Keeping a family fed without spending a fortune is certainly a common struggle. Because you’re not just looking for low-cost meals; you want dinners that are full of flavor and will make everyone happy. I’m here to help with that! Here are 31 cheap family dinner ideas, perfect for a family of four, and the best part? Each one will basically cost you $10 or less. So, let’s jump right in and start cooking up some tasty, budget-friendly meals!
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30+ Cheap Family Dinner Ideas
1. Spaghetti Night
Ingredients: A box of spaghetti, a jar of marinara sauce, garlic, onion, and a loaf of bread for garlic bread.
Preparation: Start by boiling the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, sauté finely chopped garlic and onion, then add the marinara sauce to heat through. For the garlic bread, mix some softened butter with crushed garlic, spread on slices of bread, and toast until golden. Combine the pasta and sauce, and serve with the warm garlic bread on the side.
2. Taco Tuesday
Ingredients: Ground turkey, taco seasoning, taco shells, lettuce, shredded cheese, and salsa.
Preparation: Cook the ground turkey in a skillet until it’s browned. Add the taco seasoning with a bit of water and simmer until the meat is coated with the seasoning. Warm the taco shells in the oven. Meanwhile, chop the lettuce for topping. Serve by filling the taco shells with the seasoned meat, and top with lettuce, cheese, and a spoonful of salsa.
3. Breakfast for Dinner
Ingredients: Pancake mix, eggs, milk, assorted fruits (like bananas, apples, or berries).
Preparation: Prepare the pancake batter according to the mix instructions. Cook the pancakes on a griddle or pan. Scramble the eggs with a dash of milk for fluffy texture. Slice the fruits for a fresh side salad. Serve warm pancakes with scrambled eggs and a side of fresh fruit salad.
4. Veggie-Packed Stir Fry
Ingredients: A bag of frozen mixed veggies, rice, soy sauce, and a touch of honey or sugar.
Preparation: Cook the rice as instructed on the package. Heat a large skillet or wok, add the frozen veggies, and stir-fry until heated through and slightly crispy. Add the cooked rice into the skillet with the veggies. Mix soy sauce and honey (or sugar), then pour over the stir-fry, and mix well. Serve hot.
5. Hearty Bean Chili
Ingredients: Canned beans, canned diced tomatoes, onion, chili powder, cumin, and cornbread mix.
Preparation: Dice the onion and sauté in a large pot until soft. Then add the drained beans and canned tomatoes. Season with chili powder and cumin to taste. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. While the chili cooks, prepare the cornbread according to the package instructions and bake. Serve the warm chili with a side of freshly baked cornbread.
6. Baked Potato Bar
Ingredients: Large baking potatoes, shredded cheese, broccoli, sour cream, and bacon bits or chopped ham.
Preparation: Bake the potatoes in the oven until they’re soft inside. While they’re baking, steam the broccoli and prepare any other toppings you like. Once the potatoes are done, slice them open and fluff up the inside with a fork. Last, let everyone top their potato with cheese, broccoli, sour cream, and bacon bits or ham.
7. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Ingredients: Sliced bread, butter, sliced cheese, and canned tomato soup.
Preparation: Butter one side of each bread slice. Then place cheese between two slices of bread, with the buttered sides facing out. Grill on a skillet until each side is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Heat the tomato soup in a saucepan. Finally, serve the hot grilled cheese sandwich with a bowl of warm tomato soup.
8. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients: Fettuccine pasta, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, butter, garlic, and boneless chicken breasts.
Preparation: Begin by boiling the pasta until al dente. In another pan, cook thinly sliced chicken breasts until golden and set aside. For the Alfredo sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, add minced garlic, then pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Finally, toss the cooked pasta with the Alfredo sauce and top with sliced chicken.
9. Sloppy Joes
Ingredients: Ground turkey or beef, hamburger buns, a can of Sloppy Joe sauce, onion.
Preparation: Dice the onion and cook it with the ground meat in a skillet until the meat is browned. Then stir in the Sloppy Joe sauce and simmer for about 10 minutes. Serve the meat mixture on hamburger buns with a side of your choice, like a simple salad or baked fries.
10. Chicken Quesadillas
Ingredients: Flour tortillas, cooked chicken (shredded), shredded cheese, and optional extras like bell peppers or onions.
Preparation: Lay out the tortillas and sprinkle one-half with cheese, cooked chicken, and any additional fillings. Then fold the tortilla over and cook in a skillet until golden on both sides and the cheese is melted. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa or sour cream.
