16 Budget-Friendly Family Dinner Ideas for Back To School

Budget-friendly dinner ideas don’t have to be boring! We’ve rounded up our favorites that are not too expensive to make and super-tasty too like White Chicken Enchiladas and Creamy Beef & Shells and the best part is that they’re quick and easy to make too!

White Chicken Enchiladas

Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

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This easy White Chicken Enchiladas recipe features soft tortillas stuffed with tender, cheesy chicken and smothered in a creamy enchilada sauce. You’ll love this dinner with its double dose of cheese, adding extra richness and flavor to this comforting favorite. Get the Recipe: White Chicken Enchiladas

Creamy Beef and Shells

Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

This easy Creamy Beef and Shells brings together a creamy tomato sauce, seasoned ground beef, and pasta for a comforting meal. The herbs, garlic, and cheddar cheese boost the flavor and creaminess, making it a perfect, easy dinner to whip up after a long day. Get the Recipe: Creamy Beef and Shells

Pasta e Piselli 

Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

Ready in under 30 minutes, Pasta e Piselli (Italian Pasta and Peas) is a simple but tasty dish. It’s comforting on a cold winter day and fresh and spring-like with seasonal peas, whether fresh or frozen. This creamy pasta with peas is sure to win you over once you try it! Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli

Orange Chicken with Chicken Nuggets

Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

This easy Orange Chicken with Chicken Nuggets recipe is ready in just 25 minutes! We’ve made it simple by using chicken nuggets and a tangy homemade orange chicken sauce. Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken with Chicken Nuggets

Taco Tater Tot Casserole

Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

This easy Taco Tater Tot Casserole brings everyone’s favorite taco filling into a fun new twist! It’s a great way to mix up Taco Tuesdays. Mexican seasoned ground beef gets topped with crispy tater tots and cheese for a comforting, crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner. It’s tacos with tater tots—what’s not to love? Get the Recipe: Taco Tater Tot Casserole

Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

This simple One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe blends two of the best comfort foods: cheeseburgers and macaroni and cheese. It’s super easy to get dinner on the table in just 30 minutes, and everyone will love how the creamy melted cheese coats the seasoned beef and macaroni noodles! Get the Recipe: Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

This simple One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe blends two of the best comfort foods: cheeseburgers and macaroni and cheese. It’s super easy to get dinner on the table in just 30 minutes, and everyone will love how the creamy melted cheese coats the seasoned beef and macaroni noodles! Get the Recipe: One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

Crock Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff

Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

This easy Crock Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff is packed with the classic stroganoff flavors and only takes 5 minutes to prep. Instead of using strips of beef like my traditional Beef Stroganoff, this recipe uses ground beef. The slow cooking lets the beef broth, sour cream, and cream of mushroom soup blend into a creamy, flavorful beef sauce. Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff

Easy Chinese Style Fried Rice

Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud

Tastier than takeout, this Chinese fried rice recipe is a healthy, customizable dish perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with your favorite Asian dishes! Get the Recipe: Easy Chinese Style Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fajitas

Photo Credit: Semi Homemade Kitchen

Ground beef fajitas are a quick and easy dinner option for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a tasty meal ready in no time. Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fajitas

Crockpot Cheesy Taco Hash Brown Casserole

Photo Credit: Whiskful Cooking

This Crockpot Cheesy Taco Hash Brown Casserole is a hearty, flavorful meat-and-potatoes dish packed with delicious taco seasonings. It’s an easy go-to meal for any night of the week. Get the Recipe: Crockpot Cheesy Taco Hash Brown Casserole

Mini Chicken Pot Pies

Photo Credit: Semi Homemade Kitchen

Get ready for comfort food heaven with these irresistible Mini Chicken Pot Pies! Filled with tender rotisserie chicken, creamy chicken soup, a cheesy twist, and a flaky biscuit crust, these individual-sized pot pies are the perfect savory treat to warm you up on chilly evenings. Get the Recipe: Mini Chicken Pot Pies

Cheesy Ramen Noodles

Photo Credit: Spoons Of Flavor

This cheese ramen is ready in just 5 minutes, making it ideal for a quick and easy meal. With only 4 simple ingredients, it’s hearty, filling, and delicious. Both adults and kids will love it! Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ramen Noodles

Baked Cheesy White Bean Tomato Skillet

Photo Credit: May Eighty Five

If you’re searching for a hearty weeknight dinner, you’ll love this cheesy white bean-tomato bake. It’s a great vegetarian side dish, but you can easily turn it into a main course by pairing it with a simple side salad and some warm, crusty bread. Get the Recipe: Baked Cheesy White Bean Tomato Skillet

American Goulash

Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon

American Goulash is a simple, one-pot comfort food made with ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni noodles. It’s great year-round and even better as leftovers. This irresistible recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters! Get the Recipe: American Goulash

Rice and Ground Beef

Photo Credit: The Rice Chick

Looking for a hearty and delicious meal that’s easy to make? You’ve found the right recipe! Combining savory ground beef with fluffy rice, tender potatoes, sweet carrots, and a rich mix of spices, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy a comforting, satisfying dinner with minimal effort! Get the Recipe: Rice and Ground Beef

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