55 Delicious Family Dinners That Won’t Cost a Fortune

We’ve put together a collection of budget-friendly dinner ideas that are perfect for keeping your meals tasty without stretching your wallet. These recipes are simple to prepare and great for any night when you want something satisfying yet economical.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Chicken and Noodle Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Our Chicken and Noodle Casserole is an easy, family-friendly dish that brings comfort to the dinner table. With its creamy sauce, cheesy goodness, and crunchy cracker topping, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that feels like a hug on a plate. With its creamy texture, tender chicken, and crunchy stuffing topping, it’s a dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile. Plus, it’s quick enough for weeknights and versatile enough to swap in your favorite vegetables or seasonings.

Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Tuna Casserole with Crushed Potato Chips

Tuna Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Our Tuna Casserole is a fantastic choice for a quick, comforting meal that the whole family will love. Its creamy, hearty goodness is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Get the Recipe: Tuna Casserole

Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Crockpot Salisbury Steak recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak! Tender beef patties simmered in rich mushroom gravy with simple ingredients. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Sloppy Joe Casserole by Tessie's Table.
Photo Credit: Tessie’s Table.

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole combines savory beef and a sweet cornbread topping in one easy dish. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner

Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

TikTok Spaghetti

A close up of spaghetti with a fork.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Discover the viral sensation – the easiest TikTok Spaghetti, made with six simple ingredients for a hearty family meal.

Get the Recipe: TikTok Spaghetti

Crockpot Lasagna

Crockpot Lasagna recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Crockpot Lasagna is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines all the classic flavors of a classic lasagna with the convenience of slow cooking. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Lasagna

Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti

Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Discover a comforting and hassle-free meal with our Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti recipe. Perfect for a quick comfort food dinner the entire will love.

Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti

Chicken And Rice Casserole

Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Chicken and Rice Casserole is a delicious and comforting one-dish meal with chicken, rice, and veggies in a creamy sauce.

Get the Recipe: Chicken And Rice Casserole

Easy Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Slow CookerSwedish Meatballs recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs are all about making comfort food simple. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have tender meatballs in a rich, creamy sauce that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re serving them over potatoes, noodles, or with a side of veggies, this dish makes family dinners easier and more delicious.

Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Our Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the perfect dish for a cozy night in. This creamy, cheesy chicken casserole, topped with a buttery crunch, is easy to prepare and sure to please.

Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Try our mouthwatering Stuffed Pepper Casserole! Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe is quick, easy, and loved by families.

Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Walking Taco Casserole

Walking Taco Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This Walking Taco Casserole is a nostalgic and easy dinner that brings all the fun of walking tacos into a simple, delicious bake. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and sure to be a family favorite.

Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Easy Crock Pot Chicken And Stuffing

Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Indulge in comfort with this Chicken and Stuffing Crock Pot Casserole recipe. Layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and savory stuffing await! Easy, delicious, and satisfying.

Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken And Stuffing

White Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili by Tessie's Table.
Photo Credit: Tessie’s Table.

Creamy, spicy, and flavorful, this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is perfect for those cool days when you need a bowl of comfort.

Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili

Tuna Cakes Made With Canned Tuna

Tuna Croquettes recipes by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Tuna Cakes are simply patties or rolls of canned tuna and bread crumbs fried or baked. They’re easy to make and delicious.

Get the Recipe: Tuna Cakes

Lazy Lasagna

Lazy Lasagna recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Our cheesy Lazy Lasagna is easy to make, perfect when you need a last-minute delicious comfort meal the entire family will love.

Get the Recipe: Lazy Lasagna

Frikadellen

Meatballs in a pan with sauce on top.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Frikadellen are tasty, hearty burger-like patties often served on a roll with a side of mustard and Potato or Cucumber Salad.

Get the Recipe: Frikadellen

Grandma’s Easy Shepherd’s Pie

A plate with a piece of meat and vegetables on it.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Make dinner a breeze with our easy Shepherd’s Pie recipe! Hearty beef, mixed veggies, and creamy potatoes. Perfect for weeknights.

Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Easy Shepherd’s Pie

One Pot Spaghetti

One Pot Spaghetti recipe by Tessie's Table.
Photo Credit: Tessie’s Table.

