Feed the whole gang without breaking the bank.
Let's be real: Feeding a whole family ain't cheap.
Here are 20 easy and tasty meals that'll feed a family of four for less than $20.
For each recipe, you'll find a simple grocery list (plus a few basic pantry staples like olive oil, dried spices, salt, and pepper that you probably already have on hand) to help make your trip to the market painless and affordable.
*All prices were calculated using Fresh Direct, so they'll vary based on your location.
1. Easy Caprese Skillet Chicken
Grocery list:
-4 chicken thighs: 4.89
-8 oz. mozzarella cheese: $4.19
-1 stick butter: $1.40
-2 tomatoes: $1.99
-Basil: $1.29
-Balsamic vinegar: Pantry staple
Total cost: $13.76
2. Baked Ziti With Sausage and Kale
Gimme Some Oven / Via gimmesomeoven.com
Grocery list:
-1 box ziti: $1.59
-1 lb ground sausage: $5.49
-1 bulb garlic: 0.60
-1 bag kale: $3.49
-1 bag shredded mozzarella: $4.19
Total cost: $15.36
3. Asian Beef and Rice Bowls
Grocery list:
-1 lb ground beef: $6.99
-1 ginger root: $3.49
-1 onion: 0.79
-1 bulb garlic: 0.60
-1 box rice: $2.09
-1 bunch scallions: $1.99
-Soy sauce: $2.29
-Olive oil, brown sugar: Pantry staples
Total cost: $18.24Get the recipe.
4. Black Bean Stuffed Peppers
http://belleofthekitchen.com/2015/03/12/black-bean-stuffed-peppers/#_a5y_p=3495699
http://belleofthekitchen.com/2015/03/12/black-bean-stuffed-peppers/#_a5y_p=3495699
Grocery list:
-4 bell peppers: $3.59
-1 onion: 0.79
-1 bulb garlic: $0.60
-1 can black beans: 0.99
-Cilantro: $1.29
-1 box rice: $2.09
-Shredded Mexican cheese: $4.29
-1 jar salsa: $3.39
-Cumin, garlic salt, chili powder, and olive oil: Pantry staples
Total cost: $17.03
5. Ground Turkey Taco Salad
The Cookie Writer / Via thecookiewriter.com
Grocery list
-1 lb. ground turkey: $5.99
-1 package taco seasoning: $0.99
-1 head iceberg lettuce: $2.99
-1 can black beans: $0.99
-1 onion: 0.79
-2 peppers: $1.79
-1 can corn: $1.59
-1 bag shredded cheddar: $2.99
-Salt and pepper: Pantry staples
Total cost: $18.12
6. Pork Teriyaki Fried Rice
The Complete Savorist / Via thecompletesavorist.com
Grocery list:
1 lb pork chops: $8.99
-1 box white rice (or quinoa): $2.99
-1 onion: $0.79
-1 bulb garlic: 0.60
-2 eggs: $0.72
-1 package frozen vegetable medley (such as corn, peas and carrots): $2.49
-Teriyaki or soy sauce: $2.29
-Sesame oil and pepper: Pantry staples
Total cost: $18.87
7. Orecchiette With Chicken Sausage and Broccoli
Skinny Taste / Via skinnytaste.com
Grocery list
-14 oz Italian chicken sausage: $5.59
-1 box Oricchette pasta: $2.09
-1 bag frozen broccoli: $2.49
-1 bulb garlic: $0.60
-Grated Parmesan cheese: $3.99
-Olive oil, salt, and pepper: Pantry staples
Total cost: $15.16
8. Sloppy Joe's
https://www.countrysidecravings.com/homemade-sloppy-joes/
https://www.countrysidecravings.com/homemade-sloppy-joes/
Grocery list:
-1 lb. ground beef: $6.99
-1 onion: $0.79
-1 bulb garlic: $0.60
-1 can tomato sauce: $1.49
-1 package hamburger buns: $2.99
-Worcestershire sauce: $3.99
-Ketchup: $2.59
Chili powder and brown sugar,: Pantry staples
Total cost: $19.44
9. Lemon Pepper Chicken
http://therecipecritic.com/2016/04/lemon-pepper-chicken-with-a-brown-butter-garlic-butter-sauce/">Get the recipe
https://togetherasfamily.com/2015/04/cilantro-lime-rice/
Grocery list:
For the chicken:
-4 chicken thighs: $4.89
-1 stick butter: $1.40
-1 can chicken broth: $2.99
-1 bulb garlic: $0.60
-1 lemon: $0.89
For the cilantro lime rice:
-1 box Basmati rice: $4.99
-1 can chicken broth: $1.29
-1 bunch fresh cilantro: $1.29
-1 lime: $0.60
-1 onion: $0.79
-Olive oil, salt, cumin: Pantry staples
Total cost: $19.73
10. Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
http://www.recipetineats.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooker-pulled-pork/
http://www.recipetineats.com/pork-carnitas-mexican-slow-cooker-pulled-pork/
Grocery list
-2 lbs. pork shoulder: $6.58
-1 onion: $0.79
-1 jalapeno pepper: $1.49
-1 bulb garlic, minced: 0.60
-2 oranges: $3.00
-2 limes: $1.00
-Flour tortillas: $2.19
-Oregano, cumin, olive oil, salt, and pepper: Pantry staples
Total cost: $15.65
11. Pork Chops With Sweet and Sour Glaze
http://damndelicious.net/2015/01/31/easy-pork-chops-with-sweet-and-sour-glaze
