Cooking for a family doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune or spending hours in the kitchen. These 17 meals keep things simple, affordable, and still worth looking forward to. No complicated steps, no expensive ingredients—just meals that get everyone fed without the stress. If dinner needs to be easy on the wallet and even easier to make, this is the way to do it.
Pizza Casserole
Throw away the takeout menus because a big hit at the dinner table just got easier and cheaper. Imagine combining the joy of pizza night with the ease of casserole prep. Pizza Casserole turns this dream into reality. It’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also saves you time and money, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. You won’t need to juggle numerous pots and pans, which means more time to enjoy with the family.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Who said salads have to be boring? Not us, and we’ve got just the dish to prove it. Toss a few ingredients together and voila, you’ve transformed your meal into a hearty Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. It strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tasty, providing a refreshing twist to your usual chicken salad. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover chicken, making your budget stretch further without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Broccoli Cheese Soup
When you crave comfort but want to keep things simple, there’s nothing like a big bowl of warm soup. Broccoli Cheese Soup marries nutrition and comfort in each spoonful. It’s a fuss-free option that packs vegetables and cheese into a creamy delight, catering to both adults and kids. Best part? It’s straightforward to whip up on a chilly evening, ensuring you get to wind down without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Soup
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
Got an air fryer? Then you’re already on your way to creating magic with less effort and fat. Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is a testament to how gadget cooking can simplify gourmet. It gives you that crispy outer layer wrapped around succulent chicken and melting cheese without all the oil. Perfect for a somewhat fancy dinner without the mess or stress, it’s a sure way to impress your household with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
Steak & Pasta Salad
Breaking the monotony of weekly meal planning can be as simple as mixing up your genres. A Steak & Pasta Salad does just that by bringing the best of two worlds together. It’s light yet fulfilling, offering a protein-packed dish that feels upscale without the upscale effort or cost. This meal is all about bringing a fresh perspective to dinner, making it a refreshing break from the usual.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs
Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs can make it feel like sunshine and outdoor fun, even if you’re dining indoors. Thread your worries away and embrace simplicity with these kabobs that burst with flavor yet demand little in preparation. They’re a fun way to involve the whole family in meal prep, turning dinner time into an interactive experience.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs
Brisket Fried Rice
Leftovers shouldn’t be a letdown. In fact, they can form the backbone of entirely new creations that pack a flavor punch. Brisket Fried Rice turns yesterday’s brisket into today’s comfort food hero. It’s efficient, using what you already have, and upgrades it to a meal that’s both satisfying and inventive. Plus, it’s a wonderful example of how easy it is to blend different traditions into one skillet.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
Cooking up a batch of New Orleans BBQ Shrimp might just be the next best thing. It’s a dish that’s rich in flavors and traditions, bringing a piece of the French Quarter to your dining table. It defies the usual BBQ norms, offering a buttery, spicy experience that’s unparalleled. And it’s surprisingly easy to make, proving that extravagant taste doesn’t have to come with extravagant effort.
Get the Recipe: New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
Air Fryer Chicken Fries
Forget the frozen aisle and create your own snack magic at home. With Air Fryer Chicken Fries, you’re not just serving a crowd-pleaser; you’re also opting for a healthier alternative to the deep-fried temptation. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it lets you control the quality of ingredients, making snack time or casual dinners both fun and nutritious. A sure-fire way to satisfy cravings without the guilt trip.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fries
Korean Beef Bowl
Craving something exotic but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen or break the bank? Korean Beef Bowl to the rescue. It’s a quick, one-pan adventure into new flavors that won’t intimidate your schedule or wallet. This dish is all about bold tastes meeting minimal effort, providing a refreshing departure from the ordinary dinner routine. It’s the perfect example of how simple ingredients can combine to create something unexpectedly special.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef Bowl
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Soups have this exceptional way of making a meal feel complete with just one pot. Explore a bowl of Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken for a gratifying dinner that combines ease, nutrition, and taste in every bite. It’s a comforting choice for any day of the week, blending leafy greens with hearty tortellini and chicken for a well-rounded meal. Simple, delicious, and utterly warming, it’s everything you need to keep your family happy and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Pastrami Reuben Sandwich
Lunchtime doesn’t have to be the same old, same old. Upgrade your midday meal with a Pastrami Reuben Sandwich that packs a punch of flavor and texture. It’s a classic that’s effortlessly customizable to suit your household’s tastes, mixing in sauerkraut, cheese, and dressing for that perfect bite. Not to mention, it’s a great way to make lunch feel a bit more special without too much added effort.
Get the Recipe: Pastrami Reuben Sandwich
Taco Casserole
Who can resist the call of tacos? Turn that love into a dish that fills everyone up without emptying your wallet with Taco Casserole. It layers all the favorite taco components into one dish, baking into a convenient and irresistible meal. This dish is a testament to the joy of simplicity, bringing smiles without the fuss of traditional taco nights. Plus, it’s customizable to cater to the pickiest of eaters.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole
Chicken Parmesan Lettuce Wraps
Chicken Parmesan Lettuce Wraps give you all the beloved tastes of a classic dish, but with a fresh, crisp twist. It’s an ingenious way to serve up dinner that feels indulgent yet refreshing. You’re getting all the joy of Chicken Parmesan in a guilt-free format that’s both fun to make and eat. A clear win-win for those looking to maintain balance.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Lettuce Wraps
Mexican Street Corn Soup
Imagine turning a beloved street food into a cozy meal that you can enjoy at home. Mexican Street Corn Soup does just that, blending the rich flavors of elote into a bowl of creamy goodness. It’s a creative twist on traditional soup, introducing an element of surprise to your meal planning. This dish is a vibrant reminder that comfort food can be both nourishing and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup
Baja Fish Tacos
Bring the beach vibes to your kitchen without the hassle of sand with Baja Fish Tacos. These tacos are all about freshness, flavor, and fun, offering a mini escape to the seaside with every bite. It’s a dish that manages to be both casual and exotic, pairing perfectly with a simple side for a laid-back yet complete meal. Ideal for those days when you’re longing for a bit of sunshine on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos
Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Roast
Let’s talk about setting it and forgetting it, making your life infinitely easier. Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Roast takes the effort out of roasting, providing a mouthwatering centerpiece for your family dinner without the constant check-ins. It’s a dish that practically cooks itself, freeing you up to focus on what matters most: spending time with loved ones. Plus, the aromas filling your home will be an added perk everyone can look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Roast
