Cheap Easy Meals for 4

Looking for budget-friendly family dinners that are quick and easy? You’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll share affordable meal ideas for four that will keep both your wallet and taste buds happy.

Meal planning for a family of four doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these cheap and easy meals, you can whip up delicious dishes without breaking the bank. From comforting casseroles to flavorful sheet pan dinners, there’s something here for everyone.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover budget-friendly recipes for four that are perfect for effortless weeknight family dining
• These quick and easy meals use simple ingredients and require minimal prep time
• From deconstructed stuffed cabbage to teriyaki chicken and gnocchi, there’s something for everyone to enjoy
• Make meal planning a breeze with these affordable and delicious meal ideas
• Satisfy your family’s taste buds while staying on a budget

Deconstructed Stuffed Cabbage with Butternut Squash – A Quick and Easy Twist on a Classic

Looking for a quick and easy cabbage recipe that’s perfect for a budget-friendly weeknight meal? Try this deconstructed stuffed cabbage with butternut squash. It’s a delicious twist on a classic dish that’s sure to satisfy your hunger.

This recipe takes the traditional stuffed cabbage and simplifies it by using already cubed butternut squash. This means you can save time on prep and have a flavorful, table-ready meal in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect option for busy weeknights when you need a comforting and filling dinner.

Here’s how to make this quick and easy deconstructed stuffed cabbage with butternut squash:

1. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until they become fragrant and slightly browned.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through.
4. Add cubed butternut squash, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and your favorite seasonings to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender.
6. While the mixture is simmering, prepare a pot of cooked rice to serve with the deconstructed stuffed cabbage.
7. Once the butternut squash is tender, season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the deconstructed stuffed cabbage over a bed of cooked rice and enjoy!

This quick and easy cabbage recipe is not only budget-friendly but also packed with flavor. The combination of the tender butternut squash, savory ground beef, and aromatic seasonings creates a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

So why not give this deconstructed stuffed cabbage with butternut squash a try? It’s a delicious twist on a classic dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, making it a win-win for both your taste buds and your wallet.

What Makes This Recipe Budget-Friendly?

This deconstructed stuffed cabbage with butternut squash recipe is not only quick and easy but also budget-friendly. Here are a few reasons why:

• Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, butternut squash, onions, and garlic.
• Minimizes prep time by using already cubed butternut squash.
• Doesn’t require any expensive or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Creates a filling and satisfying meal with simple and budget-friendly ingredients.

With these cost-saving tips, you can enjoy a delicious and budget-friendly dinner without compromising on taste or quality.

Teriyaki Chicken – A Cheap and Easy Slow Cooker Meal

Whip up a cheap and easy dinner with this slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe. With just a few ingredients like chicken, soy sauce, brown sugar, and other flavorings, you can create a delicious and budget-friendly meal. Serve it with rice and steamed broccoli to round out the dish and you’ll have a satisfying dinner on the table in no time.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce.
7. Serve the teriyaki chicken over steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

This slow cooker teriyaki chicken is a budget-friendly option for a delicious and effortless dinner. The slow cooking process helps tenderize the chicken, allowing it to absorb all the flavors of the homemade teriyaki sauce. Plus, with the convenience of the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, leaving you with more time to focus on other tasks. This easy chicken recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Southwest Tamale Casserole – A Surefire Winner for Hungry Families

Take your family on a culinary journey to the Southwest with this easy and budget-friendly tamale casserole. Made with pre-made tamales, canned chili, cheese, and peppers, this casserole is a surefire winner for hungry families. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.

Ingredients:

• 4 pre-made tamales
• 1 can of chili
• 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers (red, green, or a mix)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a baking dish, arrange the pre-made tamales in a single layer.
3. Pour the canned chili evenly over the tamales.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
5. Scatter the diced bell peppers over the cheese.
6. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

This Southwest Tamale Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that combines the flavors of tamales, chili, and cheese into one delicious dish. It’s a budget-friendly option that can be customized with your favorite toppings and garnishes. Serve it with a side of guacamole, sour cream, and salsa for an extra kick of flavor.

Nutritional Information:

Enjoy this budget-friendly Southwest Tamale Casserole as an easy family dinner that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. With the convenience of pre-made tamales and canned chili, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time.

Quick Pasta Fagioli – A Flavorful Italian Dish on a Budget

Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy without breaking the bank with this quick and easy pasta fagioli recipe. Pasta fagioli, meaning “pasta and beans” in Italian, is a hearty and comforting dish that is a staple in Italian cuisine. This budget-friendly pasta recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying Italian dinner that the whole family will love.

To make this pantry staple dish, all you need is jarred tomato sauce, pre-made broth, pasta, beans, and a few basic spices. By using these simple and affordable ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal in no time. The best part is that you can customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences by adding vegetables, herbs, or even meat if desired.

This easy Italian dinner is not only delicious but also versatile. It can be served as a main course or as a side dish alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread. The combination of pasta and beans provides a good balance of carbohydrates and protein, making it a nutritious and filling option for any meal.

