Looking for some budget-friendly meals everyone will agree to? Then you’ve come to the right place!
Feeding a family on a budget is possible with these budget-friendly meals that are nutritious and easy to make. Moms and dads of picky eaters: I’ve been there far too many times with my own brood of mutineers, so I get it.
Rising grocery prices make it even harder to find meals that are low-cost, easy to prepare, and loved by everyone. So, I’ve scoured my go-to resources to bring you the dish of some of the best budget-friendly meals the whole family will love.
Let’s keep your family’s tummies full, picky eaters content, and even save a few bucks while enjoying a little variety at the dinner table. Here are 10 affordable and family-approved meal ideas, complete with tips to customize them to fit your family’s preferences!
More Budget-Friendly Tips: Need more ways to save money on meals? Check out my guide on Easy 5-Ingredient Dinners for quick, frugal meals your family will love!
1. Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies – Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor
I love, love, love sheet pan meals! They’re fast, easy, totally customizable, and definitely affordable, even if your budget is so tight it screams for mercy. And they’re perfect for traveling families because fewer ingredients means less space needed in your fridge, freezer, or pantry.
Sheet pan meals are more than an affordable option; they’re a busy parent’s best friend. This meal idea combines juicy, seasoned meat (which is often chicken at my house, but don’t worry, the fluffy egg layers outside are still safe… for now.) with an assortment of colorful veggies like carrots, broccoli, and potatoes. And honestly, I’m not above mixing this veggie blend up with other veggie options. A girl’s gotta go with whatever is in season, on sale, on hand, or all three.
Once you’ve got your general ingredients. Toss everything in olive oil (zesty Italian dressing – the oily kind, not creamy – if you want to load it all up with more flavor and less fuss).
Otherwise, sprinkle with your favorite herbs and spices and roast to glorious perfection.
As I mentioned earlier, this meal idea is totally customizable. You can use whatever veggies you can find on sale or in season at the store, or even sitting in your fridge or pantry. That’s what makes this dish a budget-friendly meal you’ll love personalizing again and again.
Need some recipe inspo? Check out this easy sheet pan recipe at Budget Bytes.
2. Hearty Bean and Cheese Burritos – Filling and Freezer-Friendly
Beans, beans, the magical fruit… Actually, beans are one of the most budget-friendly pantry staples available, and they’re super versatile for everything from salads and casseroles to Tex-Mex, bean burgers, and more! My favorite part? They’re super affordable. You can buy them canned or dried (although the latter requires an overnight soak unless you’re using an instant pot, but saves storage space and has a longer shelf-life), and some varieties are available frozen – edamame, I’m lookin’ at you.
Beans shine in this simple, protein-packed, hearty burrito dinner. Fill tortillas with refried beans, shredded cheese, and a touch of salsa for a flavor boost. Roll up your burritos and top with a little more cheese. Then bake them until golden and melty. Bonus points if you make extra and freeze for busy weeknights when you don’t feel like breaking out your chef hat! Check out this bean burrito recipe from Taste of Home.
3. Slow Cooker Chili – A Cozy Meal on a Dime
Chili is one of the best budget-friendly meals, turning simple pantry staples into a cozy, hearty dinner. We use canned beans, ground beef (or ground turkey if I can sneak it in without the hubs noticing), and pantry spices for a dish packed with flavor. Another alternative is to skip the meat and load it up with more veggies to save even more. Then, serve with rice or cornbread for a hearty, satisfying meal. You can find a great slow-cooker chili recipe at Budget Bytes.
4. DIY Pizza Night – Cheaper and Tastier Than Takeout
Turn pizza night into a fun family activity with a DIY approach. This is one of our family’s favorite dinner activities!
Use store-bought dough or make your own (so easy and cheap!). Alternatively, you can also make mini personal pizzas using English muffins or tortilla wraps. Bake the tortilla wraps for a few minutes first to crisp them slightly, or toast the English muffins. This extra step prevents the sauce from soaking in and sogging things up.
Then, top with marinara (or even pasta sauce, which is what we use), cheese, and whatever toppings you have on hand. From pepperoni to leftover veggies, the possibilities are endless. We make it a mini topping buffet, and everyone gets to ‘decorate’ their own mini pizzas, which is a huge hit with younger kids.
