Easy and Cheap Dinner Ideas
Easy, affordable dinner ideas for when money is tight, or you need something simple and cheap.
Feeding a family can get expensive, especially when grocery prices keep rising. And sometimes, the hardest part isn’t even cooking dinner. It’s figuring out what to make in the first place.
That’s why I love keeping a list of our family’s favorite struggle meals.
These are the dinners I turn to when I need to stretch the grocery budget, use what we already have, or get something filling on the table without spending a fortune.
You won’t find anything fancy here. Just simple family favorites like spaghetti, casseroles, soup, beans, cornbread, tacos, chicken dinners, and plenty of easy meals that can feed a hungry family.
Whether you’re feeding a large family, trying to spend less on groceries, or simply looking for inexpensive dinner inspiration, I hope this list helps make mealtime a little easier!
Cheap Ground Beef Dinners
Ground beef can be a fantastic go-to ingredient for family meals, especially when you stretch it with beans, pasta, rice, or vegetables. It’s so versatile, no wonder it’s such a popular meal start.
1. Spaghetti
Spaghetti is one of those dinners that’s easy to make, filling, and usually a hit with the kids. Add ground beef to your favorite pasta sauce, or skip the meat to save even more money.
2. Chili
A big pot of chili can feed a family for dinner and sometimes lunch the next day. Beans, tomatoes, and a little ground beef make a hearty meal that can go a long way.
3. Tacos
Taco night is always a favorite! Stretch your ground beef with black beans or refried beans and let everyone add their favorite toppings. Not to mention, there are so many different ways to dress up a taco.
When you want tacos without all the extra dishes, make everything together in one skillet. Ground beef, taco seasoning, rice, beans, and cheese make an easy family dinner.
5. Sloppy Joes and Fries
Sloppy joes are a classic budget-friendly meal. Serve the meat mixture on hamburger buns with fries, chips, or whatever side you already have.
Fill bell peppers with seasoned ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and cheese. Rice helps stretch the meat, and you can use whatever color peppers are on sale.
7. Salisbury Steak
Salisbury steak is a comforting dinner made with seasoned hamburger patties and gravy. Serve it with mashed potatoes or noodles.
8. Bacon Burgers and Fries
Homemade burgers cost much less than takeout. Add bacon when you have it and serve with oven-baked fries.
9. Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a classic family dinner that uses simple ingredients. Breadcrumbs or oats help stretch the ground beef, and leftovers make great sandwiches.
10. Meatballs
Serve homemade or frozen meatballs with spaghetti, rice, mashed potatoes, or even on sandwich rolls.
11. Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet
Think homemade hamburger helper. Combine cooked ground beef, macaroni, seasonings, and cheese for an easy one-pan dinner.
12. Hamburger Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Brown ground beef with onions and make a simple gravy. Spoon it over mashed potatoes for an inexpensive, filling comfort meal.
13. Taco Rice Bowls
Layer rice, taco-seasoned beef, beans, lettuce, and cheese in bowls. This is also a great way to use leftover taco meat.
14. Beef and Bean Burritos
Stretch a little ground beef with refried beans and rice, then wrap everything in tortillas. Make extra to freeze for busy nights.
15. Hamburger Vegetable Soup
A little ground beef, frozen vegetables, potatoes, and broth can make a big pot of hearty soup perfect for those chilly fall nights.
16. Goulash
Ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes, and seasonings make an easy one-pot meal that feeds several people with little effort.
Combine ground beef, pasta or potatoes, and cheese for a filling baked dinner. Add vegetables to make it stretch further.
18. Walking Tacos
Serve taco meat, beans, cheese, and toppings over tortilla chips or corn chips. You can use bowls instead of individual chip bags to keep costs down. But they aren’t quite as fun as filling a bag of chips with your favorite taco toppings.
19. Beef Stroganoff
Ground beef, egg noodles, and a creamy sauce make an affordable version of this classic dinner. Mushrooms are optional. (I would chose the no mushroom option!)
20. Shepherd’s Pie
Use ground beef, mixed vegetables, gravy, and mashed potatoes to make a comforting casserole.
Easy Chicken Dinners for Families
Chicken is one of my favorite ingredients for easy dinners because you can prepare it so many ways. Also, buying larger packages on sale and freezing portions can help save money.
21. BBQ Chicken
Coat chicken in barbecue sauce and bake or slow cook until tender. Serve with rice, potatoes, or an inexpensive vegetable.
22. Mayo and Ritz Cracker Chicken
Coat chicken with mayonnaise and crushed Ritz crackers, then bake until fully cooked. The cracker coating adds a delicious buttery crunch. My kids love this recipe!
23. Chicken Casserole
A simple chicken casserole made with cooked chicken, noodles, vegetables, and a creamy sauce is a great way to stretch leftovers. I remember this being a go to staple on our table as a kid.
Chicken and dumplings is a comforting meal that can feed a crowd. Use homemade dumplings or a shortcut version with biscuit dough. This is especially easy if you use that handy slow cooker.
25. Lemon Chicken
Season chicken with lemon, garlic, and your favorite herbs. Serve with rice, potatoes, or pasta for a simple dinner.
26. Chicken Alfredo
Pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce make an easy family favorite. Use leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken to save preparation time.
27. Italian Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans
This simple sheet-pan or baking-dish dinner is easy to make. Combine chicken, potatoes, and green beans with Italian seasonings and bake until everything is cooked.
28. Chicken and Rice Casserole
Chicken and rice are a great combination when you need something filling. Add broth, seasonings, and vegetables for a complete meal.
29. Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie is perfect for using leftover chicken and frozen vegetables. Using a store-bought pie crust or biscuit topping can make it easier and quicker for your busy night.
30. Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Cook chicken with barbecue sauce, shred it, and serve on hamburger buns. You can even add coleslaw or chips on the side for a complete and satisfying meal.
31. Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken, noodles, carrots, celery, and broth make a comforting meal that can stretch a small amount of meat.
32. Chicken Fried Rice
Leftover rice, eggs, frozen vegetables, and chopped chicken make an easy skillet dinner.
Combine cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, cheese, and a creamy or tomato-based sauce. Then you’ll want to bake until bubbly.
34. Ranch Chicken and Potatoes
Season chicken and chopped potatoes with ranch seasoning and bake together for an easy dinner with minimal cleanup.
35. Chicken Tortilla Soup
Make a big pot with chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, and broth. Then top with crushed tortilla chips and cheese.
36. Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Toss cooked chicken with buffalo sauce and wrap it in tortillas with lettuce, cheese, and ranch dressing.
37. Chicken Parmesan
Bread chicken, bake or pan-cook it until done, then top with marinara and mozzarella. One of the best ways to eat it is to serve over spaghetti.
38. Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Combine cooked chicken, stuffing mix, and a creamy sauce for a comforting casserole that uses pantry ingredients. (win)
39. Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake
Mix chicken, rice, broccoli, and cheese for an easy family dinner that includes the main dish and vegetables in one pan.
40. Homemade Chicken Nuggets and Fries
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, bread them, and bake or air-fry until cooked through. Serve with homemade potato wedges or frozen fries.
Pork, Sausage, and Ham Dinners
Pork, sausage, and ham can be affordable options when you shop sales or use leftovers from another meal.
41. Sausage, Green Beans, and Potatoes
Slice smoked sausage and cook it with potatoes and green beans. It’s an easy, filling dinner that only needs a few ingredients.
42. Pork and Rice
Serve seasoned pork over rice with gravy or a simple sauce. Also, rice helps make the meal stretch further.
Layer ham and cheese on slider buns and bake until warm and the cheese melts. These are great for a quick dinner with chips or vegetables, plus kids devour them!
