13 Budget-Friendly Meals To Feed Your Family When the Takeout Fund Has Run Dry
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Takeout might be tempting, but when the budget’s tight, homemade meals that are just as delicious save the day. Budget-friendly dinners stretch ingredients into hearty, flavorful plates that keep everyone full without draining the wallet. With recipes that are easy to make, and loved by the whole family, weeknights feel less stressful and way more doable.
Easy Cheeseburger Pie
Cheeseburger pie is a crowd-pleaser that stretches simple ingredients into something filling and fun. A buttery crust cradles a savory ground beef and cheese filling, baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a wallet-friendly option that tastes indulgent but uses what you already have in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheeseburger Pie
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs
Sheet pan chicken thighs make dinner effortless while keeping costs low. The chicken roasts to juicy perfection alongside broccoli that caramelizes beautifully in the same pan. With only a few ingredients and minimal dishes, it’s a wholesome meal that checks all the boxes.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs
Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Italian beef and cauliflower rice skillet is a one-pan wonder that comes together in under 30 minutes. Ground beef simmers in a creamy tomato sauce, then cauliflower rice and mozzarella bring everything together in a cheesy finish. It’s a deliciously filling dish that saves time, money, and cleanup all at once.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Sheet Pan Chicken
Sheet pan chicken transforms everyday ingredients into a colorful, balanced dinner in half an hour. Tender chicken roasts alongside vibrant veggies for a dish that looks as good as it tastes. With everything done in one pan, it’s both budget-conscious and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken
Taco Meat
Taco meat is a weeknight lifesaver when you need something fast and flexible. Ground beef stretches even further with minced mushrooms, giving it extra volume without extra cost. Pile it into tacos, bowls, or salads for a protein-packed base the whole family loves.
Get the Recipe: Taco Meat
Herb-Crusted Chicken
Herb-crusted chicken delivers big restaurant-style flavor without wrecking the budget. Juicy chicken breasts are coated with a savory mix of herbs and black pepper, then baked or pan-seared until golden. It’s the kind of easy weeknight meal that feels special while still being practical for busy families.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken
Green Bean Hamburger Casserole
Green bean hamburger casserole is comfort food with a budget-friendly twist. Ground beef, green beans, cream cheese, and shredded cheese bake together into a hearty dish that feeds a crowd. It’s simple, filling, and exactly the kind of meal that stretches ingredients without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Hamburger Casserole
Pork Chops and Applesauce
Pork chops and applesauce bring together the perfect balance of savory and sweet goodness without the hassle. Seared chops get finished with a homemade applesauce topping that levels up the meal without adding cost. It’s simple, timeless, and works for both casual weeknights and family get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Applesauce
Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Ground beef and cabbage stir fry is a lightning-fast dinner that’s ready in about 20 minutes. Tender beef pairs with crisp cabbage and simple seasonings to create a dish that feels both hearty and light. It’s a no-fuss skillet meal that keeps dinner costs low but satisfaction high.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Fried Cabbage and Sausage Skillet
Fried cabbage and sausage skillet is hearty, filling, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Savory sausage pairs with tender, caramelized cabbage for a dish that’s both simple and deeply delicious. It’s easy on the wallet but big on flavor, making it a weeknight staple.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage and Sausage Skillet
Chipotle Barbacoa
Chipotle barbacoa made at home brings bold, smoky, tangy flavor without the restaurant bill nd lots of effort. Slow-cooked beef turns tender and juicy, ready to tuck into tortillas, top rice bowls, or load onto nachos. It’s a flavor-packed dish that feels indulgent but makes plenty of servings to stretch across meals.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Barbacoa
Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Salsa chicken in the slow cooker is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner. Just toss chicken breasts and salsa together, and by dinnertime, you’ll have an impressively tender, juicy meat bursting with flavor. It’s so simple and versatile, you can use it for tacos, bowls, wraps, or just as is with a simple side.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ground beef and broccoli stir fry is a one-pan dinner that’s quick, healthy, and budget-smart. Ground beef cooks up tender while broccoli adds color, crunch, and balance to the meal. In under 30 minutes, you’ve got an impressive dish that’s versatile enough for both family dinners, quick lunch, and even meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