5. Classic Tuna Pasta – Quick, Easy, and Kid-Approved
Canned tuna is an affordable protein option for quick dinners. This, however, is where I always go for quality canned tuna, though. It costs a little more than the cheapest can, but it tastes better. Additionally, the last time I bought cheap tuna, there was less tuna and more water than higher-quality brands. So, if you can swing it, choose a brand you trust.
Mix your tuna with pasta, a creamy sauce made from pantry staples (or do what we do and use a can of cream of mushroom soup), and a sprinkle of parmesan for a comforting dish that always pleases. Feel free to add frozen peas for extra nutrition and flavor.
6. Breakfast for Dinner – A Budget Hack That Never Fails
Eggs are an inexpensive protein powerhouse and can be turned into countless meals, and great for RV life. I still remember my mom’s breakfasts in the camper. Mouthwatering! Pancakes, omelets, frittata, or a loaded breakfast scramble with potatoes, veggies, and cheese are all perfect dinner options that are big on flavor, small on price and storage space. We like to call breakfast for dinner nights “Upside Down Day.” It’s always a huge hit at our house!
If you have a box of Bisquick (or generic baking mix) lying around, then check out this recipe for Impossibly Easy Cheeseburger Pie by Betty Crocker. This has been a family favorite in my house for years. The only problem is they’ll have it gone lightning fast, so I can never seem to make enough.
7. Baked Potato Bar – Simple Ingredients, Endless Possibilities
Potatoes are incredibly affordable and versatile. If you have plenty of pantry room, then head to your local farmers market, butcher, or packing store and buy a big bag. I usually get 50 lbs for around twenty bucks because we use potatoes in nearly everything.
Bake some large potatoes and set up a topping bar with options like shredded cheese, sour cream, chives, leftover broccoli, leftover chili (our favorite), or real bacon bits. It’s a fun way to get everyone involved and use up leftovers.
8. Stir-Fry with Rice – A Smart Way to Use Leftovers
Stir-fry is a quick, healthy way to pull together leftover protein, veggies, and rice. Use frozen stir-fry veggies (often cheaper than fresh) and a simple soy sauce-based seasoning. Toss it all in the skillet, and dinner’s ready in 15-20 minutes! For a customizable stir-fry recipe, check out Budget Bytes.
9. Comforting Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Few meals are as nostalgic and satisfying as grilled cheese paired with tomato soup. If you don’t have tomato soup on hand but you’ve got some canned tomatoes, you can still enjoy this dish. Use pantry-friendly canned tomatoes and a little milk or cream to make a rich, creamy soup.
Pair your soup with golden, melty cheese sandwiches. And if you want to make it extra hearty, add some lunchmeat to those sandwiches (ham works well, but we’ve used turkey in a pinch). It’s a meal that feels indulgent without emptying your wallet.
10. One-Pot Pasta – Less Cleanup, More Flavor
Who doesn’t love a one-pot meal? This is a common meal in our house. Combine pasta, broth, sauce, and any mix of veggies and protein in a single pot for an easy, flavorful dinner.
Want a little zest? Swap in ground pork sausage instead of ground beef. Yes, the familiar roll you use for breakfast. It’s pre-seasoned and works wonders with pasta (elbows, spaghetti, linguini, bow ties, or whatever pasta you prefer).
One-pot pasta meals are great for saving on ingredients and making cleanup a breeze! Need a little more inspo? Check out these one-pot pasta ideas at Budget Bytes.
Frugal Tip: For a frugal living twist, try using lentils as a meat substitute. I do this all the time with lentil bolognese and spaghetti, but it also works in chili, yes, really. The lentils pair well with other ingredients. They also require no pre-soaking, unlike dried beans, and they cook fast and fill you up while costing less.
A Budget-Friendly Kitchen is a Happy Kitchen
Feeding your family on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or variety or even starting a family mutiny. A little planning and creativity are all you need for dinner success.
Make smart use of affordable staples to transform simple ingredients into delicious, satisfying meals. Start with these 10 budget-friendly meals for inspiration and personalize them to meet your needs and family preferences.
Curious about more ways to master frugal living in the kitchen? Head over to Frugal Hen for tips, recipes, and inspiration to make every dollar count!
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