Cheap easy meals for the whole family

Inflation is rampant worldwide. No one's paycheck is as generous as it once was. But that doesn't imply you must continuously consume the same bland dish. These easy cheap meal ideas can help you keep dinner enticing and within your budget, whether you're feeding a family of four, yourself and a spouse, or just you.

We have family-friendly dishes (hello, quesadillas), romantic dinners (alfredo?), and a ton of nutritious options using ground beef, chicken, seafood, and, of course, a ton of healthy vegetables. When you want to treat yourself, there are even a few clever methods to stretch steak! Why are you holding out? Dig in!

Cheap easy meals on a budget

Even if you are counting your pennies, what you buy to eat still remains important. You still need to watch your health. Eating healthy meals on a budget can seem like an impossible task, but it doesn't have to be. With some creativity and planning, you can create delicious, cheap meals that don't sacrifice nutrition or flavour.

Whether you're looking for cheap and easy meals for dinner or healthy snacks that won't break the bank, there are plenty of options available. By making the most of your grocery budget and utilising inexpensive ingredients, you can enjoy tasty dishes without breaking the bank. Here are some recipes to choose from.

Tuna pasta salad

Tuna pasta salad is a classic dish that combines cooked pasta, canned tuna, and vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, mixed in a dressing of mayonnaise, lemon juice and herbs. It is a great option for a quick, easy and nutritious lunch or dinner. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish or as a main course. The salad can be customised with different types of pasta, vegetables, and dressings for variety.

Feta, tomato pasta

Feta and tomato pasta is a simple and delicious dish made with fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, and pasta, often flavoured with herbs and garlic. This dish is one of the best cheap, easy family meals. It is easy to make and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. The combination of tangy feta cheese and juicy tomatoes creates a delicious and flavourful dish that is perfect for any occasion.

Creamy potato salad

Creamy potato salad is a classic dish made with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, sour cream, and seasonings such as mustard, dill, and green onions. It's a perfect side dish for picnics, BBQs, or any other casual gathering. It's a great way to use up leftover potatoes which can be made more interesting with different types of herbs, vegetables, and dressings for variety. The creamy and tangy dressing provides a delicious contrast to the tender potatoes making it a crowd-pleaser.

Homemade sausage pasta

Homemade sausage pasta is a comforting and flavourful dish made with homemade sausage, pasta, and vegetables, simmered in a rich and flavourful tomato sauce. It's a great option for a cheap easy meal on a budget, and can be made with different types of pasta and sausage for variety. This dish is a great way to enjoy a classic pasta dish with a twist, and can be enjoyed as a main course.

Authentic Naengmyeon cold noodles recipe

Naengmyeon is a traditional Korean dish made with thin, chewy wheat or potato starch noodles served in a cold broth of dongchimi (radish water kimchi) or a spicy sauce made with mustard, vinegar, sugar and chili flakes. Topped with pear, boiled egg, meat and sesame seeds. It's a perfect dish for hot summer days, and it's a great way to enjoy a refreshing and flavourful meal. 

Japanese soba salad recipe

Japanese soba salad is a refreshing dish made with cold soba noodles, a variety of vegetables such as cucumber, carrots, and lettuce, and a dressing made with soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil. The combination of chewy soba noodles and refreshing vegetables makes it a delicious and satisfying dish. It can also be customised with different types of vegetables, meats, and dressings for variety.

Healthy and delicious pasta salad

Pasta salad is a classic dish that combines cooked pasta, vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, mixed in a dressing of mayonnaise, lemon juice and herbs. It's a perfect dish for picnics, BBQs, or any other casual gathering. It's a great way to use up leftover pasta-now isn’t that a cheap easy meal for dinner?

Classic Nicoise salad recipe

Nicoise salad is a classic French dish that typically consists of tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, Niçoise olives, anchovies, and tuna, all arranged over a bed of lettuce. It's usually dressed with a vinaigrette, made with olive oil, lemon juice and herbs. It's a perfect dish for lunch or a light dinner, it's a great way to enjoy a refreshing and flavourful meal.

Zucchini corn fritters recipe

Zucchini corn fritters are a delicious and satisfying dish made with grated zucchini, corn, flour, and seasonings, such as herbs and spices, and then fried in oil. They are typically served as a side dish or as an appetizer. They are a great option for vegetarians and can be enjoyed hot or cold. These fritters are perfect as a comfort food. The combination of zucchini and corn make a delicious and flavourful fritters that are easy to make and enjoyed by all.

Tasty Turkish Pide recipe

Turkish Pide is a traditional Turkish dish made with a boat-shaped dough filled with various toppings such as meat, cheese, vegetables, and herbs. It's typically baked in a wood-fired oven and served as a main course. It's a popular dish in Turkey as it is a  can be found in most Turkish restaurants. The combination of soft and crispy dough with flavourful toppings makes it one easy cheap meal. It is often served with a side of yoghurt or tomato sauce. Pide can be made with different types of toppings for variety. 

Cheap easy vegetarian meals

Eating vegetarian meals on a budget can be challenging. But with the right ingredients and recipes, you can make delicious, healthy, and cheap vegetarian meals that won't break the bank. Below, we will explore some easy and affordable vegetarian meal ideas that are perfect for dinner or lunch. We'll also discuss how to get the most out of your ingredients while still keeping your meals healthy and tasty. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to create delicious vegetarian meals on a budget in no time!

Loaded Vegetarian Nachos

Vegetarian nachos are a delicious and satisfying dish made with tortilla chips and a variety of toppings such as refried beans, cheese, avocado, salsa, and sour cream. They are a great option for vegetarians and can be made with meatless alternatives like tofu or tempeh. These nachos are perfect for a party or as a comfort food.

The best vegetable ratatouile in the world

Ratatouille is a traditional French dish made with vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, simmered in olive oil and herbs. It is typically served as a side dish, but can also be eaten as a main course, garnished with cheese or herbs. It is a great option for vegetarians and can be served hot or cold. It is a delicious, healthy and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year.

Delicious vegetarian curry with tofu

Vegetarian curry with tofu is a flavourful and satisfying dish made with tofu as the main protein source. The tofu is cooked with vegetables and a variety of spices, such as curry powder, turmeric, cumin and ginger, in a rich and creamy sauce. It is typically served over rice or with naan bread. It is a great option for vegetarians and can be made with different vegetables depending on the season.

The most delicious mushroom soup recipe

Soups make for cheap easy family meals. Mushroom soup is a comforting and flavourful dish made with a variety of mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, and porcini. It is simmered in broth or cream and seasoned with herbs and spices. It can be enjoyed as a starter, or as a main course served with bread or a sandwich. It's a great option for vegetarians and can be made with different types of mushrooms for variety. It's a delicious and comforting dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year.

Vegetarian sausage rolls recipe

Vegetarian sausage rolls are a delicious and satisfying dish made with meatless sausage or plant-based meat alternatives, wrapped in puff pastry. They are typically seasoned with herbs and spices, and can be served as a snack or as a main course. They are a great option for vegetarians and can be enjoyed hot or cold. These sausage rolls are perfect easy, cheap, healthy meals for the whole family.

The best spinach and ricotta rolls

Spinach and ricotta rolls are a popular dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course. They are typically made by filling a pastry or dough with a mixture of spinach and ricotta cheese, then rolling or folding it into a desired shape. The rolls can be baked or fried and are often served with a side of marinara or a cream sauce. Spinach and ricotta rolls are a great option for vegetarians as they are a source of protein, calcium and iron. 

Homemade vegan poke bowl

Homemade vegan poke bowl is a dish that typically consists of a combination of sushi rice, vegetables and plant-based protein such as tofu, tempeh, or seitan, topped with a variety of sauces, such as soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili paste. It's a perfect dish for a healthy and satisfying lunch or dinner, and it's a great way to enjoy a cheap, easy vegetarian meal. 

Crustless quiche

Crustless quiche is a dish made with eggs, cream, and a variety of ingredients such as vegetables (yay spinach), cheese, and herbs. It's typically baked in a pie dish without a crust, making it a lighter and healthier option. It's a perfect dish for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. 

Vegan fried egg and chips

Vegan fried egg and chips can be made using plant-based ingredients such as tofu or chickpea flour, and can be paired with crispy baked or fried potatoes (or sweet potatoes). You can also use plant-based butter or oil for frying, and you can season it with various herbs and spices for extra flavour. 

Vegetarian spinach quiche with mushrooms and cherry tomatoes

Spinach quiche with mushrooms and cherry tomatoes is a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is made with a savoury crust, typically made from whole wheat flour, filled with spinach, mushrooms and cherry tomatoes, and a custard made from eggs and milk or non-dairy milk. It can be seasoned with herbs and spices to add extra flavour. This quiche is a great source of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals.