Top Budget-Friendly Cheap Meals That Go a Long Way for Under $20

Discover budget-friendly meal ideas that go a long way for family feasts. Learn how to create delicious, wholesome dishes with ground beef, beans, rice, poultry, and more, all while saving money and satisfying big appetites.

Need to make every cent count at the dinner table? We've got you covered. From the best fast-food coupons and senior discounts to family meal deals for under $20, free food and other money-saving hacks, we know how to help make that family dollar stretch further. So, we've compiled 10 cheap dinner ideas and tips your family will love, all of which cost under $20 to make.

Whether you're looking for a satisfying meal from the slow cooker for the weekend or a quick weeknight dinner, we've got all the best dirt-cheap meals here. From baked chicken to a hearty meal of sloppy joes, ponder "what's for dinner" no more!

1. Sloppy Joes

The family will love this nostalgic recipe! If you're looking for a cheap meals, Sloppy Joes make the top of the list. This recipe features ground beef in a tangy tomato sauce, served on hamburger buns.

To make it: Brown some ground beef (or other ground meat) in a skillet, then drain off the excess fat. Next, stir in a tangy mixture of ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor. Let the meat simmer in the sauce until it thickens slightly, creating that signature sloppy filling. Serve the beefy, saucy mixture piled high on toasted hamburger buns for a deliciously messy eating experience. If you've got time to kill, try making this recipe in the crockpot!

2. Cabbage Roll Skillet

This is another cheap, yet filling meal that will go a long way. This deconstructed version of the classic is made with ground beef (or other ground meat), cabbage, rice, and tomato sauce.

To make it: Simply start by browning your ground beef in a large skillet. Once it's cooked, add chopped cabbage, cooked rice, and pour in tomato sauce. Stir everything together, season with salt, pepper, and any of your favorite herbs. Let it simmer until the cabbage is tender and the flavors meld together, creating a hearty and comforting one-pan meal that deconstructs the traditional cabbage roll.

3. Taco Gnocchi Bake

This cheap dinner idea is a fusion dish with gnocchi, ground beef, and taco seasonings baked with cheese.

To make it: Cook the gnocchi as directed, then brown the ground beef. Add taco seasonings and mix with the gnocchi, black beans, salsa, and cheese. Bake at 375°F until the cheese bubbles. Garnish with cilantro, tomatoes, and sour cream.

4. Enchilada Casserole

The whole family will love this cheap dinner idea! This easy recipe just combines layers of tortillas, ground beef, beans, cheese, canned tomatoes, and enchilada sauce and then baked until bubbly.

To make it: Brown ground beef, layer with tortillas, beans, cheese, and sauce in a baking dish. Bake at 375°F until cheese melts.

5. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This delicious meal is a simple stir-fry with beef strips, broccoli, and a savory soy sauce, served over brown rice.

To make it: Marinate beef strips in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Steam broccoli until tender. Sear the beef, then stir-fry the broccoli in the same pan. Combine all with the sauce, cook until beef is done, and serve over rice or with a sweet potato.

6. Quickie Red Beans and Rice

If you're looking for cheap meals that go a long way, this red beans and rice dish is a delicious meal you won't want to overlook. This simple, hearty dish featuring creamy red beans served over steamed rice, optionally with sausage.

To make it: Soak red beans, then simmer until tender. Sauté onions, bell peppers, and celery, adding garlic and sliced sausage until browned. Season with Cajun spices and combine with beans. Serve over rice with optional green onions and hot sauce.

7. Chicken Cacciatore

This rustic Italian dish features chicken thighs (or chicken breasts if that's what you have on hand), tomatoes, bell peppers, and herbs, simmered to perfection.

To make it: Season chicken thighs and brown in olive oil. Remove and sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Add tomatoes, wine, oregano, and basil, then return chicken to the pan. Simmer until chicken is done. Serve over cooked pasta, brown rice, or with garlic bread.

8. Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Not sure what to do with that leftover chicken or frozen chicken tenders? This inexpensive meal may be just the solution. This simple yet indulgent dish is made with pasta, chicken, and a rich garlic cream sauce.

To make it: Cook pasta, set aside. Sauté chicken, remove. In the same pan, cook garlic, add cream and broth. Stir in Parmesan until sauce thickens. Combine chicken and pasta with sauce. Season, garnish with parsley, fresh herbs, and fried onions if you desire! Then serve with extra cheese and good bread.

9. Spinach and Potato Frittata

Breakfast is almost always a great dinner idea on a busy weeknight. And, it's extremely cheap! This egg-based dish features spinach, potatoes, and cheese. You could even add caramelized onions, frozen broccoli, or thick slices of bacon-whatever you have on hand!

To make it: Sauté sliced potatoes until golden. Whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper. Add spinach to potatoes until wilted. Pour eggs over, top with cheese, and cook until edges set. Broil until top is browned. Serve warm and with sour cream, if desired!

10. Tangy Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Everyone loves a good pulled-pork sandwich. Throw some pork shoulder in a tangy sauce into the crock pot, then shred it and pile on buns with cole slaw!

To make it: Rub a pork shoulder with spices and slow-cook it in a tangy sauce for these mouthwatering sandwiches until it falls apart. Shred the meat, mix it back into the sauce, and serve on buns, perhaps with coleslaw or mashed potatoes as a side dish.

Other Money-Saving Tips for Family Dinners

Looking to stretch your food budget while still putting delicious meals on the table? Here are some practical tips to help you save money on family dinners:

Plan Your Meals: Plan your weekly meals. This will help you buy only what you need, reducing waste and impulse purchases.
Buy in Bulk: Purchase non-perishable items and staples like rice, beans, and pasta in bulk, like from BJ's Wholesale Club or Sam's Club. It's often cheaper and ensures you have the basics for many meals.
Use Coupons and Sales: Keep an eye out for discounts, coupons, and sales at your local grocery stores. Stock up on items that are on sale, especially if they have a long shelf life or can be frozen. For older families, keep an eye out for restaurants with senior discounts, too!
Cook from Scratch: Pre-made and processed foods usually cost more than cooking from scratch. Plus, homemade meals can be healthier and more satisfying.
Embrace Meatless Meals: Meat can be expensive, so consider adding a few meatless meals to your weekly rotation. Beans, lentils, and eggs are great, cheaper protein sources.
Use Leftovers Wisely: Get creative with leftovers. They can be used for lunches, transformed into new meals, or even frozen for future dinners.
Grow Your Own: If you have the space, start a small vegetable garden. Growing your own herbs and veggies can be a cost-effective and rewarding way to supplement your meals.
Reduce Waste: Be mindful of portion sizes and store food properly to extend its shelf life. Composting or using food scraps for stocks can also help minimize waste.
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Implementing these strategies can help you make the most of your food budget, allowing you to enjoy satisfying family dinners while saving money.