13 Budget Friendly Family Dinners to Beat the January Blues

When the January hits and you feel a little tighter on cash, these affordable family dinners save the day! Warm, hearty, and easy to make, these recipes keep your family happy while helping to balance your grocery budget.

Table of Contents

Chicken Thighs and Rice

A wide view of bone in chicken thighs on top of rice in a pot from above. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

This Chicken Thighs and Rice recipe is comfort food at its best! Juicy chicken thighs are baked with perfectly seasoned rice for a one-dish dinner that’s as easy as it is flavorful. Your family will love this cozy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

7-Can Soup (Slow Cooker)

A wide view of a bowl with a handle of 7 can soup with corn, black beans, and tomatoes, garnished with cilantro, in a white bowl with a slow cooker nearby on the counter. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

This 7-Can Soup is a slow cooker miracle made with all pantry ingredients! Toss everything into your crockpot for a hearty, flavorful soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings or a quick dinner solution. You won’t believe how easy and delicious this one, and you can keep these items on hand for a night you didn’t plan dinner. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Cheesy Homemade Hamburger Shells Pasta

A wide view of a wooden spoon stirring a skillet filled with cheesy homemade hamburger helper in a pan. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Cheesy Hamburger Shells Pasta is a cheesy dinner that will be a favorite with picky eaters! Made with hearty ground beef and tender shell pasta, it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike. Perfect for a quick, cozy meal everyone will enjoy. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Oven-roasted chicken legs and mixed vegetables including diced potatoes and sliced carrots on a foil-lined baking tray. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks are crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. No frying, no mess—just simple and delicious chicken and potatoes all on one pan. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Poor Man’s Stew (Hamburger Stew)

A bowl of poor man's stew with ground meat and vegetables in a bowl looking from the edge. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Poor Man’s Stew is a budget-friendly classic that doesn’t skimp on flavor! Made with ground beef, potatoes, and a rich tomato base, this hearty dish is pure comfort food. It’s perfect for feeding your family without breaking the bank. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Classic Beef Meatloaf

Sliced meatloaf up close on a platter. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

This Classic Beef Meatloaf is tender, flavorful, and topped with a perfectly sweet glaze. Serve it with mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food combo, and make the most delicious sandwiches of your life the next day with any leftovers. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Wide view of a bowl of soup with chicken, carrots, spinach, orzo pasta and lemon in the bowl. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a light yet comforting meal full of fresh, light flavors. Full of tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a bright lemony broth, it’s a perfect soup to pick you up. Add some crackers or some crusty bread, and dinner is ready! CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Beef Burrito Bowl

Wide view of a beef burrito rice bowl topped with avocado, diced tomato and sour cream. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Beef Burrito Bowls are a fun and flavorful way to bring everything you love about burritos into one cozy, quick to make bowl. Layered with seasoned beef, rice, beans, and all your favorite toppings, they’re customizable and always a hit. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Chicken Fajita Wraps

Chicken Fajita Wraps are packed with juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and the perfect amount seasoning—all wrapped up for a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. Perfect for a warm lunch or dinner, these wraps are a family favorite. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Smoked Sausage Pasta

Smoked Sausage Pasta combines smoky crispy sausage, a creamy sauce, and pasta for a dinner that will easily be your new favorite. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy nights and leaves everyone satisfied and happy. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Meatball Stroganoff (Slow Cooker)

Wide view of meatballs stroganoff on top of egg noodles on a plate. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Slow Cooker Meatball Stroganoff is a creamy, savory dish that’s ridiculously easy to make. Tender meatballs and rich sauce over noodles make this a cozy family favorite. Just set it and forget it until dinner! CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

wide view of a rice skillet topped with cheese and mixed with diced bell pepper. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet takes the classic stuffed pepper and simplifies it into an easy skillet meal. With all the same great flavors, this dish is quick, hearty, and perfect for weeknights. Serve it with rice or bread for a complete dinner. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup is everything you love about lasagna in a warm, comforting bowl. Cheesy, meaty, and packed with Italian flavors, it’s a fun twist on a classic dish that’s perfect for busy nights. Don’t forget the crusty bread for dipping! CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE