Lisa O
Feeding a family doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune on groceries or ordering takeout every night. You can put together meals that are tasty and affordable with a little planning and some simple ingredients. These 15 dinner ideas keep everyone fed without costing too much—and they’re easy enough to make even on busy nights.
Make a Big Pot of Chili
Brown some ground beef or turkey with onions, then simmer with canned beans, tomatoes, and your favorite spices (anything you like). Let it bubble until the flavors come together, then serve with rice or cornbread. This meal is hearty and warm, and it stretches well if you want leftovers for lunch. You can also throw in extra veggies to make it even more tasty without spending more money.
Cook Fried Rice with Eggs and Veggies
Use leftover rice, scramble in a few eggs, and toss with chopped veggies (carrots, peas, or green onions). Add a bit of soy sauce and stir everything together in one big pan. Fried rice is one of those meals that makes the most out of simple ingredients and turns them into something that tastes very good. You can also throw leftover chicken if you have some.
Make Tacos with Ground Meat or Beans
Brown ground beef or season black beans and warm up a stack of tortillas. Set out toppings like lettuce, cheese, and salsa, and let everyone build their own tacos. This meal always feels fun and customizable, which helps keep kids happy at the table. It’s also easy to stretch with rice or corn on the side if you need to fill more plates.
Make Pancakes and Eggs for Dinner
Whisk up a batch of pancakes and scramble two or three eggs on the side, and add fruit if you have it or a few slices of toast to round it out. Breakfast-for-dinner is always a hit with kids and doesn’t take much effort. It’s a fun way to switch things up during the week and costs a lot less than most takeout meals.
Boil Spaghetti with Garlic Bread
Cook a box of spaghetti and toss it with tomato sauce or a quick butter-garlic blend. Toast slices of bread with garlic and butter for the side. This is one of the simplest dinners you can make, and it always satisfies. You can make it vegetarian or add in a little ground meat if you want, but either way, it’s an easy win for busy nights.
Make Tuna Melts with Soup
Mix canned tuna with mayo, spread on bread, and top with a slice of cheese. Toast until melted and golden, then serve with tomato or vegetable soup. This combo feels very warm and filling, and it comes together quickly with pantry staples. It’s amazing for nights when you’re low on ingredients but still want to serve something that feels complete.
Cook Baked Potatoes with Toppings
Bake large potatoes until soft, then set out toppings like shredded cheese, beans, sour cream, or cooked veggies. Everyone can fill their own potato however they like, which makes the meal feel fun and flexible. Potatoes are super affordable and surprisingly filling, especially when you load them up. This dinner also works well if you’re trying to stretch your grocery budget.
Simmer Lentil Soup with Bread on the Side
Cook dried lentils with onions, carrots, garlic, and a bit of tomato paste or broth until everything softens and blends together. Serve with bread or rice for a full meal. Lentils are one of the cheapest and most nutritious staples you can buy, and they cook faster than beans. This soup keeps everyone full and works well for lunch the next day too.
Bake a Sausage and Veggie Tray
Slice sausage links and toss with chopped bell peppers, onions, and potatoes. Roast on a sheet pan until everything’s crispy and golden. This dinner is easy to prep, very satisfying, and it only needs a few ingredients. It’s also great for using up whatever veggies you have left in the fridge, so you waste less and spend less.
Make Quesadillas with Rice and Beans
Fill tortillas with cheese, beans, or leftover chicken, then fold and toast them until crispy. Cut into wedges and serve with rice or a small salad. Quesadillas are quick, easy to make, and always popular with kids. You can use beans (buy canned beans) and shredded cheese to keep it simple and still put together a full meal for under a few dollars.
Cook Creamy Mac and Cheese with Peas
Boil macaroni, make some cheese sauce, and stir in frozen peas for a little extra color and texture. This meal feels super comforting and works as a main when you’re on a tight budget. You can also put some chopped ham or cooked chicken if you want to stretch it. It’s one of those meals you can pull off with what’s already in your pantry.
Make Sloppy Joes on Toasted Buns
Brown ground beef with onions and mix in tomato sauce or ketchup with a few spices. Spoon onto toasted buns or sandwich bread and serve with a side of chips or veggies. This meal is easy, quick, and always satisfying, especially for kids. It’s also inexpensive to make and uses basic ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Boil Ramen and Add Extras
Cook ramen noodles and toss in extras like eggs, spinach, frozen corn, or tofu to bulk it up. You can use the flavor packet or make a simple broth with soy sauce and garlic. This is one of the cheapest ways to feed everyone, and with just a few upgrades, it feels like something more special than just instant noodles. It’s fast, fun, and surprisingly filling.
Bake a Pasta Casserole
Boil pasta and toss it with tomato sauce, shredded cheese, and a bit of seasoning. Pour everything into a baking dish, add more cheese, and bake until it turns golden and bubbly. It’s very easy to double this recipe or swap in whatever pasta you already have. This kind of oven-baked dinner always feels comforting and feeds everyone without costing much at all.
Bake Sheet Pan Chicken and Potatoes
Cut up chicken thighs and potatoes, toss them with oil and seasoning, and roast everything in one big pan. You can add carrots or green beans too, all in the same tray. This meal is very hands-off once it’s in the oven, and it feeds the whole family without using a lot of pricey ingredients. Plus, cleanup is easy since it’s all cooked together.