38 Frugal Meals for Your Family | MomsWhoSave.com | NewsBreak Original (2024)

Today, I’m excited to share some of my favorite frugal meals. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to feed your family on a tight budget. But, with a little creativity and some smart ingredient choices, it’s totally possible.

Youcansave money on your grocery bill and feed your family hearty and filling meals–you just need to get creative!

The 38 recipes we’re sharing here are a great start. And, don’t think “budget-friendly” means these recipes are boring. In fact, some of my family’s favorite meals are on this list.

Ready to get cooking? Let’s check out some delicious recipes that will help you trim your grocery budget.

38 FRUGAL MEALS FOR YOUR FAMILY

TOMATO SOUP WITH POTATOES

This tomato soup with potatoes makes a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s made with wholesome plant-based ingredients and is ready in just 35 minutes!

THE BEST CHICKEN SOUP RECIPE

This is the best Chicken Soup Recipe to make when you’re craving simple comfort food or feeling under the weather. Made with bone-in chicken thighs simmered into a flavorful broth and filled with tender onions, carrots, celery, and juicy shredded chicken.

20-MINUTE BOW TIE PASTA ALFREDO: EASY & DELICIOUS

Here’s a recipe for bow-tie pasta alfredo your family will love. Unbelievably, it takes just 20 minutes to make to make this delicious dinner!

MEXICAN STUFFED PEPPERS WITH QUINOA & BLACK BEANS (VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE)

This recipe for Mexican Stuffed Peppers with Quinoa & Black Beans is vegan (and gluten-free), but some melted some cheese on top or a dollop of sour cream would be tasty too if you eat dairy.

SHEET PAN CHICKEN THIGHS WITH VEGGIES

Chicken thighs are an economical option for making a great meal! This sheet pan dinner is easy and you can mix up the veggies to fit your preferences.

HEARTY POTATO SOUP (THE ULTIMATE COMFORT FOOD)

There’s absolutely no better meal on a chilly day than a big pot of soup. Top this hearty potato soup with some shredded cheddar, or chives and bacon.

OVEN FRIED VEGAN POTATO TACOS (TACOS DE PAPA)

Crispy potato tacos make for a budget friendly dinner that brings a great twist to your meal plan.

IOWA MAID RITES

Crumbled ground beef and finely diced onions are cooked in a special sauce and piled high onto a warm, soft bun. Quick and easy Maid Rite loose meat sandwiches are a Midwestern classic!

BUSY DAY SOUP

Get a hearty meal on the table that doesn’t take much time or money to assemble with this soup.

MINI SHEPHERD'S POT PIE (MAKE EXTRA TO FREEZE FOR LATER)

Our family loves a good meat and potatoes meal, and this mini shepherd’s pie is one of our favorites.

EASY CHICKEN TACO CASSEROLE

Make chicken tacos to feed a crowd with this casserole. Let the family add their favorite toppings for a meal that everyone will love.

CREAM CHEESE CHICKEN PILLOWS

This recipe for cream cheese chicken pillows will be a huge hit with your family. Use leftover chicken if you have it on hand to make this even cheaper!

5-INGREDIENT INSTANT POT MAC AND CHEESE

You only need 5 ingredients to make this creamy, dreamy, mac n cheese!

VEGETABLE LO MEIN

Load up your lo mein with veggies to stretch your budget and fill up on healthy ingredients.

CHEESE QUESADILLA WITH BLACK BEANS AND CORN

Crunchy, cheesy and oozing with flavor, this easy to prepare Black Bean Quesadilla is a go-to recipe in our home.

SALISBURY STEAK RECIPE

Homemade salisbury steaks are going to be a new favorite budget friendly meal option for your family! This is a great way to fill everyone up with classic comfort food.

GRILLED CHICKEN LEGS WITH CAJUN DRY RUB

Chicken legs are a great option for feeding the family a cheap dinner that tastes amazing. This cajun recipe spices things up just right!

BAKED SALMON PATTIES

Don’t overlook a can of salmon for dinner. These baked salmon cakes are crispy, tasty and just the thing to make when you aren’t sure what to serve.

TUNA PASTA SALAD + INSTANT POT TUNA PASTA SALAD

Tuna is the perfect partner for pasta salad! It adds protein while staying affordable!

CROCK POT CHICKEN AND GRAVY

This chicken and gravy only needs a few ingredients and it cooks in the crock pot for a fuss free option on a busy day.

GROUND BEEF CASSEROLE RECIPE

I know your family is going to want seconds of this ground beef casserole. It is delicious, easy and very budget friendly.

EASY AIR FRYER PIZZA ROLL UPS

No need to order out, you can get the pizza flavor you crave, right from the air fryer with this simple recipe.

INSTANT POT CHICKEN FRIED RICE

Get a plate of chicken fried rice on the table in no time with this instant pot recipe. This is a great way to fill the family up with simple wholesome ingredients.

TUNA PINWHEELS

Even the kids will be thrilled to see these tasty tuna pinwheels on the table for dinner tonight. Tuck your favorite veggies inside for a complete meal.

GREEN CHILE BEEF ENCHILADAS

Tuck ground beef and green chiles into your next batch of enchiladas for a dinner that everyone will love. Serve with rice on the side for a frugal and filling meal.

INSTANT POT RISOTTO

Let your instant pot do the work of making thisrisotto.Thismeal feels very elegant but is so affordable to make at home.

ANCHOVY PASTA RECIPE FROM NAPLES

If you need something different for dinner that can feed a crowd, this anchovy pasta is worth checking out.

ONE POT PASTA

No need to spend a fortune or dirty a bunch of dishes to make this pasta dish. Serve with a loaf of crusty bread for a great meal.

HEALTHY HAM AND POTATO SOUP (PERFECT FOR LEFTOVERS!)

If you have leftover ham on hand, then this soup is what you should make for dinner. It is hearty and healthy and is sure to satisfy!

EASIEST CANNED TUNA NACHOS

Open a can of tuna, and use whatever veggies you have in the fridge to get this epic plate of wholesome nachos. I bet you can make a meal of this!

MEXICAN ZUCCHINI SKILLET

Spice things up tonight by making this zucchini skillet. You are going to believe in love at first bite after trying this!

BUFFALO TUNA DIP

Move over chicken! Buffalo tuna dip is such a tasty and economical option to make a meal of.

BAKED CHEESY WHITE BEAN TOMATO SKILLET

Beans are a kitchen helper that can really stretch a meal. This recipe is so cheesy that even the kids are going to want seconds.

15 BEAN SOUP

Toss this 15 bean soup in the crock pot for a hearty and wholesome dinner that fills you up and reheats great for the next day.

SCHINKENNUDELN (GERMAN HAM AND EGG PASTA)

Ham, egg and pasta make for a great way to stretch your budget without sacrificing flavor!

INSTANT POT PINTO BEANS

Pop some pinto beans in the instant pot for a frugal family meal you are going to love. This pairs perfectly with cornbread.

POTATO & SALMON FISH CAKES

Salmon cakes get an upgrade with the addition of potatoes. This cheap meal has so much flavor thanks to the crispy exterior of the cakes.

CROCKPOT HAMBURGER POTATO CASSEROLE

Pop this ham and potato casserole in the crock pot for a great family meal that can feed a hungry crowd! This is great use for leftover ham!

There you have it! Which one of these budget meal ideas will you try first?

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