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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    36 Budget-Friendly Meals Your Family Will Actually Eat

    Published: Mar 30, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Finding affordable meals that are easy to prepare can make a big difference for families on a budget. With a little creativity, you can whip up 35 delicious dishes that won't break the bank. These meals are not only simple to make but also satisfying, helping you save money while still enjoying great food. We know "cheap" can mean different things to different people, so here you will find recipes fitting a variety of budgets - but all without any unnecessarily expensive ingredients.

    Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup

    Chicken noodle soup.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This spicy soup is packed with Thai flavors and is great for cozy nights in. It's a comforting dish that's easy to whip up and perfect for the whole family.

    Get the recipe

    Turkey Burgers

    An air fryer turkey burger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This turkey burger is unlike any other you'll find. It's a simple and affordable meal that the whole family will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Hobo Dinner

    Hobo Dinner in the Slow Cooker.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This Crock Pot Hobo Dinner is a simple way to prepare a full meal in one go. It combines a flavorful meatloaf with sliced potatoes, all cooked together for a satisfying family dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Spiced Carrot and Swede Soup

    Spiced Carrot and Swede Soup.
    Photo Credit: Cinnamon and Kale.

    This spiced carrot and swede soup is warm and tasty. It's full of flavor from curried winter vegetables and is a great way to include more veggies in your meal, making it a healthy choice for lunch or as a starter.

    Get the Recipe

    Ricotta Lemon Pasta

    A serving of lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo Credit: Chenee Today.

    This lemon ricotta pasta sauce is simple to prepare and brings a fresh flavor to your dinner. It's a bright and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

    Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This cranberry chicken dish is simple and only requires four ingredients: chicken breasts, French onion soup mix, French onion dressing, and cranberry sauce. It's a great option for families looking for an easy meal that doesn't take much time to prepare.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

    Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Peasant's Daughter.

    Creamy tomato basil chicken is full of flavor and made with simple ingredients that come together easily. This dish is perfect for a family meal and cooks slowly to bring out the best taste.

    Get the Recipe

    Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti

    Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a simple meal that you can just throw together on a busy weeknight. With its familiar flavors, this easy dinner is sure to be a favorite for the whole family.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Stuffing Casserole

    Chicken Stuffing Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This is a great dinner option for busy weeknights. With tasty stove-top stuffing, shredded chicken, and a creamy mushroom sauce, it's a dish that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Spinach Broccoli Pea Soup

    Spinach Broccoli Peas Soup.
    Photo Credit: Mildly Indian.

    This dish is filling, hearty, and delicious, perfect for families on a budget. It's a simple meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Vegetarian Ceasar Salad

    Vegetarian Ceasar salad.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This is a tasty vegetarian take on a classic lunch dish. It's simple to prepare and perfect for families looking for a budget-friendly meal.

    Get the recipe

    Minestrone Soup

    A bowl of Minestrone Soup.
    Photo Credit: Fun Food Frolic.

    Minestrone is a simple Italian soup filled with vegetables and pasta. This dish can be ready in under 30 minutes using an instant pot.

    Get the recipe

    Easy Taco Casserole

    Taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This taco casseorle is loaded with all the good stuff: well-seasoned ground beef, cream cheese, sour cream and melted cheese on top. It's a great dinner any night of the week, and it comes together in under 30 minutes!

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

    Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Slow cooker teriyaki chicken is a simple dish that's even better than takeout. It's perfect for a filling weeknight meal when you want something easy to prepare.

    Get the Recipe

    Potato Leek Soup

    Potato Leek Soup.
    Photo Credit: Sugar Spun Run.

    This potato leek soup is simple to make and packed with flavor. You can prep it in just 10 minutes using one pot, and it's ready in under an hour.

    Get the Recipe

    White Bean Stew

    White bean stew with bread.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This White Bean Stew is packed with the fresh flavors of Tuscan cooking and is completely vegan. It's a great option for a family dinner on a busy weeknight or for meal prep.

    Get the recipe

    Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

    Parmesan crusted chicken on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Crispy Parmesan crusted chicken is quick and easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients. It only takes about 15 minutes to get this delicious meal on the table.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

    Slow Cooker Greek Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Lazy Slow Cooker.

