10 easy budget family meals

A healthy and satisfying family meal that makes the most of chicken thighs and plenty of chunky veg. Only 10 minutes prep time is required for this easy chicken stew, before letting it slowly simmer in the pan so all the flavours can meld. Serve in bowls with crusty bread or warm cheese scones.

2. Carrot biryani

Fancy a low-calorie curry with plenty of spice? Try our carrot biryani and prepare to be amazed by how much flavour this humble veg can bring to a dish. Plate up this casual curry in 25 minutes and serve with dollops of cooling yogurt. Try using speedy microwaveable pouches of rice for an even simpler supper.

3. Kale, chicken & pesto gnocchi

Serve a vibrant green bowl of goodness in just 20 minutes with this easy kale, chicken & pesto gnocchi. It's a perfect way to use up any leftover roast chicken and veg. Make your own zesty homemade pesto to really bring the dish alive – double the quantities to use in another pasta dish later in the week. Requiring just 10 minutes prep time, this low-calorie dinner is an easy weeknight go-to.

4. Egg fried noodles

Rustle up this veggie stir-fry in just 20 minutes for a speedy, low-cost family dinner. It uses just a handful of ingredients, including dried noodles, eggs, mushrooms and frozen peas, but you can also throw in any leftovers you have.

5. Halloumi flatbreads

These fully loaded halloumi & squash flatbreads are layered with salty slabs of grilled cheese, paprika-roasted squash and sweet chilli beetroot jam – can a sandwich get any better? The secret ingredient in the flatbreads is yogurt – it helps keep them soft. If you can’t find butternut squash, this recipe works well with other squashes or sweet potato.

6. Sausage ragu

Transform a pack of pork sausages into this comforting budget-friendly ragu, best served with chunky pasta, such as rigatoni. It's sure to become a family favourite, so why not make a larger batch and freeze the leftovers for another time?

7. Spinach falafel & hummus bowl

Bowl food at its best. This vibrant vegan salad is packed with nutrients and a fun way to achieve three of your five-a-day. Only 5 minutes of prep time are needed to whip up the silky hummus and homemade spinach falafel before baking the latter in the oven. Serve this spinach falafel & hummus bowl with warm pittas and salad for a nutritious and budget-friendly plant-based dinner.

8. Posh egg, chips & beans

In the mood for comfort food? We've given classic egg, chips & beans a healthy twist by making the smoky beans from scratch and baking the chips instead of frying. This satisfying supper makes the most of storecupboard ingredients and really is 'as cheap as chips' – perfect for a Friday night treat.

9. Chipotle sweet potato & black bean stew with cheddar dumplings

A showstopping veggie dinner if ever we saw one. Try our chipotle sweet potato & black bean stew for a guaranteed crowd-pleasing one-pot that makes the most of canned storecupboard ingredients. Topped with cheesy cheddar dumplings, it's perfect for feeding a hungry family – the chilli can be left out if you're feeding youngsters.

10. Italian veggie cottage pie

We love a twist on a classic dish, especially when it's combined with mash. Try our Italian veggie cottage pie for a super satisfying spoonful with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and cheesy, fluffy potatoes. This adaptable recipe can be tweaked to include your favourite veggies.

Enjoyed these basic budget recipes? Try other family meal ideas:

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One week of budget-friendly family dinners
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What's your favourite low-cost family meal? Leave a comment below.