5 Cheap Dinner Ideas for Large Families for Under $20

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In today’s world, feeding a large family for $20 or less might bring visions of packets of ramen noodle soup and canned vegetables to mind. It turns out, a meal for multiple people on a tight budget is not an impossibility. 

Admittedly, options narrow for family meals at the $20 price point for fast food. However, a variety of homemade food options are still well within reach. 

To get inspired, here are five cheap dinner ideas for larger families. 

Domino’s: Perfect Combo Deal

• Price: $19.99

Domino’s Perfect Combo Deal includes two medium one-topping pizzas, 16-piece parmesan bread bites and eight-piece cinnamon twists for $19.99. According to Domino’s website, medium pizzas contain eight slices, so the deal would yield 16 slices of pizza.

Italian Ground Beef and Potatoes

• Price: $18 

This hash-style Italian Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe from A Spicy Perspective is estimated to cost about $18 and makes six servings, which is perfect for a large family. Here’s a list of ingredients — some of which you may already have on had: 

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2-3 cloves garlic minced
• ¾ cup chopped red onion or sweet onion
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 14 ounce can diced tomatoes + 2 cans water
• 1 ½ pounds russet potatoes peeled and cut into ½ inch cubes
• ¼ – ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley chopped
• ½ cup shredded Asiago or parmesan cheese

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

• Price: $16

A pot of creamy potato soup can make for a hearty, filling dinner. This Loaded Baked Potato Soup recipe from A Spicy Perspective serves up to eight people. Plus, it’s easy to make because there’s no need to peel or bake the potatoes before assembling the soup. Cook it on the stovetop or opt for the crockpot version if you want to come home to a hot meal. 

Here’s a list of ingredients: 

• 8 ounces bacon chopped
• 1 small onion peeled and chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 ½ pounds russet potatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups half & half
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
• 2/3 cup chopped scallions divided
• ½ cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper

Del Taco Mega Bundle 

• Price: $20

The Del Taco Mega Bundle feeds up to five people and consists of a variety of eats, which is great if you have a couple of adults and two or three smaller children who don’t eat much. Here’s a peek at what’s in the bundle: 

• 2 Chipotle Chicken Burritos
• 2 Snack Tacos
• 2 orders Mini Cinnamon Churros
• 1 New Bean, Rice and Cheese Burrito
• 1 Mini Cheddar Quesadilla
• 1 order of 3-Layer Queso Nachos
• 1 order of Snack-Sized Chips and House-Made Guacamole

Rotisserie Chicken

Price: $10-$12

If you have a warehouse membership to Sam’s or Costco, head there to pick up two rotisserie chickens. At Sam’s, they’re around $4.98 each, and at Costco, they’re about $5.84 each, which would cost approximately $10-$12 total and easily serve six people. To round out the meal, add some sides you have in your pantry, such as canned vegetables and pasta. If you need to pick up sides, shop for them at the grocery store to save money. The larger quantity sides available at Sam’s or Costo will likely exceed the $20 budget. 

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