These simple dinner recipes are a quick and cheap way to feed the family when you’re working within a budget.
Food is expensive, and prices on meat, groceries, and other necessities seem to fluctuate every day, so feeding the family without spending a ton of money can be tricky. Luckily, simple dinner recipes still exist that work with just about any budget and still let you make a filling meal the whole family can enjoy.
Here are a few ideas for some budget-friendly dinners that are simple and delicious.
1. Easy Blueberry and Goat Cheese Flatbread
This blueberry and goat cheese flatbread is an easy dinner when you don’t feel like making a big meal.
The creamy goat cheese goes really well with the sweet blueberries, and fresh herbs add extra flavor. Serve it on its own for a light dinner or add a simple salad on the side if you want something more filling.
2. One Pan Lemon Butter Chicken
For nights when you want to keep dinner simple, this lemon butter chicken doesn’t require much work or cleanup.
Chicken breasts cook in the same pan with garlic, lemon, and butter, creating a flavorful sauce at the same time. Add whatever side you already have at home and you have dinner ready without making things complicated.
3. Easy Sausage and Spinach Pasta
You can get this pasta on the table in about 25 minutes with very little prep.
Italian sausage does most of the work when it comes to flavor, with spinach, garlic, Parmesan, and a little cream added to the sauce. It’s an easy dinner for nights when you don’t want to spend much time cooking.
4. Pesto Gnocchi with Smoked Salmon
This is a good dinner for nights when I don’t have much time but still want to make something better than sandwiches or takeout.
The gnocchi cooks in just a few minutes, then I add pesto, spinach, Parmesan, smoked salmon, and a squeeze of lemon. From start to finish, it takes about 20 minutes and there isn’t much prep involved.
5. Potato Enchiladas
Tender diced potatoes, sharp cheddar, & more are rolled up in soft corn tortillas for an easy 30-minute Cal-Mex meal.
6. Tuna and Sweetcorn Pasta Bake
A very easy store cupboard recipe and a real family favorite for a mid week dinner. It’s quick to make with just a few everyday ingredients.
7. Italian Stuffed Peppers w/ Rice, Veggies and Mozzarella
This is a delicious vegetarian-friendly Italian stuffed peppers recipe that’s very versatile (pick your favorite veggies and cheese) and super easy to make.
8. Homemade Hamburger Helper
The easiest way to make scratch hamburger mac at home. This easy recipe lets you enjoy the comfort food classic in less than 30 minutes.
9. Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken
This Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is tender chicken breasts, coated in a tangy sauce. It’s a great way to add some flavor to your meal plan.
10. Cream Cheese Pasta
Rich and creamy cream cheese pasta makes a quick weeknight dinner and is ready in just 20 minutes!
11. Crispy Refried Bean Tacos
This is a great recipe to make when you don’t feel like cooking. Crispy Refried Bean Tacos only have 5 ingredients and 4 simple steps.
12. Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner
A quick and delicious meal that is sure to impress the whole family. Tender chicken sausage, sweet apples, and onions are all roasted to perfection on one pan.
13. Air Fryer Ham Steaks with Caramelized Pineapple
This easy ham steak recipe is a must-try for a quick and easy meal. The ham is made in the air fryer and you can serve it with your favorite sides.
14. Instant Pot Vegetable Soup With Frozen Vegetables
Perfect for a quick dump and start healthy vegetable soup that requires zero prep work and ideal for super busy midweek family suppers.
15. Chicken Pesto Pasta
Chicken Pesto Pasta is an easy weeknight dinner you’ll love. Packed with broccolini, tomatoes and pesto, it’s healthy and delicious!
16. One Pot Lemon Pasta
This one pot lemon pasta only needs a few ingredients to make and you probably already have them tucked away in the pantry. It’s a simple, quick, and easy meal for the family.
17. Pan Fried Boneless Pork Chops with Chive Pan Sauce
It may sound like a fancy dish that’s not easy to make, but it’s a simple dish that only requires a few ingredients and 25 minutes.
18. Easy Chicken Taco Spaghetti Casserole
This delicious chicken taco spaghetti recipe is a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will love! It’s full of cheesy goodness and all the flavors of chicken tacos in a single dish.
19. Creamy One Pot Sausage Broccoli Pasta
Packed with flavor and convenience, this pasta dish checks all the boxes– minimal effort, easy clean up and done in 30 minutes! This sausage broccoli pasta is everything you want dinner to be and makes great leftovers.