Food is one of the largest expenses a family can have each month. If you take a moment and look at the average American family’s spending, food is one of the most common budget busters people are faced with.
That’s why I created this list of quick and simple dinner ideas that are budget friendly and delicious.
The USDA-United States Department of Agriculture reported for April 2018 that the average household of 4 spends $885-1056 per month on food.
This is a ton of money! Especially considering that many American families waste a large portion of their food each month.
One of the easiest ways to get your food budget back on track is to begin cooking at home. If you are looking for recipes that are budget-friendly and still delicious, you’re in the right place.
There are tons of tasty and simple dinner ideas that can be made at home with ingredients you may already have.
The best way to begin planning your menu is to look for meal-stretching recipes.
Meal-stretching is being mindful of the ingredients you are purchasing and recognizing that they can be used in multiple recipes.
For instance, if you are making beef and bean burritos for dinner one night you can decide to make beef and bean chili the following night. When you are making fajitas you can throw the leftover veggies in your eggs the next morning.
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Looking for more easy and crowd-pleasing recipes? Don’t miss my favorite potluck foods, fresh salads, vegetable side dishes, and tasty BBQ food ideas — perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to weekend get-togethers.
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Table of Contents
Chicken Lo Mein
Packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and slurp-worthy noodles, Chicken Lo Mein is a go-to comfort dish that’s both quick to make and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something savory and homemade!
Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Crockpot chicken tacos are the ultimate easy dinner—just toss in the ingredients, let the slow cooker do its thing, and come home to juicy, flavorful taco filling. Perfect for busy weeknights, taco Tuesdays, or feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
Chicken Shells And Broccoli
Chicken shells and broccoli is a comforting, creamy dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender pasta shells, juicy chicken, and crisp broccoli come together in a cheesy sauce that’s both satisfying and simple to make.
Black Bean Quesadilla
A black bean quesadilla is a quick and flavorful meal, packed with protein-rich black beans, melted cheese, and your favorite seasonings all toasted in a crispy tortilla. It’s a budget-friendly option that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack.
Hamburger And Macaroni
Hamburger and macaroni is a comforting, one-skillet classic that combines seasoned ground beef with tender pasta in a savory tomato-based sauce. It’s a go-to weeknight dinner that’s simple, filling, and loved by both kids and adults.
Best Homemade Chili
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of bold, savory comfort packed with slow-simmered spices, tender meat, and hearty beans. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Vegetarian Black Bean And Rice Burritos
Packed with flavor and protein, these burritos make a satisfying meatless option that doesn’t skimp on heartiness. They’re perfect for meal prep, quick weeknight dinners, or a grab-and-go lunch with all your favorite toppings.
pea Soup
Comforting and classic, this creamy soup brings out the earthy sweetness of peas in the most soothing way. Whether you make it with ham for richness or keep it simple and vegetarian, it’s a cozy bowl that warms you from the inside out.
Beef Vegetable Noodle Soup
Beef Vegetable Noodle Soup in the crockpot is my go-to for a wholesome, comforting meal – the slow cooking melds the flavors of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and hearty noodles into a robust, aromatic soup that not only nourishes my body, but also soothes my soul after a long day.
Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas
Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas are the ultimate summer meal when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.Tender, shredded chicken wrapped in cheesy, saucy goodness that’s perfect for those easy, laid-back summer evenings. Plus, you can top it off with your favorite toppings, making it a dish the whole family will love.
Crockpot Turkey Vegetable Soup
This hearty and healthy turkey vegetable soup is a comforting dish that combines lean turkey with a variety of fresh vegetables, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a nourishing, light meal that’s full of flavor and perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
Slow Cooker Carnitas
Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, this slow-cooked dish features pork that falls apart with the slightest touch, making it perfect for tacos, burritos, or over rice. The savory seasoning blends beautifully with the richness of the pork, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Baked Potato With Smoky Beans
A baked potato topped with smoky beans makes for a deliciously hearty and comforting meal. The crispy skin and fluffy interior of the potato pair perfectly with the rich, smoky flavors of the beans, creating a satisfying and nutritious dish.
