Feeding a family without spending a fortune can be a daunting task. It can almost feel impossible, especially when you factor in the word healthy. Our wallets are definitely getting over stretched by the rising grocery prices. Luckily… healthy eating does not have to break the bank! That’s were these 10 healthy family dinners on a budget come into play! Our families can eat well and still have money leftover that can flow into other areas of our life! (Click here to check out the other areas of our lives that we can focus on to keep our family healthy!) All of these meals come with allergy-friendly substitutes making feeding your family with allergies cheap and easy! You’ll also find tons of tips for meal planning and shopping strategies to keep your costs low and bellies full!
- Why Healthy Family Dinners Matter (Especially on a Budget)
- How to Shop Smart for Healthy Family Dinners on a Budget
- Essential Pantry Items for Allergy-Friendly Family Dinners
- 10 Delicious and Healthy Family Dinners on a Budget
- 1. Chicken legs – Baked Chicken Legs (Crispy, Easy Recipe) – Wholesome Yum
- 2. Shepherd's pie – The Best Easy Shepherd's Pie Recipe
- 3. Black Bean and Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers- Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice & Beans – Family cooks club
- 4. Homemade McChickens- https://pin.it/3pYlWgLuB
- 5. Sausage and Vegetable Skillet- 10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies – Pinch Me Good
- 6. Stir-fry with (Frozen) Vegetables- Vegetable Stir Fry: An Incredible Essential Recipe for Every Kitchen – My Savory Delights
- 7. White Chicken Chili- Instant Pot White Chicken Chili – The Almond Eater
- 8. Baked Taquitos- Baked Taquitos | Make Ahead Freezer Friendly Meal
- 9. Greek Sheet Pan- Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner – Downshiftology
- 10. Homemade Pizza with Veggie Toppings- BEST Easy Gluten Free Pizza Dough – Eat With Clarity
- 1. Chicken legs – Baked Chicken Legs (Crispy, Easy Recipe) – Wholesome Yum
- Weekly Meal Planning for Budget-Conscious Families
- How These Budget Dinners Compare to Average Grocery Spending
- Conclusion
Why Healthy Family Dinners Matter (Especially on a Budget)
Family meals are something that can be easily over looked. As long as everyone got good food in their belly, sometimes that’s enough, but what if it wasn’t? There are significant benefits to sharing family meals.
Some benefits of sharing family meals (for children and adults):
- Maintenance of normal body weight
- Less disordered eating
- Better academic performance
- Decreased family conflict
- Stronger family bonds
- Better stress management
(Sources: The Benefit of Family Dinner | Harvard Graduate School of Education, Benefits of Family Meals: Eat Together, Thrive Together – HealthyChildren.org, Why the Family Meal Is Important – Stanford Medicine Children’s Health )
Isn’t it incredible what some TLC at the dinner table can do? These benefits are best found when a family meal is shared at least 3 times a week! Don’t limit yourself to dinner! These benefits are ANY shared meal: breakfast, lunch or dinner.
How Budget Meal Planning Saves Money and Reduces Stress
Family meals are great, but first you have to get everyone to the table. Meal planning and budgeting make that task as easy as possible. Meal plans allow us to know what’s for dinner each night and skip the “what’s for dinner” horror. They also help us fit in all the dietary needs and aspirations we have for our families.
Now one step above a meal plan is a BUDGET MEAL PLAN. The budget is what keep our bellies fed, we don’t run out of money or food.
The time it takes (which can be very little with my help) to plan meals to know how much we’re spending and what we’re putting into our bodies can really change our lives.
The Power of Nutrition for Kids’ Energy, Mood, and Focus
Nutrition is a weighty word in today’s society, with a lot of pressure. BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE. I’ve linked below the USDA’s MyPlate website that is a great tool at learning about what should go on your plate to give your family the fuel it needs.
MyPlate.gov | U.S. Department of Agriculture
When we make small changes to our diet we can see big changes. There is significant research showing that when we have a well balanced diet and eat dessert and other processed foods in moderation we can see increased mood in parents and children. We also see increased focus. All in all, every single one of your cognitive functions increases when you put nutritious food in your body.
