21 Cheap Dinners for the Weeks Between the Holidays

The weeks after the holidays are a great time to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing satisfying family meals. These affordable dinner ideas help you make the most of everyday cooking while keeping everyone full and happy. With practical options for busy nights, you can enjoy comforting meals and spend a little less at the store.

Classic Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers for Budget-Friendly Dinners

A hamburger topped with cheese and caramelized onions. — Classic Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Stretch your dinner budget with these juicy burgers packed with old-fashioned flavor. Thinly cooked onions bring sweetness and savory goodness to every bite, making this diner-inspired favorite a satisfying choice for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Classic Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers for Budget-Friendly Dinners

Creamy Ground Beef Egg Noodles in Stroganoff Sauce

A plate of creamy beef stroganoff with rotini pasta, garnished with parsley, and a fork beside it. — Ground Beef Egg Noodles in Stroganoff Sauce. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Bring comforting flavor to the dinner table with this creamy noodle dish. Tender egg noodles and savory ground beef are coated in a rich, stroganoff-style sauce for a filling family meal ready in less than half an hour.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Egg Noodles in Stroganoff Sauce

Easy Loose Meat Sandwiches (Maid-Rite Copycat Recipe)

A sandwich bun filled with loose ground beef and topped with pickle slices, held in a hand. — Loose Meat Sandwiches. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

These classic Midwest sandwiches make a simple, satisfying dinner without much fuss. Seasoned loose ground beef piled on soft buns delivers nostalgic diner flavor, perfect for feeding a hungry family on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Easy Loose Meat Sandwiches (Maid-Rite Copycat Recipe)

Filipino Pork Adobo for an Affordable Family Dinner

Filipino Pork Adobo. Photo credit: Chicken Fried Kitchen.

Enjoy a beloved Filipino comfort food that's hearty, flavorful, and easy to share. Tender pork simmered in a savory, tangy sauce makes Filipino Pork Adobo a great way to stretch your grocery budget while keeping dinner delicious.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Pork Adobo for an Affordable Family Dinner

One-Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

Creamy orzo with chunks of chicken, garnished with parsley, in a pot with a gold ladle. — Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Bright lemon flavor meets comforting creaminess in this easy chicken-and-pasta dinner. Tender chicken and orzo cook together in one pot, making it a practical choice when you want a flavorful meal and fewer dishes to wash.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

Easy Instant Pot Swiss Steak for Cozy Weeknights

Instant Pot Swiss Steak. Photo credit: Chicken Fried Kitchen.

Make a comforting beef dinner without spending hours in the kitchen with this convenient Instant Pot recipe. Tender steak and a rich, savory sauce make a hearty meal that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or rice.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Swiss Steak for Cozy Weeknights

Sweet and Tangy Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork

Pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw, potato chips, and pickles on a white plate. — Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

Turn an inexpensive pork dinner into something everyone will look forward to with this flavorful slow cooker favorite. The sweet, tangy barbecue sauce complements tender shredded meat, making it delicious piled onto sandwiches or served with simple sides.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Tangy Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork

Comforting Turkey Pot Pie with Golden Puff Pastry

Creamy chicken pot pie with flaky crust, chunks of chicken, carrots, and peas on a white plate with a fork. — Turkey Pot Pie with Golden Puff Pastry. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Make chilly evenings feel warmer with this classic pot pie filled with creamy comfort. Tender turkey and hearty vegetables sit beneath a flaky puff pastry topping, creating a satisfying dinner that's especially handy for using leftover turkey.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Turkey Pot Pie with Golden Puff Pastry

Quick Creamy White Chicken Chili on the Stovetop

Two blue bowls of creamy soup topped with avocado, tortilla strips, jalapeños, and sour cream on a white surface. — White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

Settle in with a warm bowl of creamy chili that delivers comfort without a long cooking time. Tender chicken and beans create a hearty base, while mild spices add cozy flavor for an affordable, satisfying weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Quick Creamy White Chicken Chili on the Stovetop

