Feeding the Family on a Budget: Cheap Dinner Ideas that Taste Great

Has your grocery store bill increased lately? You’re not alone! It’s frustrating to spend so much money on a few staple items at the supermarket.  While you can’t control food costs in a volatile market, you can save your budget with some creative meal planning and cheap dinner ideas.

These cheap dinner ideas come from frugal ingredients where the meat is versatile and allows you to shop according to the current market prices.

Cheap Crockpot Meals

A crockpot is a useful kitchen tool for busy families.  It cooks a meal while you’re at work, saves the cost of using an oven, and allows you to feed a large family.

Chicken or beef chili Chicken with Italian dressing or salsa Chicken and dumplings Vegetable soup Pot roast and veggies Beef stew Taco Soup

Cheap Crockpot Meals

Easy  Cheap Casseroles

Casseroles, or one sheet pan dinners, combine foods that create a standalone meal. Casseroles use versatile ingredients and recipes can be adjusted to feed small or large families.

Shepherd’s pie Taco casserole Breakfast casserole Poppyseed chicken casserole Beef stroganoff Ground beef casserole

Easy Cheap Casseroles

Pasta Dinner Ideas

Pasta dinners provide many food choices that are affordable and delicious.  They are often a simple meal favorite that kids love too.

Spaghetti Homemade pizza Mac and cheese Lasagna Creamy chicken pasta Pasta salad Baked ziti

Pasta Dinner Ideas

Meatless Meals

Use what you have available in as many creative ways as possible. Most meals consist of beans, potatoes, and cornbread.

Potatoes Beans and rice Cheese or veggie quesadillas Bean and cheese burritos Vegetable stir fry Roasted vegetables and sweet potatoes

Meatless Meals

Sandwich Ideas for Dinner

Sometimes you’re a busy family on the go and need a cheap dinner idea with little to no cooking for an easy weeknight meal.  A sandwich can meet both needs with a few simple ingredients. Sandwiches for supper are a quick and cost-effective option.

Sloppy Joes Grilled cheese Pulled pork sandwiches Egg sandwich Hamburgers Bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich

Sandwich Ideas for Dinner

Breakfast for Dinner Ideas

Breakfast makes a meal at any time of the day and provides a quick and easy dinner that uses simple ingredients you likely already have in the fridge or pantry.  Oatmeal, fruits and omelets are nutritious choices that are easy to prepare at dinner time.

Breakfast casserole Oatmeal with fruit or yogurt Pancakes or waffles with fruit Omelets Cereal Gravy and biscuits

Breakfast for Dinner Ideas

Easy  Dinner Desserts

Whether it’s been a long day, there’s something to celebrate, or just to cure a sweet tooth, sometimes you need a dessert at dinner.  Adding a dessert to a meal does not have to blow your budget.

Pudding topped with whip cream Brownies Fudge Rice or bread pudding No bake cookies

Easy Dinner Desserts

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