79 Cheap Meals for Families (easy budget-friendly Ideas)

Feeding a family doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Delicious meals can come from affordable ingredients you’ll find at any local supermarket. So I’ve compiled my best ideas for cheap meals for families.

Skip the expensive cuts of meat and fancy ingredients. Our budget-friendly recipes focus on simple meals that stretch your grocery dollars without sacrificing flavor.

We’ve gathered favorite recipes from home cooks who know how to make the most of every ingredient. From hearty casseroles to creative pasta dishes, these affordable recipes will keep your family satisfied and your budget intact.

Many of these easy weeknight meals use less meat or replace it entirely with cheaper proteins. Smart substitutions and seasonal ingredients help you create filling dinners without breaking the bank.

Get ready to discover new family favorites that save money and time. These cheap meal ideas prove that dinner time can be both delicious and budget-conscious, even when feeding a crowd.

penne pasta mixed with mushrooms, green leafy vegetables, possibly spinach or basil, and a generous amount of cheese that has been baked to a golden brown

79 Cheap Meals for Families

1. Simple Chicken Noodle Soup

The Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

This dish uses pantry staples like chicken broth and egg noodles. It’s an easy way to make a filling meal without spending a lot of money.

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2. Slow Cooker Taco Soup

The Ultimate Slow Cooker Taco Soup

With ground beef, tomato sauce, and black beans, this hearty soup is a great way to feed a large family on a tight budget.

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3. Easy Tamale Pie

Easy Tamale Pie Recipe

This cheap recipe combines pre-made tamales, cheese, and enchilada sauce in a simple casserole. The whole family will love it.

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4. Quick and Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe

The Ultimate Sloppy Joe Recipe for Quick Meals

A pound of ground beef, tomato sauce, and brown sugar come together to make this budget-friendly classic. Serve on buns or over rice.

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5. Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

The Ultimate Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

Cheaper cuts of meat like chicken thighs are perfect for budget meals. Bake them with garlic powder and brown sugar for a delicious meal.

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6. Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole

Delicious Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole

Ham, cheddar cheese, and potatoes make this an affordable comfort meal. It’s a great way to use up leftover veggies.

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7. Black Beans and Rice

Cheap, filling, and packed with flavor, this dish uses simple ingredients like garlic powder and canned black beans.

8. Chicken Burrito Skillet

A one-pan dish made with ground chicken, refried beans, and tortilla chips. It’s one of the best cheap dinner ideas for busy nights.

9. Million Dollar Spaghetti

This easy dinner recipe layers pasta sauce, parmesan cheese, sour cream, and spaghetti for a budget-friendly meal that feels indulgent.

10. Ground Beef and Cabbage

Budget-friendly ingredients like cabbage and a pound of ground beef make this an easy dinner for large families.

11. Hamburger Potato Casserole

This dish stretches a pound of ground beef with sliced potatoes and mozzarella cheese for a satisfying family meal.

12. Tuna Noodle Casserole

A classic budget-friendly recipe that combines canned tuna, cream of chicken soup, and egg noodles for an easy weeknight meal.

13. Salisbury Steak

Pound of ground beef, brown gravy, and pantry staples come together in this delicious budget meal served over mashed potatoes.

14. Winter Lentil Vegetable Soup

Simple ingredients like red beans, fresh herbs, and tomato sauce make this soup a budget-friendly meal that feeds a large family.

15. Italian Wedding Soup

A hearty soup made with small meatballs (using ground pork and beef mix), spinach, and tiny pasta like orzo or acini de pepa. While it sounds fancy, it’s actually very budget-friendly since it uses minimal meat and lots of broth and vegetables.

16. White Bean and Sausage Soup

Slow cooker meals like this one make cheap family meals easy. White beans, sausage, and fresh food combine for a hearty dish.

17. Gnocchi Alfredo

Cheaper than takeout, this simple meal combines store-bought gnocchi with parmesan cheese and a creamy white sauce. 

18. Sweet Potatoes with Black Beans

Roasted sweet potatoes topped with seasoned black beans make a great vegetarian meal plan option that fits any grocery budget.

19. Easy Taco Casserole

Pinto beans, ground beef, and cheddar cheese come together in this cheap recipe that the entire family will love.

slow cooker containing several pieces of seared meat, possibly pork chops, submerged in a rich, golden-brown sauce

20. Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Using cheaper cuts of meat like pork chops is a great way to save on grocery prices. Cook them with brown sugar and garlic powder for extra flavor.

21. Kentucky Hot Brown

This southern meal is made with turkey, bacon bits, and parmesan cheese served on garlic bread with tomato soup.

