Cheap And Easy Family Dinners

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Feeding a family on a tight budget is NO JOKE! We created this Cheap and Easy Family Dinners roundup to help keep dinnertime fresh and alleviate that recipe rut. Every delicious recipe in this round up comes together fast, requires minimal hands-on prep time, and makes at least four big servings for about what you’d spend for one serving at a restaurant. WIN!

SHEET PAN DINNERS

One of the quickest, easiest ways to get dinner on the table quickly is to throw everything on a sheet pan and bake it up. Plus, there’s only one pan to clean up, which is perfect for busy weeknights! Feed the whole family with these five cheap and easy sheet pan meals:

1. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

These easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are a simple hands-off way to get that smoky-sweet flavor of traditional griddle fajitas.

4.95 from 260 votes

$13.90 recipe / $3.48 serving Get the Recipe

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas is a Budget Bytes staple! Why? Because it achieves the same smoky flavor of traditional fajitas without a smokin’ hot skillet. We bet this easy, delicious dinner will also earn a spot in your dinner rotation!

2. Sheet Pan Kielbasa, Potatoes, and Green Beans

Sheet Pan Kielbasa Potatoes and Green Beans

Sheet pan meals don't get any easier or more delicious than this Sheet Pan Kielbasa Potatoes and Green Beans dinner.

4.87 from 45 votes

$9.47 recipe / $2.37 serving Get the Recipe

Sheet Pan Kielbasa, Potatoes, and Green Beans is an excellent, hearty meal for a busy weeknight. This easy dinner recipe brings together smoked kielbasa and frozen veggies, so it comes together quickly with minimal prep.

3. Sheet Pan BBQ Meatballs

Sheet Pan BBQ Meatballs

These Sheet Pan BBQ Meatballs are easy, colorful, and delicious. Plus the leftovers hold up great, so they're meal prep friendly!

4.80 from 30 votes

$7.84 recipe / $1.96 serving Get the Recipe

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you will love the sticky-sweet caramelized pineapple rings prepared alongside our Sheet Pan BBQ Meatballs! You can serve up serious summer-BBQ vibes with this drool-worthy dinner all year long (without sweating over a hot grill)!

4. Sheet Pan BBQ Meatloaf Dinner

Sheet Pan BBQ Meatloaf Dinner

Make an entire dinner for two at one time with this fast and easy Sheet Pan BBQ Meatloaf Dinner. Perfect for meal prep!

4.94 from 63 votes

$6.27 recipe / $3.14 serving Get the Recipe

Do you love a classic meatloaf? If so, this Sheet Pan BBQ Meatloaf Dinner is for you! It’s a simple twist on the traditional version but gets dinner - complete with two sides - on the table in less than an hour.

5. Sheet Pan Pizza

Sheet Pan Pizza

Sheet Pan Pizza is a low-effort recipe guaranteed to make any occasion special and satisfy cravings for take-out pizza at half the cost.

5 from 5 votes

$9.89 RECIPE / $1.41 SERVING Get the Recipe

For an unforgettable family meal, you’ve got to try out this Sheet Pan Pizza! This easy recipe produces restaurant-quality pizza at half the cost.

ONE POT DINNERS

You can’t go wrong with a one-pot dinner. One pot pasta and rice dishes typically make about four servings each, create a well-rounded meal, and require minimal prep and cleanup! Whether it’s Meatless Monday or you need a meal to match your family’s favorite protein, these five cheap and easy one pot dinners will have you covered:

6. One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Cheeseburger Pasta is a fast and easy homemade version of hamburger helper that cooks all in one pot for easy cleanup!

4.79 from 71 votes

$5.03 recipe / $1.26 serving Get the Recipe

Ditch the box of Hamburger Helper and try this homemade version instead! Check out the full recipe for One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta to learn how we achieve the signature taste of the original with a special, budget-friendly ingredient you already have on-hand.

7. Cheesy Sausage Pasta

Cheesy Sausage Pasta

Cheesy Sausage Pasta is a quick and easy meal for quick weeknight dinners. Everything cooks in one pot for fast prep and minimum clean-up!

4.76 from 91 votes

$7.07 recipe / $1.77 serving Get the Recipe

This cheap, easy Cheesy Sausage Pasta has everything you’d ever want in a dinner recipe: a hearty serving of veggies, a hint of spice from the sausage, quick-cooking egg noodles, and ooey-gooey melted cheese on top! Plus, it all comes together in the same skillet and will hit the dinner table in less than 30 minutes!

8. Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet

Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet

This easy one pot Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet makes a comforting weeknight dinner during those long, dark winter months! Makes great leftovers, too!

