Dinner does not need to cost a fortune to be flavorful and satisfying. There are actually several affordable meals you can make for your family so you can cut back and save a little money each month.
Check out our 21 Best Budget-Friendly Meals For Dinner below to find out which family dinners will give you more bang for your buck.
Table of Contents
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Tender strips of chicken, onions and bell peppers are seasoned and baked in a single sheet pan for easy cleanup. Skip the trip to Chipotle and enjoy these homemade fajitas.
Mango Salad with Peanut Dressing
This mango salad is easy, refreshing and low-cost. Add a sweet and tangy peanut dressing for a healthy, Thai-inspired meal.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Enjoy juicy chicken thighs slow-cooked in a honey garlic sauce. With only fifteen minutes of prep work, this affordable meal practically cooks itself.
Sloppy Joes
You may have enjoyed these meaty sandwiches as a kid, so why not bring them back? This Philly cheesesteak-inspired Sloppy Joe will leave your belly and your wallet full.
Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Crock pot meals are so simple to make, easy on the budget and always full of flavor. Put your ingredients in the crock pot after only ten minutes of prep work for a nourishing chicken noodle soup.
School Pizza
This budget-friendly pizza recipe is just like the rectangular sliced pizza you’d get in the cafeteria at school. Add your favorite toppings and feed the entire family on a budget.
Ham and Potato Casserole
What could be better than creamy slices of potato, melted cheese and succulent ham in one tasty casserole? Your guests will love this as a main or side dish.
Chicken Alfredo
Here’s a deliciously simple pasta dish that would be double the cost in a restaurant. Chicken Fettucine Alfredo is a quick and affordable weeknight dinner that’s far from ordinary.
Lasagna For Two
If you live alone or just with a partner, it’s good to avoid making too much food to avoid wastage. Here’s a meaty, cheesy lasagna that’s only four slices.
Southern Mac and Cheese
Prone to spend when you crave comfort food? Stick to your budget with this creamy, cheesy Southern-style baked macaroni.
Grilled Cheese
Sometimes, a classic grilled cheese sandwich is all you need to satisfy your cravings. Have it alone or with a bowl of soup for a wholesome, budget-friendly meal.
Chicken Sliders
These mini sandwiches are a delicious and affordable choice for dinner parties. Warm dinner rolls, barbeque chicken and melted cheese make these sliders irresistible.
Classic Chili Con Carne
Chili con carne is classic comfort food. Enjoy this filling stew on its own or with rice.
Chicken Mull
Chicken mull is a rich, buttery stew with pieces of slow-simmered chicken, best enjoyed with saltine crackers. It’s a simple and affordable meal when you want something warm and comforting.
Pad Thai for Two with Shrimp
Rival your favorite Thai restaurant with this Shrimp Pad Thai recipe! With simple ingredients, this recipe comes together in less than thirty minutes for an easy weeknight dinner. Have the leftovers for lunch tomorrow.
Chicken and Broccoli
This chicken and broccoli recipe is just like having takeout from your favorite Chinese restaurant! Now you can satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank.
Vegetarian Chili
Vegetarian chili is a wholesome stew of beans, fire-roasted tomatoes and meatless protein. Make it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.
Easy Teriyaki Chicken for Two
Craving takeout but trying to stick to a budget? This teriyaki chicken couldn’t be easier to make. This recipe makes enough for two servings.
Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
This Tex-Mex soup is slightly spicy with lots of flavor and texture. Leftovers taste even better on the second day.
Slow Cooker Ham
Feeding the family for Easter or Christmas doesn’t have to break the budget. Try this juicy honey-glazed ham at your next dinner party.
Smoked Pork Shoulder
Pulled pork is perfect for barbeques and cookouts. This versatile protein is great in sandwiches, with coleslaw or in tacos.
Easy Budget-Friendly Meal: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Ingredients
Fajitas
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 bell peppers red, yellow or green, seeds removed
- 1 medium onion
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or minced garlic
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 8 flour tortillas 8 inch size
Garnishes – optional
- lime wedges
- fresh cilantro chopped
- sour cream
- avocado
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Set aside a large baking sheet.
- Place the onions and bell peppers on a work surface and slice into 1/2-inch wide pieces. Next, cut the chicken into 1/2-inch wide strips. Note: You may find it helpful to freeze the chicken for 30 minutes to firm the meat up for easier slicing.
- Scatter the chicken, peppers, onions and peppers evenly across the baking sheet. Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper on top and drizzle with oil.
- Using tongs or two spoons, toss all ingredients on the pan to coat evenly.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven, and use tongs stir chicken and vegetables. Then slide them one-quarter of the way over, to make space for tortillas.
- Mop up excess juices with a paper towel, and then add the tortillas to the pan. Return to the oven and bake for 5 more minutes.
- Remove from oven and squeeze optional fresh lime on top. Serve in tortillas with optional cilantro, sour cream and avocado.
Notes
- Fajita Seasoning: Use 1 1/2 tablespoons if you’re using storebought or premade seasoning.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days (see how long cooked chicken lasts in the fridge for more details).
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