Low-Cost, Money-Saving Recipes for a Family of 5: Delicious Meals on a Budget

Feeding a family of five doesn’t have to break the bank. With rising grocery prices and busy schedules, finding affordable meals that everyone enjoys can feel like a challenge. But with some smart planning and budget-friendly ingredients, you can create delicious, nutritious dinners that satisfy the whole family without emptying your wallet.

In this guide, we’ve gathered 10 family-tested, budget-approved recipes that cost less than $3 per serving. Each recipe uses affordable ingredients, simple cooking methods, and includes money-saving tips to stretch your grocery dollars even further. From hearty one-pot meals to creative ways with pantry staples, these recipes prove that eating well on a budget is absolutely possible.

Budget Cooking Basics: Getting Started

Before diving into specific recipes, let’s cover some fundamentals that will help you maximize your food budget while feeding your family of five:

One-Pot Wonders: Minimal Cleanup, Maximum Flavor

One-pot meals are a budget cook’s best friend. They typically use fewer ingredients, create less cleanup, and often rely on affordable staples. Here are three family-friendly options that are perfect for busy weeknights.

Hearty Bean and Vegetable Chili

Cost per serving: $1.75

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed ($1.78)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed ($0.89)
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes ($0.89)
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained ($0.79)
• 1 large onion, diced ($0.40)
• 2 bell peppers, any color, diced ($1.50)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.10)
• 2 Tbsp chili powder ($0.30)
• 1 Tbsp cumin ($0.15)
• 1 tsp oregano ($0.05)
• Salt and pepper to taste ($0.05)
• 2 cups vegetable broth ($0.50)
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions ($1.50)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onions and bell peppers over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Add beans, tomatoes, corn, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve hot with optional toppings of choice.

Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta

Cost per serving: $1.50

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pasta (any shape) ($1.00)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil ($0.10)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced ($0.20)
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes ($0.89)
• 1/2 tsp dried basil ($0.05)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano ($0.05)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) ($0.03)
• Salt and pepper to taste ($0.05)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped ($1.50)
• 3 Tbsp cream cheese ($0.50)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ($0.75)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese until melted and sauce is creamy.
6. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
7. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
8. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup

Cost per serving: $1.85

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs ($3.50)
• 1 cup uncooked rice ($0.30)
• 3 carrots, diced ($0.50)
• 3 celery stalks, diced ($0.50)
• 1 onion, diced ($0.40)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.10)
• 1 tsp dried thyme ($0.05)
• 1 bay leaf ($0.03)
• 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or from bouillon) ($1.00)
• Salt and pepper to taste ($0.05)
• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional) ($0.30)

Instructions:

1. Place chicken thighs, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, and chicken broth in a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
3. Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return to slow cooker.
4. Add rice and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes until rice is tender.
5. Remove bay leaf, season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Meatless Meals That Satisfy

Cutting back on meat is one of the most effective ways to reduce your grocery bill. These protein-packed vegetarian meals are filling, nutritious, and family-friendly.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas

Cost per serving: $1.95

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced ($1.50)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed ($0.89)
• 1 small onion, diced ($0.30)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.10)
• 1 tsp cumin ($0.10)
• 1/2 tsp chili powder ($0.05)
• Salt and pepper to taste ($0.05)
• 10 corn tortillas ($1.00)
• 1 can (15 oz) red enchilada sauce ($1.50)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese ($1.50)
• Optional toppings: cilantro, sour cream, avocado ($1.00)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash.
2. In a skillet, sauté onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Combine mashed sweet potatoes, black beans, onion mixture, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Pour a thin layer of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
5. Warm tortillas briefly to make them pliable. Fill each with about 1/4 cup of filling, roll up, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
6. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve with optional toppings.

Lentil and Vegetable Curry

Cost per serving: $1.40

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dry red lentils ($1.50)
• 1 onion, diced ($0.40)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced ($0.15)
• 1 Tbsp ginger, grated ($0.20)
• 2 carrots, diced ($0.30)
• 1 cup frozen peas ($0.50)
• 1 small cauliflower, cut into florets ($1.50)
• 2 Tbsp curry powder ($0.30)
• 1 tsp turmeric ($0.10)
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk ($1.50)
• 4 cups vegetable broth ($0.50)
• Salt to taste ($0.05)
• 2 cups cooked rice, for serving ($0.50)

Instructions:

1. Rinse lentils until water runs clear.
2. In a large pot, sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
3. Add curry powder and turmeric, stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add lentils, carrots, cauliflower, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils and vegetables are tender.
6. Add frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes.
7. Season with salt to taste.
8. Serve over cooked rice.

