38 Cheap Meals for a Family That Bring Everyone to the Table

Stretching the grocery budget doesn’t have to mean skimping on flavor. The meals below lean on economical pantry staples, crowd-pleasing seasonings, and smart cooking techniques that turn modest ingredients into generous portions. Each idea feeds four to six people, scales up easily, and leaves enough wiggle room for substitutions based on what you already have. Happy cooking—and happy saving!

1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

With just pasta, garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of chili flakes, this classic Italian dish delivers big taste on a tiny budget. Toast the garlic gently so it perfumes the oil without burning, then toss in al-dente spaghetti and chopped parsley. A splash of pasta water helps the sauce cling to every strand. Pair with a simple green salad for a 15-minute dinner everyone loves.

2. Rice & Beans with Lime Crema

Dried or canned beans mixed with seasoned rice create a protein-packed base that costs pennies per serving. Simmer beans with onion, cumin, and a bay leaf while the rice cooks separately. Stir together sour cream and lime juice for a quick sauce that brightens the plate. Offer tortilla chips or sliced avocado if the budget allows.

3. Tuna Noodle Casserole

Canned tuna, egg noodles, frozen peas, and a simple white sauce bake into a comforting classic that feeds a crowd. Mix everything together, top with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, and bake until golden. Because the tuna is cooked in the casserole, there are no worries about raw fish. Leftovers reheat well for next-day lunches.

4. Lentil & Vegetable Soup

Brown lentils simmer quickly and don’t require soaking, making them perfect for weeknights. Sweat onions, carrots, and celery in a splash of oil, add lentils, diced tomatoes, and broth, then cook until tender. A teaspoon of smoked paprika or cumin adds depth without added cost. Serve with bread or grilled cheese for a full meal.

5. Cheesy Veggie Quesadillas

Flour tortillas, shredded cheese, and any leftover vegetables become crispy pockets of goodness in minutes. Sauté peppers, onions, or even spinach until soft, then sandwich them with cheese between tortillas. Cook in a dry skillet until both sides are browned and the cheese melts. Slice into wedges and serve with salsa or plain yogurt.

6. Baked Potato Bar

Baking a tray of potatoes is as hands-off as dinner gets. While they roast, set out budget-friendly toppings like beans, leftover chili, or sautéed veggies. Kids love customizing their own spuds, and the fiber keeps everyone full. Sweet potatoes work just as well if you find them on sale.

7. Slow-Cooker Sloppy Joes

Ground beef or turkey, tomato sauce, and a few pantry spices simmer into a sweet-savory filling that’s great for bulk cooking. Toss everything in the slow cooker after a quick stovetop browning and let it bubble away. Serve on hamburger buns or even over rice if bread isn’t handy. Freeze extra portions for busy nights.

8. Egg Fried Rice with Peas

Day-old rice is ideal for achieving that coveted fried-rice texture. Sauté aromatics like garlic and green onion, then stir-fry the rice until hot. Push it aside, scramble in a couple of eggs, and fold everything together with soy sauce and frozen peas. It’s a one-pan, under-$5 dinner.

9. Vegetable Frittata

Eggs, leftover vegetables, and a sprinkle of cheese create a fluffy skillet dinner ready in 25 minutes. Start by sautéing veggies until soft, pour in beaten eggs, and cook until nearly set. Finish under the broiler to brown the top. Pair with toast or fruit for a complete meal.

10. Sticky Soy Drumstick Bake

Chicken drumsticks are one of the best protein bargains. Marinate them in soy sauce, honey, and garlic for at least 30 minutes, then roast until the skin is caramelized and the meat juicy. Because the glaze drips onto the pan, surrounding vegetables like carrots or potatoes soak up flavor at no extra effort. Serve with rice to stretch the meal further.

11. Chili Mac

This mash-up of chili and macaroni delivers protein, carbs, and veggies in every spoonful. Brown ground meat with onions, add tomatoes, beans, and spices, then stir in uncooked pasta and enough broth to cook it. Twenty minutes later, sprinkle cheese over the thickened mixture and let it melt. It’s comfort food that feeds a crowd for just a few dollars.

12. Black Bean Tacos

Canned black beans sautéed with onion, cumin, and chili powder become a flavorful taco filling in under ten minutes. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet and spoon in the beans, topping with veggies, cheese, or hot sauce. Because beans are so inexpensive, you can splurge on fresh toppings without blowing the budget. Double the recipe for lunch leftovers.

13. Weeknight Shepherd’s Pie

Ground beef or turkey stretches under a layer of frozen mixed vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes. Simmer the meat with a bit of broth and Worcestershire for flavor, then top with potatoes and bake until golden. You can even use instant potato flakes in a pinch. It’s a full meal in one pan with minimal cleanup.

14. Stovetop Mac & Cheese

Skip the boxed mix and make a simple cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and sharp cheddar. Stir in cooked pasta and season with a touch of mustard powder for depth. The homemade version costs about the same yet tastes richer and contains no mystery ingredients. Add steamed broccoli for extra nutrition.

15. One-Pot Chickpea Curry

Canned chickpeas simmer with onion, garlic, curry powder, and canned tomatoes for a flavorful base. A splash of coconut milk (or plain milk) mellows the spices and thickens the sauce. Serve over rice or with naan for a filling plant-based meal. The whole pot comes together in about 30 minutes.

16. BBQ Chicken Leg Quarters

Leg quarters are cheaper than boneless cuts and stay juicy during baking. Brush with your favorite barbecue sauce halfway through roasting so the sugar doesn’t burn. While the chicken cooks, toss together a quick slaw from cabbage and carrots. It’s a summer cookout vibe any time of year, oven included.

17. Ramen Stir-Fry

Discard the seasoning packets and repurpose inexpensive ramen noodles into a colorful stir-fry. Boil the noodles for just two minutes, then drain and toss into a hot pan with vegetables and soy sauce. A drizzle of sesame oil and a quick scramble of eggs make it taste restaurant-worthy. Total cook time: under 15 minutes.

18. Pancake Supper

Breakfast for dinner feels like a treat, and pantry staples of flour, eggs, and milk keep it thrifty. Whip up a big batch of batter, then cook pancakes on a greased griddle until golden. Serve with fruit, yogurt, or a side of scrambled eggs for protein. Leftover pancakes freeze well for busy mornings.

19. Turkey Meatball Subs

Lean ground turkey mixes with breadcrumbs, egg, and Italian seasoning to form tender meatballs. Simmer them in marinara and tuck into toasted sub rolls with a sprinkle of mozzarella. Because turkey is less expensive than beef, you get hearty sandwiches on a budget. A green side salad rounds out the meal.

20. Greek Lemon Chicken & Potatoes

This one-pan wonder uses bone-in chicken pieces and potatoes roasted together with olive oil, garlic, oregano, and plenty of lemon. The potatoes absorb the savory drippings, eliminating the need for extra sides. Use whatever fresh herbs you have—or dried works fine. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

21. Sausage & Peppers

Budget-friendly sausages stretch far when mixed with colorful bell peppers and onions. Brown the sausage coins, then sauté the veggies in the same pan to pick up flavor. A splash of tomato sauce ties everything together. Spoon over rice, pasta, or hoagie rolls for a versatile dinner.

22. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Hollowed-out peppers become edible bowls for a filling blend of seasoned rice and ground beef or turkey. Parboil the peppers first to ensure tenderness, stuff, then bake until bubbly. Swap quinoa or lentils for the rice if you prefer. Kids love getting their own personal pepper.

23. Cabbage Roll Casserole

All the flavor of traditional cabbage rolls without the fussy rolling. Layer chopped cabbage with a seasoned mixture of ground meat, rice, and tomato sauce. Bake until the cabbage softens and the flavors meld. It’s cozy, inexpensive, and feeds a small army.

24. Pepperoni Pasta Bake

Combine cooked penne, jarred marinara, mozzarella, and a handful of pepperoni for a kid-approved dinner. Bake until the cheese bubbles and the pepperoni edges crisp. Using pepperoni as a topping instead of main protein keeps costs low. Serve with a simple side salad.