(Source: Nutritional psychiatry: Your brain on food – Harvard Health
Budget-Friendly Solutions for Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions
Having food allergies doesn’t have to put a HUGE dent in your pocket and it definitely does not exclude you from fueling your body with nutritious food. Although, we all know that a loaf of gluten-free bread is NOT the same price a normal loaf of bread.
Allergies do make grocery shopping more expensive. That won’t stop us from saving money where we can. Most of these meals contain naturally allergen-free ingredients, making them even cost effective for those with allergies.
How to Shop Smart for Healthy Family Dinners on a Budget
Plan Before You Shop
Have you ever gone grocery shopping and then as soon as you get home you already remember something you forgot? Or have you gone to the grocery store and made it home with a bunch of snacks and junk food you didn’t really need but sounded irresistible? Me too… and I always spend way too much when that happens. 99% of the time it is because I didn’t plan before I shopped and I didn’t have a list!
Having a list is so important because it helps us buy the things we will need for that week and because we know what we need, we can find the store that sells it the cheapest price! We also don’t have to go to the grocery store every day of the week to get stuff for dinner because you already planned!
When we take a list shopping and stick to it, we save about 30% on groceries. Those mid-week trips and extra crackers really add up. To be able to make a list we have to meal plan! Know what you’re going to eat, so you know what to buy, that simple. You can plan all three meals or even just one meal! Depending on your habits and needs, planning any number of meals can really save you money.
Lucky for you you’re about to get 10 meal ideas + a free shopping list template!
Best Budget-Friendly Protein Sources
I don’t know when the last time you bought ground beef was, but it is EXPENSIVE! For a family of 4 you could easily spend +$200 on beef in a month.
Now sometimes you just have to eat a big juicy hamburger, but when you’re open to other options, here are some budget friendly protein sources to base your meals and snacks around:
- Ground Turkey
- Chicken Legs
- Beans
- Nuts
- Lentils
- Eggs
- Ground Chicken
- Tofu
- Edamame
A game changer for me is also buying any protein source in bulk. I practically live in Winco’s bulk section and Sam’s Club. Costco is another great option as well, I just usually find that Sam’s Club has better prices. When you buy a lot of any of the above, just freeze the rest and thaw it when you need it!
Seasonal Shopping for Maximum Savings
An easy way to save money is to buy what’s growing! What ever produce is in season is going to be much more cost effective than produce that isn’t in season.
Another option we have to make produce even cheaper is when realistic buying frozen produce. There is no nutritional difference in frozen and fresh fruits and vegetables, so see what works best for the recipe and which is cheaper before you purchase. Making sure you know which you’re buying will make family meal planning on your budget more efficient!
Essential Pantry Items for Allergy-Friendly Family Dinners
Gluten-free Alternatives that Don’t Cost Extra
Buying “gluten-free” specific products always costs more. A marketing strategy is to advertise that it is gluten-free, appealing to a more “natural” or “heathier” audience, then they charge more for their product. They don’t necessary always do it with us in mind, they do it with the money in mind. We have to buy their products with money in mind too, but more in “save” it way.
An example of this might be marshmallows, they are naturally gluten free, but you can buy expensive marshmallows that advertise gluten free that have virtually the same ingredients. Dumb, right?
So let’s talk about staples that are naturally gluten free or can be used to replace other products.
- Corn
- Almond flour
- Chickpeas
- Veggies (think veggie noodles)
- Oats (Some people may need gluten-free specific oats due to the risk of cross contamination)
- Rice
- Coconut Flour
- Arrowroot
Potato Starch Somethings are best made with straight up gluten free flour, but keep in mind that it doesn’t need to say “gluten free” to be gluten free.
Dairy-free Substitutions on a Budget
Dairy is something that is harder to replace, specifically cheese. Dairy free cheese just isn’t the same, sadly. A lot of dairy free products are labeled plant based instead of dairy free. Dairy-free products can be expensive but some that I like to use on a budget are:
- Soy Milk
- Almond Milk
- Margarine
- Nutritional Yeast
- Coconut milk (canned)
If I can’t make it with these products, I usually skip “trying to substitute” and just choose a different recipe. Dairy-free yogurts, cheeses, cream cheese and sour cream can get really expensive so I like to focus on those staples.
