These budget friendly dinners are perfect for when you need to stretch your grocery bill as far as you can. But in addition to being budget friendly, they are delicious family dinner ideas that your whole crew will love. There is a little something for everyone in this list. My hope is that you find a few that become regulars in your dinner rotations or even some new family favorites.
Pasta Carbonara
Only $1.45 per serving. This is a 20 minute meal that my kids absolutely devour. This is a great one to fall back on when you aren't sure what to make for dinner.
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Ham and Potato Soup
Only $1.55 per serving. You will fall in love with this cheesy potato soup. It is the perfect one pot dish that everyone will want second bowls of.
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Black Bean Soup
Only $1.57 per serving. This hearty soup is packed with so much flavor. It is absolutely delicious and perfect on a chilly evening.
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Sausage Broccoli Pasta
Only $1.64 per serving. This is a simple 30 minute pasta dish that your kids will love. It is easy to make, and such a staple to keep in your back pocket.
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Baked Chicken Tenders
Only $1.70 per serving. These are a family favorite! They bake up in the oven but are still absolutely crisp and delicious.
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Black Bean Enchiladas
Only $1.77 per serving. This vegetarian dinner will make even meat lovers drool. The homemade enchilada sauce is everything in this great dish.
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Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Only $1.79 per serving. This is such a delicious and simple 30 minute meal. Add it to a little bit of rice and you have a winner that everyone will love.
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Vegetarian Pasta Bake
Only $1.95 per serving. This casserole is a hearty favorite. And it is a great way to sneak in some vegetables too!
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Chicken and Rice Casserole
Only $2.10 a serving. This is a delicious and easy comforting casserole. It is also a great recipe to tweak, making it easy to add vegetables or other seasonings.
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Hamburger Helper
Only $2.14 per serving. If you liked boxed Hamburger Helper growing up, you are going to be amazed at how much more you love this. It is a simple recipe but absolutely comforting and delicious.
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Shepherd’s Pie
Only $2.30 per serving. My Sheperd's pie is the definition of comfort in a casserole dish. It being budget friendly is just the icing on the cake – or the potatoes on the filling.
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Tuna Stuffed Tomatoes
Only $2.32 per serving. This is a fantastic low budget lunch option that will keep you full all afternoon!
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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Only $2.45 per serving. This delicious dinner is a classic for a reason. Cabbage leaves are stuffed with meat, rice, and the perfect seasonings and then baked in a tomato sauce. You will love this!
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Sausage and Peppers
Only $2.47 a serving. This 30 minute meal is made with simple ingredients and can be served is buns or over pasta. Either way, this is a great meal for kids!
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Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
Only $2.49 a serving. This delicious recipe comes together really quickly in the crockpot and then cooks all day while you are at work. It is a delicious dinner to come home to.
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Tamale Pie
Only $2.60 per serving. This delicious Tamale Pie is easy to make, but total comfort food. It makes a big casserole dish full, which is perfect for leftovers.
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Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Only $2.88 per serving. After you chop up an onion, this is a dump and forget dinner in the slow cooker. It is perfect for weeknights full of after school activities. It's the ideal cozy meal to come home to.
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Tater Tot Casserole
Only $2.89 per serving. This delicious dinner recipe comes together with just 15 minutes of hands on time. This Tater Tot Casserole is picky eater approved, and bound to become a go to dinner on busy nights.
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sue vormann says
Hi, Lisa, these sound amazing. I plan to make at least 5 of these. I made your Enchiladas with homemade sauce for a church dinner and people raved about it.
Thanks for all the tips.
I’m so happy to hear that, Sue! I hope you love these too.