5 Easy Family Meal Ideas That Won't Break The Bank

1. Hearty bacon chili

First up, we made a pot of hearty chili, perfect for those cooler days when you’re craving something warm and comforting. Now, I know chili is typically considered a fall or winter dish, but honestly, in our house, we love it year-round.

I started with six slices of bacon, chopped and fried until crispy. While bacon isn’t a traditional ingredient in chili, it adds a smoky richness that takes the flavor to the next level.

After removing the bacon, I cooked one and a half pounds of ground beef in the bacon grease, seasoning it with garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper.

Once the beef was browned and drained, I added a spoonful of minced garlic and some diced jalapeno for a little kick.

For the base, I stirred in a can of tomato paste, diced tomatoes with their juice, and two cups of beef broth. Then came the beans—one can each of pinto, black, and kidney beans—drained and added to the pot.

I seasoned the chili with oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper, plus a splash of Worcestershire sauce. After mixing in the crispy bacon, I let it simmer for about three hours.

The result? A thick, flavorful chili that my whole family devoured. We topped our bowls with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, and some crushed saltines for a bit of crunch. Even my kids went back for seconds, so this recipe is definitely a keeper!

2. Creamy chicken pasta with corn & bacon

Next, I whipped up a creamy chicken pasta dish that’s as simple as it is satisfying. I used boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but you could easily substitute with chicken breasts. The key here is the bacon (yes, more bacon!), which I cooked in the oven while I prepped the chicken.

After chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces, I browned it in a skillet with olive oil, seasoning with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.

Once the chicken was cooked through, I removed it from the skillet and sautéed some fresh summer corn in the leftover juices. 

I seasoned the corn with chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then added a cup of heavy cream and half a cup of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese to create a creamy sauce.

I mixed the cooked chicken and pasta into the sauce, and while it was just enough to coat everything, I think I’ll double the sauce next time for an even creamier dish.

We topped our bowls with extra Parmesan, crumbled bacon, and more corn. This pasta was a hit, especially with the kids who loved the fun pasta shapes.

3. Bubble up pizza bake

Who doesn’t love pizza? This is a fun twist on the classic, and it’s incredibly easy to make. I started with a can of Southern Homestyle Buttermilk Biscuits, cutting each biscuit into nine pieces. These biscuit bites are the base of the dish, and they bake up beautifully.

I tossed the biscuit pieces in a mixture of melted butter, dried oregano, parsley, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. After spreading them out in a greased 9x13 casserole dish, I baked them for 15 minutes at 400°F.

While the biscuits baked, I browned a pound of sausage (I used breakfast sausage, but Italian sausage works too).

After draining the grease, I layered the sausage over the partially baked biscuits, followed by a generous layer of pizza sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Finally, I topped the whole thing with pepperoni slices and baked it for another 15 minutes.

This dish came out of the oven bubbly and golden, with all the flavors of a classic pizza in a fun, casserole form. It was a huge hit, and since it’s so customizable, you can add any of your favorite pizza toppings.

4. Chicken & Swiss casserole

For something a little more classic, I made a chicken & Swiss casserole. This recipe is a throwback to those cozy, comforting dishes that are perfect for a quick dinner. I started by shredding some rotisserie chicken into a greased casserole dish, then layered slices of Swiss cheese over the top.

In a separate bowl, I mixed together a can of cream of chicken soup, half a cup of mayo, and half a cup of milk. I seasoned this mixture with poultry seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then spread it over the cheese-covered chicken.

5. Philly cheesesteaks

Last but not least, I made Philly Cheesesteaks using homemade sub rolls I had left over from making school lunches. I sautéed sliced green bell peppers (a bit controversial for some, but we love them) in butter, then set them aside while I cooked the steak.

I used thinly sliced strip steak, seasoned simply with salt and pepper, and cooked it quickly in the skillet. Once the steak was browned, I added several slices of provolone cheese right on top, letting it melt into the meat.

To assemble, I buttered and toasted the sub rolls, spread them with mayo, and piled on the cheesy steak and peppers. These sandwiches were juicy, flavorful, and a real treat for a weeknight dinner.

Easy family meal ideas

And that’s it! Five easy, budget-friendly meals that are perfect for feeding a family. I hope these recipes inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and make something delicious for your loved ones.

Which meal idea will you try out first? Comment down below.

Then, check out these 4 Easy Breakfast Ideas for When You Want To Try Something New.