Chicken Stir Fry
Chicken stir fry is a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, it’s a well-balanced dish that’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies and seasonings.
Pasta E Fagioli
This hearty Italian soup blends pasta, beans, and vegetables in a savory broth, offering a warm and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a deliciously simple dish that brings comfort and flavor, making it a favorite in many homes.
Crockpot Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Crockpot pulled pork sandwiches are a go-to comfort food that’s incredibly easy to make and full of flavor. Simply let the pork cook in the slow cooker with a mix of spices and sauce until it’s perfectly tender and easily shredded, then pile it high on a bun for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ground Turkey Skillet Dinner
This simple and delicious one-pan meal combines lean ground turkey with savory seasonings and vegetables, creating a flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare and easy to clean up. It’s a perfect option for busy weeknights when you’re craving something healthy and satisfying.
Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice
This comforting dish features tender chicken cooked alongside fluffy rice in a savory broth, creating a hearty and flavorful meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you need a warm and satisfying meal.
Homemade Mac And Cheese
This homemade mac and cheese is the perfect blend of creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta, creating a rich and comforting dish that everyone will love. It’s simple to make from scratch, and the combination of sharp cheddar and velvety cream creates a decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Sloppy Joes
This meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you need something simple and satisfying. With ground beef in a flavorful tangy sauce, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.
Easy Chicken Salad
This is a quick and refreshing meal, perfect for busy days. Packed with tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy dressing, it’s both healthy and delicious, making it ideal for a light lunch or dinner.
Crockpot Vegetable Curry
This flavorful crockpot vegetable curry is the perfect comfort food for a cozy meal. Packed with a variety of fresh vegetables and simmered in a rich, aromatic curry sauce, it’s a hearty and nutritious dish that’s easy to make and perfect for meal prepping.
Quinoa and Black Bean Casserole
This dish offers a satisfying combination of quinoa and black beans, making it a hearty and nutritious meal. With a flavorful mix of spices and vegetables, it’s the perfect balance of protein and fiber for a filling dinner that’s both healthy and delicious.
Thai Red Curry
This Thai red curry brings vibrant flavors to the table with a rich, creamy coconut milk base, perfectly paired with a mix of fresh vegetables and protein of your choice. The aromatic spices and herbs make it a deliciously fragrant and comforting dish, ideal for a satisfying meal.
Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken
This dish features tender chicken simmered in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, creating a perfectly balanced flavor that’s both comforting and delicious. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s easy to prepare and packed with taste, making it a favorite in any kitchen
Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas
These enchiladas are made with tender chicken smothered in a tangy salsa verde sauce, wrapped in soft tortillas, and baked to perfection with melted cheese. It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the perfect balance of heat and freshness, making it a go-to for any dinner table.
Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs is a classic comfort food that brings joy to my taste buds; the slow-cooked meatballs simmering in a flavorful tomato sauce, infusing the pasta with rich, savory goodness, creates a satisfying and easy-to-make dish that is sure to please everyone at the table, while also freeing up my time for other tasks.
Red Beans And Rice
This hearty and flavorful dish features tender red beans cooked with a blend of spices, onions, and bell peppers, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion, delivering a satisfying mix of protein and flavor with every bite.
Crockpot French Dip Sandwich
This is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any busy weeknight. The beef is slow-cooked until it’s tender and juicy, soaking up all the rich flavors of the broth. When it’s time to eat, just pile the meat onto a soft baguette or hoagie roll, and dip it into the savory au jus for that perfect bite.
Wrapping Up Dirt Cheap Meals That Won’t Hurt Your Budget
Creating budget-friendly meals doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
With a little creativity and smart planning, you can make hearty, delicious dishes that will satisfy your taste buds and keep your wallet happy.
Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, these dirt-cheap meal ideas prove that eating well on a budget is always possible.
So next time you’re looking to save, give these simple and frugal meals a try—they’ll stretch your dollars without skimping on taste!
