Creating “Big Family” Meals On A Budget

Dinner time is the menu I focus on most. I have to think cheap meals for a big family. My budget allows for me to spend about $5 per meal.

Ya, not a lot for my big family but with time and effort I have been able to create basic healthy meals that my kids will actually eat.  Most of the menu’s under the $5 family meals tab will feed a family of 4 people.

I have found simple ways to add more ingredients to make sure there is enough to feed everyone and make ahead freezer meals.

 

How To Make That Recipe Feed A “BIG FAMILY”

  • Spaghetti – I add an 1/2 extra package of noodle, 1 can tomato sauce and extra seasonings.
  • Pasta with white sauce – 1 add 1/2 extra package of noodles, 1 cup sour cream and extra seasoning.
  • Casseroles – again I add extra noodles or rice, double the can ingredients and extra seasoning.

I buy canned fruits and vegetable the case each month. The main reason being they are great fillers, the kids can have 2nd’s or even 3rd’s (yes I’m dreaming I know that such a request would never be made in my house). I only buy fresh fruits and vegetable that are in season and on sale otherwise I could not afford them.

Whenever possible I always make extra. This serves 2 purposes. First you never know who is going to stop by for a visit so there is always enough for an extra plate or two and second (a term that makes my kids cringe) LEFTOVER’S! I make ahead freezer meals for the rest of the week. I package left overs in those Ziploc plastic containers and my husband will take them for lunch the next day or I freeze them then the kids and I will eat leftovers throughout the week for breakfast or lunch depending on what the left over is.

With these suggestions dinner doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. It just takes a little planning and some effort and you will have simple cheap recipes for big families and a little extra money in your wallet.

If you have any cheap and easy dinner ideas I would love to hear from you. Leave me a comment or shoot me an e-mail.

Take a look at this article for more Family Meal Tips and Tricks : Kitchen Tips and Recipe Rescues

September 26th, 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , | Category: Dinner Recipes, Best Crockpot Recipes, Casserole Cooking, Cooking Tricks & Tips, Dream Dinners Made Cheap, freezer meals recipes, Kids Recipes Made easy, Simply Delicious Desserts | 22 comments

Super Cheap Family Meals Kids Love

Creating a super cheap family meals the kids will enjoy is simple.

My kids love hot dogs and hot dogs are cheap.

Add a box of macaroni and cheese and I promise you will have an instant kid approved meal.

But instead of using a boring bun turn the family meal into something fun.

Let the kids help make this $5 family dinner.

 

Pigs in a Blanket

1 pkg. hot dog ($0.69 at wal-mart)

1 can crescent rolls ($0.97 at wal-mart)

2 box of macaroni and cheese ($0.50 each at wal-mart)

1 can carrots ($0.50 at wal-mart)

Pre-heat oven according to crescent roll directions. Unroll crescent rolls and pull apart one at a time to wrap around 1 hot dog for each roll (this is the fun part for kids!). Bake according to directions on can. Cook macaroni and cheese according to directions on box while pigs in the blanket are baking. Serve with carrots. Feeds 4-5.

TIP: Use the left overs for an easy make ahead lunch.

Kids also love this simple and cheap family recipe: Chicken Spaghetti

September 26th, 2008 | Tags: , , | Category: Dinner Recipes, Kids Recipes Made easy | 5 comments

Easy Last Minute Dinner Recipe


Here is one of those easy dinner recipes from the $5 dinner meals. My kids love pasta and my kids love chicken, so what better than a Quick Chicken Recipe with pasta for dinner.

This one is a favorite in our house and it only takes about 15 minutes, making this easy dinner recipes for tonight a breeze.

Oh ya, use the leftovers for a make ahead lunch freezer meal later in the week, it beats a trip to McDonald’s and cost so much less.

Easy Dinner Recipes- Chicken Pasta

Easy Dinner Recipes

Easy Dinner Recipes

1 package fettuccine noodles ( $0.60 at wal-mart)

1 jar Alfredo sauce ($1.50)

1 lb chicken cooked and cut up ($2.00)

1 can of green beans ($0.50)

Cook the noodles as directed on package, Cook the chicken then dice up into small pieces. Drain the noodles,  put back in the pan and mix the Alfredo sauce in. Add you favorite seasoning ( I like garlic) . Dish up, add cooked chicken to the top and then sprinkle with some Parmesan cheese. Serve with green beans and presto dinner is done. Feeds 4-5.

TIP: Double the batch for a perfect budget freezer meals recipe next week!

Looking for something different? Try this: Easy Dinner Recipes With Ground Beef

September 26th, 2008 | Tags: , , , , , , | Category: Dinner Recipes, freezer meals recipes, Kids Recipes Made easy | 12 comments
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