23 Dinners That Cost Less Than Pizza Delivery and Feed More People

Pizza delivery has its place, but feeding a family that way gets expensive fast. Over the years, I have learned that some of the most satisfying dinners come from simple ingredients, a little planning, and recipes that stretch a grocery budget without feeling like a compromise.

These 23 dinners cost less than a delivery order but often feed more people, with leftovers to spare. If you are looking for meals that work hard, taste good, and keep everyone full, this is a great place to start.

A fork lifting a cheesy, baked casserole from a dish with melted cheese stretching. — Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

A bowl of penne pasta topped with shredded meat and garnished with fresh basil leaves. A fork is placed in the bowl. Red tomatoes and additional fresh basil leaves are on the marble surface nearby. — Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Just let your chicken simmer in a garlic-spiced red sauce all day. Once it's ready, you can pour it over a box of spaghetti to feed the whole family. It’s a massive Italian feast that’s way cheaper than ordering a bunch of takeout boxes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

French Onion Chicken and Rice Casserole

A white plate holds a serving of cheesy casserole garnished with chopped parsley, placed on a blue-striped cloth next to a wooden spoon, an onion, and green leafy parsley in the background. — French Onion Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Chicken and rice bake perfectly under a layer of sweet, caramelized onions. This meal fills your kitchen with an amazing smell, yet it only costs a few dollars to make. Since it uses basic pantry staples, your wallet stays happy while everyone gets a full belly.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Chicken and Rice Casserole

Vegetable and Ground Beef Skillet

A picutre of ground beef, onion, and zucchini in stainless skillet. — Vegetable and Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Brown some ground beef with whatever vegetables you happen to have in the fridge. It’s a great way to make one pack of meat stretch across several plates. This quick skillet trick keeps your costs much lower than buying even a single pizza.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable and Ground Beef Skillet

Chicken Hash Brown Casserole

A dish in a black baking pan filled with baked casserole. The top is golden brown with crispy edges and garnished with sliced green onions. A portion has been removed, revealing a creamy interior. — Chicken Hash Brown Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Just mix your potatoes, chicken, and cheese together, then bake until it’s golden brown. It’s a warm, filling meal that costs a fraction of what a local tavern would charge. You won't even have to think about those annoying delivery app fees.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hash Brown Casserole

One-Pot Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes Casserole

A plate of roasted chicken with crispy skin, garnished with chopped green herbs. Beside the chicken are sliced potatoes and mushrooms. An ornate fork is placed on the plate, which has a decorative floral pattern. — One-Pot Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Everything cooks together in one pan with a tangy, creamy sauce. Since it’s all in one dish, cleanup is super fast, which is a lifesaver after a long shift. It satisfies big appetites way better than fast food ever could.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes Casserole

Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

Plate of glazed chicken with cranberries, green beans, and stuffing on a red and white checkered cloth. — Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Chicken breasts cook perfectly in a sweet and tart fruit glaze. You can just relax while the slow cooker does all the hard work for you. It’s a hot, family-sized meal waiting at the table without the extra cost of a delivery driver.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

Roasted Potatoes with Broccoli Recipe

A baking tray with roasted vegetables including broccoli, potatoes, bell peppers, and lemon slices on a wooden table. Nearby, there are containers of spices and a spoon resting on the tray. — Roasted Potatoes with Broccoli Recipe. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Simply toss your potatoes and broccoli in olive oil and roast them until crispy. Serve this alongside any protein to feed a group on the cheap. It hits those comfort food cravings perfectly for just a few dollars.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes with Broccoli Recipe

Air Fryer Spiced Tilapia

Four seasoned and cooked chicken breasts are arranged on a gray plate, garnished with chopped fresh herbs and lemon wedges. The plate is set on a white marble surface. — Air Fryer Spiced Tilapia. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Rub the fish with your favorite spices and crisp it up in the air fryer. I love serving these in cheap corn tortillas with a little slaw. It’s basically a taco truck dinner made right in your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spiced Tilapia

Firecracker Meatballs

A bowl of rice topped with meatballs in a creamy sauce, garnished with chopped green onions. It is placed on a striped cloth, accompanied by a wooden spoon and a bowl of green beans. A beverage is visible in the background. — Firecracker Meatballs. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Bake your meatballs and toss them in a sweet, spicy glaze for a huge flavor boost. Pile them over rice to feed a crowd without any extra effort. It’s much more food than you’d get from a standard Chinese takeout container.
Get the Recipe: Firecracker Meatballs

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta and Tomato Pasta in a white bowl. — Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Toss your pasta with a smooth cheese blend and fresh, bursting tomatoes. You can have this Italian dinner ready in just 15 minutes. It saves your evening and your bank account from the temptation of a delivery order.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Creamy Vegan Broccoli Casserole

A black plate with a serving of broccoli casserole, topped with breadcrumbs. A fork rests on the plate. The background is a marble surface, with some green plant decorations partially visible. — Creamy Vegan Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

This is a simple plant-based bake with a dairy-free sauce and a crunchy topping. I always make extra because it’s such an easy way to feed a group. You don't need fancy ingredients to make this classic, satisfying comfort dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Broccoli Casserole

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Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping (No Canned Soup)

A close-up image of a casserole dish filled with a cheesy cabbage casserole. The top is golden brown and crispy, with a serving spoon lifting a portion, revealing melted cheese and tender cabbage underneath. — Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping (No Canned Soup). Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Bake your cabbage in a homemade cheese sauce, then finish it with crushed crackers. It’s a brilliant way to turn cheap vegetables into a giant comfort dish. You can keep your table full without ever relying on expensive delivery apps.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping (No Canned Soup)

Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole

A baked dish with a large serving of cheesy cauliflower in a glass baking dish is next to a white plate holding a portion of the same dish. The background is a light wooden surface. A fork is visible beside the plate. — Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Bake cauliflower in a heavy, bubbly blanket of cheddar and cream. It’s my go-to choice when the family asks for something cozy and warm. You use basic staples to feed everyone for really cheap.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole

Authentic Rice and Lentils

A white dish filled with cooked lentils and rice, topped with chopped cilantro and caramelized onions. A wooden spoon rests on a patterned napkin next to the dish. — Authentic Rice and Lentils. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Combine lentils, rice, and plenty of caramelized onions for a classic dish. You can feed a hungry crowd for just pennies a serving. It really proves you don't need expensive ingredients to make a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Rice and Lentils

Oven Baked Hamburger Steaks

A serving spoon lifting Salisbury steak with mushrooms and onions from a baking dish with sauce. — Oven Baked Hamburger Steaks. Photo credit: Mama's on a Budget .

Bake beef patties in a savory onion gravy. Serve them over instant mashed potatoes for a nostalgic dinner. You’ll never want to pay for a burger delivery again.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Hamburger Steaks

Mushroom Leek Pasta Bake

A white dish filled with creamy pasta topped with mushrooms and herbs is placed on a blue and white striped cloth. — Mushroom Leek Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Toss pasta and mushrooms in a rich, creamy sauce for an easy dinner. Bake it until the top is golden to feed the whole neighborhood. It stretches just a few ingredients into a satisfying feast.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Leek Pasta Bake

French Onion Chicken Skillet

A close-up of a baked dish in a skillet featuring melted cheese, onions, and herbs. A serving spoon is lifting a portion, highlighting the golden-brown cheese and caramelized onions on top. — French Onion Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Sear your chicken in a savory broth with cheese and onion rings. You get all that restaurant flavor at home without the high price tag. It’s a fast routine that beats the quality of any local takeout joint.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Chicken Skillet

Coconut Chicken Rice Bowls

Bowl of curry with chicken, white rice, lime wedges, cucumber slices, and fresh cilantro on top. — Coconut Chicken Rice Bowls. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Serve your chicken and steamed vegetables over tropical-flavored rice. Drizzle on some soy sauce to give it that fun street food vibe. You get a satisfying meal without waiting around for a driver.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Chicken Rice Bowls

Irish Ground Turkey and Vegetable Stew

A bowl of hearty stew with ground meat, carrots, potatoes, and fresh herbs, with a spoon and bread on the side. — Irish Ground Turkey and Vegetable Stew. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Simmer your ground turkey and root vegetables in a rich, savory broth. Serve it with crusty bread to fill up the table for very little money. It’s traditional, hearty comfort food that's perfect for a large family.
Get the Recipe: Irish Ground Turkey and Vegetable Stew

Cabbage Rolls Casserole

Stuffed cabbage rolls filled with rice and meat in tomato sauce inside a white baking dish. — Cabbage Rolls Casserole. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Layer meat, rice, and cabbage in a pan with tomato sauce to save time. You skip all the tedious work of rolling everything individually. It feeds a crowd easily and keeps your grocery bill tiny.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Rolls Casserole

Gochujang Tahini Cabbage Soup

Bowl of creamy soup topped with herbs, seeds, and spices, with fresh dill and green onions on the side. — Gochujang Tahini Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Use spicy pepper paste and sesame cream to give your cabbage soup a big flavor boost. It’s a warm, unique meal that costs very little to put together. This method makes a huge pot of soup from just a few budget-friendly ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Tahini Cabbage Soup

Chicken Shawarma Rice with White Sauce

A fork in a bowl of yellow rice with grilled chicken, lemon wedges, herbs, and a dollop of white sauce. — Chicken Shawarma Rice with White Sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Top your yellow rice with chicken and a zesty garlic drizzle. It’s like bringing your favorite food truck right into your own home. You save money by skipping the restaurant bill and making it yourself.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Rice with White Sauce

Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Casserole

Bake these veggies in a rich cheddar spice blend for a delicious side. It’s an easy way to get a comforting dinner on the table. You can feed a hungry group without paying for a delivery car.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Casserole

Put down the takeout menus, see what is in the pantry, and let a homemade meal fill the table.