Cooking for a family can be fun. But it can also be expensive. You want to feed your family well. Yet, you don’t want to spend too much money. Here are ten easy and cheap recipes. They are tasty and perfect for family meals.

1. Fried Rice

Fried rice is simple to make. You can use leftover rice. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients:
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oil

Steps:

1. Heat oil in a pan.
2. Add vegetables and fry for 2 minutes.
3. Push veggies to one side.
4. Crack eggs into the pan.
5. Scramble eggs until cooked.
6. Add rice and soy sauce.
7. Mix everything well.
8. Cook for 5 minutes and serve.

2. Vegetable Soup

Vegetable soup is warm and healthy. It’s easy to make, too. Here’s how:

• Ingredients:
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 4 cups water or broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. In a pot, add chopped onion.
2. Sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add carrots and potatoes.
4. Pour in water or broth.
5. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
7. Add salt and pepper.
8. Serve hot.

3. Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Pasta is a family favorite. It’s quick and filling. Here’s a simple recipe:

• Ingredients:
• 200 grams pasta
• 1 can of tomato sauce
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package.
2. In a pan, heat oil.
3. Add chopped onion and sauté.
4. Pour in tomato sauce.
5. Add salt and pepper.
6. Simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Mix sauce with pasta.
8. Serve with cheese if desired.

4. Egg and Vegetable Omelette

An omelette is quick to make. It’s also very healthy. Here’s how:

• Ingredients:
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup chopped vegetables
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Beat eggs in a bowl.
2. Heat oil in a pan.
3. Add vegetables and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in beaten eggs.
5. Cook until edges are firm.
6. Flip and cook other side.
7. Serve warm.

5. Chicken Stir-Fry

Chicken stir-fry is tasty and quick. You can use any veggies. Here’s a simple recipe:

• Ingredients:
• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oil

Steps:

1. Heat oil in a pan.
2. Add chicken slices.
3. Cook until chicken is brown.
4. Add mixed vegetables.
5. Pour in soy sauce.
6. Stir and cook for 5 minutes.
7. Serve with rice or noodles.

6. Lentil Curry

Lentils are cheap and healthy. This curry is simple to make. Follow these steps:

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 4 cups water

Steps:

1. Rinse lentils and set aside.
2. In a pot, sauté chopped onion.
3. Add diced tomatoes and curry powder.
4. Add lentils and water.
5. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
7. Serve with rice.

7. Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes are filling and easy. They can be topped with many things. Here’s a simple way to bake them:

• Ingredients:
• 4 potatoes
• Butter or olive oil
• Salt

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash potatoes and poke holes.
3. Rub with butter and sprinkle salt.
4. Bake for 45 minutes.
5. Check if soft with a fork.
6. Serve with toppings like cheese or sour cream.

8. Tuna Salad

Tuna salad is quick and healthy. It’s great for lunch. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients:
• 1 can of tuna
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. In a bowl, mix tuna and mayonnaise.
2. Add chopped celery.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve on bread or lettuce.

9. Pancakes

Pancakes are a great breakfast. They are fluffy and delicious. Here’s a quick recipe:

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg

Steps:

1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and baking powder.
2. Add milk and egg.
3. Stir until smooth.
4. Heat a pan and pour batter.
5. Cook until bubbles form, then flip.
6. Serve with syrup or fruit.

10. Banana Smoothie

A banana smoothie is refreshing. It’s perfect for a snack. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients:
• 2 bananas
• 1 cup milk or yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Steps:

1. In a blender, add bananas.
2. Add milk or yogurt.
3. Add honey if you like it sweet.
4. Blend until smooth.
5. Serve cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Cheap Family Meal Ideas?

Easy meals like rice, vegetables, and eggs are affordable and filling. Try soups and stews for more variety.

How Can I Cook Healthy On A Budget?

Use seasonal fruits and vegetables. They are cheaper and fresh. Plan meals around sales and discounts.

What Ingredients Are Best For Budget Cooking?

Staples like rice, pasta, beans, and lentils are cheap and versatile. Eggs and frozen veggies are also great options.

Can I Make Quick Meals For My Family?

Yes! Simple recipes like stir-fries or omelets can be made in under 30 minutes. They are tasty and easy.

Conclusion

These ten recipes are easy and cheap. They are perfect for families. You can make them with simple ingredients. Enjoy cooking and spending time with your loved ones. Try these recipes today!