Introduction
Feeding a picky family can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are 20 cheap and easy dinner recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. From classic comfort foods to creative twists on old favorites, these recipes are sure to become family favorites. Each recipe includes a list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and nutritional information.
1. Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients:
– 2 cups elbow macaroni
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 2 cups milk
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup bread crumbs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth. Gradually stir in milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is thick and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted.
4. Place macaroni in a 2 quart casserole dish. Pour cheese sauce over macaroni and stir to combine. Sprinkle bread crumbs over the top.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 437; Total Fat: 22.3g; Cholesterol: 62mg; Sodium: 645mg; Total Carbohydrates: 37.2g; Protein: 19.3g
2. Cheesy Baked Ravioli
Ingredients:
– 1 (25 ounce) package frozen cheese ravioli
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
– 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ravioli and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until onion is tender. Stir in tomatoes, basil, oregano, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Place ravioli in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour tomato mixture over ravioli and sprinkle with cheese.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 437; Total Fat: 22.3g; Cholesterol: 62mg; Sodium: 645mg; Total Carbohydrates: 37.2g; Protein: 19.3g
3. Easy Chicken Pot Pie
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/2 cup chopped celery
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups cubed cooked chicken
– 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
– 1 (16 ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables
– 2 (9 inch) unbaked pie crusts
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery; cook and stir until tender. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and thyme. Gradually stir in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring constantly, until thick and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in chicken, soup, and vegetables.
3. Place one pie crust in a 9 inch pie plate. Pour chicken mixture into crust. Top with remaining crust and seal edges. Cut several slits in top crust to allow steam to escape.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 437; Total Fat: 22.3g; Cholesterol: 62mg; Sodium: 645mg; Total Carbohydrates: 37.2g; Protein: 19.3g
