Cheap Ways to Keep Your Family Fed
Grocery prices are out of control nowadays and it’s easy to feel like we’re penny-pinching in the aisles. But did you know that dozens of options keep money in your wallet and food in your bellies? Let’s dive into some affordable dishes that feed every family member!
1. Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are an affordable, delicious way to keep the whole family fed. The best thing about them? They’re incredibly versatile! From simple dry rubs to tasty sauces, you can bring the flavor and the protein without breaking the bank. If you need a place to start, oregano, paprika, and thyme go well with thighs.
2. Loaded Baked Potatoes
A few russet potatoes, some chicken, and a little seasoning are practically all you need to bring this dish to life. To keep things a little healthier you can also swap out the sour cream for cottage cheese; the inoffensive taste still packs nutrients without all the fat.
3. Taco Bar
The best homemade dinners are the ones that embrace creativity! Not only will your family have a collection of options to choose from, but they’ll also have a healthy meal with ground turkey (or chicken), lettuce, tomatoes, and pico de gallo. Best of all, you won’t have to worry about high costs providing so much variety.
4. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Let’s not forget the importance of a good grilled cheese sandwich. Sure, it’s a simple meal option—but it’s also an affordable dish that feeds the whole family. Whether you keep it to just cheese and toast or bring in add-ons like meat and spices, these classic sandwiches are a home run.
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5. Salisbury Steak
Don’t let its fancy aesthetics fool you! This dish is actually made with ground beef and a handful of tasty spices. A pinch of salt and pepper, some mustard powder, and Worcestershire sauce bring the flavor while hearty greens keep things nice and healthy. Don’t worry about the gravy either: if the cost of fresh ingredients is too steep, you can always opt for the can instead.
6. Black Bean Soup
Who said affordable meals would leave you hungry? Even simple soups like this delightful black bean recipe provide all sorts of protein to keep your belly full on a budget. You only need a can of black beans, some vegetable oil, salt and pepper, chicken broth, and onions to get a bowl of comfort food.
7. Tuna Melts
If we’re talking about grilled cheese sandwiches, we have to talk about the classic tuna melt. So long as you have some bread, tuna, mayonnaise, and a pinch of salt at home, you can sink your teeth into this beloved sandwich without spending an arm and a leg.
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8. Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers make a practical, tasty option suitable for all ages. Whether you stick with beef or choose healthier options like turkey or chicken, you’ll have a filling dish without shelling out too much money. Don’t be shy about getting creative either—you can toss in cheese, onions, tomatoes, or sauce for more punch.
9. Mac ‘n Cheese
Who can resist the call of this childhood favorite? While you can technically opt for the boxed varieties, homemade mac and cheese doesn’t take more than elbow macaroni, shredded cheese, butter, milk, and flour. You can also add some chicken or ground beef for a bit of extra protein.
10. Garlic Bread Pizza
Garlic bread and pizza go hand in hand, so why not combine the two for the ultimate easy, cheesy meal? All it takes is frozen garlic bread, pizza sauce, cheese, and any toppings of your choice to bring simple pizza right to your plate.
11. Chicken Noodle Soup
There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of chicken soup. One of the best things about this recipe is just how affordable it actually is. Traditional recipes call for broth, chicken, noodles, celery, and carrots, but you can always omit whatever you like.
12. Beef Enchiladas
Bring a little culture to your dinner table—all without breaking the bank! Believe it or not, you only need ground beef, tortillas, onion, cheese, and sauce for this simple recipe bound to get the whole family excited.
13. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Bust out the slow cooker ‘cause it’s time for a fan-favorite! You can use pulled pork in all sorts of recipes: sandwiches, mac and cheese, soups, and even lasagna all welcome this tasty add-on. Don’t fret about leftovers either because its versatility can keep you going throughout the week.
14. Lemon Pasta With Chicken
Pasta dishes can make or break your budget, but this one reigns supreme as an affordable option. Why? You can whip up this dish with mostly pantry staples! Spaghetti, lemon, salt and pepper, olive oil, and cheese act as the base for this popular option, though you can always add a touch of garlic and parsley for more flavor.
15. Grilled Chicken Wraps
When it comes to easy recipes that fill the family, you can’t go wrong with classic chicken wraps. Just like sandwiches, you control how much or how little you add to the recipe, which keeps it well within budget. Tortillas, grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato, and onion are all great places to start.
16. Sloppy Joes
Do you have some ground beef lying around? What about simple ingredients like hamburger buns, ketchup, and onions? Congratulations—you have almost everything you need for sloppy joes! If you need a filling meal (and aren’t afraid to get a little messy), this staple has you covered.
17. Chicken and Tomato Kebabs
There’s something about eating food off a stick that gets us excited. It should excite you too because it’s a cheap dinner option the whole family will enjoy! Chicken cubes and cherry tomatoes serve as the base while pantry staples like onion, garlic, and olive oil tie it all together.
18. Hamburger Casserole
We love hamburgers and we love casseroles…which is exactly why we couldn’t choose between them! Thankfully, we don’t have to with this easy dish that only calls for ground beef, tomato sauce, egg noodles, and garlic (among other things).
19. Tuna Cakes on Greens
Beans, tuna, breadcrumbs, and lemon juice work together beautifully for this protein-rich dinner. Basic greens like spinach or kale pack additional nutrients and keep things nice and healthy for the whole family.
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20. Chicken Tenders and Broccoli
Whether you slice chicken breasts into strips or buy them pre-cut, tenders are a classic choice for any family. Toss ‘em in breadcrumbs or mix a nice dry rub of salt, pepper, paprika, or garlic. Then throw in some seasoned broccoli (just salt and pepper will do) for added nutrients and you have a healthy, affordable dish.
