Family friendly meals on a budget are easy to make. All you need is a little creativity and simple ingredient swaps. And we can help you with that, don’t worry!
Dinner time has never been one of my favourite times but I’ve learned that a good satisfying meal can sometimes be the best pick-me-up in the middle of a dreary, busy day. So, I’ve been looking for family friendly meals on a budget
Family Friendly Meals On A Budget
Check out this list of Cheap Dinners For Families.
Looking for some family friendly meals on a budget? I have you covered in this article!
One of the best ways to save more money is to cook at home more and eat out less. The problem though is that some of us are busy, some of us have picky eaters, and some of us don’t like to cook.
I hear your frustrations and struggles! Which is exactly why I found you these 29 simple to cook, and cheap dinners for families. One (or all!) of these are sure to be a new favorite in your household.
1. Instant Pot Chicken Enchiladas
If you are looking for a comforting dinner, try these easy instant pot chicken enchiladas! I love meals that are freezer friendly, and this recipe is just that! Make these enchiladas and stick them in the freezer to use for later.
2. Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Got 20 minutes, a pound of ground beef, and some broccoli on hand? You are so lucky: You have the core of this easy Ground Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry recipe all ready to go, the next time you need a quick weeknight dinner idea.
3. Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken
Craving Chinese takeout? Try this easy sheet pan cashew chicken recipe instead! You only need a few ingredients to throw together this quick dinner.
4. Cheap and Easy Doritos Nacho Bake
I love this Doritos Nacho Bake because it it is easy to customize for all taste preferences. Plus, it takes less than 30 minutes to whip up, which is always a huge plus in my book!
5. Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Air fryer chicken thighs are cheap and tasty, basically all of my favorite things! I love the sweet dry rub in this recipe. It’s so easy to make and budget friendly!
6. Garlic Olive Oil Pasta
Check out this quick, meatless Garlic Olive Oil Pasta for an easy dinner. You only need three ingredients for this recipe, and they are all budget friendly. Win-Win!
7. Easy Pasta Bake
If you’re needing a quick, kid friendly meal you must try this Easy Pasta Bake. The prep is so ridiculously easy and my kids always devour it!
8. American Goulash
I love one pot recipes, they just make cooking (and clean up!) so much easier! Here is a great one pot recipe using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry! Check out the American Goulash recipe here!
9. Instant Pot Hamburger Helper
Honestly, I want to try every single instant pot recipe that comes my way! I’m all about a quick to fix meal! Instead of buying boxed hamburger helper, just make it yourself in your instant pot with this easy Instant Pot Hamburger Helper recipe!
10. One Pot Pasta
All you need is 15 minutes to whip up this one pot pasta. This is the perfect frugal recipe for those busy days!
11. Baked Chicken and Zucchini Casserole
Check out this Baked Chicken and Zucchini Casserole recipe for a low carb dinner idea. It is both frugal and quick to fix! This would be the perfect meal for using up some of your garden zucchini!
- Related: 9 Easiest Vegetables To Grow In First Garden
Budget Meals for Families
Affordable Recipes That Make the Most of Your Pantry
Cooking on a budget? You can still eat well with these recipes for affordable meals that will please the whole family. We’ve collected the best cheap dishes that use pantry staples to deliver filling meals with great flavor.
-
01of 19
Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole
Wake up to a hearty and nutritious morning meal with this easy, cheesy crock pot breakfast casserole that cooks to perfection while you sleep and serves a family of six. Simply load up the appliance with packaged hash brown potatoes, eggs, and a few other simple ingredients and leave to cook overnight.
-
02of 19
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole With Cheddar Cheese
This budget-friendly family meal in one dish is always a family-favorite. The tuna noodle casserole has a great combination of flavors, including the creamy sauce made from condensed soup and cheddar cheese, all topped with a buttery, toasted breadcrumb crust.
-
03of 19
Slow Cooker Navy Bean Soup With Ham
Use your crockpot for a satisfying hearty bean soup that makes a comforting lunch or dinner with crusty bread or cornbread. It’s inexpensive to prepare with dry legumes, a ham bone or ham hocks, and simple seasonings. It also freezes well for making ahead.
-
04of 19
Vegan Cauliflower Tacos With Crispy Chickpeas
Make your next taco night a healthier affair with tasty cauliflower tacos with crispy chickpeas. Even carnivores will enjoy these vegetarian tacos with plenty of awesome flavor from classic Mexican seasonings. Serve topped with the simple lime crema and slaw for a filling family meal.
