Feeding a family on a tight budget can be a challenge, but it doesn't have to mean sacrificing flavor or nutrition. With a little creativity and planning, it's possible to make delicious and satisfying meals that won't break the bank.
In this article, we'll share five easy meals that are perfect for families on a budget. These recipes use affordable ingredients, can be made quickly, and are sure to please even picky eaters.
Whether you're cooking for a large family or just trying to stretch your food budget, these meals are sure to become go-to favorites.
There are many easy meals that families can prepare on a budget. Here are some ideas:
1. Spaghetti and meat sauce
This classic meal is easy to make and can be made in large quantities. Use ground beef or turkey and canned tomato sauce to keep costs low.
Spaghetti and meat sauce is a classic and easy meal to make. Here's a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound spaghetti
Directions:
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions in a large pot of salted water. Drain and set aside.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook until onions are soft and translucent about 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the sauce over the cooked spaghetti.
You can also add other ingredients to the sauce to customize it to your liking, such as diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Enjoy!
2. Baked potatoes
Baked potatoes are a versatile and budget-friendly meal. To create a hearty meal, top them with cheese, chili, or leftover veggies.
Baked potatoes are a simple and delicious meal that can be customized with a variety of toppings. Here's a basic recipe for baked potatoes:
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Optional toppings:
- Butter
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Chives or green onions
- Bacon bits
- Chili
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub the potatoes clean and pat dry.
- Prick each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes, then slice each potato down the middle and fluff the insides with a fork.
- Add desired toppings, such as butter, cheese, sour cream, chives or green onions, bacon bits, or chili.
You can also try adding other toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, or leftover veggies, to create your own unique baked potato recipe. Enjoy!
3. Tuna salad sandwiches
Canned tuna is an inexpensive source of protein. Mix it with mayonnaise, diced celery, and onions, and serve it on whole-grain bread.
Tuna salad sandwiches are simple and tasty meals that can be made in minutes. Here's a basic recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) of tuna, drained
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons diced celery
- 2 tablespoons diced onion
- Salt and pepper
- Bread or rolls
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, combine the tuna, mayonnaise, celery, and onion. Mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the tuna salad on bread or rolls.
You can also add other ingredients to the tuna salad to customize it to your liking, such as diced pickles, grated carrots, or chopped hard-boiled eggs. Experiment with different pieces of bread or rolls to find your favorite combination. Enjoy!
4. Fried rice
Use leftover rice and frozen veggies to make this simple and filling meal. Add soy sauce, eggs, and any leftover meat for extra flavor.
Fried rice is a quick and easy meal that can be made with leftover rice and any vegetables or meats you have on hand. Here's a basic recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked white rice, preferably leftover and chilled
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt and pepper
Optional additions:
- Diced cooked chicken, pork, or shrimp
- Sliced scallions
- Chopped cilantro
- Sambal or hot sauce
Directions:
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and garlic and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked through about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked rice and frozen peas to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Drizzle the soy sauce over the rice and stir to combine.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through and the vegetables are tender about 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with scallions, cilantro, or hot sauce, if desired.
You can also try adding other ingredients to the fried rice, such as chopped pineapple, cashews, or edamame, to create your own unique recipe. Enjoy!
5. Bean and cheese burritos
Canned beans and shredded cheese are both inexpensive and can be used to make filling burritos. Add some salsa or sour cream for extra flavor.
Bean and cheese burritos are a delicious and filling meal that can be made with just a few simple ingredients. Here's a basic recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional toppings:
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Chopped cilantro
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the black beans, salsa, cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Place a tortilla on a plate and spoon 1/4 of the bean mixture onto the center of the tortilla.
- Top with 1/4 cup of shredded cheese.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll up the tortilla from the bottom to create a burrito shape.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the burritos seam-side down in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
- If desired, serve hot, topped with sour cream, guacamole, and chopped cilantro.
To customize the recipe to your liking, you can also add other ingredients to the bean and cheese burritos, such as cooked rice, sliced bell peppers, or diced tomatoes. Enjoy!
