Let's face it, no one's paycheck is going as far as it once was. But that doesn't mean you have to eat the same old tasteless meal over and over again. Whether you're feeding a family of four, yourself and a partner, or just you, these easy dinner ideas will help you keep dinner both interesting and on-budget. We've got kid-friendly meals (hello quesadillas), romantic dinners (did someone say alfredo?) and plenty of healthy ideas with chicken, ground beef, fish, and of course plenty of healthy (and cheap!) veggies. There's even a couple smart ways to stretch steak when you want to splurge! What are you waiting for? Dig in!
Ian Palmer
1 of 58
Easy-Peasy Stovetop Mac 'n Cheesy
Is there a more classic cheap dinner than mac 'n cheese? While this recipe costs a smidge more than the boxed stuff, it's better by so many leagues that we think you'll agree it's worth the extra [does math] $1. Especially because this recipe shows you how to cook the pasta and make the sauce all in the same pot, no draining required!
Get the recipe for Easy-Peasy Stovetop Mac 'n Cheesy.
Ian Palmer
2 of 58
Ian Palmer
3 of 58
Bagel Pizzas
Bagel pizzas are fast and fun whether you're a kid, or just a kid at heart. This recipe has a neat little trick for getting extra sauce, and reducing mess.
Get the recipe for Bagel Pizzas.
Ian Palmer
4 of 58
Tex-Mex Chicken Meatballs
Ian Palmer
5 of 58
Ground Chicken Tacos
Another classic frugal-night food is tacos, of course! We make 'em even more frugal with chicken, and then add plenty of flavor and toppings so they're yummy as can be.
Get the recipe for Ground Chicken Tacos.
Ian Palmer
6 of 58
Swedish Meatballs with Chicken
Ian Palmer
7 of 58
Becky Luigart-Stayner
8 of 58
Loaded Potato Bar
This hearty as-you-like-it recipe turns a pile of potatoes and some toppings (or as we say, "whatever's still in the fridge") into a fun family dinner.
Get the recipe for Loaded Potato Bar.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
9 of 58
White Turkey and Poblano Chili
A hearty chili hits the spot, but if you don't want to splurge on beef, try making it white-chili style. Pro tip: you can save even more money, plus a little time, by using an already-cooked rotisserie chicken instead.
Get the recipe for White Turkey and Poblano Chili.
Ian Palmer
10 of 58
Crispy, Delicious Chicken Parmesan
Ian Palmer
11 of 58
Ian Palmer
12 of 58
Ground Chicken Noodle Casserole
Ian Palmer
13 of 58
Becky Luigart-Stayner
14 of 58
Caprese Pasta Salad
Pasta makes a filling and inexpensive dinner, but when it's hot (or you're simply tired of red sauce) you may want to switch it up. This simple meal is just four ingredients, plus a dressing of vinegar, oil, and honey.
Get the recipe for Caprese Pasta Salad.
Ian Palmer
15 of 58
The Best-Ever Bolognese Sauce
When cooked over a low temperature for several hours, something magical happens to tomatoes, red wine, ground beef, and a little milk or heavy cream. Their flavors meld into an irresistible sauce that's more than worth the afternoon spent letting it burble on the stove.
Get the recipe for Bolognese Sauce.
Ren Fuller
16 of 58
Hector M. Sanchez
17 of 58
Broccoli Steaks with Spiced Tomato Jam
An easy way to cut back on expense is to cut out the most expensive ingredient: meat. Sliced thick and seared in a pan, broccoli makes a hearty and toothsome main dish. Make extra of the tomato jam. It's very good.
Get the recipe for Broccoli Steaks.
Ian Palmer
18 of 58
Easy, Peasy Fettuccini Alfredo
Ian Palmer
19 of 58
Chicken Marsala
This comfort-food staple needs just chicken, mushrooms, and a few pantry staples. While we recommend using a more drinkable marsala wine, cooking wine is the much less expensive option.
Get the recipe for Chicken Marsala.
Ian Palmer
20 of 58
Chicken Quesadillas
The secret to these super delicious, easy-as-pie weeknight quesadillas? A quick sauce made from flour and stock, which flavors the cooked veggies and helps them to stick together, so they don't fall out as you're eating.
Get the recipe for Chicken Quesadillas.
Hector M. Sanchez
21 of 58
Pan-Seared Gnocchi with Parmesan-Roasted Summer Squash and Herbs
Here's another dish that skips the meat without leaving diners hungry. Instead of boiling gnocchi like pasta, a quick turn in a hot skillet gives them a slight char and a delightful crunchy-chewy texture.
Get the recipe for Pan-Seared Gnocchi.
Ian Palmer
22 of 58
Ian Palmer
23 of 58
Weeknight Chicken and Dumplings
Ian Palmer
24 of 58
Tex-Mex Chicken Enchiladas
Ian Palmer
25 of 58
Ian Palmer
26 of 58
Easy Chicken-and-Spinach Tortellini Soup
Ian Palmer
27 of 58
Easiest-Ever Chicken Alfredo
This sauce, made from cream and butter, comes together fast and isn't much more expensive than jarred red sauce. The chicken keeps it filling!
Get the recipe for Chicken Alfredo.
Ian Palmer
28 of 58
Best-Ever Easy Sloppy Joes
Forget seasoning packets or cans of meat. Sloppy Joes are easy enough to make with fresh ingredients, and they taste far better that way. Give this recipe a try and you'll see for yourself.
0 Response to "Easy Family Friendly Buget Meals Family Friendly Budget Meals"
Post a Comment