28 Delicious and Affordable Meals for Large Families

Feeding a large family on a budget can feel like a juggling act, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of creativity and some smart planning, you can whip up delicious and affordable meals that everyone will love. From hearty stews to comforting casseroles, these budget-friendly recipes are perfect for keeping everyone full and happy without breaking the bank. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just trying to make your grocery dollars stretch further, these meals are sure to become family favorites.

Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash is a hearty stew made with beef, onions, and paprika. This dish is perfect for large families due to its simplicity and affordability. Start by browning beef chunks, then add sliced onions and plenty of Hungarian paprika. Simmer with beef broth and potatoes until tender. The result is a flavorful, slightly smoky stew with a rich, savory taste. Serve with bread or over noodles for a complete meal.

Simple Chicken and Noodles

This comforting dish combines tender chicken with egg noodles. Boil chicken breasts and shred them once cooked. In the same pot, cook egg noodles, then add the shredded chicken back in along with cream of chicken soup and some milk. Stir until well combined and heated through. This creamy, savory soup makes each bite deliciously satisfying.

Easy Taco Casserole

Taco Casserole is a family favorite that’s easy to prepare. Brown ground beef with taco seasoning, then layer it in a casserole dish with tortillas, refried beans, and shredded cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden. This dish is a flavor explosion with layers of seasoned meat, creamy beans, and melted cheese. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream for added freshness.

Winter Lentil Vegetable Soup

This hearty soup is packed with lentils, vegetables, and warming spices. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery, then add lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Simmer until the lentils are tender, then season with cumin, coriander, and bay leaves. The result is a nutritious, earthy soup that’s perfect for cold days. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Salisbury Steak

Salisbury Steak is an affordable, comforting meal that’s easy to make in large batches. Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, then shape into patties and brown in a skillet. Prepare a gravy with onions, mushrooms, and beef broth, then simmer the patties in the gravy until cooked through. The savory gravy soaks into the tender beef patties, creating a rich, satisfying dish. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice.

Halloumi Flatbreads

Halloumi flatbreads are a simple yet delicious meal. Grill slices of halloumi cheese until golden and crispy. Serve on warm flatbreads with a salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice. The salty, chewy halloumi pairs perfectly with the fresh, tangy salad, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Slow Cooker Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a classic French vegetable stew that’s perfect for the slow cooker. Layer sliced zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes in the slow cooker, then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with herbs. Cook on low until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld together. The result is a rich, aromatic stew that’s both healthy and satisfying. Serve with crusty bread or over rice.

Easy Sausage Casserole

Sausage casserole is a hearty, filling meal that’s perfect for feeding a large family. Brown sausages in a skillet, then remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Add canned tomatoes, beans, and chicken broth, then return the sausages to the pot. Simmer until everything is cooked through and flavors are well combined. The result is a savory, robust casserole with a mix of textures and flavors. Serve with rice or mashed potatoes.

Pizza Pasta Casserole

Pizza Pasta Casserole is a fun, budget-friendly meal. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then mix with marinara sauce, sliced pepperoni, and shredded mozzarella. Transfer to a casserole dish, top with more cheese and pepperoni, and bake until bubbly. The casserole tastes like a combination of pizza and pasta, with gooey cheese and savory pepperoni in every bite.

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken Fried Rice is an easy, economical meal that’s full of flavor. Cook rice and let it cool. Sauté diced chicken in a large skillet, then remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté vegetables like carrots, peas, and onions, then add the rice and cooked chicken. Season with soy sauce and sesame oil, and stir until heated through. The result is a deliciously savory and slightly smoky dish that’s perfect for large families.

Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is a comforting, budget-friendly dish. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions, then mix with marinara sauce and ricotta cheese. Transfer to a baking dish, top with shredded mozzarella, and bake until bubbly and golden. The dish is creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, with the pasta soaking up all the delicious flavors. Serve with a simple salad and garlic bread.

Vegetable Stir-Fry

Vegetable Stir-Fry is a quick, healthy meal that’s easy on the budget. Sauté a mix of vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas in a hot skillet with some oil. Add garlic and ginger, then stir in soy sauce and a splash of rice vinegar. The vegetables retain a bit of crunch and are coated in a savory, slightly tangy sauce. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for large families. Brown ground beef with onions and carrots, then stir in peas and a bit of beef broth. Transfer to a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake until golden. The result is a rich, savory filling topped with creamy, buttery potatoes. Serve with a side of green vegetables.