11. Veggie Pizza Night
Ingredients: Pizza dough, pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and a selection of veggies like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
Preparation: Roll out the pizza dough on a baking tray. Then, spread a thin layer of pizza sauce, sprinkle with cheese, and add your choice of sliced veggies. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F until the crust is crispy and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
12. Lentil Soup
Ingredients: Dried lentils, carrots, celery, onion, chicken or vegetable broth, and seasoning (like bay leaves, and thyme).
Preparation: Dice the carrots, celery, and onion, and sauté in a large pot until softened. Then, add the lentils, broth, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the lentils are tender. Serve hot with bread or crackers.
Mama’s Meatloaf Recipe
13. Meatloaf
Serve this classic meatloaf with sides like mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete, satisfying meal. It’s a simple, hearty dish that brings comfort to the dinner table and also fits right into your budget.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup, plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder (or regular mustard)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs like thyme or oregano
Preparation:
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, and milk. Then, add in the ketchup, chopped onion, garlic powder, mustard powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you’re using dried herbs, add them here. Mix everything together until well combined but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
- Form the Loaf: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf with your hands. If you’re not using a loaf pan, you can form it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add Ketchup Topping: Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. This adds flavor and also a bit of a glaze as it cooks.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes. The meatloaf should be cooked through, and an internal thermometer should read 160°F (71°C) for beef or 165°F (74°C) for turkey.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps it retain its juices and makes it easier to slice.
14. Homemade Burgers
Ingredients: Ground beef or turkey, burger buns, and toppings like lettuce, tomato, cheese, and condiments.
Preparation: Shape the ground meat into patties and season as desired. Grill or fry the patties until cooked to your liking. Then, assemble the burgers on buns with your choice of toppings and condiments. Serve with homemade fries or a side salad.
15. Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients: Chicken breast, mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen), soy sauce, honey, garlic, and rice.
Preparation: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook in a skillet until browned. Add vegetables and cook until tender. Mix soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic, then pour over the chicken and veggies. Finally, serve the stir fry over cooked rice.
16. Spicy Sausage Pasta
Ingredients: Penne pasta, spicy Italian sausage, canned diced tomatoes, garlic, onion, and Parmesan cheese.
Preparation: Cook the pasta al dente. In a skillet, cook the sausage with diced onion and minced garlic until the sausage is browned. Add the diced tomatoes and let simmer for a few minutes. Combine the sausage mixture with the drained pasta. Last, serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
17. Fish Tacos
Ingredients: White fish like tilapia, small tortillas, cabbage for slaw, yogurt, lime, and spices (cumin, paprika).
Preparation: Season the fish with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet until flaky. For the slaw, mix shredded cabbage with yogurt, lime juice, and salt. Warm the tortillas, then assemble the tacos with fish and top with the slaw.
18. Veggie Omelets
Ingredients: Eggs, milk, assorted vegetables (spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms), cheese.
Preparation: Beat the eggs with a splash of milk. Sauté chopped vegetables in a pan, then pour the eggs over. Cook until the eggs are set, sprinkle cheese on top, and fold the omelet over. Serve with toast or roasted potatoes.
Low-Cost BBQ Family Dinner Idea
19. BBQ Chicken
This BBQ Chicken dinner is a yummy blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a family meal. The corn and baked beans also complement the chicken perfectly, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in for extra flavor)
- Your favorite BBQ sauce
- 4 ears of corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can of baked beans
- Optional for seasoning: olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika
Preparation:
- Marinate Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for extra flavor. Then, generously brush them with BBQ sauce. Let them sit for about 15-30 minutes to marinate if time allows.
- Preheat Oven for Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you have a grill, you can opt to grill the chicken instead for a smokier flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Place the chicken thighs on a baking tray lined with foil or in a baking dish. Bake in the oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For extra caramelization, you can broil the chicken for the last few minutes.
- Prepare Corn on the Cob: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the corn. If using fresh corn, peel and boil in salted water for about 7-10 minutes until tender. If it’s frozen, follow the package instructions. For a grilled flavor, lightly brush the cooked corn with olive oil and place it on a grill or a grill pan for a few minutes, turning occasionally.
- Warm the Baked Beans: In a small pot, warm the baked beans over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a dash of BBQ sauce to the beans for extra flavor.
- Serving: Once everything is cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Plate the BBQ chicken with a side of corn on the cob and a scoop of warm baked beans.
20. One-Pot Pasta
Ingredients: Spaghetti, canned diced tomatoes, garlic, onion, basil, and water or chicken broth.
Preparation: In a large pot, combine uncooked spaghetti, diced tomatoes, sliced onion, minced garlic, basil, and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally and add additional water if needed.
21. Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients: Chicken breast, breadcrumbs, eggs, flour, and your choice of seasoning.
