Eight Cheap Dinner Ideas for Your Family of Four
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As a four-person family, we’re always looking for ways to reduce our grocery budget. The price of groceries has increased by 28% in the last five-year period, when our family was formed. It has been hard to keep up with the times. We have a few cheap and tasty dinner ideas we can always rely on. We have a few “struggle” meals that we make in our family. I hope these help you and your family. Hearty Spaghetti and Garlic Bread
Spaghetti is a classic comfort food that’s as easy on the wallet as it is to prepare. To keep the cost down, use store-brand marinara and pasta. You can also add some ground beef or turkey for more protein. Garlic bread can be made from leftover sandwich bread and butter with garlic powder. Add a sprinkle or two of Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan and butter to the bread for a delicious side dish. This meal is easy to prepare and filling. It’s perfect for busy weeksnights. The leftovers can be reheated for lunch the following day to maximize your savings. DIY Taco Night
Taco nights are always a big hit with the whole family, and they don’t need to be expensive. Use beans or ground turkey as an affordable protein and pile on toppings such as salsa, lettuce and shredded cheese. Spices you already have in your kitchen can be used to make taco seasoning. You can find soft tortillas and crunchy taco shells on sale in your local supermarket. Combine the tacos and rice and beans to make a satisfying and complete meal. Let everyone build their own tacos for a fun, interactive dining experience.
3. Baked Cheesy Ziti
This hearty dish is perfect for a large family. Combine cooked ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and shredded mozzarella in a baking dish. Bake the cheese until it is golden brown and bubbly. This meal is simple and affordable, as it only requires a few easy-to-find ingredients. Serve with a salad or steamed veggies for a complete dinner. The leftovers taste even better the following day, so this is a great dish for families on a budget. Rotisserie Chicken and Veggies
A rotisserie purchased in a store is a versatile and affordable option for dinner. Combine it with vegetables such as broccoli, carrots or green beans that are roasted or steamed for a balanced dinner. Use any leftovers to make soup, chicken salad or sandwiches. The chickens that are roasted to perfection will save you time in the kitchen. To make this meal more affordable, look for sales and discounts on rotisserie poultry. This is a delicious, easy dinner that requires little preparation. Breakfast for Dinner
Breakfast for dinner is a fun and inexpensive way to switch up your mealtime routine. Serve pancakes or waffles with scrambled egg and fruit. If you have the budget, add some bacon or sausage links. Many of the ingredients are likely to be on hand. This makes it a convenient choice. The novelty of eating breakfast for dinner is especially appealing to children. This is a simple and quick meal that will satisfy everyone at the dinner table.
6. Pizza Night at Home
Eating pizza is an inexpensive and fun dinner option. You can use store-bought dough or make it yourself with flour, yeast and water. Each family member can customize their own pizza by adding toppings such as cheese, pepperoni and vegetables. It can be fun to bake the pizzas with your family. This meal is cheaper and tastes just as good as ordering a delivery. You can control the ingredients and make it healthier. Vegetable stir-fry with rice
Stir fry is a versatile recipe that can be used to use up leftover vegetables in your fridge. Serve the vegetables over rice with a soy-based marinade for a nutritious and filling meal. If desired, add tofu or chicken as a source of protein. This meal can be prepared quickly and with minimal cooking knowledge. Buy vegetables in bulk to save money. This is a healthy and tasty option that everyone will love. Sloppy Joes, and Potato Wedges
Sloppy Joes is a classic that you can make easily and affordably. Serve ground beef or turkey with a tangy mustard-ketchup sauce on hamburger buns. Serve the sandwiches on hamburger buns with potato wedges that are seasoned with paprika, salt and pepper. This is a comforting meal that’s also kid-friendly. It’s a good choice for busy weeksnights. The leftover Sloppy Joe filling is great for nachos and stuffed peppers. It’s a budget-conscious meal that’s big on flavor.
Affordable Meals Made Easy
Even though grocery prices are through the roof, feeding your family doesn’t have to cost a fortune. These cheap dinner ideas will help you get through a tough week, or if you need to stay within a budget. These meals can reduce your food costs and help you save money. What are your favorite “struggle meals”? Let us know in the comments.
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