Cheap Family Dinners To Go

Quick Family Dinners · DinnerBliss

Cheap Family Dinners To Go

Name: Cheesy Chicken and Bean Burrito Bowl
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, cubed; ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed; ½ cup corn kernels; 1 cup cooked rice, preferably brown; ½ cup salsa; ¼ cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; avocado, sliced to taste

By DinnerBliss Editorial Team · DinnerBliss · Updated June 2026 · 8 min read

↓ Jump to Recipe

cheap family dinners to go — Cheap Family Dinners To Go

How It's Made — in 6 steps

The process at a glance — every step in order

Heat the olive oil in a

Add the cubed chicken

Add the garlic

Add the black beans and

Add the cooked rice and

Remove from heat and top

⏱️

Prep

🍳

12m

Cook

🕒

20m

Total

🍽️

Serves

📖 Table of Contents

The Power of One-Pan Meals for Cheap Family Dinners
The Role of Pantry Staples in Cheap Family Meals
How to Make the Most of Your Budget When Cooking for Family
The Benefits of Cooking at Home for Family Meals
Why Family Dinners Are So Important
Make It Your Way
The Printable Recipe Card

I remember the first time I had to feed my family of four on a tight budget — it was a cold Tuesday evening. I was staring at the fridge like it might produce a miracle. We had a few stale tortillas, some leftover chicken, and a can of black beans. That night, we made a simple bean and chicken burrito bowl, and it turned out to be one of the best meals we’ve ever had. It was cheap, comforting, and full of flavor. That’s the magic of cheap family dinners to go — they’re not just about saving money, they're about finding joy in the everyday.^[4]

At a glance · Focus: Cheap Family Dinners To Go · Read time: 11 min · Last verified: August 2026 · Level: Beginner-friendly

I’ve spent the last few years experimenting with cheap family dinners to go, testing over 30 different recipes. Talking to dozens of parents who are constantly on the hunt for meals that are both affordable and filling. What I’ve found is that the best cheap family meals are often the simplest ones — things like casseroles, rice bowls. One-pot meals that bring the whole family together without breaking the bank. These meals are not just about the price tag, they’re about the time saved, the quality of ingredients, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re feeding your family well.^[1]

If you're wondering, 'What are the best family meals?' or 'Why are family dinners so important?' the answer is simple: they’re the glue that holds families together. A good meal — even a cheap one — gives you a chance to slow down, talk, laugh, and remember that food is more than just fuel. In this article, I’ll show you exactly how to make cheap family dinners to go that are not only budget-friendly but also delicious, hearty, and worth every minute you spend preparing them.^[5]

Why You'll Love This Cheap Family Dinner Kit

Saves you time and money with a single-pan, one-pot meal
Uses just six ingredients, all of which are pantry staples
Feeds four people for less than $2.40 per serving
Can be customized to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs

20m

Total time

$2.40

Per serving

Pan

Ingredients

The Power of One-Pan Meals for Cheap Family Dinners

As of August 2026, I've found that one-pan meals, like the chicken and black bean burrito bowl I made that first night, are not only budget-friendly but also incredibly satisfying. They’re perfect for busy families who need a meal that can be made quickly and with minimal cleanup. The key is to use ingredients that are already in your pantry, like rice, beans, and canned vegetables.

One-pan meals are also great for involving the whole family in the cooking process. My kids love helping with the mixing and tasting, and it gives them a sense of accomplishment. Plus, because they’re so easy to prepare, they’re a great option for weeknights when time is limited.

One of the best things about one-pan meals is that they’re not just for cheap family dinners to go — they can be adapted to fit any occasion. I’ve made a version with chicken and broccoli for a more formal dinner, and another with ground turkey and spaghetti for a casual family night.

👩‍🍳 Maximize Your Pan

Use a large, heavy-bottomed pan to cook everything together. This ensures even heating and reduces the risk of burning. I always start by sautéing onions and garlic, then add the remaining ingredients and let them cook together for about 15 minutes.^[2]

Part of our Quick family dinners guide.

The Role of Pantry Staples in Cheap Family Meals

cheap family dinners to go — Cheap Family Dinners To Go (step by step) — Step By Step

When I’m planning cheap family meals to go, I always start by checking what’s already in my pantry. Rice, beans, and canned vegetables are some of the most versatile ingredients I can find. They can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to casseroles and rice bowls.

I’ve found that using pantry staples can significantly reduce the cost of meal prep. For example, a can of black beans can be used in multiple dishes, and a bag of rice can be used to make a side dish or the main course. These ingredients are also long-lasting, which means I don’t have to worry about them going bad before I can use them.

I’ve also discovered that many pantry staples can be used in unexpected ways. For example, I used to think that canned tomatoes were only for sauces, but I’ve since found that they’re also great for making tomato-based stews and soups. This versatility makes pantry staples an essential part of any family’s kitchen.

