Cheap, easy, and affordable dinner ideas for the whole family. These budget-friendly dinners are budget-friendly without sacrificing flavor!

Making dinner for the whole family does not have to break the bank. These recipes are quick, easy, and maximize flavor with affordable ingredients and pantry staples while repurposing leftovers (like rotisserie chicken) to stretch your budget. From homemade hamburger helper to the coziest chili, you’ll be able to plan affordable family-friendly meals for the entire week!

Creamy Beef and Shells

1

This is a go to recipe for my family. My son asks for it on a regular basis! It’s super quick and easy, and the flavors are delicious. Sometimes I add 1/2 tsp less italian seasoing, but that’s just my preference. Thanks for sharing this.

-Melissa

Slow cooker pork carnitas served with tortillas, guacamole, and salsa

2

This is delicious topped with chopped cilantro, slivers of red onion, sour cream, and lots of squeezed lime juice on top. This has become my family’s go to recipe a few times a month.

-RB

3

My husband and I LOVE this dish. It tastes exactly like Hamburger Helper but way fresher and unprocessed. Also SO easy. Definitely a favorite of ours.

-Libby

4

This is one of our go-to dinner recipes. We have served it for others too and always get great compliments and people asking for the recipe. It’s a pretty giving recipe too but always turns out soooo good. And leftovers are delicious!

-Elisabeth

Quick Ramen Noodle Stir Fry

5

One of my favorites. Double the sauce, stir fry some veggies, cook some noodles, mix all together. It’s the best noodle dish. We love it.

-Lori

Creamy tuna noodle casserole recipe with egg noodles, tuna, peas, and golden Parmesan-Panko topping

6

Super delicious and comforting too. I love this recipe. Top notch!

-Abby

Weeknight Chicken Enchiladas

7

We followed this recipe exactly and it was delicious! All four kids liked it which is a super win in our household! Will definitely add this into our dinner rotation!

-Lani

Korean beef bowl served with white rice and sesame seeds

8

Today will be the 4th time I make this dish. My extremely picky teenager, who insisted the first day I made it that he’d HATE the little bit I gave him, asks for me to make it weekly now.

-Michele

Easy Chicken Quesadillas

9

These quesadillas turned out fantastic! I had some leftover grilled chicken and used a mix of habanero and aged cheddar cheeses for an extra kick. The instructions were straightforward, and the result was both quick and delicious. I paired them with a fresh salsa and a dollop of sour cream.

-Loaded Cafe

Stuffed pepper soup made from ground beef, white rice and bell peppers.

10

This soup is amazing! I made a double batch and shared with my family. It was a big hit.

-Susan

One Pot Beef Stroganoff

11

This was amazing! Different than my usual stroganoff recipe, but just as delicious – and I love that it’s a one pot recipe! Can’t wait to eat the leftovers for lunch today! Thank you for another fabulous recipe!

-Shannon

Easy Taco Soup

12

I made this and it turned out fantastic! I used Trader Joe’s roasted corn (frozen). This is definitely on repeat! Leftovers are great for work lunch.

-Joanie

13

I’ve tested out a few different homemade gnocchi recipes and this one is by far the absolute best! I always get a bit worried and think the potatoes are too dry but the gnocchi turn out perfect every single time!

-Brittany

Easiest Lasagna EverIMG 1

14

This was an easy recipe and tasted GREAT! I made one for dinner and one for the freezer. Thank you for the recipe!

-Kimberlea

15

Makes a very flavorful, clear stock and could not be easier. Yet another reason to love my Instant Pot!

-Ann

Creamy homemade spaghetti carbonara with bacon and fresh parsley

16

Absolutely delicious and something my kids ask for again and again. As a bonus, it takes no time at all to make. It’s one of my favorites.

-Megan

Red Beans and Rice Image 1

17

I’ve made this no less than 10 times. Sometimes I follow the recipe exactly and other times I’m a little more generous with the veggies. It’s “Damn Delicious” every time, my family loves it, and just the small hit of Franks Redhot sauce complements the flavors beautifully. Thank you for such a simple and nutritious recipe, it’s a favorite of ours.

-Holliday

Easy Lo Mein

18

So good and customizable! I used spaghetti noodles because it was what I had. I will never buy frozen boxes of Lo Mein again. It was a hit with the family!

-Nikki

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

19

Excellent, just like all the other recipes I’ve tried of yours. I did not have a sweet onion within 25 miles of me in Montana, so I used a yellow one. Came out fantastic!!

-Troy

Taco salad served in a crispy tortilla bowl, filled with lettuce, ground beef, black beans, tomatoes, cheese, olives, and topped with sour cream.

20

This is the best taco salad recipe I’ve seen so far. I made this for my wife last weekend and we had a good night. Thanks for this recipe!

-Jayvee

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

21

Addictive!!! I’ve made this soup 3 times now in 3 months. It feeds a crowd, it’s so easy to put together, and excellent for a casual dinner with family and friends. When I’m not eating it, I’m dreaming about eating it.

-Susan

22

I made this for lunch today and my hubby and I both LOVED IT! My hubby asked if this was another “Damn” recipe and I told him yes and she hasn’t failed us yet!! Everything we’ve tried, we’ve loved. Thank you for another great recipe!!

-Elizabeth

Chicken Divan

23

Delicious! Used chicken thighs, doubled the recipe, and cooked in a 9×13 casserole. Turned out perfect and glad I made extra, everyone went back for seconds! Definitely recommend making.

-Brenda

Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken

24

Very good, 5 stars as usual! My 2 year old just devoured it and my hubby said it’s a keeper! All of your recipes are nothing short of amazing!!!

-Alicia

Slow Cooker Pot RoastIMG 2

25

This is the absolute best pot roast I’ve ever had. I am glad to replace our family recipe using packaged onion soup mix with wine and fresh herbs. Thank you for this recipe! It is damn delicious!

-Rachel

One Pot Pasta All Ingredients

26

One of my family’s all time favorite meals and it’s so easy to make. The flavors are fantastic! I would definitely serve this for company as well.

-Kristy

Aglio e Olio

27

I used panko crumbs, roasted garlic, and a Tuscan herb blend in mine. It turned out so delicious! I loved the flavor and crunch, and it was so simple. Great recipe!!

-Susan

Crispy Baked Chicken Tacos

28

As everyone else mentioned, these are great. The whole family loved them! I used olive oil because that’s what I had. My only advice is to make extra because they’re going to go fast!

-Jackie

29

It’s chilly in Boston today and will be even chillier tonight by dinner. This is my go to: 100% for the slow cooker. Set it and forget it. On the stove you need to keep a watchful eye but the slow cooker just makes for a ‘keep the home fires burning’ warmth. I recommend!

-Susann

30

Best chicken fried rice I’ve ever made. Used soy sauce instead of salt to season the chicken. Everything else exactly as written. Delish! Thank you!!!!

-Suzanne

Homemade Sloppy Joes

31

Best sloppy joes. It didn’t need the brown sugar but if you like a sweeter version, it could be added. Served for a family dinner – ages 14 to 76. They are now a family favorite.

-Marcia