6 Quick & Budget-Friendly Meals for Families

Hey, busy moms! We all know that feeding our families healthy, delicious meals without breaking the bank can feel challenging. But don’t worry we’ve got your back! Here are some quick, budget-friendly recipes that are perfect for hectic weeknights. With Super Easy Cookbook for Beginners: 5-Ingredient Recipes and Essential Techniques to Get You Started in the Kitchen.

So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

1. One-Pan Chicken & Veggies

Cost: $10 | Time: 30 minutes

This is a total game-changer—everything cooks in one pan, and cleanup is a breeze!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• 1 cup baby potatoes, halved

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 1 zucchini, sliced

• Olive oil

• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Arrange chicken and veggies on a baking sheet.

3. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.

5. Serve and enjoy! Quick, healthy, and filling!

2. Cheesy Taco Pasta

Cost: $8 | Time: 25 minutes

This cheesy taco-inspired pasta is a huge hit with kids and takes almost no time to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey

• 1 packet taco seasoning

• 1 box of penne or rotini pasta

• 1 can diced tomatoes (drained)

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground meat until browned. Drain excess fat.

3. Add taco seasoning and tomatoes. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.

4. Stir in cooked pasta and cheese, and mix until melted and bubbly.

5. Top with a dollop of sour cream (if desired) and serve!

3. Egg Fried Rice

Cost: $6 | Time: 15 minutes

A great way to use leftover rice and turn it into a tasty meal the whole family will love!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2-3 tbsp soy sauce

• Olive oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.

2. Add onion and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes.

3. Push onions to the side, and scramble the beaten eggs in the same pan until cooked through.

4. Add frozen veggies and cooked rice, and stir-fry for 5 minutes, adding soy sauce to taste.

5. Serve hot—your kids will be asking for seconds!

4. Vegetable Quesadillas

Cost: $7 | Time: 20 minutes

These cheesy, veggie-packed quesadillas are a quick meal that’s perfect for picky eaters.

Ingredients:

• 4 flour tortillas

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

• 1 cup mixed veggies (corn, bell pepper, spinach)

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

• Olive oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with cheese, veggies, and beans.

3. Top with a second tortilla, then cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

4. Slice into wedges and serve with salsa or guacamole.

5. Slow Cooker Chili

Cost: $12 | Time: 5 mins prep, cook on low for 6 hours

This hearty chili is super filling and great for feeding a crowd. Plus, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of dish!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey

• 1 can kidney beans, drained

• 1 can black beans, drained

• 1 can diced tomatoes

• 1 packet chili seasoning mix

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground meat in a skillet and drain excess fat.

2. Add the meat, beans, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and chili seasoning to the slow cooker.

3. Stir well and cook on low for 6 hours.

4. Serve with shredded cheese and sour cream. It’s comfort food at its finest!

6. Budget-Friendly Baked Ziti

Cost: $9 | Time: 30 minutes

A big pan of baked ziti is a perfect meal to feed the whole family and still have leftovers for the next day!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta

• 1 jar marinara sauce

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, and 1 cup mozzarella.

4. Transfer to a baking dish, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Tips for Saving Money While Cooking:

• Buy in bulk: Ingredients like rice, pasta, and beans can be bought in large quantities to save money over time.

• Shop the sales: Look for deals on proteins (chicken, ground beef, etc.) and freeze extras for future meals.

• Use leftovers: Get creative with leftovers, turning them into new meals, like using leftover rice for fried rice or extra veggies in a quesadilla.

Want more budget-friendly meal ideas? Follow us for more quick recipes that will save you time and money!

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