Finding meals that kids actually like can be a challenge, especially when you need to stick to a budget. These 13 cheap meals are simple to make and use ingredients that don’t cost much. They’re filling, flavorful, and the kind that will have kids asking for seconds. Dinner can be easier, faster, and still keep both the family and the wallet happy.
Tuna Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Cacio e Pepe
This pasta uses just a few simple ingredients but still feels rich and creamy. It comes together quickly and costs very little, making it perfect for a low-budget weeknight meal. The simple flavors are satisfying, filling, and show that a cheap meal can still taste special.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Layers of cheese and sauce turn basic ingredients into a hearty, filling meal without spending extra. They are easy to assemble, bake quickly, and stretch far enough to feed a hungry family. This recipe keeps dinner affordable while still giving that comforting lasagna taste everyone likes.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Creamy Pea Pasta
Peas and a light sauce create a pasta dish that is simple, filling, and cheap to make. It comes together fast and uses ingredients that are easy to keep on hand. This pasta is an easy budget-friendly meal that works for busy nights when time and money are tight.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Cream of Celery Soup
This smooth celery soup is simple, filling, and low-cost, using ingredients likely already in the kitchen. It cooks quickly and makes a comforting meal with very little effort. The recipe keeps dinner easy and affordable while still tasting rich and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Celery Soup
Bacon Egg Salad
Leftover bacon and eggs come together in a quick, crunchy salad that’s full of flavor without costing much. It uses what’s already on hand to make a filling lunch or snack. This recipe turns simple ingredients into a meal that keeps everyone at the table happy.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Tuna Tomato Pasta
Tuna and tomatoes combine into a quick pasta dish that tastes fresh and filling without spending a lot. It uses pantry staples and comes together in minutes for a fast, low-cost dinner. This simple meal is a budget-friendly way to get a satisfying dinner on the table.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Tomato Pasta
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Pasta shells filled with cheese and vegetables make a filling meal that’s simple and inexpensive. The recipe uses everyday ingredients that stretch to feed more people. It is an easy and budget-friendly way to serve a comforting dish that feels satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Calzones
Homemade calzones use ingredients you already have to make a filling dinner for less than takeout. They’re simple to assemble and bake, and they turn leftovers into a hand-held meal. This recipe is a cheap and easy way to make dinner exciting without spending extra.
Get the Recipe: Calzones
Chicken Tenders
These homemade chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside while staying affordable. They’re easy to make with basic ingredients and cost much less than takeout. The recipe turns simple chicken into a filling, budget-friendly meal that the whole family will like.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Chicken, vegetables, and sauce come together quickly for a simple, tasty meal that doesn’t cost much. It uses basic ingredients likely already in the kitchen to keep costs low. This bowl is a filling, cheap dinner that still feels flavorful and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Ground beef, rice, and melted cheese combine into a hearty meal that fills up the whole table. It uses simple ingredients that don’t cost much and cooks all in one pan for easy cleanup. This casserole stretches to feed a family while still being satisfying and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Pizza Rolls
Homemade pizza rolls turn pantry staples into a fun, filling dinner that works for busy nights. They can be stuffed with ingredients on hand, making them simple and easy to customize. The rolls are a crowd-pleasing meal that saves money without feeling basic.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls
Chicken and Dumplings
Tender chicken cooks in a flavorful broth with soft dumplings for a meal that’s comforting and filling. The ingredients are simple and easy to keep on hand, making it a budget-friendly choice. This one-pot dish comes together with minimal effort and feeds a hungry family.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings