35+ Cheap and Easy Family Meals (Budget Recipes!)

Feeding a family can be a challenge, especially when you’re trying to keep meals both budget-friendly and delicious. Fortunately, with a bit of creativity and planning, you can whip up a variety of meals that are not only easy on the wallet but also satisfying for everyone at the table. Here’s a roundup of over 35 cheap and easy family meals that will help you stretch your grocery budget without compromising on flavor.

1. One-Pot Pasta

One-pot pasta is a lifesaver for busy nights. Toss your favorite pasta, a can of diced tomatoes, some garlic, onions, and any leftover veggies into a pot. Add water or broth, bring it to a boil, and let it simmer until the pasta is cooked and the sauce thickens.

2. Slow Cooker Chili

Chili is a hearty meal that can feed a crowd. Use ground beef or turkey, canned beans, tomatoes, onions, and spices. Let it simmer in a slow cooker all day, and you’ll have a warm, comforting meal ready by dinner time.

3. Chicken and Rice Casserole

A classic comfort dish, this casserole requires just a few ingredients: chicken, rice, cream of chicken soup, and some veggies. Mix everything in a baking dish, bake until the rice is tender, and the chicken is cooked through.

4. Vegetable Stir-Fry

Stir-fries are versatile and can be made with whatever veggies you have on hand. Sauté them with some soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then serve over rice or noodles. Add tofu, chicken, or beef for extra protein.

5. Breakfast for Dinner

Eggs are an affordable source of protein. Whip up some scrambled eggs, pancakes, or French toast. Serve with fruit, and you’ve got a quick and easy meal that kids will love.

6. Shepherd’s Pie

This dish is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Layer cooked ground beef and vegetables in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake until golden.

7. Taco Night

Tacos are fun and customizable. Use ground beef, chicken, or beans as the base, and let everyone add their own toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa.

8. Lentil Soup

Lentils are cheap, nutritious, and cook quickly. Simmer lentils with onions, garlic, carrots, and spices for a simple, filling soup. Serve with crusty bread.

9. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This simple pasta dish is made with just a few ingredients: garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Toss with spaghetti and finish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

10. Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make in large batches. Mix cooked ziti with marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese, then bake until bubbly.

11. Chicken Quesadillas

Quesadillas are quick to assemble and cook. Fill tortillas with cooked chicken and cheese, then grill until crispy. Serve with salsa and sour cream.

12. Bean and Cheese Burritos

Beans are inexpensive and packed with protein. Mash up some pinto or black beans, spread them on a tortilla, add cheese, and roll it up. Warm in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.

13. Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Drumsticks are often cheaper than other cuts of chicken. Season with your favorite spices, then bake until crispy. Serve with rice and a side of veggies.

14. Mac and Cheese

Homemade mac and cheese is comforting and budget-friendly. Make a simple cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cheddar, then toss with cooked pasta.

15. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuff bell peppers with a mixture of rice, ground beef, and tomato sauce. Top with cheese and bake until the peppers are tender.

16. Vegetable Frittata

A frittata is a great way to use up leftover veggies. Whisk together eggs and a bit of milk, pour over sautéed vegetables, and cook until set.

17. Chicken Fried Rice

Use leftover rice to make this quick dish. Sauté chicken and vegetables, then stir in rice and soy sauce. Add an egg for extra protein.

18. Sloppy Joes

Ground beef or turkey cooked with onions and a tangy tomato sauce, served on hamburger buns. This classic meal is quick and satisfying.

19. Potato Soup

Potatoes are filling and inexpensive. Simmer diced potatoes with onions, garlic, and broth until tender, then blend until smooth. Top with cheese and bacon if desired.

20. Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a hearty, economical meal. Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, an egg, and some seasonings, then bake until cooked through.

21. Pasta Primavera

Pasta tossed with sautéed vegetables and a light cream sauce is a quick, healthy dinner. Use whatever veggies are in season for the best flavor.

22. Homemade Pizza

Making pizza at home is fun and cheaper than ordering out. Use store-bought dough or make your own, then top with sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings.

23. Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry

Upgrade instant ramen by tossing the cooked noodles with stir-fried vegetables, a protein like chicken or tofu, and a simple sauce made from soy sauce and a bit of sugar.

24. Chicken Pot Pie

Use leftover chicken to make a comforting pot pie. Mix with a creamy sauce and frozen vegetables, then top with pie crust or biscuit dough and bake.

25. Bean and Veggie Chili

For a meatless option, try a bean and veggie chili. Use a variety of beans, canned tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Serve with cornbread or over rice.

26. Baked Potato Bar

Baked potatoes are cheap and filling. Set up a toppings bar with cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and chopped veggies so everyone can customize their potato.

27. Fish Tacos

Use a budget-friendly fish like tilapia or cod. Grill or bake the fish, then serve in tortillas with cabbage slaw and a squeeze of lime.

28. Vegetable Curry

Curries are flavorful and can be made with inexpensive ingredients. Simmer vegetables in a coconut milk-based sauce, and serve with rice or naan bread.

29. Cheesy Broccoli Rice

Cook rice, then stir in steamed broccoli and shredded cheese. This dish can be served as a side or as a main meal.

30. Spaghetti Carbonara

This Italian classic is made with eggs, cheese, and bacon or pancetta. Toss with hot spaghetti, and the heat from the pasta cooks the eggs into a creamy sauce.

31. Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Pork shoulder is an inexpensive cut that becomes tender when slow-cooked. Shred the pork, mix with barbecue sauce, and serve on buns.

32. Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage is affordable and nutritious. Fill cabbage leaves with a mixture of rice and ground meat, then bake in tomato sauce.

33. Chicken Alfredo

This creamy pasta dish is simple to make with a sauce of butter, cream, and parmesan cheese. Add cooked chicken and serve over fettuccine.

34. Vegetable Lasagna

Layer lasagna noodles with ricotta, marinara sauce, and sautéed vegetables. Top with mozzarella and bake until bubbly.

35. Tuna Casserole

Tuna casserole is a classic budget dish. Mix canned tuna with cooked noodles, peas, and a creamy sauce, then top with breadcrumbs and bake.

36. Crockpot Beef Stew

Beef stew is a hearty, one-pot meal. Use a cheap cut of beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions. Let it cook low and slow in a crockpot for a tender, flavorful meal.

37. Peanut Butter Noodles

For a quick and unique meal, try peanut butter noodles. Cook noodles and toss with a sauce made from peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, and a bit of honey.

Tips for Budget-Friendly Meal Planning

Plan Ahead: Create a meal plan based on what’s on sale or what you already have in your pantry.

Buy in Bulk: Ingredients like rice, beans, and pasta are cheaper when bought in bulk.

Use Leftovers: Repurpose leftovers into new meals, like turning roast chicken into a pot pie or using leftover rice in a stir-fry.

Seasonal Produce: Fruits and vegetables are cheaper when they’re in season. Buy what’s fresh and incorporate it into your meals.

Frozen Vegetables: They’re just as nutritious as fresh and often cheaper. They’re also convenient to have on hand for quick meals.

With these budget-friendly meals and tips, you can create delicious, nutritious meals without breaking the bank. Happy cooking!