Budget-Friendly Feasts: Delicious and Cheap Recipes for Large Families

Feeding a large family can be a joy, but it can also put a significant strain on your budget. Luckily, delicious and satisfying meals don’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity and strategic planning, you can create flavorful and affordable dishes that everyone will love. This article provides a wealth of cheap recipes specifically designed for large families, complete with detailed steps and instructions to help you make the most of your grocery budget.

The Art of Budget-Friendly Cooking for Large Families

Before diving into specific recipes, let’s explore some general strategies for keeping your food costs down:

* **Meal Planning is Key:** The cornerstone of budget-friendly cooking is a well-thought-out meal plan. Spend some time each week planning your meals, taking into account what you already have on hand and what’s on sale at your local grocery stores. Stick to your plan as much as possible to avoid impulse purchases that can derail your budget.
* **Embrace Versatile Ingredients:** Certain ingredients are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Think beans, rice, pasta, potatoes, eggs, and canned tomatoes. These staples are inexpensive and can form the basis of many meals.
* **Buy in Bulk (When It Makes Sense):** Purchasing non-perishable items in bulk can often save you money, but only if you know you’ll use them before they expire. Compare unit prices (price per ounce or pound) to determine if buying in bulk is truly the most economical option.
* **Love Your Leftovers:** Leftovers are your friend! Plan to use leftover cooked chicken or roast beef in sandwiches, salads, or casseroles. Repurpose leftover vegetables in soups or omelets. Get creative and avoid food waste by transforming leftovers into new and exciting meals.
* **Cook from Scratch:** Pre-packaged and processed foods are typically more expensive than cooking from scratch. Making your own sauces, soups, and bread can save you a significant amount of money in the long run. Plus, you’ll have more control over the ingredients and nutritional content of your meals.
* **Embrace Seasonal Produce:** Fruits and vegetables are typically cheaper when they’re in season. Check your local farmers’ market for the best deals on seasonal produce.
* **Meatless Mondays (or More!):** Meat can be one of the most expensive items on your grocery list. Incorporating meatless meals into your weekly rotation can significantly reduce your food costs. Explore vegetarian options like lentil soup, bean burritos, or vegetable stir-fries.
* **Stretch Your Meat:** When you do use meat, try to stretch it out by incorporating it into dishes with plenty of vegetables, beans, or grains. For example, a pound of ground beef can go a long way in a chili or spaghetti sauce.
* **Don’t Be Afraid of Frozen:** Frozen fruits and vegetables are often just as nutritious as fresh and can be a more economical option, especially when fresh produce is out of season. They also have a longer shelf life, which can help reduce food waste.
* **Utilize Your Freezer:** Freezing leftovers, pre-cooked meals, or even individual ingredients can be a great way to save time and money. Label everything clearly with the date so you know what you have on hand.

Cheap Recipes for Large Families: A Delicious Collection

Now, let’s get to the recipes! These recipes are designed to be affordable, easy to prepare, and satisfying for large families.

1. Hearty Chili (Serves 8-10)

This chili is packed with flavor and protein, and it’s perfect for a cold winter night. Serve it with cornbread or crackers for a complete meal.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
* 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions

**Instructions:**

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
5. Drain off any excess grease.
6. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, corn, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, and oregano.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally.
9. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

2. Cheesy Baked Pasta (Serves 8-10)

This baked pasta dish is a crowd-pleaser and it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and cheeses.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* Optional: cooked ground beef or Italian sausage, chopped vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
6. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, and basil.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese.
10. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomato sauce, and ricotta cheese mixture.
11. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
12. Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
13. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

3. Chicken and Rice Casserole (Serves 8-10)

This comforting casserole is a great way to use leftover cooked chicken. If you don’t have leftover chicken, you can use canned chicken or cook chicken breasts specifically for this recipe.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups cooked rice
* 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
* 1 cup milk
* 1/2 cup chopped celery
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 1/4 cup melted butter
* 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or other buttery crackers)
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, celery, and onion.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and crushed crackers.
6. Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the casserole.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is golden brown.

4. Lentil Soup (Serves 8-10)

Lentil soup is a hearty, healthy, and inexpensive meal that’s perfect for a chilly day. It’s packed with protein and fiber, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
* 8 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried bay leaf
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: lemon wedges, crusty bread for serving

**Instructions:**

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Stir in the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and bay leaf.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
7. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
8. Serve hot with lemon wedges and crusty bread.

5. Bean Burrito Bowls (Serves 8-10)

These burrito bowls are a customizable and healthy meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Let everyone choose their own toppings for a fun and interactive meal.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups cooked rice
* 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1/2 red onion, chopped
* 1 avocado, diced
* 1/2 cup salsa
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
* Juice of 1 lime
* Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, hot sauce

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the rice according to package directions.
2. While the rice is cooking, prepare the other ingredients.
3. In a large bowl, combine the black beans, corn, red bell pepper, and red onion.
4. Stir in the salsa, cilantro, and lime juice.
5. To assemble the burrito bowls, divide the rice among bowls.
6. Top with the bean mixture, avocado, and your favorite toppings.

6. Shepherd’s Pie with Lentils (Serves 8-10)

A budget-friendly take on a classic comfort food, this recipe swaps some of the ground meat for lentils to stretch the ingredients further.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1 pound ground beef (or lamb, or a mix)
* 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
* 4 cups beef broth
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from scratch or using instant potatoes)
* Optional: shredded cheese for topping

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
3. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
5. Stir in the lentils, beef broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and rosemary.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are slightly softened.
8. Top the meat and lentil mixture with the mashed potatoes, spreading them evenly.
9. Optional: Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are lightly browned and heated through.

7. Tuna Noodle Casserole (Serves 8-10)

A classic comfort food that’s easy on the wallet, tuna noodle casserole is a simple and satisfying meal.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound egg noodles
* 1/4 cup butter
* 1/4 cup flour
* 3 cups milk
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon pepper
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
* 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 1 cup crushed potato chips (for topping)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook egg noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat.
4. Stir in salt, pepper, cream of mushroom soup, tuna, and peas. Add the cooked noodles and stir to combine.
5. Pour into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with crushed potato chips.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and topping is golden brown.

8. Chicken Pot Pie (Serves 8-10)

Homemade chicken pot pie is a comforting and filling meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. This version uses store-bought pie crust to save time and effort.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 1 cup frozen corn
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 refrigerated pie crusts

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
3. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked chicken, peas, and corn.
5. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and flour until smooth. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.
6. Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper.
7. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Top with the pie crusts, crimping the edges to seal.
9. Cut slits in the top of the crusts to allow steam to escape.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

9. Sloppy Joes (Serves 8-10)

Sloppy Joes are a quick, easy, and budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for a casual weeknight dinner. Serve them on hamburger buns with your favorite sides.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1/2 cup ketchup
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon mustard
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Hamburger buns

**Instructions:**

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Serve on hamburger buns.

10. Breakfast for Dinner: Pancakes, Eggs, and Sausage (Serves 8-10)

Breakfast for dinner is always a hit with kids, and it’s an easy and affordable meal to prepare. You can customize it with your family’s favorite breakfast items.

**Ingredients:**

* Pancake mix (or homemade pancake batter)
* Eggs
* Sausage (or bacon)
* Syrup
* Butter

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the pancake batter according to package directions or your favorite homemade recipe.
2. Cook the sausage according to package directions.
3. Cook the eggs to your liking (scrambled, fried, or omelets).
4. Serve the pancakes, eggs, and sausage with syrup and butter.

Tips for Saving Even More Money

* **Grow Your Own Herbs:** Fresh herbs can add a lot of flavor to your dishes, but they can also be expensive to buy at the grocery store. Consider growing your own herbs in a pot on your windowsill or in a small garden. Common herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme are easy to grow and can save you money in the long run.
* **Make Your Own Bread:** Homemade bread is not only delicious but also significantly cheaper than store-bought bread. There are many easy bread recipes available online, and the aroma of freshly baked bread will fill your home with warmth and comfort.
* **Utilize Community Resources:** Many communities offer food banks, soup kitchens, and other resources to help families in need. If you’re struggling to afford food, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
* **Join Loyalty Programs:** Sign up for loyalty programs at your local grocery stores to receive exclusive discounts and coupons.
* **Use Coupons:** Clip coupons from newspapers and magazines, and check online for printable coupons. Every little bit helps!

Conclusion

Feeding a large family on a budget can be challenging, but it’s definitely possible. By following these tips and trying out these cheap recipes, you can create delicious and satisfying meals that everyone will enjoy without breaking the bank. Remember to plan ahead, buy in bulk when it makes sense, and embrace versatile ingredients. With a little creativity and effort, you can make mealtime a joyful and affordable experience for your entire family. Happy cooking!