Family Favorites with a Budget Twist

These crowd-pleasing recipes take familiar favorites and make them budget-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

Sheet Pan Sausage and Roasted Vegetables

Cost per serving: $2.25

Ingredients:

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced (like kielbasa) ($3.50)
• 2 lbs potatoes, cubed ($1.00)
• 2 bell peppers, any color, sliced ($1.50)
• 1 large onion, cut into wedges ($0.40)
• 2 cups broccoli florets ($1.00)
• 3 Tbsp olive oil ($0.30)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning ($0.10)
• 1 tsp garlic powder ($0.05)
• 1/2 tsp paprika ($0.05)
• Salt and pepper to taste ($0.05)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, bell peppers, onion, and broccoli.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
4. Spread vegetables on the baking sheet and add sliced sausage.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until vegetables are tender and sausage is browned.
6. Serve hot.

Cheesy Tuna Casserole

Cost per serving: $1.60

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (any shape) ($1.00)
• 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained ($2.00)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup ($1.00)
• 1/2 cup milk ($0.15)
• 1 cup frozen peas ($0.50)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ($1.00)
• 1/2 onion, diced ($0.20)
• 1 tsp garlic powder ($0.05)
• Salt and pepper to taste ($0.05)
• 1 cup crushed potato chips or 1/2 cup breadcrumbs ($0.50)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook pasta according to package directions, undercooking slightly. Drain.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, frozen peas, half the cheese, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
4. Top with remaining cheese and crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and top is golden brown.
6. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Homemade Pizza Night

Cost per serving: $1.25

Ingredients:

• For the dough (makes 2 pizzas):
• 3 cups all-purpose flour ($0.50)
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast ($0.25)
• 1 tsp sugar ($0.02)
• 1 tsp salt ($0.02)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil ($0.10)
• 1 cup warm water ($0.00)
• For the toppings (per pizza):
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce ($0.50)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese ($1.50)
• Toppings of choice: pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc. ($2.00)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Add olive oil and warm water. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 450°F.
6. Divide dough in half. Roll each half into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface.
7. Transfer to baking sheets or pizza stones.
8. Spread sauce over dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
9. Sprinkle with cheese and add desired toppings.
10. Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
11. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Breakfast for Dinner: Affordable Anytime Meals

“Breakfast for dinner” is a budget-friendly strategy that kids love. These hearty breakfast dishes make satisfying evening meals at a fraction of the cost.

Veggie-Loaded Frittata

Cost per serving: $1.30

Ingredients:

• 10 eggs ($2.50)
• 1/4 cup milk ($0.10)
• 1 cup shredded cheese ($1.00)
• 1 small onion, diced ($0.30)
• 1 bell pepper, diced ($0.75)
• 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped ($1.00)
• 2 small potatoes, diced and par-boiled ($0.50)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil ($0.20)
• 1 tsp dried herbs (thyme, basil, or oregano) ($0.05)
• Salt and pepper to taste ($0.05)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, half the cheese, salt, pepper, and dried herbs.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe 10-inch skillet over medium heat.
4. Add onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add par-boiled potatoes and cook for another 3 minutes.
6. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
7. Pour egg mixture over vegetables in the skillet.
8. Cook on stovetop for 5 minutes until edges begin to set.
9. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and transfer to oven.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes until eggs are set and top is golden.
11. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Pancake Bar with Toppings

Cost per serving: $1.10

Ingredients:

• For the pancakes:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour ($0.30)
• 2 Tbsp sugar ($0.05)
• 1 Tbsp baking powder ($0.10)
• 1/2 tsp salt ($0.01)
• 2 eggs ($0.50)
• 1 3/4 cups milk ($0.50)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil ($0.15)
• For toppings (choose several):
• Sliced bananas ($0.50)
• Frozen berries, thawed ($1.00)
• Applesauce ($0.50)
• Peanut butter ($0.25)
• Maple syrup or honey ($0.75)
• Chocolate chips ($0.50)
• Whipped cream ($0.50)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, beat eggs, then add milk and oil.
3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until moistened (batter will be lumpy).
4. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Pour 1/4 cup batter onto the griddle for each pancake.
6. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.
7. Set up a pancake bar with various toppings and let everyone customize their own stack.

Meal Planning and Shopping Tips

To maximize your food budget and minimize waste, effective meal planning and smart shopping are essential. Here are some strategies to help you save money while feeding your family of five:

Feeding Your Family Well on a Budget

Cooking delicious, nutritious meals for a family of five on a budget is absolutely possible with some planning, creativity, and smart shopping. The recipes in this guide prove that budget-friendly doesn’t mean boring or unhealthy—you can create varied, flavorful meals your family will love without breaking the bank.

Remember that small changes add up to big savings over time. Start by implementing one or two new strategies each week, whether it’s trying a meatless Monday, planning meals around sales, or cooking in bulk. Before long, budget-friendly cooking will become second nature.

Most importantly, involve your family in the process. Let kids help with meal planning, preparation, and cooking. Not only does this teach valuable life skills, but it also increases the likelihood they’ll enjoy the meals you prepare together.