Universal Ingredients that Work for Multiple Allergies
Most of the ingredients I’ve listed above can be used universally for all allergies, with the caveat of almond milk and nut allergies. Usually when things are dairy-free they are also gluten-free, but not vis versa. Be careful to read the labels when looking for allergy-friendly dinner recipes and cook with whole foods!
10 Delicious and Healthy Family Dinners on a Budget
1. Chicken legs – Baked Chicken Legs (Crispy, Easy Recipe) – Wholesome Yum
Overview
This is such a delicious, cheap and easily customized meal, which means it has potential for picky eaters as well. The whole meal take no more than 15 minutes to prep.
Allergy-Friendly Modifications
No modifications are needed!
Why it’s Budget-Friendly
Chicken legs are such a great option because they are significantly cheaper than chicken breasts or thighs, though this recipe could be done with either of those meats, just season it and cook it.
Nutrition Highlights
In this meal all of the health basics are covered. It’s low-calorie, packed with protein, carbs and fiber. All of those things will help you to feel full longer. Aim for a leafy green veggie for the most fiber possible, like a salad!
Shopping Tips for Ingredients
When shopping for ingredients for this meal, if you are going for fresh veggies, try to go for some that are in season to be most cost effective. Follow this link to find out what produce is in season near you- What Vegetables Are In Season Now? – Farmers’ Almanac – Plan Your Day. Grow Your Life. As for the chicken legs look for ones that have a good amount of meat on them and not a ton of blood or blood vessels.
2. Shepherd’s pie – The Best Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Overview
Shepherds pie is a family favorite for sure! This is a great comfort food for any time of the year. It has a little something for everyone and takes about 35 minutes to prepare then it just goes in the oven!
Allergy-Friendly Modifications
This recipe requires some substitutions for dairy and some ingredients that may contain gluten depending on the brand. Worcestershire sauce may have gluten in it, so check the label or simply exclude it. I have used liquid aminos instead and it is just as delicious! In the recipe sour cream is called for, I simply omit it and I don’t have any complaints. I prepare my mashed potatoes with soy milk (any dairy free milk is fine) and margarine (or dairy free butter) for dairy free. I would also sprinkle some nutritional yeast on the top instead of cheese if you didn’t just want to omit it.
Why it’s Budget-Friendly
This meal is super cheap to make, especially when you are not paying for tons of “extra” substitutions. I also use ground turkey instead of beef to be even more cost effective and heart healthy. You can use just about an frozen veggies you have on hand as well to skip an extra item on your shopping list, canned vegetables will work just as well too. The potatoes are super filling and very cost effective as well, especially when feeding a big hungry family! This meal is also great as a freezer meal, so make extra and save it for later!
Nutrition Highlights
Shepard’s Pie is a great budget meal because it is packed with veggies and protein! It will keep you full while also helping you meet your vegetable requirement for the day. Potatoes are packed with vitamin C and potassium (even more than bananas) making it great for blood pressure and your immune system.
Shopping Tips for Ingredients
When shopping for these ingredients, compare your options to make sure you’re getting the best price. I also find buying my ground turkey from a bulk store such as Sam’s Club or Costco is the most cost-effective. Any potatoes work; make sure they are firm to have them last the longest in your pantry.
3. Black Bean and Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers- Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice & Beans – Family cooks club
Overview
This nutritious and delicious meal is super easy and PERFECT for those with allergies. This meal is naturally free from the top 9 allergens and is vegan as well! This meal is going to take about 35 minutes to prepare and then about 45 minutes in the oven!
Allergy-Friendly Modifications
Excluding the cheese is all you need to do make this allergy friendly!
Why it’s Budget-Friendly
When you pair this recipe with other meals on this list in your weekly meal plan, you’ll be overlapping ingredients which always saves money and reduces any waste. The bulk of this meal, the beans and rice are so cheap. This can be made with any color of peppers, so buy whichever is on sale. You can find peppers for less than $0.80/piece on sale.
Nutrition Highlights
The fiber and vitamins found in the meal is crazy! The rice, the beans and the vegetables all provide tons of fiber which is important to digestion and feeling fuller longer. Bell peppers are also a great source of vitamin C, even more than oranges! Vitamin C is really important to the immune system and our hair skin and nails! Another great thing about this meal is that when you pair rice and beans it makes a complete protein! This means it has all the essential amino acids your body Neesa to function properly!
Shopping Tips for Ingredients
While shopping for ingredients for this meal looking for the cheapest color of bell pepper will save you extra money. A firm bell pepper is a good bell pepper! Different brands of beans range in price, they are all pretty much the same, so buy whatever is cheapest! As for rice, brown or white rice will work great! Brown rice is less refined and is a whole grain, so if you’re looking for heart healthy go for brown rice!
4. Homemade McChickens- https://pin.it/3pYlWgLuB
Overview
This is one of my family’s favorite weeknight meal! It is so fast and easy, pair it with a salad or some carrot fries, yummy! This meal literally takes about 10 minutes to make and 20 minutes in the air fryer! All of the ingredients can be eyeballed. I do add some gluten-free bread crumbs with the meat instead of on the outside of it to make it even faster.
Allergy-Friendly Modifications
The only modifications you’ll need is a gluten-free hamburger bun and some gluten-free bread crumbs. One of my favorite hacks is to skip the breadcrumbs and buy a box of rice crispies, way cheaper! Smash the rice crispies and you have gluten-free bread crumbs!
Why it’s Budget-Friendly
This is great for families meal planning on a budget because ground chicken is cheaper than chicken breasts by far. When I buy it from Walmart it is usually 1.50/pound! . Gluten-free buns are about $6 for 4 buns, which is still way cheaper than eating out! All you need for the toppings are lettuce and mayonnaise! Simple and delicious!
Nutrition Highlights
The chicken patties are full of protein and low on additives. This is also great for picky eaters, it helps keep them full and the toppings can be personalized to each sandwich. When paired with carrot fries and a fruit on the side, you cover all your food groups in one meal!
Shopping Tips for Ingredients
I find that the price of ground chicken varies GREATLY from store to store, I’m talking like $5/lbs difference, so make sure you look around and make sure you’re getting a good price.
5. Sausage and Vegetable Skillet- 10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies – Pinch Me Good
Overview
This dinner is one on repeat in our home. It is so easy to change and add whatever you’d like to it to make it your own! It can also be cooked in the air fryer or on the stove! It takes about 20 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook!
Allergy-Friendly Modifications
No substitutions are needed for this recipe.
Why it’s Budget-Friendly
This is such a good meal for a family on a budget because of how adaptable it is. You can use fresh veggies or frozen veggies. You can always use bell peppers or you can use any other in season vegetables. The recipe uses sausage but I have also used ground sausage and chicken in it, which ever was on sale. It takes great any way!
Nutrition Highlights
The sausage in this meal is packed with protein and flavor. That mixed with the oil is a great way to make sure you feel full once your plate has been cleared. Bell peppers are a great source of antioxidants which are anti-inflammatory and help prevent all types of diseases. Zucchini are packed with Vitamin C and B6
Shopping Tips for Ingredients
When shopping for this meal a reminder to read the label on your sausage, since sausage usually comes with a lot of additives. Double check for any allergens or ingredients that you’re avoiding! Make sure your zucchini and bell peppers are firm when you squeeze them to ensure they’ll last in the fridge.
6. Stir-fry with (Frozen) Vegetables- Vegetable Stir Fry: An Incredible Essential Recipe for Every Kitchen – My Savory Delights
Overview
This vegetable stir fry is great way to incorporate new veggies into your diet and try them out. Everything tastes good covered in soy sauce! This meal takes about 20 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook.
Allergy-Friendly Modifications
For this recipe make sure your noodles are gluten free. Rice noodles are a great option for Asian dishes that naturally come gluten free. Also using a gluten free soy sauce will make it so those with allergies can eat it!
Why it’s Budget-Friendly
Rice noodles are super cheap, along with a bag of frozen veggies. You’d be easily under $2/serving on this meal. You also don’t need to spend extra money on gluten-free noodles since rice noodles already come as such!
Nutrition Highlights
Something I make sure to add to my stir fry is CABBAGE! Yum Yum! Cabbage is full of folate which can support brain function and enhance your mood, two benefits you can not pass up. All the fiber in this meal (no matter what vegetables you choose) helps curb a glucose spike which helps keep your body in balance! Also when you add an egg into this meal it doubles the amount of protein otherwise!
Shopping Tips for Ingredients
For this meal you don’t need any fancy rice noodles, the cheapest will do! The vegetables are the same way! The cheapest way is to do a bag of whatever vegetables you’d like, usually you can find a stir-fry-specific bag. Fresh vegetables are great as well but I wouldn’t recommend canned vegetables because they will get really mushy throughout the process.
7. White Chicken Chili- Instant Pot White Chicken Chili – The Almond Eater
Overview
This is by far the easiest meal on this list. It really is a dump and go meal. I don’t even cook mine in the instant pot, I just dump it all in a pan on the stove and stir till it boils. The meal takes me a total of 20 minutes, but I am known to use canned chicken for this meal to make it even easier.
Allergy-Friendly Modifications
All you’ll need to do for this recipe is no cream cheese. I don’t bother buying dairy-free cream cheese because it tastes great without it. The avocados make up for the creaminess anyway!
Why it’s Budget-Friendly
This meal is super cheap, it’s mostly beans, which are less than $1/can. You can make a huge pot, which means feeding a ton of people for easily under $10. If you’re not feeding a large group then that means leftovers, perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition Highlights
The beans in this meal are full of fiber which most Americans are chronically deficient in. Fiber is important to blood sugar regulation and digestion. This is also a low calorie meal if you’re watching your calories but packed full of nutrients.
Shopping Tips for Ingredients
When shopping for avocados for this meal, if you’re not using them right away, buy ones that are a bit firmer. If you’re using them soon, buy some softer ones and store them in the fridge. You can buy chicken breasts of canned chicken depending on how quickly you want dinner to be done.
8. Baked Taquitos- Baked Taquitos | Make Ahead Freezer Friendly Meal
Overview
This is such a great meal prep or freezer meal recipe. I made these for the first time when I was getting ready for my first baby and they were great! These are kid-friendly as well, so the whole family can enjoy them! This meal takes about 30 minutes to prep or longer, depending on how many taquitos you’re making and then 30 minutes in the oven.
Allergy-Friendly Modifications
You can use corn or flour tortillas with these both are delicious and work well. Just omit the cheese if you need dairy-free or vegan!
Why it’s Budget-Friendly
You can use canned corn, beans and corn tortillas, all those ingredients are super cheap. I can make 50 taquitos for under $10 easily and they last us all week.
Nutrition Highlights
Corn and beans combined together are great complimentary proteins, helping your body get all the amino acids you need. When you add lime on these, which is so yummy, you get the most iron out of the beans and corn tortillas.
Shopping Tips for Ingredients
These are pretty straightforward, so buy whatever is your favorite and cheapest!
9. Greek Sheet Pan- Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner – Downshiftology
Overview
Among my dinner rotation, this has to be my absolute favorite. This meal is really packed with flavor and FULL of veggies. This meal takes about a 20 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes in the oven!
Allergy-Friendly Modifications
No modifications needed!
Why it’s Budget-Friendly
I usually use chicken breasts, but you could use thighs as well which are a little cheaper. Again this mean has bell peppers and zucchini so its great to help use up any leftover produce you have with this meal plan. You could use frozen veggies as well if you’re looking to pinch some more pennies.
Nutrition Highlights
This is a low carb protein packed meal! You’ll leave the dinner table full and feeling good. The olive oil included in this recipe is very heart-healthy being full of “good” cholesterol!
Shopping Tips for Ingredients
The cheapest way to buy chicken breasts is in bulk! I also use olive oil a lot, so I buy that in bulk as well, but you can use any oil you want that is more budget-friendly if you’d like. Of course I shop mostly at Sam’s club for a good deal but Costco is a great option as well!
10. Homemade Pizza with Veggie Toppings- BEST Easy Gluten Free Pizza Dough – Eat With Clarity
Overview
Who doesn’t love PIZZA! Especially homemade pizza. Family pizza night can easily become a family ritual. This meal can be great for picky eaters since toppings are customizable. You can do one big pizza or personal pizzas! This meal takes about 30 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook!
Allergy-Friendly Modifications
To make pizza allergy friendly you’ll obviously need gluten-free and dairy-free crust! If you don’t want to make the crust using sliced eggplant is also a great option that is cheaper than buying an allergen-friendly premade crust. Cheese can be skipped or substituted for dairy free cheese as well!
Why it’s Budget-Friendly
If you go out and buy or order in a GF pizza you’re already in about $30, so this is so much cheaper and probably more delicious. Making the crust saves you a significant amount of money as well! All of the toppings and sauce can be bought on a sale or homemade to make this a yummy and cost effective meal!
Nutrition Highlights
Crust + sauce + toppings = all the food groups! With pizza you can give little ones an opportunity try new flavors in the form of toppings. When made at home you skip a ton of grease and unnecessary added ingredients. You have much more power over your toppings, which means you can pack that baby full of delicious and nutritious stuff!
Shopping Tips for Ingredients
Some suggested toppings:
- spinach
- olives
- pineapple
- cheese
- red peppers
- onions
- garlic
- pesto
- tomato sauce
- mushrooms
- jalapeno
- broccoli
- chicken
- sausage
- bell peppers
Fresh or canned produce is best for pizza toppings, so which ever you fancy. Personally I NEED canned pineapple on my pizza or it isn’t a pizza worth eating. Buying things canned will save you money as well.
Weekly Meal Planning for Budget-Conscious Families
The $50 Weekly Family Dinner Meal Plan
Monday
Baked Taquitos with Tortilla Chips and Homemade Guacamole
Tuesday
Sausage and Vegetable Skillet with rice
Wednesday
White Chicken Chili with a side of homemade gluten free cornbread
Thursday
Homemade McChickens with carrot fries
Friday
Homemade Pizza Night
Saturday
Greek Sheet Pan with roasted red potatoes
Sunday
Shepherds Pie with side salad
Prep-Ahead Strategies That Save Time and Money
Batch cooking techniques
Cooking in batches can save you tons of time. You can eat things for next weeks dinner or for lunches. I am a huge fan of leftovers for lunch so I don’t get stuck with a quesadilla or a protein bar for lunch. A well balanced dinner = a well balanced lunch. All of these meals can be doubled or tripled to make extra leftovers for the rest of the week. You could even make two meals in one night that have similar ingredients and different cooking methods, for example, the Greek Sheet Pan and the Vegetable and Sausage Skillet. Now on a busy weeknight you can just pop a delicious meal in the microwave!
Freezer-friendly options
The meals on this list I would freeze would be the
Just make sure you double wrap them in plastic wrap and tin foil and get all the air and moisture out to prevent freezer burn.
Now you have meal that have been planned ahead for any occasion life throws at you!
Getting Kids Involved in Budget Meal Planning
Age-appropriate kitchen tasks
A great thing about cooking is that EVERYONE in the family can participate in it!
- Ages 3-4: Little Helpers
- Focus: Sensory exploration and simple tasks with close supervision
- Wash fruits and vegetables in a shallow basin
- Tear lettuce leaves for salad
- Stir ingredients in a bowl (nothing hot)
- Pour pre-measured ingredients into mixing bowls
- Mash soft foods like bananas or avocados with a fork
- Place items in the trash or recycling
- Retrieve ingredients
- Wipe down low surfaces with a damp cloth
- Sort utensils for the dishwasher (plastic only)
- Help set the table with unbreakable items
- Focus: Sensory exploration and simple tasks with close supervision
- Ages 5-6: Confident Contributors
- Focus: Building skills with basic tools and following simple instructions
- Crack eggs into a bowl (expect some shells!)
