50 Really Cheap Meals Your Kids Will Actually Eat
Looking for really cheap meals to lower your grocery bill each month?
You’re not alone. Grocery costs have skyrocketed in the last year or so, and I think we are all feeling the pinch.
But it is a real struggle, isn’t it? Finding budget-friendly meals your kids will want to eat can feel challenging.
But no worries! I went looking for wallet-friendly options that everyone will love!
Let’s face it: weekdays are hectic for families. The last thing you need is mealtime battles on top of everything you juggle.
This collection of cheap and easy dinners is designed to simplify your evenings without breaking the bank.
This post is part of my Meal Planning for Busy Families collection. We’ve got hundreds of recipe ideas organized by meal type, plus a free printable meal planner to make your life easier.
Here’s why these meals are perfect:
- They’re quick and easy to make
- They use simple, inexpensive ingredients
- Are nutritious
- Your family will love them
Ready to check them out? Use the table of contents below to jump to the section that interests you.
Table of Contents
- Cheap Meals With Chicken
- Cheap Meals With Beef
- Cheap Vegetarian Meals
- Miscellaneous Recipes That Are Easy On The Wallet
- Tips For Saving Money On Groceries
Really Cheap Meals With Chicken
Chicken is a versatile, protein-packed option that’s also easy to cook and pairs well with a variety of flavors.
These budget-friendly recipes make the most of affordable chicken cuts like legs and thighs, giving you delicious meals without breaking the bank.
Best Chicken Noodle Soup
A pot of soup is one of the cheapest ways to feed a family, since a few basic ingredients turn into several servings and leftovers. Try 35 easy soup recipes for busy families .
Slow Cooker Chicken & Pasta Casserole
Lemon Rosemary Chicken
30 Minute Chicken and Rice Soup
Chicken Thighs With Honey Garlic Sauce
Italian Chicken Tray Bake
Chicken and Leek Risotto
Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken And Veggies
Chicken Ramen Noodle Salad
Canned chicken is inexpensive and handy. We’ve made a collection of amazing recipes using canned chicken, which you can find here.
Rice Flour Chicken Wings
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Really Cheap Meals With Beef
Beef is a rich source of protein and nutrients, making it a hearty option for satisfying meals.
Most of these affordable recipes use hamburger as the main ingredient.
It is one of the most economical cuts and creates delicious meals that stretch your budget without sacrificing flavor.
Hamburger Tater Tot Casserole
Ground Beef And Broccoli
Ground Beef Stir Fry
Bolognese sauce
Stuffed Pepper Soup
Poor Man’s Burnt Ends
Ground Beef Stroganoff
Ground Beef Doritos Casserole
A casserole is one of the best tricks for making a little meat go further, since rice, pasta, and potatoes bulk up the dish without adding much to the grocery bill. Browse 32 easy casserole recipes that make dinner simple without breaking the budget.
Easy Ground Beef Taco Recipe
Easy Crockpot Taco Soup
Cheap Vegetarian Meals
Vegetarian meals are not only packed with nutritious ingredients. They are also incredibly cost-effective, making them perfect for budget-conscious families.
These recipes highlight affordable staples like beans, lentils, and seasonal vegetables, offering delicious and filling meals without the need for expensive ingredients.
Pasta Al Forno
Baked Mac and Cheese
Lentil Barley Soup
Butternut Squash Curry
Easy Spinach Omelette Recipe with Cheese
Authentic Tortilla Española Recipe
Hearty Italian White Bean Soup with Pasta
Easy Tomato Soup
Instant Pot Frozen Vegetable Soup
Creamy Potato Soup
Black Bean Enchiladas with Creamy Tomatillo Sauce
One Pot Baked Mexican Rice Casserole
Miscellaneous Recipes That Are Easy On The Wallet
The next three recipes didn’t quite fit into the previous categories, but they’re just as delicious and budget-friendly. These affordable meals are sure to become new family favorites.
Stovetop Tuna Casserole
Best Salmon Croquettes
Smoked Sausage and Potato Skillet
Looking for more meal ideas? Check out our 50 Quick and Easy Family Dinners.
10 Top Tips For Saving Money On Your Grocery Bill
Here are 10 quick tips for saving money on groceries:
- Shop seasonally – Fresh produce is cheaper when it’s in season.
- Use frozen vegetables—Check the price of frozen vegetables that are out of season. They are often an affordable, nutritious option that prevents waste.
- Buy store brands – Generic or store-brand products are often just as good as name brands but cost less.
- Don’t waste food – Plan meals around what you already have in your fridge, freezer, and pantry. Make plans for using leftovers.
- Shop the sales – Take advantage of weekly deals and discounts to stock up on essentials.
- Buy inexpensive cuts – Choose cheaper cuts of meat, like chicken thighs, ground meat, or chuck roast, for great meals at a lower cost.
- Meal plan – Planning meals helps you stick to your list and avoid impulse buys.
- Buy in bulk – For items you use regularly, buying in bulk can save money in the long run.
- Cook from scratch – Preparing meals from scratch is often cheaper than buying pre-made food.
- Don’t dismiss canned sources of protein. Canned fish and chicken are inexpensive and can be very tasty. They are also handy to have in your pantry for quick meals.
- Buying meat on sale and cooking in bulk is one of the easiest ways to cut your grocery costs over time. These 45 easy freezer meals are perfect for stocking up when prices are low.
In this post, we’ve shared 50 affordable and easy meal ideas for busy families.
Cooking at home can be both economical and this collection proves that delicious meals don’t have to come with a high price tag.
Now that you’ve explored these 50 cheap meal ideas, why not try a few that catch your eye?Don’t forget to pin this post so you can easily return to it whenever you need more budget-friendly inspiration.
Looking for more easy recipes? Head to the Kid-Friendly Meals resource page for recipe collections, meal-planning help, holiday treats, and fun recipes to make together.