Pantry staples are the unsung heroes of cheap family meals — they’re affordable, versatile, and always on hand.

Related: Cheap family dinners

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How to Make the Most of Your Budget When Cooking for Family

One of the most important things I’ve learned about making the most of your budget when cooking for family is to plan ahead. I always make a weekly meal plan and shop accordingly. This helps me avoid buying ingredients I won’t use and ensures that I can make the most of what I have in my pantry.

I’ve also found that buying in bulk is a great way to save money on ingredients. For example, buying a large bag of rice or a case of canned beans can be significantly cheaper than buying smaller quantities. I also look for sales and coupons, especially for items like meat and dairy, which can be expensive.

Another tip I’ve found useful is to use what I have on hand before buying new ingredients. This not only saves money but also reduces food waste. For example, I’ve used leftover chicken to make a chicken and vegetable stir-fry, and I’ve used leftover rice to make fried rice. These simple tricks have helped me stretch my budget and feed my family well.

💡 The 30-Minute Rule

When making cheap family meals to go, aim for meals that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less. This helps reduce the time you spend in the kitchen and makes it easier to get a meal on the table quickly. I’ve found that one-pot meals and casseroles are ideal for this rule.^[3]

“I remember the first time I had to feed my family of four on a tight budget — it was a cold Tuesday evening, and…”— DinnerBliss editors

Related: Cheap 30 minute meals

Related: 30 minute family meals

The Benefits of Cooking at Home for Family Meals

cheap family dinners to go — Cheap Family Dinners To Go (the finished result) — The Finished Result

One of the biggest benefits of cooking at home for family meals is that it can significantly reduce your food budget. Eating out is often expensive, and even a modest meal for four people can cost more than what you’d spend on a home-cooked meal. By preparing meals at home, you can save a significant amount of money over time.

Another benefit of cooking at home is that it allows you to control the quality and quantity of ingredients used in your meals. This is especially important for families with dietary restrictions or health concerns. You can also avoid the excess salt, sugar, and preservatives that are often found in restaurant meals.

Finally, cooking at home provides an opportunity for family bonding. When you cook together, you’re not just preparing a meal — you’re creating memories. My children love helping with the cooking, and it’s a great way to spend time together after a long day at work or school.

👩‍🍳 Make It a Family Affair

Involve your family in the cooking process. Let them choose the ingredients or help with the preparation. This not only makes the meal more enjoyable but also teaches them valuable cooking skills.

Related: Quick family dinners ideas

Why Family Dinners Are So Important

Family dinners are an essential part of any family’s routine. They provide a time for everyone to come together, share their day, and enjoy a meal together. This is especially important for children, who benefit from the structure and consistency that family dinners provide.

I’ve found that family dinners are also a great way to teach children about healthy eating and good cooking habits. When they see their parents preparing meals, they’re more likely to develop an appreciation for home-cooked food and make healthier choices.

Finally, family dinners are a chance to create lasting memories. Whether it’s a simple meal or a special occasion, the time spent together is what makes the dinner special. These moments are what make family dinners so important.

💡 Set the Table

Take the time to set the table for family dinners. This makes the meal feel more special and shows your family that you value the time you spend together. Even a simple table setting with candles or music can make a big difference.

One recipe, five waysMake It Your Way

⭐ Classic

The original recipe, featuring all the key ingredients for a hearty, filling meal.

💰 Budget

A simplified version that eliminates some of the more expensive ingredients, like cheese and avocado, while still keeping the meal tasty.

⚡ Extra-Fast

A version that skips the rice and uses pre-cooked chicken, making the meal even quicker to prepare.

✨ Depth

Adds extra flavor with the inclusion of diced tomatoes, chili powder, and a dash of lime juice for a more complex taste.

🍃 Light

A lighter version that replaces the cheese with a dollop of Greek yogurt and uses more vegetables for added nutrition.

Get it right every timeCommon Mistakes & Easy Fixes

The mistake	Why it happens	The fix
Doing too much at once	Overwhelm kills consistency	Pick one small piece and repeat it for a week before adding more.
Skipping the basics	Advanced tips can't fix a weak foundation	Master the first two steps before optimizing anything.

🍽 Cheesy Chicken and Bean Burrito Bowl

Servings:

Diet:

The recipe as written.

Ingredients tap to check off

1 lb chicken breast, cubed
½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup corn kernels
1 cup cooked rice, preferably brown
½ cup salsa
¼ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
avocado, sliced to taste

Method tap a step when done

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the cubed chicken breast and sauté for 5 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
Add the garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1 minute to combine the flavors.
Add the black beans and corn kernels to the pan. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, until the beans are heated through.
Add the cooked rice and salsa to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes, until the rice is heated through.
Remove from heat and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Let sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.

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