Easy Sheet Pan Pork Chops with Roasted Vegetables

Sheet pan with roasted pork chops, apple slices, Brussels sprouts, and diced sweet potatoes. — Sheet Pan Pork Chops with Roasted Vegetables. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Keep dinner simple with this convenient one-pan meal that brings everything together in the oven. Juicy pork chops and roasted vegetables make a hearty supper, while minimal cleanup helps busy evenings feel more manageable.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sheet Pan Pork Chops with Roasted Vegetables

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff with Tender Egg Noodles

Enjoy the comfort of a classic beef stroganoff with the convenience of slow cooking. Tender beef and creamy sauce make a flavorful topping for egg noodles, giving your family a satisfying dinner with little hands-on effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff with Tender Egg Noodles

Hearty Louisiana Red Beans and Rice with Smoky Sausage

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice with Smoky Sausage. Photo credit: Chicken Fried Kitchen.

Bring a taste of Louisiana comfort to your weeknight table with this satisfying one-pot favorite. Slow-simmered beans, smoky meats, and bold Cajun flavors make a filling meal that leftovers make especially welcome.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Louisiana Red Beans and Rice with Smoky Sausage

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry for Weeknight Dinners

Slow Cooker Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

Bring comforting curry flavors to your table without ordering takeout. Slow cooking helps develop a rich, flavorful sauce around tender chicken, making this an easy dinner with delicious leftovers for another night.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry for Weeknight Dinners

Dutch Oven Pot Roast with Red Wine for Family Meals

Dutch Oven Pot Roast with Red Wine. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Make an affordable cut of beef feel extra special with this comforting Dutch oven dinner. Slow cooking creates wonderfully tender meat and rich red wine gravy, making it a satisfying centerpiece for a cozy family evening.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Pot Roast with Red Wine for Family Meals

Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff for an Easy Dinner

Ground Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

Turn everyday ground beef into a comforting meal with this rich, creamy stroganoff. Its savory sauce pairs beautifully with noodles, making it a dependable budget-friendly dinner when you need something filling and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff for an Easy Dinner

Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta with Creamy Sauce

Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta. Photo credit: Chicken Fried Kitchen.

Bring bold Cajun flavor to your dinner table with this hearty one-pan pasta. Tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and a creamy sauce make a satisfying meal that feels like restaurant comfort food at home.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta with Creamy Sauce

Colorado Pork Green Chili for a Hearty Winter Supper

Colorado Pork Green Chili. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Warm up your dinner routine with this flavorful pork stew inspired by Colorado cooking. Tender pork and spicy peppers make a comforting bowl with plenty of character, especially welcome on cold evenings.
Get the Recipe: Colorado Pork Green Chili for a Hearty Winter Supper

Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole with Cheesy Comfort

Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Thermo Cookery.

Stretch your grocery staples into a satisfying baked dinner with this easy casserole. Ground beef, tender zucchini, rice, and melted cheese come together in a hearty dish that's convenient for family meals and make-ahead cooking.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole with Cheesy Comfort

Easy Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie for Busy Weeknights

Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie. Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

Bring the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger to the dinner table in a simple baked dish. Savory ground beef, melted cheese, and a golden Bisquick topping make this an affordable, easy-to-serve meal for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie for Busy Weeknights

Crispy Easy Panko Breaded Chicken for Family Dinner

Panko Breaded Chicken. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Enjoy juicy chicken with a golden, crunchy coating in this simple homemade favorite. The crisp panko exterior adds satisfying texture, making these chicken pieces a delicious match for potatoes, vegetables, or a quick side salad.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Easy Panko Breaded Chicken for Family Dinner

Classic Southern Meatloaf with Sweet and Tangy Glaze

Southern Meatloaf. Photo credit: Chicken Fried Kitchen.

Nothing brings comforting family-dinner memories quite like a traditional meatloaf. Tender ground beef and a flavorful glaze create a hearty main dish that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, gravy, and simple vegetables for an affordable supper.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Meatloaf with Sweet and Tangy Glaze