17 Cheap Eats My Family Begs For Every Week

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17 Cheap Eats My Family Begs For Every Week

Even picky eaters will find something to love in this lineup. From cheesy goodness to spicy twists, there’s enough variety to cater to all preferences, turning “what’s for dinner?” into a fun game of favorites. With meals this good, there’s no need for anyone to play the “I don’t like that” card at the table. Instead, expect cheers and maybe even some playful food envy among family members as they dig into these cheap eats.

Golden fried chicken pieces with a side of dipping sauce.
Chick-fil-A Nuggets. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Homemade Lasagna

Close-up of a delicious slice of lasagna, showcasing layers of pasta, ground meat, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and garnished with chopped basil.
Homemade Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Who says you can’t have a feast on a budget? This dish proves them wrong every single time. Homemade Lasagna layers simple ingredients into something extraordinary, showing that comfort food doesn’t have to break the bank. It’s a hit with everyone, making it a staple in our weeknight dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf

Close-up of a slice of cheesy taco casserole topped with chopped tomatoes, green onions, and jalapeño slices on a white plate, reminiscent of the comforting flavors found in slow cooker taco meatloaf.
Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Put a twist on two classics and what do you get? A dish that brings the best of both worlds to your table. Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf fuses slow-cooked tenderness with spicy taco flavors, proving that innovation in the kitchen can be both easy and affordable. It’s the kind of meal that keeps everyone coming back for seconds without straining your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf

The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Fork lifting a serving of cheesy cheeseburger casserole garnished with parsley.
The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Forget about a simple cheeseburger; why not turn it into something that’ll feed the whole crew without emptying your pocket? That’s where The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole comes in, blending everyone’s favorite burger ingredients in a way that’s both simple and low-cost. It’s a game-changer for family meals, ensuring smiles without the need for a drive-thru.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed chicken and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Craving takeout but not the prices that come with it? This dish brings your favorite flavors home. Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe mimics that beloved teriyaki taste without the added cost, making it a smart pick for savvy diners. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the tastes of eating out right at your own dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

A serving of tater tot casserole on a spoon.
Easy Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes, you just need a dish that combines comfort, simplicity, and affordability. That’s exactly what Easy Tater Tot Casserole does, blending pantry staples to create a meal that’s both delicious and pocket-friendly. It’s our go-to when we’re looking for something cozy, proving that great food doesn’t need to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

A bowl containing pulled pork.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re after a dish that’s both effortless and a crowd-pleaser, look no further. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is that set-it-and-forget-it meal that always delivers big flavors with minimal fuss. Perfect for any day of the week, it turns a humble cut of meat into something truly special. It’s our secret weapon for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Easy Chicken Casserole

A fork lifting a cheesy bite from a bowl of chicken casserole topped with bacon and breadcrumbs.
Easy Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you’re short on time but still want to turn heads at the dinner table, this is your best bet. Easy Chicken Casserole combines convenience with taste, making it a favorite amongst those who want to impress without the stress. It’s the epitome of doing a lot with a little, and that’s why it’s a regular request.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole

Cheeseburger Pasta

A skillet filled with penne pasta topped with shredded cheese, ground beef, diced tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles—a delicious take on cheeseburger pasta.
Cheeseburger Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Picture this: your favorite burger turned into a pasta dish. That’s exactly what Cheeseburger Pasta does, creating a comfort food fusion that’s as surprising as it is frugal. It’s a creative take on pasta night that won’t have you running to the grocery store for fancy ingredients, making it a win-win in our book.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Pasta

Chicken Noodles

A bowl of chicken noodle soup with vegetables.
Chicken Noodles. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s something about a bowl of noodles that just feels right. Chicken Noodles takes this universal love and turns it into a quick, delicious dish that’s as friendly to your wallet as it is to your palate. It’s our shortcut to bringing the taste and comfort of homemade noodles into our home with minimum effort and maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodles

Bengali Fish Curry

A bowl of Bengali Fish Curry with chunks of meat and vegetables, garnished with cilantro, served next to a plate of rice.
Bengali Fish Curry. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Ready to bring a world of flavor to your kitchen without the cost of a plane ticket? Bengali Fish Curry transports your senses to South Asia, marrying rich spices with delicate fish in a way that’s both authentic and affordable. It’s an adventure for your palate that won’t require a passport or a hefty bill.
Get the Recipe: Bengali Fish Curry

Easy Chow Mein

A close-up view of a plate of chow mein stir-fried noodles with vegetables and black sesame seeds, with chopsticks visibly picking up a portion.
Easy Chow Mein. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Who knew recreating your favorite noodle dish could be so easy and budget-friendly? Easy Chow Mein is our answer to quick, tasty meals that mimic take-out without the cost. It’s our go-to for satisfying those noodle cravings with ingredients that are both accessible and affordable, proving you don’t need to go out to eat well.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

A dish of ravioli with bacon and parsley that can be found at Olive Garden.
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Love dining out but not the expense that comes with it? Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara brings the restaurant experience home, combining the creamy goodness of carbonara with the comfort of ravioli. It’s a luxurious meal without the luxury price tag, showing that you can recreate your dining out favorites for less.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Whole Baked BBQ Chicken

Roasted chicken with a crispy, golden-brown skin on a white plate, served with a side of greens in a black bowl.
Whole Baked BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s nothing quite like BBQ chicken to bring everyone to the table. Whole Baked BBQ Chicken offers a no-fuss way to enjoy this classic at home, serving up juicy flavors without a grill. It’s our way of enjoying barbecue year-round, no matter the weather or the budget. Simple ingredients, big flavors—that’s our promise.
Get the Recipe: Whole Baked BBQ Chicken

Cowboy Casserole

Close-up of a cowboy casserole in a white dish, showing layers of ground meat and vegetables topped with a golden-brown mashed potato crust, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cowboy Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Got a hungry crowd and a tight budget? Cowboy Casserole is your go-to, making sure no one walks away hungry without spending a fortune. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that combines simplicity with taste, proving that feeding a family well doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. It’s a dinner winner in our book.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

Grilled ribs garnished with herbs and served with a side of sauce and onions.
Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Nothing says feast like a rack of ribs, and who says they have to be expensive? Our Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone tenderness without the need for a smoker or a big cut from your wallet. It’s our little secret for enjoying a traditionally expensive meal on the cheap, making any night feel like a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Close-up of a pulled pork sandwich with pickles and red cabbage on a bun, held in hand, with chips in the background.
Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring a taste of the islands to your kitchen without the ticket price. Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders are the perfect way to do just that, combining tropical flavors with the ease of slow cooking. They’re a hit at gatherings or just a family dinner, proving that a little creativity goes a long way in making mealtime special on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Golden fried chicken pieces with a side of dipping sauce.
Chick-fil-A Nuggets. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Who doesn’t love nuggets? Especially when you can make them at home for a fraction of the cost. Chick-fil-A Nuggets copycat recipe gives you all the pleasure of fast-food favorites but with the satisfaction of making them yourself. It’s our little hack for enjoying a fast-food treat on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets

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