If you’re on a budget but want to feed your family a satisfying meal, you can make plenty of budget-friendly meals. These dishes make the most of protein and pantry staples and will never leave your family feeling short-changed. So try these budget friendly meals: they’ll make you feel good and satisfy your hunger.
Pasta
Pasta is often a cheap and easy meal to prepare and can be used to make various dishes. These dishes range from easy soups and salads to rich, creamy comfort meals. Some pasta recipes are also suitable for vegetarians and vegans, and some are perfect for summer barbeques. You can even find pasta recipes that include sausage, chicken, or ramen.
Pasta can be inexpensive and quick, and these budget-friendly pasta recipes are perfect for weeknight meals. Many pasta recipes use ground beef, vegetables and cheese, and other ingredients to create a flavorful meal. Whatever combination you choose, pasta is sure to please. From the classic mac and cheese to the filling and healthy ground beef stroganoff, you’re sure to find a pasta dish that suits your tastes and your wallet.
Casseroles
Casseroles are easy to prepare and a great way to stretch a meal budget. They are cheap to make and can help you use up ingredients from your pantry. Plus, they are delicious! There are many great options for making casseroles on a budget, from healthy to delicious!
Casseroles are also kid-friendly. For example, a chicken pot pie casserole is healthy and fun. You can also add homemade cream soup to make it healthier. Another good budget-friendly recipe is a ham and cheese casserole, which makes 12 portions from one pan. It has cheap components like deli ham, sliced cheese, and nine eggs. To soak up the sauce, you can also serve this casserole with sourdough bread.
Sheet Pan Dinners
One of the sturdiest workhorses in the kitchen is the sheet pan. Unlike traditional meatloaf or burgers, sheet pan dinners are not only fast and easy to make but also healthier. They’re also great for feeding a crowd or a party.
Sheet pan dinners are incredibly versatile and can be easily customized for each family member. You can add whatever toppings or cheese you want. They also make a great meal for a family pizza night. And you can prepare them in less than 10 minutes!
Fried Rice
Fried rice is a cheap and easy meal to make. It can be prepared in less than 10 minutes and is a perfect quick meal for busy weeknights. The ingredients for fried rice can vary, depending on what you have. First, the rice should be hot and cooked through. Then, add additional ingredients, such as sliced green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
To make fried rice, you’ll need a pan and rice. You can use a microwave or stovetop. You can even make it ahead of time and freeze it. This way, you’ll be able to reheat it later. You can serve it with homemade Black Sesame Ice cream for an even better meal. Preparing it the day before you plan to eat it is best.
Fried Hoisin Tofu
Fried hoisin tofu is a quick, easy weeknight meal that packs a big flavor. It is a good alternative to Chinese takeout and is also kid-friendly. To make the sauce, you’ll need four ingredients: hoisin, rice vinegar, coconut aminos, and chili garlic paste.
Tofu is a great source of plant protein. It’s also a blank canvas for delicious sauces. Hoisin and ginger add a sour and sweet flavor to this delicious dish. First, you’ll want to lay out your tofu slices on a double layer of paper towels. You can then weigh them down with a few cans to keep them flat. Allow the slices to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and frying. You can then cut them into 1-inch cubes.
Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is an inexpensive meal that tastes delicious and versatile. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a low-cost meal to feed a crowd. A great way to make pulled pork is to slow-cook it in a slow cooker. This will allow you to prepare a large amount of it simultaneously. Pulled pork is also great for dressing up leftovers and creating an amazing barbecue spread.
In addition to pork, you can also make pulled beef, chicken, or lamb. Pork is naturally juicy and fatty, so you don’t need water to make it moist. It will juice up as it cooks in a slow cooker. The drippings from the meat are good for making soups or chili.
