I’m always looking for quick and easy dinner ideas for my hungry kids. It’s not easy finding recipes everyone can agree on, especially when I’m tired and want simple meals that don’t cost a lot of money. I also prefer recipes that make large portions that can be reheated for dinner or lunch the next day.
If you’re a busy mom or dad on a budget with picky eaters to feed, you’ve got to check out thislist of cheap and easy family dinners! They are all made with just a handful of ingredients and most of them are really fast to make for last-minute school night meals. Here you will find everything from simple ground beef casseroles to slow-cooker chicken recipes. You’re sure to find a few recipes to add to your weekly meal plan!
1. Chicken Parmesan & Pasta Casserole
If you’ve got a house full of picky eaters, this chicken casserole is always a hit! You can use any chicken you’d like including rotisserie, canned, leftover, baked, etc. The crispy garlic crumb topping adds the perfect crunch to the creamy and delicious pasta. Serve with a Caesar salad for the ultimate meal!
INSTRUCTIONS
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a medium size baking dish.
- In a large pan or pot, cook and drain the pasta according to the package directions.
- Place the drained pasta back into the pot and mix with the pasta sauce, pulled chicken, HALF of the shredded mozzarella, HALF of the grated parmesan, and 1-2 tsp of Italian seasoning.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes over medium-low heat and then spread it evenly onto the bottom of your baking dish; sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese over top.
- In a small bowl, mix together the panko bread crumbs, melted butter, and garlic powder; sprinkle it evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered on the center rack for about 15 minutes or until the panko crust turns golden brown.
2. Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy
My crockpot is my favorite kitchen appliance because it makes dinner time a breeze! Simply dump a few chicken breasts, a can of soup, a little sour cream, and a few packets of chicken gravy mix into your slow-cooking magic machine, and you’ve got a simple dinner your family will love! Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
INSTRUCTIONS
Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy
- Generously season your chicken breasts with black pepper and garlic powder.
- In your crockpot, whisk together the water, cream of chicken soup, and both packets of chicken gravy mix.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts and use a spoon to cover them well with the gravy mixture.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or until the chicken shreds easily.
- Once cooked, use a couple of forks to shred the chicken into small pieces.
- Stir in the sour cream and allow it to warm for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
3. Lazy Lasagna
This is seriously the laziest meal you will ever make. Simply layer frozen ravioli in a baking dish with pasta sauce and lots of cheese, bake, and voila! You can also add ground beef or sausage to the layers, as well as a few veggies like spinach, zucchini, or onion.
INSTRUCTIONS
Lazy Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of your pasta sauce onto the bottom of the pan (about 3/4 cup).
- Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
- Top with half of the remaining sauce and half of the mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers starting with what’s left of the ravioli. Finish by topping with the remaining sauce and mozzarella. Sprinkle the top with parmesan.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese starts to brown.
4. Loaded Chicken Baked Potatoes
Potatoes are really cheap and very filling, making them one of the best budget meals. Simply bake them (or even microwave them), and then top them with butter, seasoning, chicken, sour cream, bacon bits, onion, or anything else you have on hand. Kids love them, and each one can be customized to their liking.
INSTRUCTIONS
Cheesy Chicken Loaded Potatoes
- Wash and poke the potatoes with a fork. Microwave for about 5 minutes on a paper towel or bake in a 450-degree oven for about 45 minutes or until soft.
- Smash the insides with a fork and mix in a few tablespoons of butter, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper to taste.
- Top with pulled or shredded chicken, shredded cheese, bacon bits, green onion, sour cream, and anything else you’d like!
5. Crockpot Creamy Chicken Tacos
How can you go wrong with cheesy shredded chicken? This easy slow cooker meal is perfect for serving in warm flour tortillas or even over a bed of cauliflower rice or salad if you’re watching your carbs.
INSTRUCTIONS
Creamy Chicken Tacos
- Spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Place the chicken, salsa, cubed cream cheese, and 1-2 tbsp of taco seasoning in and cook on HIGH for 3 hours (or LOW for 4-5 hours).
- Shred with a fork and let the chicken absorb the salsa mixture for at least 15 more minutes.
- Serve in soft tortillas, taco shells, or over a bed of lettuce. Top with shredded cheese, tomatoes, avocado, or anything else you’d like!
