20 budget meals you can make with mince

Spiced lamb mix in a pan being spooned into wraps

2. Swedish meatball burgers

Burger in a bun with cheese, tomato and lettuce next to a jar of chutney

If you’re a fan of Swedish meatballs, try our twist with these Swedish meatball burgers. They’re a favourite with the kids and you can use pork or beef mince without changing the flavour.

Discover more beef burger recipes.

3. Beef & red pepper burgers

Three burgers in buns on a wooden board with melted cheese on top and cucumber slices

Make these beef patties go even further with extra veggie, such as carrots and roasted pepper. A simple way to boost flavour and up your children’s 5-a-day intake without them noticing!

For more vegetable packed burgers, check out our vegetarian burger recipes.

These easy, healthy turkey burgers can be on the table in only 35 mins, perfect for a weeknight meal. They can also be frozen to avoid waste. Just cook for longer from frozen if you don’t use the entire batch immediately.

Discover more turkey burger recipes.

Bolognese

5. Big batch bolognese

Whip up a massive batch of bolognese that’s fit to feed a hungry crowd, or freeze half for a speedy midweek meal. This recipe makes 12 servings but can easily be halved.

Discover more Italian pasta recipes.

6. Healthy spaghetti bolognese

Spaghetti bolognese in a bowl topped with parsley

This healthy bolognese can be on the table in less than 30 mins. Top with bread crumbs and basil for extra texture and flavour. This recipe is freezable.

Discover more healthy pasta recipes.

7. Slow cooker bolognese

A child twirling spaghetti bolognese on his spoon with a plate of spaghetti bolognese in front of him

Batch cook a delicious and healthy spaghetti bolognese in your slow cooker. It’s low in calories, salt and saturates while being high in protein. Freeze the leftovers for easy midweek dinners when you’re pushed for time.

For more pasta recipes your kids will love, check out our kids’ pasta recipes.

Chilli con carne

8. Slow cooker chilli con carne

Use whichever canned beans you have in the cupboard for this richly spiced beef and chipotle slow cooker chilli. It’s a perfect meal to prepare for busy weeknights.

Discover more slow cooker beef recipes.

9. Smoky black bean chilli

Black bean chilli in a pot being scooped into a soft shell taco

Freeze the mince base so you can have this chilli on the table in minutes during a busy week. The kids can have fun packing their own tortillas.

Discover more black bean recipes.

Lasagne

10. Slow cooker lasagne

Slow cook your next lasagne for extra tender mince – this version is low-fat and low-calorie, too. A healthy family meal to give you comfort on cold nights.

Discover more lasagne recipes.

Stir-fry

11. Sichuan-style pork & green bean stir-fry

Save money on a takeaway with this low-calorie Chinese-style meal for two. It’s made with a rich soy and pepper sauce, ginger, spring onions and sesame oil.

Discover more beef stir fry recipes.

Meatballs

12. Slow cooker meatballs

Try these slow cooker meatballs for a tasty family meal. Turkey mince makes lighter meatballs which kids love, while also being high in protein. They also freeze well making batch cooks easy.

Discover more spaghetti and meatball recipes.

13. Healthy Swedish meatballs

Bring out the flavours of these pork mince meatballs with a lingonberry or cranberry sauce. They go amazing well with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice.

Learn how to make the perfect rice.

14. Turkey meatballs in tomato & fennel sauce

This flavourful tomato sauce with turkey mince meatballs is super simple, with only three steps. It can be on your table in under an hour.

Discover more meatball recipes.

Pie

15. Slow cooker shepherd’s pie

Shepherd's pie on a plate with tender stem broccoli

Slow cook shepherd’s pie and you’ll be rewarded with savoury, succulent mince. This recipe is also low-fat and low-calorie with three of your 5-a-day.

Discover more shepherd’s pie recipes.

16. Spiced shepherd’s pie

Potatoes, mince, peas and carrots in a tray

Our healthy, low-fat shepherd’s pie can be frozen to enjoy another day. This budget-friendly meal makes the most of store-cupboard spices and frozen peas.

Discover more Indian-style recipes.

17. No-fuss shepherd’s pie

Shepherd's pie in a tray next to a metal serving spoon with a chunk missing

This classic shepherd’s pie takes only 15 mins to prepare and once assembled can be frozen for up to one month.

Wraps

18. Spiced lamb wraps

This delicious, spiced lamb mixture can be prepared in only 5 mins. Add shop-bought curry paste to your cheap frozen lamb mince to create a fragrant mixture that you can pile onto flour wraps or chapatis for a healthy and filling dinner.

Discover more spicy lamb ideas with our lamb curry recipes.

19. Pork & chilli lettuce cups

Pork mince, carrots, mint leaves in lettuce cups

These flavourful pork and chilli lettuce cups are a great starter or canapé for when you’re entertaining. But they can also be bulked up into a great main with the help of some perfectly cooked rice. The filling in these pork lettuce cups can be frozen for up to two months.

20. Spicy mince & lettuce cups

These Thai-inspired spicy mince and lettuce cups are quick, simple, cheap and low in fat. Have them as a starter or pair them with other canapés from our budget-friendly entertaining recipes to make them even more substantial.

Discover more Thai inspired dishes with our Thai-style recipes.