5 Cheap Meal Ideas for the Family That Don’t Skimp on Flavor

Hey y’all! I’ve been on a roll lately with trying out some new dinner recipes for my family of four, and I’ve found some real gems.

Not only did they turn out great, but they were also big hits with the whole family. Best of all? They’re super budget-friendly!

If you’re looking for some meal meal ideas for the family, then I’ve got you covered. Here are five meals that are easy on the wallet but don’t skimp on flavor.

1. Sheet pan chicken with potatoes and broccoli

This meal started with a killer deal I found at my local Save A Lot — over 4 pounds of chicken leg quarters for just $2.99!

I’d never cooked chicken leg quarters before, but I couldn’t pass it up. I tossed those quarters with a simple rub made from salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.

I made sure to season the meat under the skin for extra flavor.

2. Beef chimichangas with homemade refried beans

Let’s talk about chimichangas! I started by making homemade refried beans, which were surprisingly easy.

After cooking dried pinto beans in the crockpot with chicken broth, green chilies, and seasonings, I blended them into a smooth consistency.

These beans became the base for the chimichangas, and they were honestly a game-changer.

For the chimichangas, I browned some ground beef with onion powder, garlic, and tomato sauce. I stuffed the tortillas with a layer of refried beans, beef, and Mexican rice, then fried them until crispy. 

Though a bit more time-consuming than some of the other meals, these were definitely worth the effort.

I topped them with sour cream, cheese, and lettuce. Even without homemade guacamole (because I couldn’t find ripe avocados), this meal was incredible and definitely something I’ll make again.

3. Copycat Chick-fil-A 

This one was a winner, especially with my daughter, who’s obsessed with Chick-fil-A. I made homemade waffle fries for the first time using a crinkle cutter attachment, and they were so much easier than I thought!

After soaking the potatoes to get rid of excess starch, I double-fried them for extra crispiness. These turned out more like chips since they were thinner, but they were still a hit.

For the chicken, I took a shortcut and used frozen breaded chicken patties (specifically the Just Bare brand, which I scored on sale).

They taste almost exactly like Chick-fil-A’s chicken sandwiches, especially when served on a buttered and toasted bun. 

Paired with the crispy waffle fries, this meal was a total success with minimal effort!

4. One-pot ham & veggie pasta

This recipe exceeded my expectations. I sautéed leftover Easter ham with garlic and onion powder, then added a mix of chicken broth, half and half, and flour to create a creamy sauce.

I tossed in mini bow-tie pasta (so cute and perfect for this dish) and let it cook together with the sauce.

Toward the end, I stirred in some frozen peas and carrots, and once the pasta was tender, I finished it off with Parmesan cheese.

Served with Red Lobster biscuits (just the mix from the store, but so good), this pasta dish was creamy, comforting, and a great way to use up leftover ham.

It’s a perfect weeknight meal when you want something hearty and quick.

My kids absolutely loved this meal, and while I thought it was slightly basic, it was definitely a hit with the family. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for those busy nights when you want something warm and filling on the table fast.

Cheap meal ideas for the family

I hope these meals give you some new ideas to try with your family! They’ve all become staples in our house, and I love that they’re budget-friendly without sacrificing flavor. Thanks for joining me in the kitchen — see y’all next time!

Next, check out these 5 Easy Party Food Ideas.