44. Roast
A slow-cooked roast with potatoes and carrots is a classic family dinner. Watch for sales on larger cuts of meat and use leftovers for another meal.
45. Mom’s Roast
Sometimes a family recipe deserves its own spot! Whether it’s the seasonings, gravy, or cooking method, a favorite homemade roast can be one of the best comfort meals. This one is Mississippi Roast and can feed a crowd.
46. Pork Loin, Salad, and Rolls
Pork loin can provide several servings, especially when paired with salad, bread, and inexpensive sides. Plus you can buy pork loin at Aldi for a reasonable price.
47. Pork Chops
Pan-fry or bake pork chops with simple seasonings. Then serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or any vegetables you have on hand.
48. Smoked Sausage and Rice Skillet
Cook sliced sausage with rice, onions, and frozen vegetables for a quick one-pan dinner.
49. Ham and Potato Casserole
Combine diced ham, potatoes, cheese, and a creamy sauce. This is a great way to use leftover holiday ham.
50. Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Slow-cook pork until tender, shred it, and serve with barbecue sauce on buns. Freeze leftover meat for another dinner.
51. Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
Biscuits covered in homemade sausage gravy make a filling breakfast-for-dinner option and can be relatively inexpensive to make.
52. Fried Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
Pan-fry diced potatoes and smoked sausage with onions until browned. This inexpensive skillet meal uses simple ingredients, a win for moms who are busy and tired.
53. Ham and Bean Soup
Use leftover ham, dried or canned beans, and broth to make a hearty soup. Best when served with cornbread. (or so the kids say)
54. Pork Carnitas Tacos
Slow-cook pork with seasonings, shred it, and use it in tacos. Leftovers also work well in rice bowls and quesadillas.
55. Sausage and Peppers Sandwiches
Cook sausage with sliced bell peppers and onions, then serve on sandwich rolls.
Pasta, Casseroles, and Comfort Food
Pasta and casseroles are some of my favorite struggle meals because they can feed several people with ingredients you probably already have.
Layer seasoned ground beef, a creamy sauce, vegetables if desired, and frozen tater tots. Bake until golden and bubbly. A hit with all the kids!
57. Beef and Macaroni Soup
Ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes, and broth make a hearty soup that’s easy to stretch with extra pasta or vegetables.
58. Tuna Casserole
Tuna, noodles, peas, and a creamy sauce make an inexpensive pantry dinner. Top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for a comfort filling casserole.
59. Lasagna
Lasagna takes a little more prep, but a large pan feeds a family and leaves leftovers. You can even make a meatless version to cut costs.
60. Baked Ziti
Pasta, marinara, and cheese are the basics of this easy casserole. You can also add ground beef or sausage if your budget allows.
61. Pizza Pasta Bake
Combine cooked pasta, pizza sauce, mozzarella, and your favorite pizza toppings. Then you’ll bake until the cheese melts.
62. Creamy Garlic Butter Noodles
Cook pasta and toss it with butter, garlic, Parmesan, and a little pasta water. Add peas or another vegetable for a simple meatless dinner.
63. Broccoli Cheddar Pasta
Combine cooked pasta with broccoli and a creamy cheddar sauce. Don’t worry about the fresh stuff, frozen broccoli works perfectly fine.
64. Baked Spaghetti
Turn leftover spaghetti into a casserole by adding cheese and baking it until bubbly.
65. Ravioli Casserole
Layer refrigerated or frozen ravioli with pasta sauce and mozzarella, then bake. It’s an easy shortcut to a lasagna-style meal. (I would call this the lazy mom lasagna; we can be lazy sometimes, right?)
66. Macaroni and Cheese with Hot Dogs
Homemade or boxed macaroni and cheese becomes a more filling meal with sliced hot dogs and a side of vegetables. Yes it’s such a kid meal but they’ll eat it and it won’t cost you a pretty penny.
67. Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Rice, broccoli, cheese, and a simple sauce make a budget-friendly meatless dinner or a side for leftover meat.
68. Stuffed Shells
Fill jumbo pasta shells with ricotta or cottage cheese, cover with marinara, and bake. You can even freeze an extra pan for later.
69. Pizza Quesadillas
Fill tortillas with mozzarella, pepperoni, and a little pizza sauce. Then cook in a skillet until crisp and serve with extra sauce for dipping.
70. Egg Roll in a Bowl
Ground pork or another protein, cabbage, carrots, and a savory sauce create egg-roll flavor without the wrapper. Serve over rice to make it more filling. My son devours these!
Mexican-Inspired Family Favorites
These meals are easy to customize with beans, rice, tortillas, and whatever toppings you have in the refrigerator.
71. Fajitas
Cook chicken or another protein with peppers and onions. Serve in tortillas with rice, beans, or your favorite toppings.
72. Cheese Quesadillas
Cheese quesadillas are one of the easiest dinners around. Add leftover chicken, beans, or vegetables to make them more filling.
73. Bean Burritos
Refried beans, cheese, and tortillas make a simple, inexpensive dinner. Add rice to stretch the filling.
74. Enchiladas
Fill tortillas with chicken, beef, beans, or cheese, cover with enchilada sauce, and bake.
75. Black Bean and Rice Bowls
Season black beans and serve over rice with salsa, cheese, and vegetables. This is a great meatless option that can save on extra costs.
76. Cheese and Bean Tostadas
Spread refried beans over crispy tortillas, add cheese, and finish with lettuce, salsa, or other toppings.
77. Homemade Bean and Cheese Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with beans and cheese, then bake until the cheese melts. Add inexpensive toppings like tomatoes, onions, or salsa.
Soups, Beans, and Meatless Meals
When the grocery budget is especially tight, soups, beans, potatoes, and sandwiches can help stretch your food dollars.
78. Potato Soup
Potatoes, broth, milk, and seasonings make a creamy, filling soup. Top with cheese, bacon bits, or green onions if you have them.
79. Salad and Baked Potato Bar
Bake potatoes and let everyone add their favorite toppings. Serve with a simple salad for an easy family dinner.
80. Grilled Cheese and Soup
Grilled cheese sandwiches and soup are a classic inexpensive meal, especially on chilly evenings.
81. Soup, Beans, and Cornbread
A pot of seasoned beans with homemade cornbread is a filling, traditional dinner made with inexpensive ingredients.
82. Loaded Baked Potatoes
Top baked potatoes with broccoli, cheese, beans, chili, or leftover meat. This is a great way to use up ingredients. (It takes the traditional baked ptoatoes mentioned earlier a step further.)
83. Egg Salad Sandwiches
Hard-boiled eggs mixed with mayonnaise and seasonings make an easy sandwich filling. Serve with fruit or vegetables.
84. Egg and Vegetable Fried Rice
Use leftover rice, scrambled eggs, and frozen vegetables to make a quick meal without meat.
85. Tomato Soup with Cheese Toast
Heat tomato soup and serve with cheesy toasted bread for an inexpensive dinner that takes very little preparation.
86. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches
For an especially busy evening, peanut butter and banana sandwiches with fruit, yogurt, or another simple side can make a no-cook meal.
87. Red Beans and Rice
Seasoned beans served over rice are filling and affordable. Add smoked sausage if you have it, or keep the meal meatless.
88. Vegetable and Hamburger Soup with Cornbread
Use canned or frozen vegetables, potatoes, tomatoes, hamburger and broth to make a big pot of soup. Cornbread makes it more filling.
Sandwiches, Breakfast for Dinner, and Quick Family Favorites
Not every dinner has to be a big production! Sometimes sandwiches, breakfast foods, or homemade pizza are exactly what a family needs.
89. BLTs and Chips
Bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches with chips make a quick dinner. Don’t fret. Use whatever bread you have on hand.