http://noshingwiththenolands.com/garlic-roasted-broccolini/?utm_content=buffer84ad2&utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Grocery list:
-4 pork chops: $8.99
-1 stick butter: $1.40
-1 bulb garlic: $0.60
-1 jar honey: $4.59
-Balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and thyme: Pantry staples
For the roasted broccolini:
1 bag baby broccoli: $3.49
1 bulb garlic: $0.60
Salt, pepper, and olive oil: Pantry staples
Total cost: $19.67
12. Roasted Drumsticks with Tomatoes
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/roasted-drumsticks-with-tomatoes
http://damndelicious.net/2014/02/14/garlic-smashed-potatoes
Grocery list:
For the chicken:
-6 chicken drumsticks: $7.03
-1 red onion: $0.74
-1 pint cherry tomatoes: $3.49
-1 bulb garlic: 0.60
-Salt, pepper, paprika, and olive oil: Pantry staples
For the garlic smashed potato side dish:
1.5 lb. yellow potatoes: $3.99
1 bulb garlic: $0.60
1 bunch fresh thyme: $1.29
Olive oil, salt, and pepper: Pantry staples
Total cost: $17.74
13. Black Bean Burgers
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/black-bean-burger/
http://damndelicious.net/2013/03/04/avocado-corn-salsa/
Grocery list
For the burgers:
-2 cans seasoned black beans: $2.00
-2 can breadcrumbs: $2.39
-1 white onion: 0.79
-1 egg: $0.36
-1 stick butter: $1.40
-1 package hamburger buns: $2.99
-Chili powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil: Pantry staples
Optional toppings: Sliced cheese, ketchup, mayo, hot sauce, lettuce, tomato
For the avocado corn salsa side dish:
-1 can corn: $1.59
-1 jalapeño: $0.99
-1 red onion: 0.74
-1 avocado: $3.29
-1 lime: $0.50
-1 bunch fresh cilantro: $1.29
-Sugar and salt: Pantry staples
Total cost: $18.33
14. Spaghetti Carbonara
Damn Delicious / Via damndelicious.net
Grocery list:
-1 box spaghetti: $1.59
-2 eggs: $0.72
-Grated Parmesan cheese: $3.99
-1 package bacon: $5.79
-1 bulb garlic: $0.60
-1 bunch fresh parsley: $1.29
-Salt and pepper: Pantry staples
Total cost: $13.98
15. Grilled Pesto Chicken and Tomato Kebabs
Skinny Taste / Via skinnytaste.com
Grocery list:
-1¼ lb chicken cubes: $7.48
-1 bulb garlic: $0.60
-Grated Parmesan cheese: $3.99
-1 pint cherry tomatoes: $3.49
-1 bunch fresh basil: $1.29
-1 package wooden skewers: 2.99
-Olive oil, salt, and pepper: Pantry staples
Total cost: $19.84
16. Zucchini Noodles With Turkey Bolognese
http://notenoughcinnamon.com/2014/03/21/zucchini-pasta-quick-easy-turkey-bolognese
http://www.chef-in-training.com/2015/01/best-garlic-bread-spread
Grocery list:
For the zoodles:
-4 zucchinis: $2.39
-1 bulb garlic: $0.60
-1 lb. ground turkey: $5.99
-1 jar marinara sauce: $2.59
-Grated Parmesan cheese: $3.99
-Olive oil: Pantry staple
For the garlic bread:
1 loaf French bread: $2.29
1 stick butter: $1.40
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder: Pantry staples
Total cost: $19.25
17. Pepperoni Pizza Quesadillas
Snixy Kitchen / Via snixykitchen.com
Grocery list:
1 package flour tortillas: $2.99
1 bag shredded mozzarella cheese: $4.99
½ lb pepperoni: $6.50
1 jar pizza sauce: $1.49
Total cost: $15.97
18. Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables
Chelsea's Messy Apron
https://avocadopesto.com/2013/03/03/oven-roasted-vegan-potato-wedges/
Grocery list:
For the sausage and veggies:
-1 red potato: 0.60
-1 package green beans: $2.99
-1 head broccoli: $3.49
-2 bell peppers: $2.99
-1 12. oz package smoked sausage: $6.49
-Olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, parsley, and red pepper flakes: Pantry staples
For the roasted potato wedges:
4 red potatoes:$2.40
Olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder: Pantry staples
Total cost: $18.96
19. One-Pot Chicken and Potatoes
Let The Baking Begin / Via letthebakingbeginblog.com
Grocery list:
-8 chicken thighs: $9.78
-8 large potatoes: $4.77
-1 bag large carrots: $1.59
-1 onion: $0.79
-1 bulb garlic: $0.60
-Salt, pepper, paprika, and olive oil: Pantry staples
Total cost: $17.53
20. Creamy Spinach Tortellini
Cooktoria / Via cooktoria.com
Grocery list:
1 package cheese tortellini: $3.49
1 8 oz. package cream cheese: $3.29
1 can chicken stock: $3.19
1 bag baby spinach: $3.99
1 bag mozzarella cheese: $4.19
Total cost: $18.15