Rice and beans are great, but sometimes you want a little more flavor-bang for your buck. That’s why we’ve rounded up eight of our most mouthwatering dishes that don’t come with a hefty price tag, including comforting casseroles and cheesy pasta bakes. These dinners make feeding your family both cheap and easy, but taste so good, they’re sure to become part of the weekly rotation.
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Easy Ramen with Chicken and Teriyaki Sauce
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Here’s an easy, quick, all-in-one recipe that satisfies a craving for Japanese food! Try it with beef, pork, or tofu in place of chicken, or just have the fresh veggies. This very versatile dinner is loaded with color and comfort.
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Easy White Chili
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This creamy, lightly spicy, chicken chili is absolutely divine. Serve it warm with sweet corn bread for a meal that will be requested again and again (even by the kids!).
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Cheesy Bacon Pasta Bake with Broccoli Crumble
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In this quick and easy dinner, farfalle pasta is mixed with a creamy and savory sauce, then topped with a riced broccoli crumble and baked as a casserole. Trust us, even picky eaters will polish off this weeknight meal.
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Herbed Chicken Shepherd’s Pie
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This unique dish is warm and cozy, and an excellent way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Green beans, chicken, herbs, and a few pantry staples are the foundation of this extra-creamy comfort food casserole.
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Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole
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When you need dinner in a pinch, this tried-and-true tuna noodle casserole will save the day! Even those who don’t love fish will dig into this quick and easy home-style meal. Be sure to sauté the onions before adding them in if you don’t want a crunchy texture.
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A Minnesotan’s Beef and Macaroni Hotdish
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We love a recipe from grandma’s archive, and this traditional, hearty plate is just the dish to stand the test of time. This old-school, Minnesota-staple recipe provides a complete family meal at just a small cost, but its 5-star rating proves it’s still loaded with flavor.
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Sticky Sesame Chicken
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When your standard “chicken dinner” needs a refresh, here’s an easy and economical way to prepare flavorful chicken any night of the week. Fresh ginger and garlic will really take this meal over the top, while the extra glaze is perfect for spooning over rice and broccoli on the plate.
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Grandma’s Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage
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No matter where your family is from, you can enjoy this Hungarian family favorite at your own dinner table. This passed-down, old-fashioned recipe is made in a slow cooker rather than an oven, yielding delicious and hearty beef and sausage rolls every time. Make a big batch and freeze the leftovers, as many of our readers have labelled this a “make again” dish.