4.95 from 36 votes

$7.12 recipe / $1.78 serving Get the Recipe

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet is the ultimate, budget-friendly comfort food. Since rice is so filling, it helps stretch expensive proteins and frozen vegetables in a way that still satisfies the whole family. You’ll love this cheesy, decadent, and easy one-pot dinner!

9. One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice

One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice

You only need one pot and 8 ingredients to make this easy and flavorful Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice. Fast, easy, and delicious!

4.74 from 41 votes

$7.53 recipe / $1.88 serving Get the Recipe

Buying budget-friendly seafood options like frozen shrimp whenever they’re on sale help mix up your dinner rotation without breaking the bank. Try this fresh, filling, and easy One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice.

10. One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta

One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta

This creamy mushroom pasta is a rich, umami-filled delight that cooks quickly and easily in one pot. The perfect dinner for busy nights.

4.86 from 35 votes

$3.74 recipe / $0.94 serving Get the Recipe

This One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta is a perfectly uncomplicated recipe for a meat-free, busy weeknight dinner. If you’re craving something more complex, you can “beef” it up (literally) or add a few handfuls of leafy greens or top it with grilled chicken.

EASY SOUP AND STEW RECIPES

Some meals are not tied to a season when you are eating on a budget. Soups and stews are so easy to have on hand and can feed everyone no matter the temperature outside. These five cheap and easy soups and stews will be the center of your meal:

11. Chicken Noodle Soup

The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is made 100% from scratch, with plenty of chunky vegetables, herbs, and a homemade broth, just like Grandma used to make!

4.91 from 157 votes

$9.10 recipe / $1.14 serving Get the Recipe

When I need a hug in a bowl, I turn to Chicken Noodle Soup. This classic recipe cooks everything in one pot for ultimate simplicity.

12. Chicken Stew

Chicken Stew

This chicken stew is a rich and hearty mix of tender chicken thighs, vegetables, and a light but flavorful herb-infused gravy.

4.92 from 108 votes

$12.22 recipe / $2.04 serving Get the Recipe

This Chicken Stew is the perfect dinner for Chicken Noodle Soup lovers looking for a heavier version of the classic, cozy meal. Adding potatoes gives the broth extra thickness and creaminess, which upgrades it from a light soup to a hearty, filling stew.

13. The Best Homemade Chili

The Best Homemade Chili Recipe

This is the BEST homemade chili recipe. It's super easy and delicious, plus there are plenty of ways to customize it and make it your own.

4.89 from 136 votes

$9.28 recipe / $1.55 serving Get the Recipe

When it comes to quick, easy, and budget-friendly dinners, nothing quite compares to a big pot of chili. This really is the Best Homemade Chili on the block, and the leftovers are even better!

14. Taco Soup

Taco Soup

Taco soup is an easy and hearty soup with all the flavor of your favorite tacos in a warm and delicious bowl of soup.

5 from 2 votes

$11.84 recipe / $1.97 serving Get the Recipe

Homemade taco seasoning and ranch seasonings make this Taco Soup extra flavorful, but you can use store bought seasoning packets to make it even faster!

15. Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

Vegetable Beef Soup

This super easy vegetable beef soup is a filling and flavorful option for lunch, dinner, or your weekly meal prep!

4.74 from 15 votes

$11.13 recipe / $1.86 serving Get the Recipe

If you’re trying to feed many hungry mouths and make the most of your food budget, you really can’t go wrong with this Easy Vegetable Beef Soup. This big-batch soup will effortlessly feed a family of 6, makes excellent leftovers, and is a great choice for batching and freezing.

16. Creamy Tortellini Soup

Creamy Tortellini Soup

This Creamy Tortellini Soup features a rich tomato broth, hearty cheese tortellini, a medley of vegetables and tons of comfort in one bowl!

4.40 from 28 votes

$10.69 recipe / $1.34 serving Get the Recipe

Combining store-bought swaps (like frozen tortellini and dumplings) with fresh ingredients is a great way to create simple, semi-homemade meals like this Creamy Tortellini Soup! We love this cozy vegetarian soup and its rich tomatoey broth!

EASY CASSEROLE RECIPES

Casserole recipes make the best family dinners! They are easy to make and are a great way to pack tons of flavor and ingredients into every bite! If you’re looking for big meals to feed your family, you will love these four easy casserole recipes:

17. Chicken Alfredo Bake

Chicken Alfredo Bake

Transform stovetop chicken alfredo into a super-cheesy, decadent casserole with this Chicken Alfredo Bake recipe! It’s super easy to make (or make ahead!), and so delicious there won’t be any leftovers!

4.20 from 10 votes

$12.80 RECIPE / $2.13 SERVING Get the Recipe

This Chicken Alfredo Bake is the dictionary definition of the ULTIMATE creamy, cheesy, rich pasta bake. It is guaranteed to become a family favorite! Once you whip up our easy, Homemade Alfredo Sauce, you only need a couple of (cooked) chicken breasts, a bag of frozen veggies, half a box of pasta, and BOOM… dinner is ready!

18. Classic Baked Ziti

Classic Baked Ziti

Like a freeform lasagna, this Baked Ziti has layers of pasta, homemade red sauce with Italian sausage, and three types of melty cheese!

4.88 from 41 votes

$12.16 recipe / $1.52 serving Get the Recipe

Our recipe for Classic Baked Ziti is another super easy pasta bake guaranteed to satisfy your whole family! Make it a complete meal with a Simple Side Salad and Homemade Freezer Garlic Bread.

19. Chicken And Biscuit Casserole

Chicken and Biscuit Casserole

This Chicken and Biscuit Casserole is cozy, comforting, super versatile, and delicious enough to become a family favorite dinner.

4.75 from 12 votes

$8.75 RECIPE / $1.46 SERVING Get the Recipe

This super-simple, super-versatile Chicken And Biscuit Casserole makes a delicious family dinner using whatever you’ve got in the fridge or freezer. You won’t regret doubling, or even tripling, the Cheddar drop biscuit topping. (Especially if you plan to bake this casserole in a dish with more surface area to cover than the 8×8” dish we used!)

20. Chili Cornbread Skillet

Chili Cornbread Skillet

This hearty and comforting Chili Cornbread Skillet is an easy, one-pot meal that is sure to make the whole family happy. Freezer friendly!

4.69 from 64 votes

$7.49 recipe / $1.25 serving Get the Recipe

If you love the classic combo of Vegetarian Chili and Homemade Cornbread, you’ve got to try our Chili Cornbread Skillet! This fun, vegetarian dish is the perfect mashup of the two Southwestern staples in a way that’s reminiscent of a Vegetable Pot Pie.

VEGETARIAN FAMILY DINNERS

Replacing expensive meat with cheaper protein sources (like beans, lentils, and chickpeas) is a great way to cut your grocery bill in half. Whether your family always eats vegetarian, or you’re looking to mix things up with some vegetarian meals, we have tons of easy and filling meatless dinners on our website! Add variety to your family’s dinner rotation with these six Cheap and Easy Vegetarian Family Dinners:

21. Sheet Pan Portobello Fajitas

Sheet Pan Portobello Fajitas

Sheet Pan Portobello Fajitas are an easy and flavorful vegetarian dinner idea that all cooks on one pan for easy cleanup!

4.78 from 27 votes

$10.81 recipe / $2.70 serving Get the Recipe

For a vegetarian spin on the classic Mexican restaurant dish, give our Sheet Pan Portobello Fajitas a try! We swap out the chicken in our classic Sheet-Pan Fajita recipe, opting for slightly spicy, super-smoky portobello mushroom caps instead. We promise you won’t miss a thing!

22. One Pot Veggie Pasta

One Pot Veggie Pasta

This one pot veggie pasta is an easy, satisfying, and quick dinner. Use whatever vegetables you have on hand and make it your own!

4.93 from 14 votes

$7.99 recipe / $2.00 Get the Recipe

If you’ve got a ton of fresh vegetables on hand, and looking for an easy, cheesy, and cheap dinner, look no further than this One Pot Veggie Pasta! The combination of tomatoes, zucchini, and squash gives the dish ratatouille vibes, but we also add mushrooms to balance out the flavors and make this a hearty one-pot meal!

23. Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili

This Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili makes a huge batch, is packed with flavor and nutrients, and can be made for only about 5 dollars!

4.90 from 86 votes

$4.64 recipe / $0.77 serving Get the Recipe

Slow cookers are a great asset when it comes to preparing long-simmered soups and stews without tending to them for hours and hours. We added some lentils to this vegan chili recipe which helps make this Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili thicker and heartier and packs some extra protein!

24. Spicy Coconut Vegetable Stir Fry

Spicy Coconut Vegetable Stir Fry

This rich and spicy coconut vegetable stir fry is adaptable to whatever vegetables are lingering in your fridge, making it a great sweep the kitchen recipe!

