I know how tough it can be to feed a large family on a budget. That’s why I’ve put together 18 cheap meals that are both delicious and economical. Meals like Chicken Thigh Tacos and Cheesy Sausage Pasta are perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Double Bean Chili and Lentil Spaghetti are hearty options that satisfy everyone. One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta makes cleanup a breeze, while Ramen Noodle Stir Fry is a customizable favorite. With so many options, you’ll keep everyone happy without overspending. Stick around, and you’ll discover even more budget-friendly meal ideas for your family!
Chicken Thighs Tacos
When it comes to cheap meals for large families, chicken thighs tacos are a game-changer. They’re economical, flavorful, and easy to prepare. I love marinating the chicken in soy sauce and spices, then grilling it to perfection. With toppings like avocado and lime, each taco becomes a delicious treat. Plus, they’re filling and nutritious, making them perfect for my family’s weeknight dinners. These tacos are versatile and can be served in tortillas, rice bowls, or burritos.
Cheesy Sausage Pasta
Cheesy sausage pasta is a lifesaver for large families looking for a quick and satisfying meal. I love using cavatappi or penne, combined with Italian sausage and a creamy cheese sauce. It only takes about 30 minutes to prepare! Just brown the sausage and onions, simmer with pasta, and top it off with your favorite cheeses for a delicious feast. Adding vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach can enhance the meal’s nutrition and flavor, making it even more enjoyable for everyone.
Double Bean Chili
After enjoying a hearty cheesy sausage pasta, it’s time to whip up something equally comforting yet budget-friendly: double bean chili.
This dish uses affordable ingredients like onions, bell peppers, and canned beans. It’s quick to prepare—just sauté the veggies and simmer for about 30 minutes. This recipe yields a hearty, nutritious meal packed with fiber and protein, it’s a nutritious meal that can easily feed a large family.
Lentil Spaghetti
Lentil spaghetti is a fantastic option for feeding a large family without breaking the bank, especially since it’s both nutritious and satisfying. I love using red lentil spaghetti for its high protein and fiber content. Toss in sautéed onions, garlic, and seasonal veggies for added nutrition, then mix with a simple tomato sauce. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and sure to please everyone! Additionally, the dish is packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to overall health.
One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when I need a hearty meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. I brown a pound of lean ground beef with diced onion, then stir in garlic, tomato paste, and beef broth. Adding uncooked pasta and cheese creates a creamy, comforting dish that my whole family loves, all in just one pot! This versatile recipe allows for easy cooking and cleanup, making it perfect for any family gathering.
Creamy Chicken and Rice
When it comes to feeding a large family on a budget, Creamy Chicken and Rice is another go-to dish that’s just as comforting and satisfying as the One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta.
I love to toast the rice first, then simmer it with chicken, broth, and garlic. Using leftover shredded chicken for quicker preparation and stirring in cream and parmesan at the end makes it rich and delicious—perfect for everyone!
Slow Cooker Ratatouille
There’s something magical about a Slow Cooker Ratatouille that makes it a family favorite. I toss in eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic, then stir in tomato paste and herbs. Cooking it for a few hours transforms these veggies into a delicious dish. With a serving size of 3/4 cup, it serves up to ten, making it perfect for large families, and costs just $1.53 per serving!
Mexican Pulled Chicken
After whipping up a delicious Slow Cooker Ratatouille, I’m excited to share another family-friendly recipe: Mexican Pulled Chicken.
You can use boneless chicken thighs for added tenderness and flavor. Combine it with diced fire-roasted tomatoes, chipotle peppers, and essential spices. This dish can be prepared quickly using an Instant Pot, allowing you to cook chicken in just 20 minutes for a flavorful meal.
Cook in an Instant Pot or slow cooker for a versatile dish perfect for tacos, burritos, or salads. Enjoy!
Big-Batch Bolognese
Cooking up a big batch of Bolognese sauce is one of the best ways to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. I usually combine 1-2 pounds of ground beef and pork with Italian sausage and bacon. After simmering for 4-5 hours, I portion it out for freezing. At just £1.66 per portion, it’s a delicious, cost-effective meal for my family! The big batch Bolognese serves up to 12 people, making it ideal for families looking to stretch their budget.
Red Beans and Rice
Big-batch meals like Bolognese sauce are fantastic, but when I’m looking for something comforting and filling, red beans and rice fits the bill perfectly.
With just a pound of dried red beans, some rice, and a few affordable veggies and spices, I can whip up a hearty meal. Plus, it’s easy to customize and even makes great leftovers for busy days! The dish is also nutrient-rich, combining protein from beans and carbohydrates from rice, making it a heart-healthy option for large families.
Sheet Pan Pizza
When it comes to feeding a large family on a budget, sheet pan pizza is one of my go-to meals. I use store-bought dough and load it up with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and sautéed spinach. After stretching the dough on a cornmeal-dusted pan, I bake it at 425°F for 25 minutes. It’s quick, customizable, and everyone loves it! Use plenty of cornmeal to ensure the crust is crispy and prevent sticking.
Tangy Turkey Tostadas
Nothing beats the satisfaction of a plate piled high with tangy turkey tostadas, especially when I’m trying to feed my large family on a budget.
I cook ground turkey with taco seasoning, heat refried beans, and crisp corn tortillas in the oven.
Topped with guacamole, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro, it’s a delicious, customizable meal everyone loves.
Plus, it’s super affordable!
Haystack Meal
After enjoying those tangy turkey tostadas, I often turn to haystack meals for another budget-friendly dinner option.
I cook rice and brown ground beef, then chop fresh veggies. The fun part? Everyone gets to build their own haystack!
I love using pantry staples and letting my family customize with toppings like cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. It’s always a hit!
Fiesta Turkey Tortilla Soup
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Fiesta Turkey Tortilla Soup to bring the family together, especially on a chilly evening.
I sauté onion and garlic in oil, then add turkey, broth, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
After simmering for 15-20 minutes, I serve it with crispy tortilla strips, cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
It’s delicious and easy to customize!
Ramen Noodle Stir Fry
Ramen Noodle Stir Fry is a go-to meal for my family when we’re in need of something quick, tasty, and budget-friendly.
I sauté vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers, cook ground beef or chicken, and toss in softened instant ramen noodles.
With a simple sauce of soy sauce and peanut butter, dinner’s ready in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights!
Vegetable Curry
When I want something hearty and nourishing, Vegetable Curry comes to mind.
I start by sautéing onions, carrots, and cauliflower in a wok, then add potatoes and green beans. A splash of coconut milk and curry paste brings it all together.
I love serving it over rice, garnished with cilantro and a squeeze of lime. It’s flavorful, filling, and perfect for my family!
White Bean and Spinach Soup
Whipping up a hearty White Bean and Spinach Soup is one of my favorite ways to feed a crowd on a budget.
With simple ingredients like olive oil, diced onions, and canned white beans, I can whip this up in no time. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s nutritious and versatile.
Plus, leftovers make for great meals throughout the week!
Easy Fish Pie
Creating an Easy Fish Pie is a fantastic way to bring a comforting, hearty meal to the table for my family.
I simply boil floury potatoes, mix fresh fish and prawns, and prepare a creamy sauce.
Topping it with mashed potatoes and baking until golden gives us a delicious dish.
Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and perfect for varying family sizes!
