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
3. Asian Beef and Rice Bowls
4. Black Bean Stuffed Peppers
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
6. Pork Teriyaki Fried Rice
7. Orecchiette With Chicken Sausage and Broccoli
8. Sloppy Joe's
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
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
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
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
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
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
15. Grilled Pesto Chicken and Tomato Kebabs
16. Zucchini Noodles With Turkey Bolognese
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
18. Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables
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
20. Creamy Spinach Tortellini
