When weekdays are busy, getting dinner on the table can often be a challenge, and it’s easy to opt for expensive ready-meals with little nutritional value. But you don’t have to spend a fortune on food to keep everybody satisfied.
We’ve created six midweek meals that require very little prep and make the most of simple, cheap ingredients, without compromising on taste. With these crowd-pleasing curries, nourishing stews and comforting pasta bakes, your menu for the week ahead is sorted.
1. Roasted cauliflower with naan bread & cashew sauce
Combine the gorgeous nutty flavours of roasted cauliflower with a creamy tomato and cashew sauce to make a vibrant veggie supper. With only five minutes prep time, this fragrant curry dish is a midweek marvel. 74p per serving.
Roasted cauliflower with naan bread and cashew sauce
2. Orzo & tomato soup
Soup doesn’t have to be boring! Once the family has slurped on this nourishing tomato, chickpea and pasta blend, there will be no going back. Even better – it’s a great source of fibre and provides two of your five-a-day. Finish with a swirl of pesto and serve with crusty bread for dunking.
Reheating this the next day? The orzo will have absorbed some of the liquid, so just add some boiling water to make it more soup-like. 96p per serving.
Check out more budget soup recipes.
3. Pork & apple burgers
Buying cheaper cuts of meat or mince is a great way to lower your shopping costs. Sausagemeat is already packed with flavour so there’s no need to add any extra ingredients to the burger mixture. Simply flatten and fry the patties until golden, then kids can help assemble the burgers with apples, rocket and dressings. These juicy buns can be on the table in just 30 minutes, making them an ideal weeknight dinner. £1 per serving.
4. Easy chicken stew
Healthy and hearty, this warming one-pot will keep everyone satisfied, and provides two of your five-a-day. Chicken thighs are cheaper and often more flavoursome than using breasts, and chunky veg helps to bulk up the stew. Serve warm cheese scones or crusty bread on the side for dunking. 85p per serving.
Try more recipes using chicken thighs.
5. Posh egg, chips & beans
Give this comfort food classic a healthy makeover by making it from scratch using simple ingredients such as chopped tomatoes, cannellini beans and baking potatoes. Kids won’t even notice the hidden veg, so you’ll never have to reach for the cans of baked beans again! £1 per serving.
6. Cheesy sprout pasta bake
Celebrate sprouts in their full glory by roasting them for a delicious crispy texture, then serving in a moreishly cheesy pasta dish. This hearty mac ‘n’ cheese-style meal will be a joy to come home to and requires only five minutes prep time. 94p per serving.
Discover more budget family meals…
Budget family chicken recipes
10 easy budget family meals
5 nights of budget family suppers
Top 10 budget food buys
Budget recipe collection
5-ingredient family meal recipe collection
What other midweek recipes do your family enjoy? Leave a comment below…
All recipes and prices have been reviewed and approved as of February 2019. If you think there is any incorrect information in this guide please email us at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