4.80 from 62 votes

$5.93 recipe / $1.48 serving Get the Recipe

For a dairy-free and vegetable-forward easy dinner, check out this Spicy Coconut Vegetable Stir Fry! This summery, tropical dish is also super-versatile, perfect for cleaning out the crisper, and pairs well with all types of protein, rice, legumes, or whatever you have in the pantry!

25. Spanish Chickpeas and Rice

Spanish Chickpeas and Rice

This one pot Spanish Chickpeas and rice has big flavor thanks to liberal dose of spices, artichoke hearts, and fresh lemon.

4.81 from 129 votes

$7.39 recipe / $1.84 serving Get the Recipe

Chickpeas (or Garbanzo Beans) are another great way to make a quick, filling, and cheap dinner without meat! Paella inspires this recipe for Spanish Chickpeas and Rice, but you won’t need any of the expensive seafood or saffron!

The post Cheap And Easy Family Dinners appeared first on Budget Bytes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between basil and oregano?

Both of these herbs belong to the Lamiaceae family. They share similar flavors, but the differences are obvious.

Oregano is more pungent than basil. It also adds an extra layer of flavor to foods.

Basil leaves are smaller than oregano leaves. They are also softer and less aromatic.

The two herbs are often used interchangeably. Although they are quite similar, each has its distinctive qualities.

What are the disadvantages of using herbs?

Herbs are a great way to keep your body healthy because they contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, amino acids, phytonutrients, polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, essential oils, carotenoids, sterols, and sterolins. Some even contain cannabinoids.

But there are also lots of side effects associated with herbal remedies. For example, taking too much herb could cause liver damage or even death. Herbal supplements may interact with prescription drugs, which means that they might affect how well the drug works.

Some herbs can interfere with blood clotting, while others may increase bleeding when taken with anticoagulants (blood thinners).

There are also safety concerns for pregnant women and children.

The bottom line is that herbs aren't safe for everyone. If you're considering trying them out, do your homework. Look up each product's side effects and warnings and read reviews online.

How is basil used for medicinal purposes?

In ancient times, doctors would prescribe basil leaves to treat colds and coughs. Today, basil contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal remedy for arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, eczema, gout, hay fever, indigestion, migraines, menstrual cramps, sinus infections, sore throats, ulcers, varicose veins, and more.

Basil is also known for its ability to help protect against cancer, heart disease, diabetes, skin conditions, and even aging.

Basil is often referred to as "the herb of grace" because it helps us relax and unwind after stressful situations. It is also said to improve memory and concentration, boost energy levels, increase libido, and enhance athletic performance.

The list goes on and on. Basil is a versatile plant that offers a wide range of benefits for our health and well-being.

What is the difference between herbs and spices?

Herbs are used for cooking, and spices are used for seasoning.

Herbs have more intense flavors and can be used to cook dishes, while spices can bring out the flavor of foods without altering the taste.

Spices can also be added to food during preparation, such as curry. Spices may be bought individually, or whole packages may be purchased. There are many spices, including black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, garlic, ginger, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, parsley, rosemary, sage, salt, thyme, turmeric, vanilla extract, etc.

The best way to ensure that you are selecting the right spice for your dish is to read the label carefully. If there is an ingredient list, look for "spice" among the ingredients. A common mistake cooks make is buying too much of a particular spice because they do not realize how little they need.

There are a few basic rules to follow when choosing which herb or spice to use. For example, most herbs are fresh, whereas spices tend to last longer. Also, herbs are generally found in small quantities, while spices come in larger containers. Finally, most herbs are usually sold loose (or ground), while spices are packaged in jars or cans.

As long as you are careful to select the correct herbs or spices, you will find that adding them to recipes makes preparing meals easier. After all, spices add flavor to various dishes, while herbs can help improve the appearance and aroma of food.

What herb heals all wounds?

The answer to this question varies depending on the type and severity of the wound.

The herb comfrey (also known as knitbone) has long been used for its healing properties, particularly for skin injuries such as cuts and bruises.

Studies suggest that comfrey contains allantoin, which helps speed up healing. Other herbs commonly used for healing wounds include calendula, plantain, and yarrow. These herbs help to reduce inflammation, stop bleeding and speed up the skin's healing process.

In addition to herbs, honey has also been found to have powerful antimicrobial properties that can help prevent wound infection.

Herbs for wound care is an age-old practice that continues to be used today. However, herbs should not replace medical treatment, and always consult your doctor before using herbs for healing. With the right herbs, you can give your body the support it needs to heal naturally.

Which herbs are healing herbs?

If you look for healing herbs, you won’t find them in the supermarket. There isn’t any place to buy them. There is no store selling them.

