How I Managed Family Dinners With Just A Few Basics—29 Low Cost Recipes

With groceries costing more than ever, I needed meals that didn’t stress the budget or my brain. These 29 ideas used what was already sitting in the pantry, and no one even noticed. They kept dinner feeling normal when everything else felt anything but. Somehow, we ate well and stayed under budget.

Cacio e Pepe

With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a meal that feels both comforting and effortlessly elegant. It’s all about letting simple ingredients shine, combining them in a way that brings out their best. Cacio e Pepe is a classic example, striking a balance between cheesy goodness and a peppery kick.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Pea and Mint Soup

Imagine the sweetness of garden peas mingling with the fresh hit of mint. In just one pot, these humble ingredients come together to create a soup that’s both light and nourishing. Pea and Mint Soup turns your basic greens into a velvety meal that’s perfect for when you’re craving something simple yet special.
Get the Recipe: Pea and Mint Soup

Focaccia Bread

Have you ever wanted to fill your home with the aroma of freshly baked bread? There’s something deeply worthwhile about turning flour, oil, and yeast into a hearty accompaniment to any meal. Focaccia Bread is a testament to the joys of baking, with its crisp exterior and fluffy interior.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Mushroom Stroganoff

For those who crave the creamy indulgence of a classic stroganoff but prefer to keep it plant-based, there’s a dish that’s sure to hit the spot. Mushroom Stroganoff can appeal to both meat lovers and vegetarians alike, offering a hearty alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s a reminder that plant-based eating never has to be boring.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

Gnocchi

Ever find yourself wanting to step up your dinner game without getting too fancy? These little dumplings are incredibly versatile, serving as a great base for a variety of sauces and seasonings. Gnocchi introduces a unique texture to your palate, making for a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi

Broccoli Casserole

Even picky eaters can’t resist the allure of a well-made casserole. Combine crisp broccoli with a creamy, cheesy base, and what you get is a dish that’s as pleasing as it is easy to make. With Broccoli Casserole, you find a way to make green veggies the star of your family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

White Bean Soup

There’s something timeless about a bowl of soup that’s both hearty and healthy. It starts with the humble white bean, which transforms into a creamy base for a soup that’s filling without being too heavy. White Bean Soup is a great reminder of how basic ingredients can come together to make something wonderfully rewarding.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Penne Alla Vodka

Pasta nights are a staple, but sometimes you want to bring a dash of flair to the table without too much fuss. That’s where a classic sauce comes in, turning ordinary pasta into an extraordinary meal with a hint of indulgence. Penne Alla Vodka offers a smooth and slightly tangy taste that makes a simple meal feel like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Zucchini Fritters

For a meal that’s both light and worthwhile, consider melding fresh vegetables with just the right amount of crispness. Zucchini Fritters are evidence that with a straightforward cooking approach, your everyday veggies can become the highlight of your meal. It’s all about celebrating the natural flavors in a fun, crispy form.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Fritters

Minestrone Soup

Soup has a way of making everything better, especially when it’s chock-full of vegetables in a rich, tasty broth. It’s the kind of dish that’s not only packed with nutrients but also brimming with taste. Minestrone Soup invites you to toss in a mix of your favorite veggies and let them simmer into a comforting bowl of goodness.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Twice Baked Potatoes

Think of a dish that combines the cozy familiarity of baked potatoes with an extra layer of flavor. This creation takes the humble spud and upgrades it with a second round in the oven, resulting in a texture that’s both creamy and crisp. Twice Baked Potatoes are a treat that can sidekick a main course or stand proudly as the main event.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes

Garlic Knots

If you’re looking for a way to round out your meal with something extra, these little twists of flavor are your answer. Baked to golden perfection, they’re a testament to how a few simple ingredients can come together in the best of ways. Garlic Knots offer the pleasing chew of bread with a punch of tasty garlic.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Mac and Cheese

It’s hard to think of a more universally loved dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike. This creamy, cheesy goodness is the pinnacle of comfort food, inviting you to indulge in its rich texture. Mac and Cheese is often the go-to choice for a quick, delicious meal that feels like a warm embrace.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Vegetable Soup

Sometimes, you just need the clean, straightforward flavors of a versatile classic. A base of stock and a bounty of veggies can simmer into something that feels both nurturing and wholesome. Vegetable Soup exemplifies how a pot filled with your choice of fresh produce can become a source of comfort.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Soup

Cheese Quesadilla

When you’re in the mood for something quick and gratifying, grab a couple of everyday items and give them a tasty twist. Melty cheese encased in a crispy tortilla shell creates a pleasing snack or meal with minimal effort. Cheese Quesadilla showcases the magic of what a hot pan and a couple of basic ingredients can achieve.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Quesadilla

Easy Flatbread Pizza

Unleash your inner chef with a canvas that welcomes all your favorite toppings. A simple base becomes the foundation for a customizable feast that can cater to any craving. Easy Flatbread Pizza takes the concept of pizza night and simplifies it to an art form anyone can master.
Get the Recipe: Easy Flatbread Pizza

Ravioli Casserole

Imagine layers of pasta pockets nestled beneath sauce and cheese, baked to gooey perfection. It’s a twist on a traditional dish that makes a comforting meal without any complicated steps. Ravioli Casserole brings the essence of hearty Italian dining to your table with the ease of a straightforward bake.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Black Bean Burger

Who says burgers need meat to be hearty and delicious? Black beans serve as a fantastic base for a patty that’s pleasing in its own right and open to a wide range of toppings. Black Bean Burger is a shining example of how a simple swap can create a meal that’s both familiar and excitingly different.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Burger

Mushroom Pizza

Take the classic pizza to new heights by focusing on the umami-rich flavors of mushrooms. It’s a tasty delight, perfect for when you want to shake up your pizza routine with something a bit different. Mushroom Pizza marries the earthiness of mushrooms with melty cheese atop a crispy crust.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pizza

Udon Noodles

When noodles are on your mind, there’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy with its thick, chewy strands. A bowl full of these can be dressed up or down depending on what you’re in the mood for. Udon Noodles invites you to play with a range of flavors, transforming basic noodles into something decidedly moreish.
Get the Recipe: Udon Noodles

Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

Breakfast for dinner is always a gratifying break from the norm, especially when it involves a hearty combination of eggs and potatoes. Baked together, they create a dish that’s both filling and comforting. Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole is an ode to the morning meal, served up in a way that’s perfect for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

Mushroom Soup

When you crave the deep, earthy flavors of mushrooms, this is the dish to turn to. Mushroom Soup is a celebration of mushrooms in their most comforting form. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out, reminding you that the simplest ingredients can create the most flavorful of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Soup

Spaghetti Marinara

There’s possibly no more iconic a pairing than spaghetti and a tomato-based sauce. It’s a quintessential dish that’s both straightforward and immensely pleasing. Spaghetti Marinara is about honoring a timeless combo, serving up deliciousness with every twirl of the fork.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Marry Me Butter Beans

A dish’s name can be a hint at its ability to impress, and this one suggests a proposal-worthy level of enjoyment. It’s a simple, hearty legume turned into a creamy, memorable meal. Marry Me Butter Beans might just become a household favorite, appreciated for its unassuming ingredients coming together in a surprisingly splendid way.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Butter Beans

Vegan Ratatouille

When you’re yearning for a medley of vegetables that’s both hearty and health-conscious, look no further. A vibrant blend of veggies, each contributing its unique texture and flavor, creates a colorful feast. Vegan Ratatouille is a celebration of plant-based goodness, inviting you to indulge the best of the garden in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille

Tuscan Pasta

Sometimes you want to whisk your palate away to the rustic countryside with a dish that’s rich in flavors but simple in preparation. Imagine a mix of ingredients reminiscent of sunny hillsides and family-style meals. Tuscan Pasta is a nod to this region’s culinary traditions, offering a hearty and homey meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta

Dinner Rolls

There’s immense joy in tearing into a freshly baked roll, soft and warm from the oven. This small addition to your meal can steal the show with its buttery, comforting presence. Dinner Rolls are not just a side dish but a mainstay of any family meal, inviting everyone to grab and share.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

Pasta alla Norma

When you’re after a meat-free pasta dish that doesn’t skimp on satisfaction, there’s a Sicilian classic that has your back. It brings together a few basic elements in a way that honors the flavors of each. Pasta alla Norma is a celebration of simplicity in a dish, showcasing how a handful of ingredients can shine when combined with care.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Stuffed Peppers

Filling a pepper with a bounty of ingredients creates little edible bowls brimming with flavor. This dish allows for creativity, as you stuff the vibrant veggies with whatever combination strikes your fancy. Stuffed Peppers stand as a colorful centerpiece, offering a pleasing mix of texture and taste.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers