15 Budget-Friendly Family Meals to Make Now

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Feeding the crew without emptying your wallet? Say less. These meals bring big flavor, low effort, and serious budget-friendly energy. From Sloppy Joe Casserole that stretches a pound of meat like magic to Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken that tastes like takeout without the delivery fee, these are weeknight wins in disguise. Ham and Bean Soup keeps things cozy, Easy Chorizo and Eggs adds breakfast-for-dinner charm, and Whole Roasted Cauliflower proves even veggies can steal the spotlight. Budget meals? Yes. Boring? Absolutely not.

Sloppy Joe Casserole

A plate featuring cheesy slider buns topped with parsley, sitting atop seasoned ground beef, with a fork nearby.
Image Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

Sloppy Joe Casserole takes all the messy fun of Sloppy Joes and turns it into a cozy, baked delight—no napkins required.

To learn more: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Golden-brown, crusted chicken breasts in a gray dish, garnished with herbs and served alongside green beans and various toppings.
Image Credit: Cheerful Cook

Parmesan Crusted Chicken brings crispy, cheesy magic to your plate, making every bite a golden, crunchy delight.

To learn more: Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Hoisin Sticky Ribs

A close-up of glazed pork slices in a glass dish, topped with red chili slices, chopped peanuts, and green onions.
Image Credit: Inspired Taste

Hoisin Sticky Ribs coat your ribs in a sweet and savory glaze that’s finger-lickin’ good—because who can resist a little mess with that much flavor?

To learn more: Hoisin Sticky Ribs

Shaker Chicken Pudding – Vintage Recipe

A close-up of a creamy chicken casserole topped with golden bread crumbs and chopped parsley, served over white rice.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Shaker Chicken Pudding – Vintage Recipe combines old-school comfort with a quirky twist, proving that retro dishes still know how to wow.

To learn more: Shaker Chicken Pudding – Vintage Recipe

Perfect Baked Tofu

A plate of golden, crispy tofu cubes served with a small bowl of dark dipping sauce, garnished with sesame seeds.
Image Credit: Inspired Taste

Perfect Baked Tofu crisps up to golden perfection, proving that plant-based doesn’t mean bland—just full of flavor and crunch.

To learn more: Perfect Baked Tofu

Whole Roasted Cauliflower

A roasted cauliflower head topped with yogurt sauce, pomegranate seeds, and pine nuts, garnished with fresh herbs on a white plate.
Image Credit: Cheerful Cook

Whole Roasted Cauliflower transforms this humble veggie into a showstopper, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—who knew cauliflower could steal the spotlight?

To learn more: Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Easy Chorizo and Eggs

A close-up of a skillet filled with cheesy, savory egg dish topped with cilantro, onions, and crumbled cheese, beside warm tortillas.
Image Credit: Inspired Taste

Easy Chorizo and Eggs spices up your breakfast with bold, savory flavors that come together faster than you can crack an egg.

To learn more: Easy Chorizo and Eggs

Parsley Pesto Salmon Recipe

A metal fork holds a piece of baked salmon topped with green pesto and diced tomatoes. More slices of salmon garnished with pesto and tomatoes appear in the background.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Parsley Pesto Salmon Recipe drizzles vibrant, herbaceous goodness over tender fish—because a little pesto never hurt anyone, especially when paired with salmon.

To learn more: Parsley Pesto Salmon Recipe

Ham and Bean Soup

A bowl of hearty bean soup with ham, carrots, and tomatoes, garnished with parsley, alongside chopped ham, greens, and bread.
Image Credit: Cheerful Cook

Ham and Bean Soup simmers hearty, smoky flavors into a comforting bowl of goodness—because sometimes, simple ingredients make the best meals.

To learn more: Ham and Bean Soup

Easy Vegan Pierogi Recipe

A bowl of golden-brown pierogi topped with green onions and served with sour cream on a wooden board.
Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

Easy Vegan Pierogi Recipe stuffs plant-based goodness into every bite, making this classic dish deliciously cruelty-free and totally crave-worthy.

To learn more: Easy Vegan Pierogi Recipe

Lemon Garlic Sauteed Cabbage

Stir-fried cabbage served in a white bowl, garnished with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Image Credit: Inspired Taste

Lemon Garlic Sautéed Cabbage gives your veggies a vibrant twist with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic—because cabbage deserves to shine too.

To learn more: Lemon Garlic Sauteed Cabbage

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

A bowl of shredded chicken in brown sauce served over fluffy white rice, garnished with chopped green onions.
Image Credit: Lil’ Luna

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken lets your slow cooker work its magic, turning simple chicken into a sweet and savory dish with minimal effort.

To learn more: Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Thai Red Curry Chicken

A vibrant curry dish featuring chicken, red peppers, and basil in a rich, orange sauce, served in a cast-iron skillet.
Image Credit: Cheerful Cook

Thai Red Curry Chicken brings bold, creamy heat to your plate with just the right kick—like a vacation in a bowl without the jet lag.

To learn more: Thai Red Curry Chicken

Easy Chimichurri Chicken

Golden brown chicken thighs topped with vibrant green chimichurri and served with a bowl of extra sauce on a white plate.
Image Credit: Inspired Taste

Easy Chimichurri Chicken drizzles on the herby goodness and keeps things zesty—because plain chicken is so last season.

To learn more: Easy Chimichurri Chicken

Crock Pot Pot Roast

Plate of juicy, tender pot roast smothered in gravy, served with golden-brown roasted potatoes on the side.
Image Credit: Lil’ Luna

Crock Pot Pot Roast slow-cooks its way to tender perfection, making you look like a kitchen hero with zero stress involved.

To learn more: Crock Pot Pot Roast

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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