20 Quick And Easy Dinner Recipes For Family Cheap & Delicious

Life can get hectic, especially during the week. With work, school, and activities, finding the time to prepare a wholesome, budget-friendly dinner can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 20 quick and easy dinner recipes that are perfect for feeding the whole family without breaking the bank. Each recipe is designed to be made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or can easily find at your local grocery store. Get ready to explore these delicious options that are sure to become family favorites!

Recipes

1. One-pot cheesy Taco Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 2 cups pasta (e.g., elbow macaroni or rotini)
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup salsa
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Meat: In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2. Add Seasoning: Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, salsa, and broth. Bring to a boil.
3. Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally.
4. Add Cheese: Once the pasta is tender, reduce heat to low and stir in the cheese until melted.
5. Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.

---

2. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
• 3 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 packet of fajita seasoning
• Tortillas
• Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss chicken, bell peppers, and onions with olive oil and fajita seasoning.
3. Bake: Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
4. Serve: Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.

---

3. Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
• 1 block firm tofu or 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• Cooked rice or noodles

Instructions

1. Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey.
2. Cook Protein: In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Cook tofu or chicken until browned.
3. Add Vegetables: Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Combine: Pour the sauce over the stir-fry and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Serve: Serve over rice or noodles.

---

4. Sloppy Joes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Burger buns

Instructions

1. Cook Meat and Onions: In a large skillet, cook ground meat and onions over medium heat until meat is browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add Sauce: Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Serve: Spoon the mixture onto burger buns and serve warm.

---

5. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Sauté Garlic: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté until fragrant.
3. Combine: Add cooked spaghetti and reserved pasta water to the pan. Toss to coat.
4. Serve: Season with salt, add parsley, and serve with Parmesan cheese.

---

6. Chicken Alfredo

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound fettuccine pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Cook fettuccine according to package instructions.
2. Cook Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
4. Combine: Add pasta and chicken to the sauce, and toss to coat.
5. Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste.

---

7. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef (flank steak or sirloin), sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Instructions

1. Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, mix beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Cook Beef: In a large pan, heat oil over medium-high heat and cook beef until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook Broccoli: Add broccoli and garlic to the pan, and stir-fry until broccoli is tender.
4. Combine: Return beef to the pan, stir to combine, and heat through.
5. Serve: Serve hot with rice or noodles.

---

8. Baked Ziti

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Pasta: Cook ziti according to package instructions.
3. Cook Meat: In a skillet, cook ground meat until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Combine: In a baking dish, combine cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, cooked meat, and half of the mozzarella.
5. Bake: Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
6. Serve: Serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread.

---

9. Quesadillas

Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 8 flour tortillas
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Assemble: Place chicken and cheese on one half of each tortilla. Fold over.
2. Cook: In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook quesadillas until golden brown on both sides.
3. Serve: Cut into wedges and serve with salsa.

---

10. Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup green beans
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened.
2. Add Broth and Tomatoes: Stir in diced tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil.
3. Add Beans: Add green beans, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste.

---

11. Classic Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Ingredients

• 8 slices of bread
• 8 slices of cheese (American or cheddar)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato soup
• 1 cup milk

Instructions

1. Prepare Soup: In a pot, mix tomato soup with milk and heat over medium heat.
2. Make Sandwiches: Butter one side of each bread slice. Place cheese between two slices, buttered sides out.
3. Grill Sandwiches: In a skillet, grill sandwiches until golden brown on both sides.
4. Serve: Serve sandwiches with hot tomato soup.

---

12. Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups steamed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, peas)

Instructions

1. Make Sauce: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until browned.
3. Add Sauce: Add sauce to chicken, and simmer until thickened.
4. Serve: Serve chicken over rice with steamed vegetables.

---

13. Pizza Margherita

Ingredients

• 1 pizza dough
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Assemble Pizza: Roll out dough on a baking sheet. Spread sauce, and top with mozzarella and basil.
3. Bake: Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
4. Serve: Serve hot with a side salad.

---

14. Beef Tacos

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• Taco shells
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa

Instructions

1. Cook Beef: In a skillet, cook beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add Seasoning: Stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Assemble Tacos: Fill taco shells with beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.
4. Serve: Add optional toppings and serve.

---

15. Garlic Butter Pasta

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti or any pasta you have on hand
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or 1 tablespoon dried parsley

Instructions

Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot. Enjoy this simple yet delicious pasta dish as a main meal or a side.

Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.

Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.

Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the garlic butter sauce.

Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and forms a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

---

16. Mushroom Risotto

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté Onion and Mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a pot. Add onion and mushrooms, and sauté until softened.
2. Add Rice: Stir in rice, and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Add Broth: Gradually add broth, 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly until absorbed.
4. Finish: Stir in Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve: Serve hot as a main or side dish.

---

17. Chicken Fried Rice

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. Cook Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan. Cook chicken until browned.
2. Scramble Eggs: Push chicken to the side, pour eggs into the pan, and scramble until cooked.
3. Add Vegetables: Add peas, carrots, and rice. Stir-fry for 3 minutes.
4. Add Sauces: Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil.
5. Serve: Top with green onions and serve hot.

---

18. Turkey and Cheese Wraps

Ingredients

• 8 flour tortillas
• 1 pound deli turkey slices
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 cup lettuce
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise or mustard

Instructions

1. Assemble Wraps: Spread mayonnaise or mustard on each tortilla. Layer with turkey, cheese, and lettuce.
2. Roll Up: Roll each tortilla tightly.
3. Serve: Cut in half and serve with chips or a salad.

---

19. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork shoulder
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Burger buns
• Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles

Instructions

1. Cook Pork: In a slow cooker, combine pork, BBQ sauce, and broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
2. Shred Pork: Remove pork and shred it with a fork.
3. Serve: Serve on buns with optional toppings.

---

20. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Meat: In a skillet, cook ground meat until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Combine Filling: In a bowl, mix meat, rice, and tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff Peppers: Fill each pepper half with the mixture, and top with cheese.
5. Bake: Place in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender.
6. Serve: Serve hot as a main dish.

Recommendations and Substitutions

• Pasta: Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options for a healthier twist.
• Protein: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh in stir-fry recipes for a vegetarian option.
• Cheese: Use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
• Seasonings: Customize your spice level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
• Vegetables: Use seasonal vegetables to keep costs low and flavors fresh.

Conclusion

With these 20 quick and easy dinner recipes, you can whip up a delicious meal for your family in no time. These recipes are designed to be budget-friendly and packed with flavor, ensuring that everyone leaves the table satisfied. Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand. Enjoy experimenting with these dishes and discovering new family favorites!