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Feeding a family (no matter big or small it might be) is never easy. And we’re not just talking about coming up with creative new dishes, either! It can be a strain on your wallet to shop for all the ingredients needed to make your favorite family meals. But with a little know-how—and these cheap dinner ideas—you’ll be able to cut down on costs, save money on groceries, and get dinner on the table in no time!
Here, we've rounded up some of the best dinner recipes that are both budget-friendly and tasty. They rely on less expensive ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and items you might already have stocked in your pantry. The Pioneer Woman credits her mother-in-law in teaching her how to buy in bulk. "About once a year, I go to a warehouse club and buy things in bulk like flour, rice, beans, and canned whole tomatoes," Ree Drummond explains. "Then, once a month, I go to our nearest big supermarket, an hour away, for staples. I buy 10 to 15 pounds of butter at a time!"
That kind of meal prep mentality can be applied to all manner of cooking: chicken thigh recipes, pasta recipes, and recipes made with canned tuna. You can even opt for homemade versions of your favorite restaurant meals, like Ree's quick and easy shortcut pizza, chicken teriyaki with a side of rice, or a big batch of pork tacos made in the slow cooker. Either way, try one of these cheap dinner ideas for the busiest nights of the week.
1
Broccoli Chicken Casserole
This casserole is one of those one-dish wonders that truly has it all: chicken, rice, veggies, and lots of cheese! There's even a buttery cracker topping for an added bonus.
Get the Broccoli Chicken Casserole recipe.
2
Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are a go-to for inexpensive dinners. And with this method for air frying them, they're even easier to make! You'll have dinner on the table in 20 minutes or less.
Get the Air Fryer Hot Dogs recipe.
3
Eggplant Rollatini
You'll feel like your in an elegant Italian restaurant with this cheesy, saucy eggplant dish. But since there's no meat involved, it's actually relatively inexpensive!
Get the Eggplant Rollatini recipe.
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4
Cheeseburger Pie
Ground beef, onions, and a cheesy crust make this dish an all-time family favorite. Serve it up with ketchup, some pickles, or even burger sauce on the side.
Get the Cheeseburger Pie recipe.
5
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos
A big batch of pulled pork can really go a long way for feeding your family throughout the week. You can serve it up in tacos with sweet pineapple and pickled onions or piled it onto rice bowls, nachos, or even burritos.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos recipe.
6
Salisbury Steak
It might look like a fancy steak, but this dish is actually made with affordable ground beef! The creamy mushroom sauce makes it feel even more elegant.
Get the Salisbury Steak recipe.
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7
Taco Salad
You can feel good about eating this hearty salad in more ways than one. Not only is is healthy, but it's also easy on the wallet and so delicious.
Get the Taco Salad recipe.
8
Curried Chickpea Loaded Potatoes
A stuffed baked potato is always a good idea when you're trying to save money. And this one filled with comforting curried chickpeas is sure to put a smile on your face.
Get Ree's Curried Chickpea Loaded Potatoes recipe.
9
Sheet Pan Gnocchi
This dish is a vibrant display of colorful veggies paired with fluffy gnocchi and plenty of cheese. The best part? It's all made on one sheet pan so clean up is easy!
Get the Sheet Pan Gnocchi recipe.
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10
Peanut Noodles
This ever-popular takeout dish is so easy to make at home. You can even customize to your liking by adding shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier meal.
Get the Peanut Noodles recipe.
11
Sweet Potato Chili
Skip the meat without sacrificing flavor in this homemade chili made with beans, warm spices, veggies, and sweet potatoes. You can let your family build their own bowl by setting out an array of chili toppings.
Get the Sweet Potato Chili recipe.
12
Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are the perfect dinner for families looking to eat something both comforting and healthy. You get your ground beef, rice, and veggies all in one dish.
Get Ree's Stuffed Peppers recipe.
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13
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Canned tuna and egg noodles are the stars of this casserole dish, but you'll also find plenty of creamy sauce and frozen sweet peas. Don't forget to sprinkle crunchy potato chips on top!
Get the Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe.
14
Spinach-Artichoke Pasta
Canned artichoke hearts, breadcrumbs, chicken broth, and pasta are all items that might already be in your pantry. That means your just a few steps away from making this creamy pasta inspired by the popular dip.
Get Ree's Spinach-Artichoke Pasta recipe.
15
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Make a big batch of tender pulled pork on Sunday and you'll have multiple meals throughout the week. Serve it on buns for sandwiches or over a big pile of nachos.
Get the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe.
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16
Chicken Teriyaki
Just like your favorite takeout, this dish is swimming in a sweet and sticky sauce. You can serve it up with inexpensive white rice and your favorite veggies on the side.
Get the Chicken Teriyaki recipe.
17
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Make this nostalgic meal from scratch and it'll bring back a ton of happy childhood memories. If you want to make it your own, you can always swap the ground beef for ground turkey as a substitute.
Get the Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe.
18
French Bread Pizzas
Ree loves a supermarket swap—like using store-bought French bread on pizza night! It's quick, easy, and perfect for any topping that your family members prefer.
Get Ree's French Bread Pizzas recipe.
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19
Beef Enchiladas
These beef enchiladas keep things simple with canned enchilada sauce, but don't worry, there's still plenty of spice and melty cheese!
Get the Beef Enchiladas recipe.
20
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Prices for chicken thighs can vary, but on average they're less expensive than chicken breasts. Learn how to cook the thighs to perfection using an air fryer for crispy skin and juicy meat.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe.