- Measure dry ingredients using measuring cups
- Mix pancake batter or cookie dough
- Spread butter, jam, or peanut butter on bread
- Use a plastic knife to cut soft foods (bananas, cheese, cooked vegetables)
- Help make sandwiches and simple snacks
- Load the dishwasher with supervision
- Peel hard-boiled eggs or oranges
- Roll dough with a rolling pin
- Help pack their own lunch
- Focus: Building skills with basic tools and following simple instructions
- Ages 7-8: Kitchen Assistants
- Focus: Using real tools safely and understanding kitchen safety
- Use a child-safe knife to cut vegetables (with supervision)
- Operate simple appliances like a toaster or blender (with guidance)
- Read simple recipes and follow 2-3 step instructions
- Measure both liquid and dry ingredients accurately
- Grate cheese using a box grater (watch fingers!)
- Help with basic baking tasks like mixing and pouring batter
- Wash dishes by hand
- Help plan weekly meals and make grocery lists
- Use can openers and other basic kitchen tools
- Cook simple items like scrambled eggs or grilled cheese (with supervision)
- Focus: Using real tools safely and understanding kitchen safety
- Ages 9-10: Junior Chefs
- Focus: Independence, responsibility, and more complex cooking skills
- Safely use sharp knives with proper technique
- Cook simple meals independently (pasta, simple stir-fries)
- Use the stovetop for basic cooking (with supervision)
- Follow multi-step recipes from start to finish
- Understand basic food safety (washing hands, checking temperatures)
- Help with meal planning and grocery shopping
- Bake simple items like cookies or muffins mostly independently
- Use kitchen appliances like stand mixers or food processors (with guidance)
- Clean up completely after cooking
- Focus: Independence, responsibility, and more complex cooking skills
Teaching kids about food costs
Teaching kids about food costs can help them later on in their life with budgets and money management. This task will most likely be for older children but get creative!
- Practical Teaching Ideas:
- Weighing your produce
- Using a calculator
- Playing “grocery store”
- Counting coins
- Reading price stickers
- Finding the “Cheapest” or “Most expensive”
- Reading money “amounts” (with decimals and dollar signs)
- Give them an allotted amount of cash to buy some of their favorite foods with
How These Budget Dinners Compare to Average Grocery Spending
The Hidden Costs in “Convenient” Family Meals
Some nights you just can’t swing or muster out a homemade meal and that is TOTALLY reasonable. It would be unrealistic to NEVER eat out or do something more convenient. Eating at home the MAJORITY of the time though will save you so much money. All of the meals that I listed were able to be made for a family of 4 for under $20. Eating at McDonalds for a family of 4 costs $40-$50. That’s a huge difference. It’s the same story for a freezer meal or “pre-made food”, it’s $20+ for a Stouffer’s Lasagna. When we go for convenience, financially you’ll be taking a hit but also nutritionally. Homemade meals are full of nutrients and love which help little and big people fuel their bodies so they can feel good and look healthy!
Small Changes, Big Impact
If your norm is meals of convenience, replacing just 3 dinners per week adds up to +$50/month of savings! If you save $75 a month by the end of the year you have saved $900! What could your family do with $900 dollars? You could put a reasonable-sized dent in the cost of an annual family vacation with just the money you saved on DINNER! That is monumental for some families.
Conclusion
Your stomach and your wallet will be jumping for joy when they get a taste of any of these 10 healthy family dinners on a budget! All of them were full of nutrients and designed to keep you full. Eating healthy on a budget as a family is totally and complete possible. With the allergy-friendly modifications it is possible for just about any family no matter their dietary restrictions. Just start by adding 2 or 3 recipies to your meal rotation that you feel confident about and see how it goes! Most American families spend between $165-270 per week on groceries, making these budget-friendly dinner recipes extremely valuable for any family looking to cut down on their grocery bill without sacrificing health.
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