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tuna Noodle Casserole is an easy, economical meal. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, then mix with canned tuna, cream of mushroom soup, and frozen peas. Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until bubbly. The casserole is creamy and savory, with the tuna and peas adding a satisfying texture. Serve with a simple salad.

Black Bean Tacos

Black Bean Tacos are a simple, budget-friendly meal. Sauté onions and garlic, then add black beans, cumin, and chili powder. Cook until heated through, then mash slightly. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and avocado. The tacos are flavorful and satisfying, with a hearty, slightly smoky taste from the black beans and spices.

Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are a classic, budget-friendly meal. Brown ground beef with onions and bell peppers, then stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar. Simmer until thickened, then serve on hamburger buns. The mixture is sweet, tangy, and savory, with a slightly sticky texture. Serve with a side of coleslaw or potato chips.

Lentil Curry

Lentil Curry is a nutritious, flavorful dish that’s easy to make in large batches. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger, then add lentils, diced tomatoes, and coconut milk. Season with curry powder, cumin, and turmeric, and simmer until the lentils are tender. The curry is rich, creamy, and full of warm spices. Serve with rice or naan bread.

Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a simple, delicious meal. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, grated Parmesan, and black pepper. Sauté diced pancetta until crispy, then toss the hot pasta with the pancetta and egg mixture until creamy. The dish is rich and savory, with the creamy sauce coating each strand of pasta. Serve with a side salad.

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting, budget-friendly meal. Cook diced chicken with onions, carrots, and celery, then stir in chicken broth and cream to make a thick filling. Transfer to a baking dish and top with a pie crust or biscuit dough. Bake until golden and bubbly. The filling is rich and savory, with tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy sauce. Serve with a side of green beans.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed Bell Peppers are a colorful, nutritious meal. Cut the tops off bell peppers and remove the seeds. In a bowl, mix cooked rice, ground beef, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Stuff the mixture into the peppers, then bake until the peppers are tender. The peppers are sweet and slightly smoky, with a savory, flavorful filling. Serve with a side salad.

Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese is a classic, budget-friendly meal. Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then mix with a cheese sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheese. Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until bubbly and golden. The dish is creamy and cheesy, with a crispy topping. Serve with a side of steamed broccoli.

Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting, budget-friendly meal. Cook diced chicken with onions, carrots, and celery, then stir in chicken broth and cream to make a thick filling. Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough into the simmering mixture, then cover and cook until the dumplings are fluffy. The filling is rich and savory, with tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy sauce, while the dumplings are light and fluffy. Serve with a side of green beans.

Veggie Quesadillas

Veggie Quesadillas are a quick, budget-friendly meal. Sauté a mix of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms in a hot skillet with some oil. Place a tortilla in the skillet, add the sautéed vegetables and shredded cheese, then top with another tortilla. Cook until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy. The quesadillas are cheesy and flavorful, with a satisfying crunch. Serve with salsa and sour cream.

Baked Beans and Sausages

Baked Beans and Sausages is a hearty, budget-friendly meal. Brown sausages in a skillet, then remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic, then add canned baked beans and a bit of brown sugar. Return the sausages to the skillet and simmer until everything is heated through. The dish is sweet and savory, with the beans soaking up the flavors of the sausages. Serve with crusty bread.

Beef and Barley Soup

Beef and Barley Soup is a nutritious, filling meal. Brown beef stew meat in a large pot, then remove and set aside. In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery, then add beef broth, barley, and the browned beef. Simmer until the barley is tender. The soup is rich and savory, with tender beef and chewy barley in a flavorful broth. Serve with a side of crusty bread.

Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, delicious meal. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. In a separate skillet, sauté diced chicken until cooked through, then remove and set aside. In the same skillet, make a sauce with butter, cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss the cooked pasta and chicken in the sauce until well coated. The dish is rich and creamy, with tender chicken and pasta in a savory sauce. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables.

Potato and Leek Soup

Potato and Leek Soup is a simple, budget-friendly meal. Sauté sliced leeks in a large pot, then add diced potatoes and vegetable broth. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, then puree the soup until smooth. Stir in some cream for added richness. The soup is creamy and comforting, with a mild, savory flavor. Serve with a side of crusty bread.

Chili Mac

Chili Mac is a fun, budget-friendly meal. Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then mix with a homemade chili made from ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices. Transfer to a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake until bubbly. The dish is hearty and flavorful, with the chili and macaroni combining to create a rich, satisfying meal. Serve with a side salad.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout

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