Cheap Dinners For A Family 2023

So, your fridge is looking a bit…sparse, your wallet’s feeling lighter than a feather, and the kids (or, let’s be real, *you*) are chanting “Dinnnnnner!”? Been there, bought the T-shirt, probably wore it inside out. In this glorious year of 2023, where everything seems to cost an arm and a leg (and possibly your firstborn’s college fund), finding cheap dinners for a family feels like discovering a hidden treasure map to a gold mine. Well, buckle up, buttercup, because I’m about to hand you that map! We’re making something so ridiculously easy, so incredibly tasty, and so unbelievably budget-friendly, you’ll wonder if you accidentally time-traveled back to 1999.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s be honest, we’re not aiming for Michelin stars here; we’re aiming for full bellies and a full wallet. This “Hearty One-Pot Lentil & Sausage Stew” (catchy, right?) is a true culinary hero for several reasons:

• It’s **idiot-proof**. Seriously, if you can chop an onion and stir a pot, you’re basically a gourmet chef in the making. Even I didn’t mess it up, and that’s saying something.
• **One-Pot Wonder!** Less washing up means more time for… well, whatever you actually *want* to do instead of scrubbing crusty pans. Nuff said.
• It’s **cheap as chips**. We’re talking pantry staples and affordable protein that somehow tastes like a million bucks. Your bank account will send you a thank-you note.
• **Nutritious and delicious.** Packed with fiber and protein, it’ll keep everyone full and happy without the post-dinner sugar crash. It’s practically a health food disguised as comfort food.
• **Highly customizable.** Got a picky eater? You can sneak in veggies or adjust spices without them ever suspecting a thing. Muahaha!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready for a grocery list that won’t make you cry. Most of these you probably already have lurking in your cupboards!

• 1 tbsp olive oil: The fancy stuff is optional, regular ol’ olive oil works just fine.
• 1 lb budget-friendly sausage: Chorizo, Italian sausage (mild or hot, your call!), or even a nice cheap breakfast sausage if you’re feeling adventurous. Casings removed, please!
• 1 large onion: Chopped. Try not to cry while doing it. It’s character building!
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced. Because everything is better with garlic. Don’t fight me on this.
• 1 carrot: Chopped. For that sneaky veggie sweetness and a pop of color.
• 1 celery stalk: Chopped. The holy trinity of flavor starts here (onion, carrot, celery, aka mirepoix!).
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes: Undrained. The cheaper the better, IMO.
• 1 cup brown or green lentils: Rinsed well. We don’t want any pebbly surprises, do we?
• 4 cups (32 oz) chicken or vegetable broth: Again, the store-brand stuff is your best friend here.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Or Italian seasoning, because who’s counting?
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Adds a lovely earthy note.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy!
• A handful of fresh spinach (optional): Stirred in at the end, just for extra green goodness and vitamins. Popeye would be proud.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, apron on, spatula ready! Let’s get cooking this glorious cheap family dinner.

1. **Brown the sausage:** Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your sausage (casings removed!) and break it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a plate, leaving any delicious drippings in the pot.
2. **Sauté the aromatics:** Toss the chopped onion, carrot, and celery into the pot with the sausage drippings. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until they start to soften and get fragrant. Your kitchen should be smelling amazing right about now.
3. **Garlic time!** Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t let it burn, or it’ll taste bitter, and nobody wants that.
4. **Build the stew:** Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, rinsed lentils, chicken or vegetable broth, oregano, and thyme. Give everything a good stir, making sure nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pot.
5. **Simmer down:** Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it **simmer for 25-30 minutes**, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. **Reunite and season:** Once the lentils are cooked, return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in the fresh spinach (if using) and let it wilt for a minute or two. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. You might need more than you think, so don’t be afraid to add!
7. **Serve it up:** Ladle into bowls and serve hot. A crusty piece of bread for dipping is highly encouraged. Enjoy your budget-friendly masterpiece!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the simplest recipes have their little quirks. Steer clear of these rookie blunders:

• **Not rinsing your lentils:** Unless you enjoy a gritty surprise, please, *please* rinse those lentils. It only takes a minute!
• **Overcooking the lentils:** Mushy lentils are just… sad. Keep an eye on them. They should be tender but still hold their shape.
• **Skimping on seasoning:** Bland food is the enemy! **Taste as you go**, especially at the end. Salt and pepper are your friends.
• **Letting the garlic burn:** Burnt garlic tastes acrid and will ruin the whole vibe. Add it *after* the other veggies have softened, and only cook for a minute or so.
• **Forgetting to stir:** While it’s a one-pot dish, it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it deal entirely. Give it a stir every now and then to prevent lentils from sticking to the bottom and scorching.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling creative? Or just missing an ingredient? No stress, chef! This recipe is super flexible:

• **Meat Swap:** Not feeling sausage? You can use ground beef, ground turkey, or even skip the meat entirely for a delicious vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
• **Veggie Power-Up:** Got some sad-looking zucchini, bell peppers, or even a potato chilling in your fridge? Chop ’em up and toss them in with the carrots and celery. Just cook until tender.
• **Spice It Up:** Want some heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. For a smoky flavor, a dash of smoked paprika works wonders.
• **Lentil Love:** Green or brown lentils are best here because they hold their shape. Red lentils break down more, making it thicker, but still yummy if that’s all you have.
• **Broth Boost:** No broth? Water will work in a pinch, just add a bouillon cube or an extra pinch of salt to compensate for flavor.
• **Herb Heaven:** Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, stirred in at the end, can really brighten things up.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I’ve got answers (mostly humorous, probably):

Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Just ditch the sausage (or use a plant-based sausage alternative) and use vegetable broth. It’s still incredibly hearty and delicious. Ta-da! Instant veggie delight.

How long does this last in the fridge? This stew is a rockstar for meal prep! It’ll happily hang out in an airtight container in your fridge for **3-4 days**. Actually, it often tastes even better the next day, like magic!

Can I freeze it? Oh heck yes! This freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll last for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Your future self will thank you!

What if my stew is too thick/thin? Easy fixes! If it’s too thick, stir in a little more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce it, or mash a small portion of the lentils against the side of the pot to help thicken it up. You’re a problem-solver, you got this!

Is it actually *that* cheap? Yes! Lentils are incredibly budget-friendly, and when paired with a cheaper cut of sausage and pantry staples, this meal clocks in at a fraction of what takeout (or even a store-bought ready meal) would cost for the whole family. Your wallet can breathe a sigh of relief.

Can I add cheese? Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul by not adding it? A sprinkle of Parmesan or a dollop of sour cream on top would be glorious. Go on, live a little!

Final Thoughts

There you have it, my friend! A cheap, cheerful, and downright delicious dinner that’ll make your family happy and keep your budget intact. You’ve navigated the tricky waters of 2023 grocery prices and emerged victorious with a steaming bowl of goodness. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! And maybe, just maybe, treat yourself to that extra fancy coffee tomorrow with all the money you saved. You know you want to. Happy cooking!