90. Breakfast for Dinner
Eggs, pancakes, waffles, toast, or biscuits make a fun and affordable dinner. This is especially useful when the refrigerator is running low.
91. Homemade Pizza
Use homemade dough, store-bought crust, French bread, or tortillas. Add sauce, cheese, and toppings you already have, this is a great way to clean out the fridge.
This hearty steak-and-onion sandwich is a favorite for nights when you want something a little different. Cube steak, onions, and sandwich rolls are the main ingredients, coined the Malboro Man Sandwich by the beloved Pioneer Woman.
93. French Toast and Scrambled Eggs
Bread, eggs, milk, and cinnamon turn into a filling breakfast-for-dinner meal.
94. Hot Dogs and Baked Beans
Hot dogs, buns, and a can of baked beans make a quick dinner when you need something easy.
95. Mini English Muffin Pizzas
Spread pizza sauce over English muffin halves, add cheese and toppings, and bake until the cheese melts.
96. Baked Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
Layer ham and cheese on bread or buns and bake until warm. Serve with chips, soup, or fruit.
97. Fish Sticks and Macaroni and Cheese
Frozen fish sticks and macaroni and cheese are convenient options for a busy night. Add a vegetable or fruit on the side.
98. Turkey and Cheese Wraps
Roll deli turkey, cheese, and vegetables in tortillas. Serve with chips, fruit, or a simple side salad.
99. Pancakes and Sausage
A stack of pancakes and breakfast sausage makes a fun, filling dinner. Homemade pancake mix can help keep costs down.
100. Homemade Burgers and Potato Wedges
Make hamburger patties at home and roast seasoned potato wedges in the oven. It’s a simple alternative to ordering fast food.
How to Make Struggle Meals Stretch Even Further
One of the best things about these inexpensive dinners is that you can adapt many of them to whatever you already have in your kitchen.
Here are a few ways to make your grocery budget go further:
- Plan meals around what you already have. Check the pantry, freezer, and refrigerator before making your grocery list.
- Stretch meat with beans, rice, or vegetables. A pound of ground beef can go further when you add inexpensive ingredients.
- Use leftovers for another meal. Leftover chicken can become quesadillas, soup, or sandwiches.
- Buy ingredients that work for multiple dinners. Rice, potatoes, pasta, tortillas, and beans are especially versatile.
- Keep a few inexpensive backup meals available. Spaghetti, grilled cheese, eggs, and bean burritos can save dinner when plans change.
- Don’t feel like every dinner needs to be elaborate. A simple meal that feeds your family is enough.
Frequently Asked Questions About Struggle Meals
What is a struggle meal?
A struggle meal is a simple, inexpensive meal made to help stretch a limited food budget. Many use pantry staples, affordable proteins, or ingredients already available at home.
What are some of the cheapest dinners to make?
Beans and rice, pasta with tomato sauce, potato soup, breakfast for dinner, bean burritos, and grilled cheese sandwiches are often economical choices. The actual cost depends on local prices, portions, and what you already have.
How can I feed a large family on a budget?
Start with filling ingredients like potatoes, rice, pasta, and beans. Build meals around grocery sales, use leftovers, and choose recipes that make larger portions.
What can I make when I barely have any groceries?
Try pantry-based meals like buttered noodles, eggs and toast, bean burritos, fried rice, or soup made with canned vegetables and broth.
Final Thoughts
Feeding a family doesn’t have to mean making an expensive or complicated dinner every night.
Some of our favorite meals have been the simplest ones: spaghetti, chicken and dumplings, tacos, soup beans and cornbread, and breakfast for dinner.
I hope these 100 struggle meals give you a little inspiration the next time you’re staring into the refrigerator wondering what to make.
And remember, a homemade meal doesn’t have to be fancy to be good.
What are some of your family’s favorite inexpensive dinners? I’d love to hear your ideas!
