Feeding a family can be a significant expense, especially when trying to provide nutritious and tasty meals on a budget. The good news is that with a little creativity and careful planning, you can whip up delicious, filling meals that won’t strain your wallet. Whether looking for quick weeknight dinners or slow-cooked meals to feed a crowd, certain recipes are perfect for families trying to save money while still enjoying wholesome, home-cooked food. And the best part? They’re all made with simple, accessible ingredients that won’t break the bank. Here are six recipes you should try soon.
Spaghetti Bolognese
This classic Italian dish is a family favorite and can be made on a budget. To make it, you will need a brown-pound ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic cloves, and cook until the onion is translucent. Add a can of diced tomatoes, some dried basil and oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer for 30 minutes. You can top this up with spaghetti or noodles and grated Parmesan cheese, so keep this in mind.
Flatbread Pizza
The whole family will love this quick and easy recipe. You can use store-bought flatbread or make your own using simple ingredients like flour, yeast, salt, and water. To make the pizza, preheat the oven to 425°F and place the flatbread on a baking sheet. Spread your desired pizza sauce over the flatbread, leaving a little space around the edges. Add your favorite toppings, such as diced vegetables, sliced meats, or cheese. Bake the pizza in the oven for 10 –15 minutes or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
One of the best things about flatbread pizza is that you can customize it to suit everyone’s tastes and dietary needs. You can make a vegetarian version for one person, a meat-lover version for another, and so on. Plus, the ingredients for flatbread pizza are often pantry staples, making it an economical choice for families on a tight budget. You can learn how to make flatbread pizza at eatingonadime.com, so feel free to leverage this.
Chickpea and Vegetable Curry
This vegetarian dish is packed with flavor and nutrients. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large saucepan over medium heat to make the sauce. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic cloves and cook until the onion is translucent. Add diced carrot, potato, bell pepper, a can of chickpeas, a can of diced tomatoes, and other ingredients as listed in this recipe. You can cook this dish on the stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot.
Baked Chicken Fajitas
This budget-friendly meal is a healthy and delicious alternative to takeout. To make it, mix some spices. Rub the mixture over 4 chicken breasts and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes. While the chicken is baking, heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper and cook until tender. Serve the chicken and vegetables in flour tortillas and top with shredded cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
These colorful and flavorful peppers are a great way to use leftover rice or quinoa. To make, preheat the oven to 375°F. Cut the tops off four bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes in a large skillet over medium heat; brown one pound of ground beef or turkey. Add chopped onion, a minced garlic clove, a cup of cooked rice or quinoa, a can of diced tomatoes, and one teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Blend well, and cram the mix into the pepper halves. Put the peppers in a baking dish and bake for half an hour.
Shepherd’s Pie
This comfort food classic is a hearty and filling meal that can be made on a budget, so feel free to consider this. To make, preheat the oven in a large skillet over medium heat, and add ground beef or lamb. Put in chopped onion, garlic cloves, carrots, potatoes, and a teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with 3 cups of mashed potatoes. Bake until the top is golden brown. This meal is comforting and satisfying for the whole family.
In conclusion, many delicious and budget-friendly family recipes can be enjoyed by all. From spaghetti bolognese and chickpea and vegetable curry to baked chicken fajitas and stuffed bell peppers, there is something to suit every taste and preference.