Preparation: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Dip each piece first in flour, then in beaten egg, and finally in seasoned breadcrumbs. Bake on a greased baking sheet at 400°F until golden and cooked through. Serve with dipping sauces and a side like mashed potatoes or steamed veggies.
22. Veggie Fried Rice
Ingredients: Cooked rice, mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn), eggs, soy sauce.
Preparation: In a large skillet, scramble the eggs and set aside. Sauté the vegetables, add the cooked rice, and stir to combine. Add the scrambled eggs and soy sauce, stirring until everything is heated through.
23. Bean and Cheese Burritos
Ingredients: Flour tortillas, canned refried beans, shredded cheese, salsa.
Preparation: Warm the tortillas in the oven or on a skillet. Spread refried beans on each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and roll up. Heat in the oven or microwave until the cheese melts. Serve with salsa on the side.
Family Favorite Italian Night Meal
24. Baked Ziti
This Baked Ziti recipe brings the comfort of Italian cuisine to your family dinner table. It’s a satisfying, cheese-filled dish that’s perfect for a hearty meal and is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it’s great for leftovers and can easily be reheated for a quick meal on busy days.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried herbs like basil or oregano
Preparation:
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Then, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and also the egg. Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning or dried herbs if using. This mixture will add a creamy layer to your baked ziti.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In the pot you used for the pasta (to save on washing up), mix the cooked ziti with the marinara sauce. Stir until the pasta is well coated.
- Layer the Ziti: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the sauced pasta. Then layer half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Repeat with another layer of pasta and then the remaining ricotta mixture. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the Ziti: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges start to brown.
- Rest and Serve: Last, let the baked ziti sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This rest time allows it to set, making it easier to serve. Cut into squares and serve warm.
25. Chicken Caesar Salad
Ingredients: Romaine lettuce, cooked chicken breast, Caesar dressing, croutons, Parmesan cheese.
Preparation: Chop the lettuce and place in a large bowl. Add sliced chicken, croutons, and Caesar dressing. Then toss to combine. Finally, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
26. Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients: Bell peppers, cooked rice, canned black beans, corn, shredded cheese, salsa.
Preparation: Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds. Mix rice, black beans, corn, and also the salsa. Stuff this mixture into the peppers, top with cheese, and bake at 350°F until the peppers are tender.
27. Cheesy Veggie Pasta Bake
Ingredients: Short pasta (like penne or rotini), marinara sauce, frozen mixed vegetables, shredded mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning.
Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente. Thaw the mixed vegetables. In a large bowl, mix the pasta, vegetables, marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Pour into a baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden, about 20-25 minutes.
28. Frittata
Ingredients: Eggs, milk, assorted vegetables (spinach, tomatoes, onions), cheese.
Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Beat eggs with a splash of milk, season with salt and pepper. Sauté chopped vegetables until soft. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables in an oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle cheese on top. Cook on the stovetop until the edges start to set, then transfer to the oven to bake until the frittata is firm.
29. Mac and Cheese
Ingredients: Macaroni pasta, butter, flour, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs (optional).
Preparation: Cook the macaroni and set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and whisk until smooth. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in cheese until melted. Combine with macaroni, place in a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs if desired, and bake until golden.
Easy & Cheap Family Comfort Dinner Ideas
30. Sausage and Peppers
Ingredients: Sausages, bell peppers, onions, olive oil, and Italian seasoning.
Preparation: Slice the sausages, bell peppers, and onions. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the sausages until browned. Add peppers and onions, season with Italian seasoning, and cook until the vegetables are soft. Serve with bread or over pasta or rice.
31. Chicken and Rice Casserole
This Chicken and Rice Casserole is a perfect comfort food that’s both filling and easy to make. It’s a great way to use leftover chicken and rice, and the cream of mushroom soup adds a creamy, savory flavor that binds everything together. Serve it hot for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 3 cups of cooked rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 bag (12 oz) of frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Then, in a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, rice, cream of mushroom soup, and thawed mixed vegetables. Stir well to mix. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the casserole are lightly browned.
Final Thoughts on Our Cheap Family Dinner Ideas
Finally, I hope these 31 meal ideas inspire you to create delicious, budget-friendly dinners for your family. Feeding a family of four doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity and some savvy shopping, you can whip up meals that are not only affordable but also full of flavor and variety.
From the comforting classics like Spaghetti and Meatloaf to the more adventurous dishes like Fish Tacos and Veggie Pasta Bake, there’s something here for every palate, while still being able to fall into the category of cheap family dinner ideas.
These recipes are proof that you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy hearty, fulfilling meals with your loved ones. So, take these ideas, tweak them to fit your family’s tastes, and enjoy saving a little money while having a yummy dinner together.