One Pot Spaghetti is an easy, flavorful dinner made with ground beef, marinara sauce, and pasta all cooked together. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Get the Recipe: One Pot Spaghetti

Spaetzle

Macaroni and cheese in a bowl with parsley.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Spaetzle is one of Germany’s most popular side dishes. This classic egg noodle has only five ingredients and takes 30 minutes to make.

Get the Recipe: German Spaetzle

Ground Beef Taco Casserole

A spoonful of mexican casserole on a plate.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Spice up taco night with this easy Taco Casserole recipe! Everybody will be asking for seconds of this spin on a Mexican favorite.

Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Taco Casserole

Easy Crockpot Chicken And Rice

Crockpot Chicken and Rice recipe Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Try this Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe! It’s packed with tender chicken, flavorful rice, and veggies, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!

Get the Recipe: Easy Crockpot Chicken And Rice

Dirty Rice with Sausage

Dirty Rice recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Learn how to make Dirty Rice And Sausage at home. This hearty one-pot dish features ground beef, long-grain rice, and cajun seasoning.

Get the Recipe: Dirty Rice with Sausage

Smash Burger

Smash Burger recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Whip up a delicious Smash Burger in just 20 minutes! Crispy edges, juicy centers, and customizable toppings make them a family favorite.

Get the Recipe: Smash Burger

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe by Tessie's Table.
Photo Credit: Tessie’s Table.

This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful meal with tender beef, fresh broccoli, and a rich sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes!

Get the Recipe: Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe by Tessie's Table.
Photo Credit: Tessie’s Table.

Enjoy the comforting flavors of Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup with tender chicken, hearty veggies, and crispy tortilla strips.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe with Canned Biscuits

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Our Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings with canned biscuits is a great choice for any meal. Its rich flavors, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings make it a comforting and satisfying option for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Big Mac Salad

Big Mac Salad recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Enjoy all the classic Big Mac flavors without the guilt in our easy, homemade salad version. Perfect for a lighter, tasty meal.

Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Chicken Meatloaf with BBQ Sauce

A square plate with meat and sauce on it.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This juicy barbecue chicken meatloaf is easy to make, tender, and loaded with flavor. Simply the perfect comfort food for busy days.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Meatloaf with BBQ Sauce

German Pancakes

A stack of potato pancakes on a plate.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

“Reibekuchen” are delicious crispy fried German Potato Pancakes made from freshly grated potatoes. Perfect with a side of apple sauce!

Get the Recipe: German Potato Pancakes

Ham and Potato Casserole

Ham and Cheese Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Indulge in our hearty and filling Ham and Potato Casserole, the perfect recipe for foodies craving a tasty weeknight meal.

Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato Casserole

Kale and White Bean Soup

Kale and White Bean Soup recipe by Tessie's Table.
Photo Credit: Tessie’s Table.

Cozy up with this Kale and White Bean Soup, filled with veggies and hearty beans. It’s a perfect quick and creamy lunch or dinner option.

Get the Recipe: Kale and White Bean Soup

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Meatballs

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Meatballs recipe by Tessie's Table.
Photo Credit: Tessie’s Table.

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Meatballs are an easy, flavorful meal made with frozen meatballs and a creamy, spiced sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Meatballs

Easy Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole

Beef Enchilada Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Our cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, it’s a recipe that delivers big on comfort and taste.

Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole with Velveeta and Ritz Crackers

Easy Cheesy Broccoli Casserole with Velveeta and Ritz Crackers.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Our Broccoli Casserole with Velveeta and Ritz Crackers is the perfect dish when you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and easy to make. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday side, this casserole delivers on flavor and simplicity.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Broccoli Casserole with Velveeta and Ritz Crackers

15-Minute Korean Beef Bowl

Korean Beef Bowl recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Discover an easy twist on the classic Korean beef bowl recipe. This ground beef dish combines rich flavors of aromatic spices into a flavorful meal.

Get the Recipe: 15-Minute Beef Bowl

Taco Tater Tot Casserole

A spoonful of mexican casserole with black beans and black olives.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This Taco Tater Tot Casserole combines ground beef with classic Mexican flavors and is topped with yummy cheese. Perfect for Cinco de Mayo.

Get the Recipe: Taco Tater Tot Casserole

Ground Beef Taco Salad

A bowl of mexican salad with tortilla chips and limes.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

A healthy Taco Salad made of seasoned ground beef, cheese, veggies, and tortilla chips drizzled with a Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing.

Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Taco Salad

Zucchini Boats

Zucchini Boats recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a great 5-ingredient dinner idea. Tender zucchini filled stuffed and baked to perfection in less than 30 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Zucchini Boats

Crockpot Beef & Sausage Chili

Slow Cooker No-Bean Beef and Sausage Chili recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This Crockpot No-Bean Beef & Sausage Chili is hearty, flavorful, and packs just the right amount of heat. It’s perfect for everyday dinners and an excellent addition to your weekly meal prep.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Beef & Sausage Chili

Southern Pineapple Casserole

A spoonful of a southern pineapple casserole with a golden-brown crust.
Photo Credit: Simply Stacie.

This classic Southern Pineapple Casserole is the perfect mix of sweet and savory, with an irresistibly buttery topping that’s addicting.

Get the Recipe: Southern Pineapple Casserole

Turkey Burgers On The Stove

A burger with meat and pickles on a black plate.
Photo Credit: My Chef’s Apron.

These easy and juicy turkey burgers on the stove are the perfect go-to dinner.

Get the Recipe: Turkey Burgers On The Stove

Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Chicken Drumsticks

Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Chicken Drumsticks recipe by xoxoBella.
Photo Credit: xoxoBella.

If you want to make something delicious and easy for dinner, this garlic parmesan sheet pan chicken drumsticks recipe might be perfect!

Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Chicken Drumsticks

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti recipe by xoxoBella.
Photo Credit: xoxoBella.

Easy, delicious baked cream cheese spaghetti might win a regular spot on your meal rotation. It’s a meaty, cheese and extremely delicious dish!

Get the Recipe: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Instant Pot Beef And Broccoli

Instant Pot Beef And Broccoli recipe by Seasonal Cravings.
Photo Credit: Seasonal Cravings.

Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli is loaded with tender beef and a sauce that is full of flavor. Made gluten-free and super easy in the Instant Pot.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef And Broccoli

John Wayne Casserole

John Wayne Casserole recipe by Kitchen Divas.
Photo Credit: Kitchen Divas.

You are going to love this John Wayne Casserole. It’s packed full of savory beef and veggies with a golden brown biscuit crust.

Get the Recipe: John Wayne Casserole

Hurry Chicken

Hurry Chicken recipe by Simply Stacie.
Photo Credit: Simply Stacie.

Hurry Chicken is a hands-off chicken dish that is perfect for meal prep! Just five pantry ingredients for a delicious budget dinner.

Get the Recipe: Hurry Chicken

Lentil Stew

Lentil Stew recipe by Vintage Kitchen Notes.
Photo Credit: Vintage Kitchen Notes.

Hearty, comforting, and flavorful, it’s the best Lentil Stew I have ever made. It tastes even better the next day and freezes wonderfully!

Get the Recipe: Lentil Stew

Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers

Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers recipe by Bean Recipes.
Photo Credit: Bean Recipes.

Sweet potato black bean burgers are baked, not fried! Everything comes together in one bowl super fast, plus they’re vegan!

Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers

Asian Chicken Rice Bowl

Asian Chicken Rice Bowl recipe by Blackberry Babe.
Photo Credit: Blackberry Babe.

This Asian Chicken Rice Bowl uses lean ground chicken breast and is ready in about 20 minutes! This easy recipe is a great meal prep solution.

Get the Recipe: Asian Chicken Rice Bowl

Sausage and Potato Skillet

Sausage and Potato Skillet recipe by She's Not Cookin'.
Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’.

This easy Sausage and Potato Skillet takes only 30 minutes to make, making it the perfect make-ahead dinner for meal prep.

Get the Recipe: Sausage and Potatoes Skillet

Orange Chicken with Chicken Nuggets

Orange Chicken with Chicken Nuggets recipe by She's Not Cookin'.
Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’.

This Orange Chicken with Nuggets is an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!

Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken with Chicken Nuggets

Easy Red Beans And Rice

Easy Red Beans And Rice recipe by From a Chef’s Kitchen.
Photo Credit: From a Chef’s Kitchen.

This Easy Red Beans and Rice recipe is the ultimate budget, pantry, and freezer-friendly dish, and it’s ready in about an hour!

Get the Recipe: Easy Red Beans And Rice

Cauliflower Chickpea Curry

A bowl of cauliflower curry with rice and a spoon.
Photo Credit: Noble Veggies.

This delicious Cauliflower Chickpea Curry recipe is perfect for those who want a flavorful meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Chickpea Curry

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