Quick and Tasty Family Dinners on a Budget

When it comes to weeknight meals, finding options that are easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and appealing to the whole family can feel like a challenge. Whether you’re feeding a family of six, dealing with picky eaters, or looking for healthy options, this post has you covered. Here’s a collection of recipes and tips to inspire your family dinners.

1. Creamy Chicken and Veggie Skillet

Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines chicken and vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
4. Add broccoli and carrots, cooking until vegetables are tender.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer for 3-5 minutes. Serve warm.

2. Cheesy Beef and Rice Bake

This hearty casserole is perfect for a big family dinner. It’s budget-friendly and can be customized with your favorite vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. In a large baking dish, combine uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Add cooked ground beef and mix again. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm.

3. Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken

This healthy dinner idea is quick to prepare and easy to clean up, making it a go-to for busy families.

Ingredients

• 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange chicken thighs, potatoes, and green beans on a sheet pan. Drizzle the olive oil mixture over everything, tossing the vegetables to coat evenly.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender. Serve immediately.

4. Picky-Eater-Friendly Spaghetti Bake

A twist on classic spaghetti, this baked version is creamy, cheesy, and sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste