Feeding a family of four or more is definitely a big task, especially when you’re trying to keep your grocery bills low. As someone who has raised four kids, I totally understand the struggle! Finding meals that are both budget-friendly and satisfying for everyone can feel like a constant challenge. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of my absolute favorite cheap recipes perfect for large families. These meals are not only cozy and filling but also incredibly delicious, proving that you don’t have to spend a fortune to feed your loved ones well. And even if you’re not cooking for kids, these recipes are guaranteed to be helpful and wallet-friendly for anyone looking to save money on meals.
Sloppy Joe casserole in a white baking dish with a wooden spoon inside, showcasing a hearty and budget-friendly family meal
Having raised four children, I know firsthand how tough it can be to get dinner on the table while sticking to a budget. Now that my daughter is raising her own two boys, I’ve been sharing tons of my go-to budget-friendly dinner ideas with her as well. With grocery prices on the rise, it’s more important than ever to make every dollar count when it comes to feeding your family. The good news is, creating cheap meals for large families doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. In fact, some of my family’s most beloved dishes are made from simple pantry staples that cost just pennies per serving!
Why These Easy and Cheap Meals are Perfect for Large Families
- Budget-Conscious Ingredients: These recipes rely on affordable, pantry-friendly staples! Forget expensive cuts of meat or hard-to-find seasonings. We’re focusing on keeping costs down.
- Easy Substitutions: Flexibility is key! These recipes are designed with easy ingredient swaps in mind, so you can make dinner work no matter what you have on hand in your pantry and refrigerator.
- Generous Portions for Big Appetites: These meals are designed to feed a crowd! A large family meal doesn’t have to be an expensive meal. We’re making sure there’s enough for everyone without breaking the bank.
- Flavorful and Wholesome: Just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean it’s bland or unhealthy! These recipes are packed with delicious and nutritious ingredients so you can feel good about what you’re serving your family – and your budget.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: When money is tight, time often is too. These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get a satisfying meal on the table fast without a lot of fuss.
Delicious and Cheap Family Meal Ideas
To ensure these dinner ideas are as budget-friendly as possible, I’ve selected a variety of easy recipes that minimize meat and maximize common, affordable ingredients. In my experience, meat, specialty sauces, and pricey spices are usually the biggest culprits when it comes to driving up grocery costs. These recipes prioritize simple, affordable ingredients to keep your meal costs down.
This list starts with family-favorite casserole recipes, moving on to comforting soups, satisfying pasta dishes, and rounding out with even more budget-friendly dinner inspiration.
Budget-Friendly Casserole Recipes
My Kids’ Favorite Sloppy Joe Casserole
This Sloppy Joe Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, made with simple and inexpensive ingredients. Plus, I’ll show you how to make the sauce from scratch, avoiding those pricier pre-made versions! If you’re looking to cut down on the cost of ground beef, feel free to substitute with ground turkey or even ground chicken – any ground meat will work wonderfully in this recipe.
Check out this recipe
Close up of a spoonful of ham and potato casserole, highlighting the creamy texture and comforting ingredients of this economical dish
Ham and Potato Casserole
This Ham and Potato Casserole is unbelievably delicious and incredibly comforting. It’s a fantastic way to use leftover ham from a holiday dinner, or you can easily use deli ham to keep costs down. The simple, homemade cheese sauce brings it all together into a casserole your family will ask for again and again.
Check out this recipe
Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
Cabbage is incredibly affordable and forms the base of this hearty and warming Stuffed Cabbage Casserole. It’s a fantastic way to stretch a small amount of meat and create a filling and satisfying meal. Just like with other ground beef recipes, you can easily swap in any ground meat you prefer or have on hand. Don’t worry about using leaner ground meat – higher fat ratios actually work great in this casserole and add extra flavor!
Check out this recipe
Plate of cheesy chicken potato casserole with a fork, showcasing the creamy and satisfying nature of this budget-friendly family dinner
Quick, Easy, Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole
For a super simple and satisfying meal, this Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole is a winner. It uses frozen hashbrowns for convenience and affordability, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great to save time!), and a simple, creamy sauce. Topped with buttery crackers, this casserole is packed with flavor and can be on the table in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Check out this recipe
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Breakfast for dinner? Yes, please! This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is the perfect breakfast-for-dinner option that’s both budget-friendly and feeds a large family with ease. Using frozen tater tots, simple seasonings, and your favorite breakfast sausage (turkey sausage is a leaner, cheaper option!), this casserole is as delicious as it is affordable. It’s also great for weekend brunches or potlucks!
Check out this recipe
Wooden spoon scooping tater tot breakfast bake from a casserole dish, emphasizing the ease and family-friendly appeal of this budget breakfast option
Cheap and Hearty Soup Recipes
Soups and stews are fantastic options for budget-conscious families. They are cozy, comforting, easy to make, and often can be prepared in just one pot, minimizing cleanup! Plus, soups are incredibly versatile and can easily be made vegan or vegetarian, naturally incorporating lots of vegetables to make your budget meal a healthy one too!
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
When autumn rolls around, squash is often incredibly inexpensive and plentiful. This Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is not only aromatic and delicious but also incredibly cheap to make, especially when butternut squash is in season. Roasting the squash first brings out its natural sweetness and depth of flavor, making this soup a fall favorite.
Check out this recipe
Spoonful of crockpot vegetable soup in a bowl, highlighting the ease and healthy ingredients of this slow-cooker budget meal
Easy Crockpot Vegetable Soup
This Crockpot Vegetable Soup is the ultimate set-and-forget meal, perfect for busy days. You can easily use up leftover or frozen vegetables, making it an incredibly economical and versatile choice. With staple vegetables, classic pantry spices, and a touch of tomato paste for richness, you’ll have a flavorful and hearty dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Chick-fil-A Inspired Chicken Tortilla Soup
You might be surprised to learn that this Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup is not only incredibly popular but also super budget-friendly! It’s rich, creamy, and made with simple, affordable ingredients that you can easily buy canned or frozen. This soup is packed with flavor and is a great way to satisfy those tortilla soup cravings without the restaurant price tag.
Check out this recipe
Spoonful of instant pot bean soup over bowl, showcasing the hearty and protein-rich nature of this affordable bean-based soup
Quick Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup
For a protein-packed and incredibly filling meal, look no further than this Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup. All you need is a bag of 15 bean soup mix (very affordable!), some ham (optional, you can omit for a vegetarian version or use leftover ham), and some extra veggies and seasonings to create a soup that is bursting with flavor and satisfying in every spoonful. The beans make it incredibly hearty and perfect for colder months.
Budget-Friendly Pasta Recipes
Pasta is a pantry staple that’s incredibly budget-friendly. At most supermarkets, a large box of store-brand pasta costs around $1, and it’s usually enough to feed a whole family – with leftovers! These pasta dinner ideas make use of simple, inexpensive ingredients like eggs, canned tomatoes, and ground meat to create delicious and family-filling noodle dishes.
Spoonful of homemade hamburger helper, highlighting the cheesy and flavorful nature of this budget-friendly pasta meal
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Skip the boxed stuff and make your own Homemade Hamburger Helper! It’s not only way more delicious than the store-bought version, but you likely already have most, if not all, of the ingredients in your pantry. Use your choice of ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken) for a cheesy, flavorful taco pasta that everyone in the family will love.
Check out this recipe
Easy One-Pot Spaghetti
Spaghetti is a classic cheap dinner for a reason! And with this One-Pot Spaghetti recipe, you only have to wash a single pot, making cleanup a breeze! This recipe is savory, creamy, and perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s become my go-to way to serve spaghetti. You can even add frozen meatballs to bulk it up and make it even more satisfying – still keeping it budget-friendly!
Close up of a plate of spaghetti carbonara, showcasing the rich and creamy sauce of this surprisingly affordable pasta dish
Quick and Easy Spaghetti Carbonara
Spaghetti Carbonara might sound fancy, but it’s actually one of the cheapest and easiest pasta dishes you can make! All you need is parmesan cheese, eggs, peas (frozen are perfect and affordable), and bacon (or pancetta if you’re feeling a bit more upscale, though bacon is just as delicious and budget-friendlier). These simple ingredients come together to create a rich and incredibly delicious pasta dish that’s ready in no time.
Check out this recipe
More Delicious Budget Dinners for Large Families
The beauty of home cooking is that there are endless ways to create fantastic meals using simple, affordable ingredients. Here are a few more of my family’s favorite budget-friendly dinners! My kids loved these growing up, and they continued to be staples even when they were in college and on their own budgets.
Bowl of the best chicken chili next to the pot of chili, emphasizing the hearty and flavorful nature of this easy and economical chili recipe
Easy Chicken Chili Recipe
This Chicken Chili Recipe is one of my most beloved recipes, and it’s incredibly easy to make! It’s a total breeze to throw together, using shredded chicken (again, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut), canned goods, and frozen vegetables to create a hearty and rich chili that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s perfect for meal prepping and leftovers are even better the next day!
Check out this recipe
Mouthwatering Carnitas Tacos
Tacos are always a winning budget meal, and Carnitas Tacos are definitely a favorite in our house! Pork shoulder is often on sale at incredible discounts, and one affordable cut of meat will easily feed your family for days. Carnitas are incredibly flavorful and versatile – perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, and more.
Check out this recipe
Close up of barbacoa beef on a plate, showcasing the tender and flavorful shredded beef that makes this a versatile and budget-friendly meal option
Flavorful Barbacoa Beef
You can make this incredible Barbacoa Beef with beef chuck roast, or to save even more money, use a pork shoulder for equally delicious results at half the price! Just like carnitas, this versatile recipe can be used in so many ways – tacos, burritos, salads, nachos, you name it! It’s a fantastic way to stretch your grocery budget and create multiple meals from one recipe.
