Are you feeding the family on a budget? These some super speedy and satisfying meals all use low-cost ingredients, feed your family members, and are prepared in under 30 minutes. From comforting pasta dishes and no-fuss traybakes to quick stir-fries and fajitas, these simple suppers use the cheapest ingredients and are sure to keep the family happy.
Weekly Family Meals On A Budget
Weekly family meals on a budget can be delicious and nutritious with some planning and creativity. Here are some tips and meal ideas to help you save money while enjoying satisfying family dinners:
Plan Your Weekly Menu
- Start by planning your meals for the week. Write down what you’ll eat daily, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Use ingredients you already have on hand to reduce waste and save money.
Create A Budget
- Set a weekly or monthly food budget to help you stay on track. Allocate a specific amount for groceries and stick to it.
Buy In Bulk
- Purchase pantry staples like rice, pasta, canned goods, and frozen vegetables in bulk to save money over time.
Use Coupons And Discounts
Look for coupons, sales, and discounts at your local grocery store, or use cashback apps and loyalty programs to save on groceries.
Shop Smart
- Make a shopping list and stick to it to avoid impulse purchases.
- Buy store brands or generic products, often cheaper than name brands.
- Consider shopping at discount stores or farmer’s markets for cheaper fresh produce.
Cook In Batches
- Prepare larger quantities of meals and freeze them in portions for later use. This reduces the need for takeout or fast food on busy days.
Embrace Meatless Meals
- Add meatless meals into your weekly plan using beans, lentils, tofu, or eggs as protein sources. They are usually more budget-friendly than meat.
Utilize Leftovers
Get creative with leftovers by transforming them into new dishes. For example, turn last night’s roasted vegetables into a frittata or stir-fry.
Choose For Simple Recipes
- Choose recipes with fewer ingredients and shorter cooking times to save on both money and preparation efforts.
Reduce Food Waste
- Store food properly to extend its shelf life.
- Use leftovers promptly and incorporate them into your meal plan.
- Compost food scraps to reduce waste.
Here Are Some Budget-Friendly Meal Ideas:
Speedy Sausage Stroganoff Tagliatelle
Make instant meatballs with this filling and flavorsome recipe that the whole family will love. It might also leave you with some lunchbox leftovers if you’re feeding younger kids. It’s on the table in 20 minutes, so you can spend more time relaxing on the sofa than cooking in the kitchen.
Honey & Soy Chicken Thighs With Sesame Broccoli
These sticky homemade chicken thighs are sure to be a big hit with the kids and are a great way to introduce them to cheaper cuts of meat. Serve with a steaming bowl of rice, and let the family help.
Spicy Bean Burgers With Lime Yogurt
Homemade bean burgers couldn’t be any easier, even on a busy weeknight, and take just 10 minutes to prepare. If you want, prep ahead, then double and freeze them so that you can pop them under the grill next time.
Vegetarian fajitas
This 15-minute easy recipe means there’s no need for expensive fajita kits, and swapping chicken breast for healthy, filling beans is another great way of keeping costs down. This will become a fresh, flavorsome, and fast family favorite.
Pizza Omelette
This unusual combination is a real winner and great for cooking with the kids! It has only two steps and can be prepared in just fifteen minutes, perfect for after a long day. It’s also high in protein and low in salt.
Chicken, Leek & Brown Rice Stir-Fry
This simple stir-fry combines the classic chicken and chorizo flavors with a healthy kale and leek kick. Whip up in under 20 minutes.
Potato, Pea & Egg Curry Rotis
This easy veggie curry will go down as a treat with the whole family. Chunky potatoes and peas are combined with curry paste and chopped tomatoes, then served with soft-boiled eggs and rotis for a satisfying yet low-calorie supper. Double the batch size and freeze later to save yourself from cooking again.
Remember that meal planning and budgeting require practice and adjustment. Over time, you’ll become more efficient at finding deals, reducing waste, and creating satisfying meals within your budget.