These Budget-Friendly Dinner Ideas Will Give You More for Your Dollar
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It can be hard to stick to a budget when you're planning a slew of family dinners for every night of the week. But having a few cost-effective ideas up your sleeve will ensure that you can get dinner on the table and save money on groceries.
Here, we've rounded up some of the best dinner recipes that are both wallet-friendly and tasty. They rely on less expensive ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and items you might already have stocked in your pantry. The Pioneer Woman credits her mother-in-law in teaching her how to buy in bulk. "About once a year, I go to a warehouse club and buy things in bulk like flour, rice, beans, and canned whole tomatoes," Ree Drummond explains. "Then, once a month, I go to our nearest big supermarket, an hour away, for staples. I buy 10 to 15 pounds of butter at a time!"
That kind of meal prep mentality can be applied to all manner of cooking: chicken thigh recipes, pasta recipes, and recipes made with canned tuna. You can even opt for a homemade version of your favorite restaurant meal. (Ree's quick and easy shortcut on pizza will do the trick!) Otherwise, try chicken teriyaki with a side of rice. You can also skip the meat altogether for a vegetarian chili that's still packed with beans and comforting sweet potatoes. Either way, try one of these cheap dinner ideas for the busiest nights of the week.
Sweet Potato Chili
Skip the meat without sacrificing flavor in this homemade chili made with beans, warm spices, veggies, and sweet potatoes. You can let your family build their own bowl by setting out an array of chili toppings.
Get the Sweet Potato Chili recipe.
Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are the perfect dinner for families looking to eat something both comforting and healthy. You get your ground beef, rice, and veggies all in one dish.
Get Ree's Stuffed Peppers recipe.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Canned tuna and egg noodles are the stars of this casserole dish, but you'll also find plenty of creamy sauce and frozen sweet peas. Don't forget to sprinkle crunchy potato chips on top!
Get the Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe.
Spinach-Artichoke Pasta
Canned artichoke hearts, breadcrumbs, chicken broth, and pasta are all items that might already be in your pantry. That means your just a few steps away from making this creamy pasta inspired by the popular dip.
Get Ree's Spinach-Artichoke Pasta recipe.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Make a big batch of tender pulled pork on Sunday and you'll have multiple meals throughout the week. Serve it on buns for sandwiches or over a big pile of nachos.
Get the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe.
Chicken Teriyaki
Just like your favorite takeout, this dish is swimming in a sweet and sticky sauce. You can serve it up with inexpensive white rice and your favorite veggies on the side.
Get the Chicken Teriyaki recipe.
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Make this nostalgic meal from scratch and it'll bring back a ton of happy childhood memories. If you want to make it your own, you can always swap the ground beef for ground turkey as a substitute.
Get the Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe.
French Bread Pizzas
Ree loves a supermarket swap—like using store-bought French bread on pizza night! It's quick, easy, and perfect for any topping that your family members prefer.
Get Ree's French Bread Pizzas recipe.
Beef Enchiladas
These beef enchiladas keep things simple with canned enchilada sauce, but don't worry, there's still plenty of spice and melty cheese!
Get the Beef Enchiladas recipe.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Prices for chicken thighs can vary, but on average they're less expensive than chicken breasts. Learn how to cook the thighs to perfection using an air fryer for crispy skin and juicy meat.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe.
Cheeseburger Casserole
Say hello to your new favorite family dinner! It's cheesy, comforting, and fit for a crowd. Plus, even picky eaters can get on board with the ground beef and noodle dish.
Get the Cheeseburger Casserole recipe.
Lo Mein
Jam-packed with veggies and a satisfying, savory sauce, these noodles are everything you love and more! Serve with a drizzle of hot sauce, like Sriracha, if you want an added kick.
Get the Lo Mein recipe.
Ancho Chicken Burritos
Buy a store-bought rotisserie chicken at the supermarket and you'll be supplied with endless dinner ideas, like this hearty burrito filed with rice, beans, chicken, and cheese.
Get Ree's Ancho Chicken Burritos recipe.
Tuna Pasta Salad
When you're in a pinch, you can't go wrong with that can of tuna that's hidden in the back of the pantry! Use it to make this fun pasta salad inspired by tuna noodle casserole.
Get the Tuna Pasta Salad recipe.
Hamburger Soup
Ree says that you can call this a "clean out the fridge soup" because it's so versatile. Swap out your choice of veggies depending on what you have on hand.
Get Ree's Hamburger Soup recipe.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Eating on a budget doesn't need to be boring and this casserole recipe proves it! The packet of ranch seasoning mix gives it a punch of flavor, plus you can't go wrong with anything topped with bacon!
Get the Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole recipe.
Beef and Noodles
Stew meat or even chuck roast is a great inexpensive option for making this hearty twist on chicken and noodles. It has that stick-to-your-ribs kind of goodness.
Get the Beef and Noodles recipe.
Instant Pot Chili
If you've invested in an Instant Pot, then not only will this chili be budget-friendly, but it'll be easy to make, too! No more standing over a pot on the stove!
Get the Instant Pot Chili recipe.
Pizza Casserole
Satisfy your pizza craving and your pasta craving at the same time. You'll get a two-for-one deal with this fun Italian mash-up.
Get the Pizza Casserole recipe.
Slow Cooker Potato Soup
The humble potato is the star ingredient in this comforting soup recipe. You can dress it up with fun loaded potato toppings like cheddar cheese, chopped chives, sour cream, or bacon.
Get the Slow Cooker Potato Soup recipe.
Lemon-Thyme Sheet Pan Chicken and Potatoes
Chicken and potatoes—it doesn't get simpler than that! You don't even need any special equipment, just your handy dandy sheet pan to cook everything at once!
Get Ree's Lemon-Thyme Sheet Pan Chicken and Potatoes recipe.
Sloppy Joe Casserole
This recipe is everything you love about sloppy joes, but it's even easier when serving to a crowd. Plus, it'll be on the table in 35 minutes or less!
Get the Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe.
7-Can Soup
There's a reason why Ree calls this "the easiest soup on the planet." It takes canned beans, tomatoes, corn, and processed cheese to the next level!
Get Ree's 7-Can Soup recipe.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
A comforting pot roast is just as delicious during the week as it is for special occasions. Either way, you can make it easier by letting your slow cooker do all the work!
Get the Slow Cooker Pot Roast recipe.
Chipotle Chili Dogs
Turn that pack of hot dogs into a comforting and filling weeknight dinner by topping it with flavorful chili, cheese, and onions. Your family will thank you!
Get Ree's Chipotle Chili Dogs recipe.
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