Check out this recipe
Easy Pork Loin Pulled Pork
I love using pork loin for Pulled Pork, but I promise it works just as well (and often even more affordably) with pork shoulder or Boston butt – whichever you can find on sale! Once you’ve made a big batch of pulled pork, get ready to serve it up in countless ways: on nachos, pizza, rice bowls, sandwiches, salads, and almost anything else you can imagine! Pulled pork is a fantastic meal prep hero.
Check out this recipe
White bowl of Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili topped with cheese & cilantro, highlighting the plant-based and budget-friendly nature of this slow cooker meal
Simple Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
This Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili was one of the first recipes I shared with my kids when they went off to college, and it’s been a staple for them ever since, even after they started families of their own! My favorite thing about it is how incredibly easy it is – beyond adding the spices, the entire process is simply dumping a few bags of frozen vegetables and cans of beans and tomatoes into a slow cooker, and turning it on. It’s healthy, hearty, and incredibly budget-friendly.
Check out this recipe
Essential Tips for Making Budget Meals for Large Families
- Embrace Store Brands: Don’t underestimate the power of store brands! For many pantry staples like frozen vegetables, spices, and dried goods such as pasta and rice, store brands taste just as good as name brands, often for a significantly lower price.
- Frozen Vegetables are Your Secret Weapon: Frozen vegetables are absolutely perfect for chili, soups, and casseroles. Because they’re cooked for a longer period in these dishes, you don’t need to worry about them becoming mushy. Plus, frozen veggies last practically forever in the freezer and are much more affordable than fresh produce, especially out of season. I always keep a freezer stocked with frozen peas, corn, and spinach – they are incredibly versatile!
- Canned Goods are Pantry Heroes: Make good use of canned goods like diced tomatoes, tomato sauces, canned vegetables, and even canned meats like tuna or chicken. They tend to be much more affordable than fresh food, have a long shelf life, and cook up just as deliciously in many recipes.
- Stock Up on Affordable, Long-Lasting Vegetables When They’re On Sale: Keep an eye out for sales on cheap and long-lasting vegetables like garlic cloves, carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery. These are foundational ingredients in countless recipes and will last for weeks in your refrigerator or pantry. (Pro Tip: Don’t store onions and potatoes together! They will spoil much faster if stored in close proximity.)
- Consider Less Expensive Protein Sources: Try to reduce your reliance on beef-based protein, which tends to be pricier. When you do cook with ground beef, opt for higher fat ratios like 80/20. You can always drain off the excess fat after browning, and these leaner options are often much more affordable. Chicken, pork, beans, and lentils are all excellent, budget-friendly protein choices.
- Make Your Own Sauces When Possible: Bottled sauces can quickly add up on your grocery bill! When you can, try making your own sauces at home. Many classic sauces are easily recreated using pantry staples like soy sauce, honey, ketchup, mustard, and vinegar. It’s often healthier and definitely cheaper to make them from scratch.
- Shop Seasonally for Produce: Take advantage of seasonal produce! Squash like zucchini and eggplant often go on massive sales during the summer months, and root vegetables like sweet potatoes and potatoes can cost pennies per pound in the fall. Always aim to buy fruits and vegetables when they are in season to get the best flavor and the best prices.
- Bone-In Meat is Often More Affordable: Meat with bones tends to be cheaper than boneless cuts. I often find that mixed packs of bone-in pork chops are significantly less expensive than boneless chops, and the same is true for chicken pieces. Bulk buy meat when you find it deeply discounted, and freeze it in portions to use later. This is why I even cut my own chicken wings to save money!
- Frozen Chicken is a Budget-Friendly Powerhouse: Frozen chicken is an incredible resource for budget cooking. It lasts indefinitely in the freezer, is often far cheaper than fresh chicken, and in my experience, it frequently cooks up even more tender and juicy than chicken that has never been frozen. It’s a true kitchen staple for affordable meals.
- Dried Herbs are Your Friends: Dried herbs are a fantastic and cost-effective way to add flavor to your cooking. You can easily substitute dried herbs for fresh in almost all recipes. If you really prefer fresh herbs, I highly recommend getting a small pot or container and trying to grow your own herbs at home. You’ll have a continuous supply for just the cost of some seeds and potting soil!
Budget-Friendly Recipe Ideas for Large Families
Creating delicious and satisfying meals for a large family on a budget is absolutely achievable! By focusing on affordable ingredients, utilizing pantry staples, and employing smart shopping strategies, you can feed your family well without overspending. These Cheap Recipes For Large Families are a great starting point for building your repertoire of budget-friendly meals. Remember to be flexible with substitutions, shop smart, and most importantly, enjoy the process of cooking for your loved ones!
