Feeding your family for a whole week on just $50 may sound impossible, but it can be done! These budget-friendly dinner recipes from Our Wabi Sabi Life are proof that you don’t need to spend big to eat well. Each recipe is comforting, family-approved, and made with affordable staples. Add them all up and you’ll still come in under $50 for the week!
As a bonus, use these tips to save more money.
Swap Ground Beef for Ground Turkey- Tips for Saving Even More Money
Ground beef averages over $6 per pound, while ground turkey often costs closer to $3–$4. In casseroles, soups, or skillet meals, turkey works just as well and cuts the cost nearly in half.
Buy Meat in Bulk- Tips for Saving Even More Money
Large family packs of chicken, beef, or turkey are usually cheaper per pound than smaller packages. Split them into meal-sized portions at home and freeze what you don’t need right away. This way, you save money upfront and always have protein ready to go.
Use Pantry Staples Creatively- Tips for Saving Even More Money
Canned beans, pasta, rice, and frozen vegetables are not only cheap, they’re also versatile. Add beans to casseroles to stretch meat, swap pasta shapes based on sales, and lean on frozen veggies to save money without sacrificing nutrition.
Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
A hearty, comforting dish made with ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and a creamy sauce. It stretches a single pound of beef into a full family meal. 💲 Estimated cost: $8
👉 Get the recipe here
Tuna Noodle Casserole
An old-fashioned favorite that’s quick, easy, and inexpensive. Canned tuna and pasta come together in a creamy, baked casserole that feels like home.💲 Estimated cost: $6
👉 Get the recipe here
Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
Homemade baked mac and cheese that doubles as a filling dinner. With simple ingredients like pasta, milk, and cheese, this dish is both affordable and satisfying. 💲 Estimated cost: $6
👉 Get the recipe here
Cheddar Broccoli Skillet Dinner with Chicken
This one-pan dinner combines juicy chicken, broccoli, pasta, and a cheesy sauce. It’s ready fast and keeps cleanup simple. 💲 Estimated cost: $9. Use canned chicken to save more money on this recipe.
👉 Get the recipe here
Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese
Two comfort food classics collide! This fun dinner mixes cheesy macaroni with zesty Sloppy Joe meat for a meal kids (and adults) will love. 💲 Estimated cost: $8
👉 Get the recipe here
Turkey Rice Soup
Warm, filling, and light on the budget. With turkey, rice, and vegetables, this soup stretches ingredients into multiple servings at very little cost. 💲 Estimated cost: $5
👉 Get the recipe here
Sopes (Mexican Corn Cakes)
These thick corn masa cakes are topped with beans, cheese, and fresh toppings for a fun, affordable dinner that feels special without the price tag. 💲 Estimated cost: $6
👉 Get the recipe here
Cava Bowl
Cava can be one of the healthier options to go for, especially when it comes to a family dinner. With the right Cava bowl recipe, you and your family should be enjoying dinner time without you needing to spend too much time or effort into it. If you want a Mediterranean-style dish, this is worth going for.
✨ With these recipes and smart shopping tips, you’ll have 7 dinners for under $50—proving that delicious family meals don’t need to break the bank.
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