25. Tofu & Broccoli Stir-Fry

Extra-firm tofu is inexpensive and soaks up whatever flavors you throw at it. Press and cube the tofu, sear until crispy, then add broccoli and a quick sauce of soy, ginger, and a touch of sugar. Serve over rice or noodles. Leftovers pack nicely for lunch.

26. Breakfast Burritos

Scrambled eggs stretch further when combined with roasted potatoes, beans, or sautéed veggies. Spoon the filling onto tortillas, add cheese, and roll tightly. Serve immediately or wrap in foil and freeze for grab-and-go meals. Salsa on the side keeps things lively.

27. Coconut Rice & Red Beans

Cooking rice in diluted coconut milk lends subtle sweetness and richness. Stir in canned kidney beans, thyme, and a pinch of allspice for a Caribbean twist. Everything happens in one pot, saving dishes and stovetop space. It’s naturally vegan and budget-friendly.

28. Slow-Cooker Pot Roast

A cheaper chuck roast becomes fork-tender after eight hours in a slow cooker. Nestle in potatoes, carrots, and onions along with broth and herbs. The vegetables soak up meaty juices, eliminating the need for separate sides. Bonus: the house smells amazing all day.

29. Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Jumbo shells cradle a creamy blend of ricotta, frozen spinach, and Parmesan. Arrange in a baking dish over marinara and spoon more sauce on top. Bake until the cheese melts and the shells puff slightly. They freeze beautifully before baking, perfect for future meals.

30. Minestrone Soup

This Italian staple cleans out the crisper drawer while feeding many. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery, add broth, tomatoes, beans, and any seasonal veggies, then finish with small pasta. A Parmesan rind simmered in the pot adds depth without extra cost. Serve with bread for dunking.

31. Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup

Thick bread slices and melty cheese come together in a buttery skillet for the ultimate comfort sandwich. Pair with homemade or canned tomato soup warmed and swirled with a splash of milk. The combination is quick, satisfying, and universally loved. Add basil or hot sauce to the soup for an adult twist.

32. Quick Calzones

Start with store-bought pizza dough or make a simple yeast dough at home. Fill with mozzarella, pepperoni, or leftover vegetables, fold, seal, and bake until puffed and golden. Each person can customize their own pocket. Serve with warm marinara for dipping.

33. Creamy Peanut Butter Noodles

Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, and a dash of vinegar into an irresistible sauce. Toss with cooked spaghetti or rice noodles and any quick-cooking veggies like shredded cabbage. The dish is ready faster than take-out and costs a fraction of the price. Add sliced grilled chicken if you need extra protein.

34. Corn Chowder

Frozen or canned corn keeps this soup cheap and available year-round. Sauté onion and bacon (optional) for flavor, add diced potatoes, broth, and corn, then simmer until tender. Finish with milk for creaminess. A sprinkle of chives on top makes it feel special.

35. Thai-Style Chicken Thighs over Rice

Chicken thighs marinated in soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and garlic transform into a tangy main dish. Pan-sear or bake until cooked through, then reduce the marinade into a sticky drizzle. Serve over plain rice to soak up every drop. The inexpensive cut delivers maximum flavor.

36. Vegetable Lo Mein

Lo mein is an excellent way to stretch a small amount of protein or skip it altogether. Cook noodles, then stir-fry with whatever vegetables are on hand and a quick sauce of soy, oyster sauce, and a hint of sugar. It comes together quicker than delivery. Leftovers pack well for lunchboxes.

37. Bean & Cheese Enchiladas

Corn tortillas fill with refried beans and shredded cheese before being nestled into a baking dish. Pour canned enchilada sauce over the top and bake until bubbly. It’s a vegetarian meal that satisfies hearty appetites. Serve with a side of rice or a crisp lettuce salad.

38. Teriyaki Pork Stir-Fry

Thinly sliced pork shoulder or loin cooks quickly and is often cheaper than beef. Stir-fry with mixed vegetables and a homemade teriyaki sauce of soy, ginger, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar. Serve over rice or noodles to catch the extra sauce. A sprinkle of sesame seeds finishes the dish with flair.