Feeding your entire family isn't cheap. Especially if you want to use fresh ingredients and assemble a healthy meal that everyone will enjoy.
Here are 20 easy and delicious meals that will feed your family of 4 for less than $20. Each recipe has a grocery list, plus a few basic pantry staples that you probably already have on hand, that will make your next trip to the story easy and affordable.
* We used Fresh Direct and Walmart.com to calculate prices, but they may very based on your location.
1. One Skillet Chicken with Garlicky Mushroom Sauce
Why dirty more dishes than you have to? This delicious chicken meal will have everyone feeling full and you will feel great because you stayed within budget!
Grocery List:
4 boneless skinless chicken thighs $4.89
1 cup chicken stock $1.29
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced $3.29
1/3 cup diced red onions $0.25
1/4 cup heavy cream $3.99
1 package egg noddles $2.99
$16.70
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or basil
2. Spaghetti with Chicken Bolognese
This is an update on a family classic! Loaded wit meat and veggies it will keep hungry tummies full without breaking the bank.
Grocery List:
1 1/2 pounds ground chicken $5.98
1 package of spaghetti $1.59
1 large carrot $1.49
3 garlic cloves $0.99
2 tablespoons tomato paste $0.89
1/2 cup red wine $5.99
$16.93
1 medium onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon orgeno
1 tablespoon balsamic
shaved Parmesan
3. One Pot Cheesy Tortellini & Meatballs
Pasta nights are always a hit in my house. This cheesy tortellini and meatballs gives you everything you need to feel full, all while staying within your grocery budget.
Grocery List:
8 ounce package cheese tortellini $3.49
35-37 meatballs $7.78
1 28 can crushed tomatoes $2.09
2 garlic cloves $0.70
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese $3.19
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese $2.72
$19.97
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium onion
1 cup of water or chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon dried orgeno
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
salt and pepper
4. Chicken Fajita Crescent Braid
Make weeknight dinners easy with this handy crescent braid! Loaded with chicken, veggies and cheese, it will be a hit with the whole family not to mention easy on the grocery budget too!
Grocery List:
1 can Pillsbury Crescent Dough Sheet $3.29
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts $3.74
1/2 cup green or red bell pepper strips $0.63
1/4 cup salsa $2.99
2 cups shredded Cheddar-Monterrey jack cheese $5.19
$15.81
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 clove of garlic
1 small onion
1 egg white, beaten
5. One Pan Meatloaf Dinner
Everyone loves a home-cooked meal. That's why this one pan meatloaf dinner is a real winner. Don't worry about spending a fortune though, this delicious meal is within budget!
Grocery List:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef $7.49
1 1/2 pound russet potatoes $1.94
1 packet gravy mix $1.49
17-20 saltine crackers $3.59
1/4 cup whole milk $1.49
1/3 fresh parsley $1.99
1 pound green beans $1.49
$19.48
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2/3 cup milk
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 brown sugar
4 teaspoons cider vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
6. Slow Cooker Soy Glazed Chicken
Are you in the mood for a taste of the Orient? This slow cooker dish is not only easy, but delicious and budget-friendly!
Grocery List:
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs $5.98
1 cup long-grain white rice $2.99
3/4 pound snow peas $1.25
2 heads baby bok choy $3.98
1 red pepper $0.99
4 scallions $2.29
2 cloves garlic $0.70
$18.18
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon canola oil
salt and pepper
7. Lemon Chicken Stir Fry with Asparagus
Grocery List:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts $7.48
1/2 cup chicken broth $1.29
1 bunch of asparagus $4.99
6 cloves garlic $0.99
1 lemon $0.89
$15.64
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon canola oil
salt and pepper
8. Hamburger Hotdish
Don't have any ideas on what to do with your ground beef? This recipe will be a hit with the whole family! Low on budget, high on taste, you won't regret making this dish!
Grocery List:
1 pound ground beef $4.99
1 green pepper $0.99
1 can tomato soup $1.39
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese $3.19
12 ounces egg noodles $2.99
1 14.75 ounce can creamed corn $1.59
$15.14
1 onion
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
chopped parsley, to garnish
9. Macaroni and Cheese Stuffed Shells
Everyone loves macaroni and cheese, so these stuffed shells will sure be a family favorite. You will love how easy they are to make and how budget-friendly it is, in your grocery cart.
Grocery List:
2 cups tomato sauce $1.49
24 jumbo shells $2.49
8 oz macaroni noodles $1.59
3 cups whole milk $1.99
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese $3.19
15 Ritz crackers $4.49
$15.24
4 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 tsp kosher salt
10. Sloppy Chili Cheese Dog Bubble Up
Take the delicious taste of chili cheese dogs and put it into a casserole. Guaranteed to fill up your whole family, all while staying in budget!
Grocery List:
2 Cans Chili with Beans $6.29
8 All-Beef Hot Dogs $4.99
2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese $3.19
2 Cans Pillsbury Grands $5.38
$19.85
2 Tablespoons Butter
1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 Teaspoon Parsley Flakes
11. Bruschetta Chicken
Are you looking for a new way to cook your chicken? This easy and delicious sheet pan chicken will do the trick!
Grocery List:
4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts $7.48
16 ounces baby red potatoes $2.89
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese $2.19
4 ounces mozzarella cheese $2.09
2 cups cherry tomatoes $2.99
5 garlic cloves $0.99
1/4 cup basil leaves $1.29
$19.92
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Kosher Salt, Fresh Black Pepper
12. Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy
Classic comfort food doesn't have to cost a fortune. Put together this delicious dish with just a few ingredients that will leave your family fed and feeling happy.
Grocery List:
2 Packages Dry Chicken Gravy Mix $1.96
1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup $1.58
1 Pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts $4.99
1/2 Cup Sour Cream $1.89
$10.42
2 Cups Water
Garlic Powder
Salt and Pepper
Rice, Mashed Potatoes or Noodles to serve
13. Chili Macaroni
If you are pressed for time and have a hungry family walking through the door, this home-cooked meal will fill their appetites but not break your budget. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it will be requested again and again.
Groceries:
1 pound lean ground beef $4.99
1 can Chili Beans in Chili Sauce $0.72
1 can Crushed Tomatoes $1.99
1 can Diced Tomatoes $1.99
2 cups Beef Broth $1.09
8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni $1.39
$12.17
1 small onion
4 cloves garlic
1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Cumin
Salt and Pepper
14. Mozzarella-Stuffed Monster Meatballs
While clearly meatloaf is a family favorite, there's no question that these ones will be a hit too, without hurting your budget too much!
Groceries:
1 pound lean ground beef $4.99
4 ounces mozzarella cheese $2.09
1/2 cup bottled strained tomatoes $2.79
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley $1.29
$11.16
2/3 cup breadcrumbs
1/3 milk or water
1 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder and Italian herb seasoning
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
15. Rotisserie Style Bunt Pan Chicken
Simplify Sunday dinner with this easy chicken recipe your whole family will love. Don't worry about breaking the bank, either, this meal comes within budget too.
Groceries
6-7 pound whole chicken $11.44
1.5 pounds mini potatoes $3.99
1 bag carrots $1.49
½ pound salted butter, softened $2.69
$19.61
1 sprig rosemary, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
16. Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
Say goodbye to TV dinners, and hello to a home cooked meal that will leave you and your family and your bank account, full.
Groceries
1 1/2 lb ground beef $7.49
6-oz mushrooms, sliced $2.79
1 1/2 cup beef broth $1.09
1 package of brown gravy $0.76
$12.13
1 egg
1/4 cup minced onion
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 small onion, sliced
1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)
1 tablespoon dijon mustard (optional)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
17. Beef Stroganoff
This classic comfort food doesn't have to be anything fancy. Since discovering this one-pot recipe, you will quickly figure out that you can enjoy a delicious meal on a small budget.
Groceries:
2 pounds lean ground beef $8.98
10 ounces mushrooms, chopped $2.79
3 tablespoons onion soup mix $2.78
2 (10 ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup $3.16
$17.71
1 onion, diced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon HP steak sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1â„2 teaspoon salt
1â„4 teaspoon pepper
18. Braised Chicken With Tomato
Infused with so much flavor, you will be wondering why you haven't tried making these before. With simple, inexpensive ingredient, you can turn a simple home-cooked meal into a gourmet feast.
Groceries
6 chicken thighs $2.49
6 chicken legs $2.49
1 large ginger knob, peeled and grated $3.29
6 garlic cloved, peeled and halved lengthwise $3.99
1 (28 ounce) can whole, peeled tomatoes $2.99
$15.25
2 tablespoons canola oil
Kosher salt
Pepper
1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
2 teaspoons chili flakes
1 large shit onion, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
2 cinnamon sticks
4 fresh or dried bay leaves
Water as needed
19. Mac & Cheese Spaghetti
If you're on a constant hunt for weeknight dinner, look no further. This one will satisfy tastebuds and your grocery budget.
Groceries
12 ounces spaghetti $1.39
2 cups frozen peas $1.79
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded, divided $3.19
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled $5.79
$12.16
1 teaspoons dijon mustard
1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
3 tablespoons butter, melted, divided
20. Turkey Chili
This healthy alternative to your family favorite chili, is light on your budget as well as on the calories.
Groceries
1 medium red bell pepper, $0.99
1 pound extra lean ground turkey $5.99
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes $2.99
1 1/4 cups chicken broth $1.09
2 (15 ounce) cans dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained $1.98
1 (15 ounce) can sweet corn, rinsed and drained $1.59
$14.63
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
For topping: cheese, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro, sour cream
Now that you have your grocery list and your budget, which recipe will you make first?
