Budget Meals For Weeknight Dinners (Quick and Delicious)

Is it just me, or do you find yourself panicking when you have come to the end of a long busy day and realize it is almost dinnertime and you do not have a clue about what to make?? 

And maybe you are thinking what on earth is the cheapest dinner you can make because your family budget is tighter than ever??

Seriously, finding just the perfect easy family dinner to make after a crazy hectic day that everyone will eat and is cheap to make is like finding a slice of nirvana!!

So let me maybe help you out just a bit with these kid friendly hearty meals on a budget recipes that need very little prep time and clean-up time. 

Plus, these recipes are good. Really good. Like, even picky kids might ask for seconds kind of good.

So you might wanna make extra, just saying.

And you can find more easy dinner ideas for kids in this reader-favorite post!

1. 15-Minute Beefy Noodle Skillet Dinner

Skillet cheesy pasta and ground beef make a warm filling dinner for the family in just 15 minutes.

And dinner in a mug is definitely one of the cutest ways to get picky eaters to eat!!  I love that idea.   

Get the recipe at Family Favorite Recipes.

2. Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

There is nothing easier or better than coming home to a dinner made in a slow and ready to enjoy after a long day. Clean-up is easier too (another bonus when it comes to slow cooker recipes)

And this delicious healthy chicken and rice crockpot recipe will warm up the whole family on winter nights. 

If you have questions about safely cooking food in slow cookers, you can get more information here.

Get the recipe at Julie's Eats and Treats.

3. Mexican Pizza With Crispy Tortilla Crust

Image From Two Peas and Their Pod

 Mexican crispy tortilla pizza is a great choice if you need some easy summer recipe ideas for kids.

You just a few ingredients and about 15 minutes to prepare this yummy kid-friendly meal.

Get the recipe at Two Peas and Their Pod.

 4. Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

One skillet chicken and broccoli casserole is a perfect go-to meal when serving a big hungry family.

The best part about this recipe (well, maybe second best, the flavor really does come first) is that this is a one-skillet dinner.

Get the Recipe at The Seasoned Mom.

5. Easy Cheesy Spaghetti Casserole

Picture From Delish.com

Cheesy lemon pasta is delicious anytime. And one of those healthy recipes for picky eaters on a budget type recipe.

It's the kind of recipe you want to have on hand after a long day when you are tempted to either give the kids cereal or really surrender and order takeout. (which is generally never a budget-friendly option.)

You can put this dinner together quickly and it will fill up empty tummies fast. It takes just about 20 minutes to make, and it is hands down one of the best and quickest pasta casseroles ever. 

And is definitely cheaper than take-out or delivery, and a healthier option than cereal😎.

Get the Recipe at Delish.com.

More Easy Dinner Ideas From Happy Healthy Families

5 Hearty Winter Casseroles That Will Make You a Kitchen Hero 

5 Easy Budget-Friendly Weeknight Meals When You Have No Budget

5 Spicy Vegan Black Bean Burger Recipes You Don't Want To Miss