    This is a simple and tasty dinner that the whole family will enjoy. You can cook tender chicken and baby potatoes in a light lemon sauce using your slow cooker, and the addition of kalamata olives and feta cheese adds great flavor without much work.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken and Potatoes

    Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken and Potatoes.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This is a tasty one-pot meal that the whole family will love. It features baby carrots, red potatoes, and a creamy sauce made with ranch dressing mix and cream of chicken soup.

    Get the Recipe

    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Dinner can be simple with just 12 minutes, 5 ingredients, and one pot. This is an easy meal that the whole family will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Cottage Pie

    Slow Cooker Cottage Pie.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This dish is sure to please everyone in the family. With ground beef, veggies, and seasonings topped with mashed potatoes, it's a filling comfort food that's perfect for any night.

    Get the Recipe

    Tomato Gnocchi Soup

    Tomato Gnocchi Soup.
    Photo Credit: Kathryn's Kitchen Blog.

    This soup is rich and tasty, packed with soft gnocchi that feels great to eat. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect cozy dinner for the whole family any night.

    Get the Recipe

    Sesame Chicken

    Sesame chicken served over rice.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    Sesame Chicken is a simple and tasty dish that's great for any meal. It's easy to make and has a comforting flavor that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Lemongrass Chicken

    Lemongrass chicken.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Lemongrass chicken is a favorite Vietnamese dish known for its bright citrus flavor and savory garlic. It's simple to add to rice bowls, noodle dishes, and other meals, making it a versatile choice for family dinners.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas

    Quesadillas.
    Image credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Cheesy quesadillas are so easy to make in the air fryer

    Get the recipe

    Stuffed Chicken Breast

    Stuffed Chicken Breast.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This cheesy stuffed chicken breast is packed with delicious Mediterranean flavors such as sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and feta cheese. It's a simple and tasty meal that the whole family will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Turkey Soup

    A bowl of Instant Pot Turkey Soup.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This soup is filled with tender turkey and has a bright lemon flavor that really shines through. It's a great choice for a warm and cozy meal any time.

    Get the recipe

    Panang Curry with Tofu & Veggies

    A pot full of vegan panang curry.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This Panang Curry is creamy and packed with a nice mix of sweet and spicy flavors. It's simple to prepare and perfect for a family meal.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Busy Family Recipes.

    This is a simple and tasty meal you can make in a crockpot, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. You only need about 10 minutes to get everything ready before letting the crockpot do the work.

    Get the Recipe

    Baked Spicy Honey Chicken

    Slices of baked spicy honey chicken.
    Photo Credit: Well Fed Baker.

    This chicken dish is cooked in a spicy honey sauce that gives it a delicious, sticky glaze. It's simple to make and perfect for a family meal.

    Get the recipe

    Curried Cauliflower Soup

    Curried Cauliflower Soup.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This vegetarian curried cauliflower soup is quick to prepare and packed with vegetables. It's a great way to add more healthy options to your family's meals.

    Get the Recipe

    Vegan Potato Soup with Kale

    Vegan Potato Soup with Kale
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie Blog.

    This vegan potato soup is packed with fresh vegetables and is perfect for a cozy dinner. It's a comforting dish that's easy to make and great for any night of the week.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken in a Hurry

    Slow Cooker Chicken in a Hurry.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish is a simple and tasty crockpot meal that combines tender chicken with onion soup mix, apricot preserves, and Russian dressing for a sweet and tangy flavor. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something easy and delicious for the family.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken

    Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow cooker pineapple chicken combines tender chicken with bell peppers, onion, and garlic in a tasty pineapple sauce. This dish is a fun and tropical option for family dinners.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Drumsticks

    Air fryer drumsticks.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These drumsticks are packed with flavor and are super easy to make. They're perfect for family dinners when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Cajun Chicken Wraps

    Cajun chicken with tortilla wrap.
    Photo Credit: Elle & Pear.

    Cajun Chicken Wraps feature crispy chicken thighs marinated in a spicy mayo, combined with crunchy romaine, fresh tomatoes, and avocado all wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla. This meal is quick to prepare, taking just over 30 minutes with only one pan and little prep work.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Steak tacos or fajitas.
      20 Simple Steak Dinners You Can Start Right Now
    • Mac and cheese.
      26 Rich Pasta Recipes Perfect for This Week's Menu
    • Vegan gnocchi soup.
      28 Dump-and-Cook Recipes Your Whole Family Will Love
    • Fajita casserole.
      22 Hearty Toss-and-Bake Meals You Can Make Real Quick
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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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