22. Quick Tortellini Soup

Tomato sauce, frozen tortellini, and mozzarella cheese make this one of the easiest budget-friendly meals for a cold night.

23. Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry

This cheap meal uses simple ingredients like peanut butter, soy sauce, and chicken breasts for a fast, protein-packed dish.

24. Cheeseburger Cups

Ground beef, crescent rolls, and cheddar cheese make these bite-sized budget meals that little kids will love.

25. Corn Quesadillas

Melted mozzarella cheese, sour cream, and corn tortillas come together for a cheap recipe that makes a great easy lunch.

26. Meat and Potato Patties

Stretch your grocery list by mixing hamburger meat with mashed potatoes. Fry them up and serve with your own sauce.

27. Chicken and Spanish Rice

This easy recipe uses chicken tenders, canned tomato sauce, and a bit of garlic powder for a flavorful meal plan option.

enchiladas covered in a melted orange sauce, topped with thinly sliced red onions and sprinkled with chopped green herbs

28. One-Pot Enchilada Pasta

A mix of pasta sauce, enchilada sauce, ground beef, and cheese makes this one of the best cheap easy meals.

29. Crescent Roll Pigs in a Blanket

Hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls make a great way to serve a cheap dinner when grocery prices are high.

30. Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes

Fresh herbs, chicken breasts, and parmesan cheese make this an affordable meal that’s full of flavor.

31. Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Leftover noodles, chicken, and soy sauce make this one of the easiest budget meals for a busy weeknight.

32. Simple Hamburger Stroganoff

Ground beef, cream of chicken soup, and egg noodles make this a comforting and affordable meal.

33. Sheet-Pan Chicken Parmesan

Chicken breasts baked with spaghetti sauce and mozzarella cheese make this an easy dinner for large families.

34. Mostaccioli Pasta Bake

Tomato sauce, pasta, and ground beef make this a classic budget-friendly recipe for the whole family.

35. Jalapeno Popper Quesadillas

Cheddar cheese, sour cream, and a little spice make these easy dinners a hit.

36. Homemade Fish Sticks

White fish coated in breadcrumbs makes a cheap dinner idea that’s kid-friendly.

37. Pasta Pizza Bake

Spaghetti sauce, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese turn pasta into a fun pizza-inspired dish.

38. Orange-Spiced Chicken

Chicken breasts, soy sauce, and orange juice make a flavorful budget-friendly recipe.

browned and juicy smoked sausage, diced tomatoes, and green bell peppers

39. Spicy Cajun Sausage and Rice

Budget-friendly ingredients like sausage and rice come together in this quick meal.

40. Enchilada Casser-Ole!

Ground beef, enchilada sauce, and corn tortillas make this a great way to serve a big family on a budget.

41. Homemade Mac and Cheese

Cheddar cheese, pasta, and a simple sauce make this an easy way to serve a classic comfort food that the whole family will love.

42. Crispy Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups

Chicken tenders, cream cheese, and hot sauce rolled in crescent rolls make a spicy, budget-friendly meal perfect for a busy weeknight.

43. Hearty Skillet Supper

Ground beef, potatoes, and leftover veggies create an affordable one-pan meal that’s perfect for stretching your grocery budget.

44. Corn Dog Casserole

Hot dogs, cornbread mix, and cheddar cheese combine to make this kid-friendly, budget meal that’s quick to prepare.

45. Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and fresh herbs make a delicious recipe that’s great for an easy lunch or light dinner.

46. Roasted Garlic Butter Pork Chops

Pork chops seasoned with garlic powder and brown sugar are baked in a simple butter sauce for a cheap meal that feels fancy.

47. Vegetable Stir Fry

Use leftover veggies, soy sauce, and a bit of garlic powder to create a quick and affordable stir fry served over rice.

48. Crescent Roll Taco Pockets

Ground beef, taco seasoning, and cheddar cheese wrapped in crescent rolls make a fun twist on tacos.

49. Balsamic Glazed Chicken

Chicken breasts cooked with balsamic vinegar and brown sugar make a simple, flavorful budget meal that’s great with garlic bread.

50. Peanut Butter Ramen Noodles

Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, and ramen noodles for a budget-friendly recipe that’s quick, filling, and delicious.

51. Loaded Baked Potatoes

Top baked potatoes with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and leftover veggies for an easy dinner idea that’s filling and affordable.

52. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Coated in parmesan cheese and panko, these crispy chicken tenders are an easy dinner recipe that saves a lot of money over takeout.

Penne pasta is buttered and mixed with pieces of what looks like bacon and topped with grated parmesan

53. Penne with Bacon and Parmesan

Pasta tossed with crispy bacon, garlic, olive oil (or butter), and parmesan cheese makes this a cheap easy meal packed with flavor.