You haven’t been able to find healing herbs because they aren’t sold anywhere. They are grown right here in our backyard.

Healing herbs are plants that grow naturally in North America. Like many common household items, these herbs grow throughout the United States and Canada.

These herbs treat minor ailments such as colds, flu, sore throats, coughs, and headaches. Many of these herbs have been used for centuries to help heal wounds and promote overall health.

Of course, when we say “heal,” we mean more than simply treating an illness. We also refer to the ability of these herbs to restore balance and harmony within ourselves and the world around us.

For example, the chamomile herb helps relieve stress. This means that if you feel stressed out, you may benefit from taking chamomile tea. Chamomile tea has been shown to reduce anxiety and nervous tension.

In addition, chamomile tea has been proven effective in relieving insomnia.

Chamomile tea has many other benefits, including its ability to ease stomach aches and gas pains and even improve digestion.

Another popular healing herb is Echinacea. Echinacea is known for helping to fight infections and boosting the immune system.

Echinacea is commonly taken internally and externally to fight infection, prevent viral diseases, and boost immunity. It is safe to use during pregnancy and lactation.

Echinacea also helps reduce muscle pain and inflammation. You can take echinacea orally or topically (as an ointment).

This herb is available in both liquid and capsule form. Liquid echinacea is often mixed with honey and lemon juice. The mixture is then strained and consumed.

Capsules are usually made of freeze-dried plant material. They contain standardized amounts of active ingredients. To use capsules, swallow one or two a day.

The third type of herbal remedy is called tincture. Tinctures are alcoholic extracts of herbs. They are typically used to treat internal problems. Tinctures are generally diluted before being ingested.

Tinctures can be taken orally or applied topically. For oral consumption, dilute tinctures with water. Some people prefer to mix tinctures with food.

Tinctures are easy to prepare. Put about one tablespoon of dried herb into a bottle containing enough alcohol to cover the herb completely. Allow the mixture to sit for several weeks. Then strain and consume.

You may want to try some of these natural remedies to see which ones work best.

Why do some love coriander and others don't?

Some people hate coriander, while others love it. But why?

Coriander is an herb that grows in warm climates throughout the world. It is native to both North America and Europe.

The leaves of the plant are used in cooking and can also be found in condiments such as salad dressings and dips. When added to food, coriander provides a spicy flavor.

Many people love its taste because it adds a fresh flavor to dishes without overpowering them. Others dislike the smell and taste of coriander because they find it too strong.

But there is more to coriander than meets the eye. There are two types of coriander – sweet and hot. Sweet coriander is milder and sweeter tasting compared to hot coriander.

Sweet coriander is usually grown for its seeds, often called cilantro. This type of coriander is easy to grow and is very low maintenance.

Hot coriander is most commonly used in Indian cuisine. Hot coriander gives a rich flavor to curries and sauces, making it popular among Indians.

Some people say that hot coriander tastes better than sweet coriander. However, the opposite is true for those who prefer sweet coriander.

There are many reasons why people enjoy different varieties of coriander. For example, one person may love the taste of coriander, while another enjoys the aroma.

Whether you like sweet or hot coriander, you might be surprised to learn that you can buy both types of coriander online.

Statistics

• The herbs market is highly competitive, with over 1,000 herb suppliers and over 15,000 herbs products available in the United States alone.
• Herbs are among the most popular and widely used medicinal remedies. According to a survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health, herbs were used by over 38% of adults in the United States.

External Links

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

• Health Benefits of Culinary Herbs and Spices - PubMed


• Use of echinacea in medicine - PubMed

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

• Antioxidant capacity of 26 spice extracts and characterization of their phenolic constituents - PubMed


• Cinnamon: A Multifaceted Medicinal Plant - PMC

doi.org

• Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Ginkgo Biloba for Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - IOS Press

mskcc.org

• Ashwagandha | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center


• Grape Seed | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

How To

How to use herbs safely?

Many people think that herbs should only be used under medical supervision because they believe that some herbs are poisonous. However, this is not true.

Many herbs have long histories of safe use. For example, garlic has been used for thousands of years to fight infections. It's also been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce high blood pressure.

However, if you're pregnant or nursing, avoid taking certain herbs. You should also avoid them if you suffer from allergies or sensitivities to herbs.

You can do several things to ensure you get the best results from your herbs and supplements. First, always read labels before consuming anything containing herbs or spices. Second, take the lowest dose recommended on the label. Third, don't use more than one supplement at any given time. Fourth, talk to your doctor about how to combine specific herbs and supplements. Finally, keep track of your consumption to know whether you need to adjust your dosage.