-
05of 19
Egg Roll in a Bowl
Delight your family with this fun lunch or dinner recipe that takes your favorite egg roll ingredients, including ground pork, cabbage, ginger, and garlic, and serves them up in a bowl instead of a fried wrapper. It’s a healthy spin on a favorite Chinese takeout, including the super crave-able creamy and spicy dressing.
-
06of 19
Garlic Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters
Tender, juicy roasted chicken leg quarters are easy on the budget and a comforting main course for your Sunday dinner or a memorable family meal. All you need to dress them up for the oven is a little chicken broth and pantry spices.
-
07of 19
Chicken, Cheese, and Penne Pasta Bake
Easy, inexpensive chicken pasta bake is the ultimate one-dish meal. Chicken breasts are combined with mushrooms, artichokes, and pasta and coated in a creamy sauce before being topped with cheese and baked. You can also use leftover white or dark meat chicken for this recipe.
-
08of 19
Easy Pizza Pockets
Watch kids’ eyes light up when you serve these delicious pizza pockets for lunch or a hearty snack. They look and taste like the popular pizzeria treat and are a snap to make at home with a can of refrigerated biscuits, jarred or fresh tomato sauce, and your favorite pizza ingredients.
Continue to 9 of 19 below. -
09of 19
Stuffed Peppers With Ground Beef and Rice
Stuffed with a flavorful mixture of beef, rice, and pantry staples, these hearty stuffed peppers make a satisfying main dish. They look pretty on a plate, making a tasty lunch or dinner that won’t stretch your budget and will please even picky eaters.
-
10of 19
Chuck Steak Dinner Baked in Foil
Start with a single, thick, budget-friendly chuck steak to create a complete, delicious dinner that will satisfy a family of four. The beef bakes to perfection in a foil packet along with potatoes, carrots, celery, and dry onion soup seasoning for a flavorful, filling dish with little effort and minimal clean-up.
Budget-friendly meals that’ll fill you up
Keep tummies AND wallets happy with our meal ideas for tasty frittatas, pastas, pizzas, soups and more… From egg, bacon and vegetable pie to easiest veggie fritters, there’s bound to be a hearty, budget-friendly recipe for every family’s taste.
Homemade smoky baked beans
If you’re a fan of canned baked beans you’re going to love this variety you can make at home. Adjust the spice and flavour level for your family and you’ll have an easy dinner sorted any night of the week.
Simple French onion potato bake
With only four ingredients to turn the humble spud into something truly delicious, this potato bake recipe has to be a winner. Layers of potato, onion and creamy make this hearty side which can easily be a main meal with the addition of a crisp, green salad.
Quick egg fried rice
A quick and easy fried rice with fresh fluffy eggs, onion, bacon or some leftover sausage, makes the perfect simple supper or side dish.
Beef sausage pasta bake
Andy’s go-to dish for a quick and delicious homemade dinner.
Tuna pasta bake
This easy tuna bake will take just minutes to make, and with enough for leftovers it’s a super easy dish to win over the kids with.
Nasi Goreng bake
This is one for older kids and adults with the inclusion of chilli, but if you’re making it for everyone feel free to leave the chilli out.
Ham, cheese and veggie bake
This veggie bake is a great dinner recipe that also doubles as a delicious lunch!
$5 spinach and ricotta pasta
This delicious and easy pasta actually rings in at $4.29, yep, to feed the WHOLE family.
Tuna and veggie stir fry
This tuna and veggie stir fry is a fantastic budget-friendly dinner that your whole family will enjoy. Use a chilli-flavoured tuna if you want to spice it up a bit.
Vegan cottage pie
A vegan dinner party doesn’t have to be all salads and stuffed mushrooms. Tuck into this warming family favourite that everyone can enjoy instead.
Summer veggie bake
Light and fresh this colourful veggie bake won’t weigh you down but it is bursting with flavour and is the perfect accompaniment to your summer barbecue.
Veggie pasta frittata
This frittata is a delicious and creamy vegetarian dish that is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s full of veggies but it’s nice and cheesy, so eating well doesn’t have to be hard!
Baked eggs with beans
This is a simple take on the Jewish dish ‘shakshuka’ which bakes eggs in a tasty sauce of beans, chickpeas and tomatoes. Healthy, tasty and so more-ish. Give them a splash of chilli and squeeze of lime and you are good to go!