54. Egg and Cheese Breakfast Tacos

Scrambled eggs, refried beans, and cheddar cheese in warm corn tortillas make a great meal for any time of day.

55. Slow Cooker Chili

Made with a pound of ground beef, canned tomatoes, and pinto beans, this is a classic budget-friendly recipe that feeds a crowd.

56. Chicken and Green Bean Casserole

Using cream of chicken soup, chicken breasts, and green beans, this cheap recipe is a perfect meal plan option.

57. Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Slow-cooked meatballs in a sauce made with brown sugar and tomato sauce make a delicious meal served over rice.

58. Hamburger Meatloaf

A pound of ground beef mixed with pantry staples like breadcrumbs and eggs creates a budget-friendly version of a classic meal.

59. Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese

Classic and comforting, this easy dinner pairs rich tomato soup with crispy grilled cheese sandwiches made with store brands to save money.

60. Spaghetti Squash with Parmesan

Roasted spaghetti squash topped with garlic, butter, and parmesan cheese makes a healthy and cheap family meal.

61. Stuffed Peppers

Ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce stuffed into bell peppers make a complete meal that’s both affordable and filling.

62. Creamy Chicken Casserole

Chicken, cream of chicken soup, and mozzarella cheese are baked together for a classic comfort dish.

63. Bacon and Egg Fried Rice

Using leftover rice, scrambled eggs, and crispy bacon bits, this dish makes a great budget-friendly dinner.

64. BBQ Ranch Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Chicken thighs, ranch seasoning, and BBQ sauce baked with potatoes and carrots on one pan. This uses affordable cuts of meat and simple vegetables for an easy weeknight meal.

a baked pasta dish. The pasta appears to be covered in a rich, golden-yellow cheese sauce and is garnished with fresh green herbs, possibly parsley

65. Homemade Hamburger Helper

Ground beef, pasta, and a cheesy sauce create an easy way to make a homemade version of the store-bought favorite.

66. Ramen Stir Fry

Ramen noodles, soy sauce, and fresh veggies make this quick and cheap recipe a great way to use up leftovers.

67. Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies

Pork sausage, bell peppers, and potatoes roasted on a single sheet pan make an easy weeknight meal.

68. Panda Express-Style Orange Chicken

Chicken tenders coated in a sweet and tangy sauce made with soy sauce, orange juice, and brown sugar make this an easy way to enjoy takeout flavors at home.

69. Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Ground chicken, spaghetti sauce, and mozzarella cheese baked together make this a budget-friendly alternative to traditional chicken parm.

70. Leftover Noodle Frittata

Leftover noodles mixed with eggs and parmesan cheese make an easy meal that helps reduce food waste.

71. Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Chicken breasts coated in crushed tortilla chips and parmesan cheese make these a great alternative to store-bought nuggets.

72. Red Beans and Rice

Slow-cooked red beans with sausage and spices make a southern meal that’s cheap, filling, and packed with flavor.

73. Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

Ground beef meatballs filled with gooey mozzarella cheese and simmered in spaghetti sauce make this a great meal for large families.

74. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken, cream of chicken soup, and crescent rolls make this comforting slow cooker meal easy and affordable.

75. Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Tilapia fillets coated in parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs make a cheap, easy dinner recipe that’s ready in minutes.

76. Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Using cheaper cuts of meat and frozen broccoli, this stir fry is a budget-friendly way to recreate a takeout favorite.

77. Chicken and Sweet Potato Hash

Leftover chicken and sweet potatoes sautéed together make a quick and healthy meal with simple ingredients.

78. Homemade Enchiladas

Shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, and corn tortillas make this a classic budget meal for the whole family.

79. Pepperoni Pizza Crescent Rolls

Store brands of crescent rolls filled with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and spaghetti sauce make this a fun and cheap recipe.

A freshly cut wrap or burrito placed on a vibrant red plate. The wrap appears to be filled with crispy fried chicken pieces

Final Thoughts

These simple meals show that eating well doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated recipes. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can cook delicious meals your whole family will enjoy.

Stock your pantry with affordable ingredients from your local supermarket. Then mix and match these easy dinner recipes to create a week of dinners that won’t strain your budget.

Remember that the cheapest food options can still taste amazing. Sometimes southern meals made with basic ingredients become new favorite recipes that your family requests again and again.

Keep this collection handy when you need easy weeknight meals that stretch your grocery budget. Try one new recipe each week to expand your menu without expanding your spending.

The best part? These budget-friendly recipes prove that good food doesn’t have to be expensive. With these ideas, you can feed your family well while keeping more money in your wallet.

Jeff Campbell
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