with fresh ingredients. This delightful vegetarian soup, with its tomatoey broth, offers a comforting and indulgent dining experience.
EASY CASSEROLE RECIPES
If you’re in search of hearty family dinners, casserole recipes are the way to go! With their simplicity and ability to incorporate a multitude of flavors and ingredients, they are a perfect choice. These four effortless casserole recipes will surely satisfy your family’s appetite.
17. Chicken Alfredo Bake
Chicken Alfredo Bake
$12.80 RECIPE / $2.13 SERVINGGet the Recipe
This Chicken Alfredo Bake is the epitome of a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent pasta bake. It is sure to become a beloved dish for the entire family! With our simple Homemade Alfredo Sauce and a few ingredients like cooked chicken breasts, frozen veggies, and half a box of pasta, dinner can be prepared in no time!
18. Classic Baked Ziti
Classic Baked Ziti
$12.16 recipe / $1.52 servingGet the Recipe
Introducing our Classic Baked Ziti recipe, a simple yet satisfying pasta bake that will surely please your entire family! Enhance your meal by pairing it with a refreshing Simple Side Salad and some delicious Homemade Freezer Garlic Bread.
19. Chicken And Biscuit Casserole
Chicken and Biscuit Casserole
$8.75 RECIPE / $1.46 SERVINGGet the Recipe
Make a scrumptious family dinner with this incredibly easy and versatile Chicken And Biscuit Casserole recipe. It allows you to use any ingredients you have in your fridge or freezer. Trust me, you’ll be glad if you double or even triple the Cheddar drop biscuit topping. This is especially true if you plan to bake the casserole in a dish that has a larger surface area to cover than the 8×8” dish we used!
20. Chili Cornbread Skillet
Chili Cornbread Skillet
$7.49 recipe / $1.25 servingGet the Recipe
If you’re a fan of the timeless combination of Vegetarian Chili and Homemade Cornbread, then you absolutely must give our Chili Cornbread Skillet a go! This delightful vegetarian dish flawlessly blends the essence of these two Southwestern favorites, creating a dish that will remind you of a Vegetable Pot Pie.
VEGETARIAN FAMILY DINNERS
If you want to save money on groceries, consider swapping out costly meat for more affordable protein options such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas. Whether your household follows a vegetarian diet or you simply want to incorporate some meatless meals, our website offers a wide selection of satisfying and effortless vegetarian dinners. Spice up your family’s dinner routine with these six wallet-friendly and uncomplicated vegetarian recipes perfect for the whole family.
21. Sheet Pan Portobello Fajitas
Sheet Pan Portobello Fajitas
$10.81 recipe / $2.70 servingGet the Recipe
If you’re looking for a vegetarian twist on the traditional Mexican restaurant meal, why not give our Sheet Pan Portobello Fajitas a go? In this recipe, we replace the chicken from our original Sheet-Pan Fajitas with flavorful and slightly spicy portobello mushroom caps that offer a delightful smoky taste. We assure you that you won’t feel like anything is missing!
22. One Pot Veggie Pasta
One Pot Veggie Pasta
$7.99 recipe / $2.00Get the Recipe
If you have an abundance of fresh vegetables and want a simple, cheesy, and affordable dinner, search no more! This One Pot Veggie Pasta is the perfect solution. With a blend of tomatoes, zucchini, squash, and mushrooms, it creates a delightful ratatouille-inspired dish that is both flavorful and satisfying as a one-pot meal.
23. Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili
$4.64 recipe / $0.77 servingGet the Recipe
Slow cookers are an invaluable tool for effortlessly preparing flavorful soups and stews that require long hours of simmering. In our Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili recipe, we enhance its thickness and heartiness by incorporating lentils, which also provide an extra protein boost.
24. Spicy Coconut Vegetable Stir Fry
Spicy Coconut Vegetable Stir Fry
$5.93 recipe / $1.48 servingGet the Recipe
If you’re looking for a simple dinner that is dairy-free and packed with vegetables, you should definitely try this Spicy Coconut Vegetable Stir Fry! This delightful dish has a summery and tropical vibe, and it is incredibly versatile. It’s an excellent option for using up any leftover vegetables you may have in your refrigerator, and it goes well with various proteins, rice, legumes, or whatever ingredients you have on hand in your pantry!
25. Spanish Chickpeas and Rice
Spanish Chickpeas and Rice
$7.39 recipe / $1.84 servingGet the Recipe
If you want a fast, satisfying, and budget-friendly dinner option without meat, look no further than Chickpeas (or Garbanzo Beans)! This delightful recipe for Spanish Chickpeas and Rice takes inspiration from Paella, but there’s no need for pricey seafood or saffron.