“Pasta fagioli is a classic Italian dish that is loved for its simplicity and comforting flavors. This quick and easy recipe allows you to enjoy a taste of Italy without breaking the budget. It’s the perfect dish to whip up when you’re craving a satisfying and flavorful meal.”

So, why not add this budget-friendly pasta fagioli recipe to your repertoire? It’s a simple and delicious way to bring a taste of Italy to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen or breaking the bank.

Tips for Making Quick Pasta Fagioli:

• Choose a short pasta shape like macaroni or ditalini for the best texture in the dish.
• Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach to boost the nutritional value of the dish.
• For added flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
• If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the beans with a fork before adding them to the pot.

Get ready to savor the comforting flavors of Italy with this quick and budget-friendly pasta fagioli recipe. It’s an effortless way to enjoy a delicious Italian meal that the whole family will love.

Mini Cheeseburger Cups – Bite-Size Budget-Friendly Delights

Serve up bite-sized delights with these mini cheeseburger cups. Fill little biscuit cups with ground beef and cheese, and bake until melty and browned on top. They’re a hit with both kids and adults, and the best part is they’re budget-friendly and easy to make.

Looking for a fun and kid-friendly dinner idea or a budget-friendly appetizer recipe? Look no further than these mini cheeseburger cups. They’re the perfect bite-sized treat that will satisfy your cravings for a classic cheeseburger without breaking the bank.

To make these mini cheeseburger cups, you’ll need:

• Ground beef
• Biscuit dough
• Cheese
• Seasonings of your choice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare a muffin tin by greasing the cups or lining them with parchment paper.
3. Roll out the biscuit dough and cut it into circles that fit into the muffin cups.
4. Press the biscuit circles into the muffin cups, forming little cups.
5. In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Season it with your desired spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder.
6. Fill each biscuit cup with a spoonful of cooked ground beef.
7. Top the ground beef with shredded cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the biscuit cups are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
10. Optional: Garnish with your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or pickles.
11. Serve and enjoy!

“These mini cheeseburger cups are not only delicious, but they’re also a great way to get kids excited about dinner. The bite-sized format makes them fun to eat, and the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger will surely please even the pickiest of eaters.” – Samantha Johnson, Food Blogger

Whether you’re looking for a tasty appetizer for your next gathering or a quick and budget-friendly dinner idea, these mini cheeseburger cups are sure to be a hit. They’re simple to make, customizable with your favorite toppings, and perfectly portioned for snacking or serving. Give them a try and see how these bite-sized delights become a new family favorite!

Stovetop Chicken and Gnocchi – A Homey Dinner in a Hurry

Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea? Try this Stovetop Chicken and Gnocchi recipe that is sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. Made with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a flavorful sauce, this dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a budget-friendly option.

To make this recipe even more appealing, personalize it with your favorite sauce, such as marinara, and your choice of cheese and seasonings. Whether you prefer a classic Italian flavor or want to experiment with different herbs and spices, this versatile dish can easily accommodate your taste preferences.

Not only is this Stovetop Chicken and Gnocchi recipe quick and easy to make, but it also provides a comforting meal that the whole family will love. It’s the perfect combination of tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a rich sauce that coats every bite.

To enhance the flavors, you can also add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the dish. These additions not only boost the nutritional content but also add a pop of color and freshness to the meal.

Complete your dinner in a hurry with this homey Stovetop Chicken and Gnocchi recipe. It’s a budget-friendly option packed with flavors and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a delicious meal in no time.

Creamy Dill Chicken and Broccoli – A Flavorful Dish for a Bargain

Indulge in the flavors of creamy dill chicken and broccoli with this budget-friendly and quick recipe. It’s the perfect choice for an easy weeknight dinner using pantry staples. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy dill sauce creates a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

To make this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Here’s how to prepare this mouthwatering dish:

1. In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and cook until they are slightly tender.
4. Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, chopped dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, ensuring it’s coated with the creamy dill sauce. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Remove from heat and serve the creamy dill chicken and broccoli hot, garnished with additional dill if desired.

This creamy dill chicken and broccoli recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also a budget-friendly option that utilizes common pantry staples. The result is a flavorful dish that satisfies both your taste buds and your wallet.

Don’t forget to save the broccoli stalks for other recipes or use them in this flavorful dish. Waste not, want not!

Conclusion

In conclusion, these budget-friendly and easy recipes for four offer a delicious and affordable solution for weeknight family dining. With recipes like deconstructed stuffed cabbage and quick pasta fagioli, you can create flavorful meals using simple ingredients without breaking the bank. Whether you prefer comforting casseroles, flavorful sheet pan dinners, or quick one-pot meals, there’s something for everyone in this collection.

The convenience and simplicity of these recipes make them perfect for busy families on a budget. You can whip up a satisfying meal in no time, allowing you to spend more quality time with your loved ones. Say goodbye to complicated and expensive meals and hello to affordable and tasty options that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

So why not give these budget-friendly and easy recipes for four a try? With their simplicity, affordability, and deliciousness, you’ll be able to enjoy stress-free and satisfying meals with your family without breaking the bank. Start experimenting with these recipes today and discover a whole new world of culinary delights that are both budget-friendly and easy to make.