18 Simple Weeknight Dinners For Fast CHEAP Family Meals
I’ve got me a picky eater hubby AND kiddos so coming up with extremely cheap meals that don’t ruin my grocery budget for the month has been a challenge.
If you’re in the same boat, keep scrolling to see if any of my quick cheap meals will work your bunch. And hey, they make good leftovers too!
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Cooking dinner every darn night without stretching your budget can be tough, especially when you’re feeding a family of picky eaters!
I totally feel your struggle because finding meals that are both affordable and approved by the whole darn family used to feel like an impossible task (like I was totally ready to quit being The Cook, y’all!)
But over time, I’ve found some fantastic recipes that I keep coming back to (ie, crazy sill easy to make and cheap enough to stretch the ol’ grocery budget).
If you’re ready to quit being The Cook and need some budget-stretcher dinner recipes, let me show ya what I’ve got:
1. One Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta: This dish is a lifesaver ’round here on those busy nights cause everything cooks in one pot! The creamy blend of chicken, pasta, and veggies somehow gets the kids to actually eat their veggies without whining about it. Recipe is found here.
2. Chicken Noodle Casserole with Potato Chip Topping: A crunchy topping makes this casserole irresistible to kids. Plus, canned chicken makes it a breeze to prepare. Get the recipe.
3. Taco Pasta: A fun twist on taco night, this dish combines all the familiar flavors in a creamy pasta skillet. Check it out here.
4. No Frills Chuck Roast: Set it and forget it with this crockpot recipe that’s perfect for hectic days. Simple ingredients and rich flavors make it a keeper! Here’s how to make it.
5. Pasta Burger Bake: Thanks to my Uncle Bobby, this hearty casserole is a hit. Just a few ingredients create a filling meal that won’t break the bank. I have my recipe here.
6. Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner: With just a few veggies and some seasoning, you’ll have a wholesome meal straight from the oven. Perfect for when pork chops are on sale! See the recipe here.
7. Buffalo Chicken Casserole: My quick fix for a spicy dinner that everyone enjoys—plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes. Recipe is here.
8. 3-Ingredient Chili: Need dinner fast? This simple chili packs flavor with just three ingredients! Learn how.
9. Sheet Pan Quesadillas: Make a bunch at once with minimal effort using this sheet pan hack. Great for dinner or as party appetizers. See the recipe here.
10. Beef Tips and Gravy: Easy and comforting, this yummy beef dish is perfect served over mashed potatoes and is super budget-friendly. Simple recipe is here.
11. Lazy Day Ground Beef and Noodles: No fuss, just deliciousness in a pan. This meal is a lifesaver when time is short. Try it here.
12. One Pot Sausage Pasta: Fewer dishes to wash and more time to relax with this satisfying one-pot meal. Find out more.
13. Chicken Alfredo Casserole: Freeze and forget, then bake for a creamy, cheesy delight whenever you need. Recipe on my freezer meals recipe list here.
14. Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken: Sweet meets spicy in this fairly-easy chicken recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Takes a bit more effort, but the hubby and I love it (kids are eh about it) Info here.
15. Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Dump it all in and let the crockpot work its magic. I serve over mashed potatoes for a comfort dish even the picky hubby loves. Here’s the recipe.
16. One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice: Anything with queso is a winner here, and this dish proves why my kids gobble it up! See the recipe.
17. Ravioli Casserole: Just four ingredients and it’s on the table ~ can’t beat that! Here’s how I make it.
18. Chicken Parmesan Stovetop Bake: A lighter take on a classic, this dish is sure to be a hit. See how it’s made.
Bonus Recipe:
One Pot Marry Me Chicken:
This shortcut recipe for Marry Me Chicken is really simple!
All I did was cooked some chicken thighs in oil. Took the thighs out of the pot then added garlic and onion, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder and salt.
Cooked that for a bit then added a small carton of whipping cream, 4 cups chicken broth, a box of pasta and half a small jar of chopped sundried tomatoes.
When the liquid reduced I mixed in chopped spinach and a ton of Parmesan.
SO good – and yep, even the picky eaters ate it without a fuss!
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or costly, and these recipes have definitely been my go-to’s for keeping the whole family fed and pretty darn happy ’bout what they’re eating.
More Cheap Dinners:
