Feed Your Family for Less: 6 Healthy & Delicious Extreme Budget Meals for Under $20
Welcome back, savvy cooks! I’m thrilled to share a brand new collection of delicious, extreme budget-friendly meals designed to satisfy your entire family without stretching your wallet. In today’s economy, finding ways to eat well on a tight budget is more crucial than ever, and these recipes prove that healthy, flavorful dinners don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. You can watch me bring these incredible recipes to life and see just how easy they are on my Youtube channel, where I demonstrate each step to ensure your success.
These easy and cheap dinner recipes are crafted with simplicity in mind, utilizing common pantry staples and fresh, affordable ingredients. Each dish offers robust flavors and satisfying portions, costing just a few dollars to prepare. Imagine serving a filling and nutritious meal that everyone loves, knowing you’ve kept your grocery budget firmly in check!
Below, you’ll find all six recipes, perfectly suited for building a comprehensive weekly family meal plan. You can follow this plan day by day, or simply pick and choose the recipes that appeal most to you and your family. Many of these dishes use overlapping ingredients, making your shopping trip even more efficient. You might even discover that you already have most of what you need right in your pantry!
When I embarked on the challenge of creating these 6 extreme-budget meals, I managed to purchase nearly all the necessary ingredients in Utah for an astonishing $20. While prices can fluctuate based on your geographical location and local store sales, this guide provides a realistic framework for achieving significant savings. To make your grocery run as smooth as possible, I’ve compiled a detailed shopping list at the end of this post, ensuring you gather everything you need without any fuss. This comprehensive list is designed to streamline your trip, allowing you to quickly grab all the items required for a week of healthy and affordable eating.
If you’re looking for even more ways to save money on groceries without sacrificing flavor or nutrition, I highly recommend exploring my popular blog post, “Cheap Family Meals Under $10.” It’s packed with additional budget-friendly ideas that are perfect for busy weeknights. Furthermore, dive into my latest series, “Dirt Cheap Easy Family Dinner Ideas,” for even more inventive and cost-effective meals. There, you’ll discover more of my favorite recipes that are guaranteed to fit any budget and make mealtime enjoyable again. Happy cooking, and thank you for your incredible support—I truly appreciate each and every one of you! 😊
Extreme Budget Family Meals: Delicious and Affordable Recipes
#1 Turkey Rice Taco Skillet: A Flavorful One-Pan Wonder
A robust, one-pan meal that brings vibrant taco flavors to your table with minimal effort and quick preparation. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying without a lot of cleanup.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp minced garlic
1/2 lb ground turkey
1/2 cup uncooked white rice
1 1/2 cups water
15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
14 oz can diced tomatoes
8.75 oz can corn, drained
Instructions:
1. In a large pan or skillet over medium heat, add the minced garlic. Allow it to become fragrant for about 30 seconds, then add the ground turkey. Cook the turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is thoroughly browned and cooked through, ensuring no pink remains. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Stir in the uncooked white rice, water, drained and rinsed pinto beans, diced tomatoes (undrained for extra liquid and flavor), and drained corn. Ensure all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed in the pan.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan tightly with a lid, and let it cook for approximately 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Continue cooking until the rice is tender, has absorbed most of the liquid, and all the delicious flavors have fully melded together. Serve hot and enjoy this budget-friendly taco-inspired meal!
This Turkey Rice Taco Skillet is a fantastic example of a cheap family meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. It’s packed with protein and vegetables, making it a healthy dinner option. The one-pan preparation means less time cleaning up, giving you more precious moments with your family. Customization is easy too; add a sprinkle of cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra indulgence.
#2 Lentil Tacos with Potatoes: A Plant-Powered Taco Night
Discover a hearty, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful taco filling made from humble lentils and tender potatoes. This vegetarian option is surprisingly satisfying, offering a wholesome alternative to traditional meat tacos that’s also incredibly budget-friendly.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 yellow onion, diced
1 tbsp minced garlic
1/2 lb uncooked lentils, rinsed
3 1/2 cups water (more if needed for desired consistency)
10 medium-sized flour tortillas
3 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced into small, uniform cubes
Plus seasonings of your choice, I love using a tsp of salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, oregano
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced yellow onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring continuously until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Stir in the rinsed lentils, 3 1/2 cups of water, your chosen seasonings (salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, and oregano), and the diced russet potatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for approximately 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the lentils and potatoes cook evenly and don’t stick to the bottom. Continue cooking until the lentils are tender and the potatoes are soft and easily mashable. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a little more water as needed to achieve a thick, stew-like consistency. For a creamier texture, you can lightly mash some of the potatoes and lentils directly in the pot.
5. While the filling is cooking, warm your flour tortillas according to package instructions or by heating them briefly in a dry skillet. Serve the delicious lentil and potato mixture generously in the warm tortillas. Garnish with your favorite taco toppings like fresh cilantro, salsa, or a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor. These lentil tacos are a fantastic, healthy dinner idea that’s incredibly satisfying and kind to your budget.
#3 Lentil, Carrot, and Cabbage Stew with Potatoes: Comfort in a Bowl
Embrace a truly warming, veggie-packed stew that’s an absolute delight for chilly days and a cornerstone of cheap family meals. This hearty stew combines humble ingredients into a comforting, nutrient-dense meal that feeds a crowd affordably.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp minced garlic
1/4 yellow onion, diced
2 large carrots, diced
1/2 lb uncooked lentils, rinsed
1/4 green cabbage, shredded or thinly sliced
3 russet potatoes, peeled and diced into uniform pieces
5 cups water
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp oregano
Instructions:
1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and become slightly translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring constantly until it releases its fragrant aroma. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
3. Stir in the rinsed lentils, shredded cabbage, diced potatoes, 5 cups of water, and all the robust seasonings: salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and oregano. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
4. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow it to cook for approximately 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Continue cooking until the lentils are tender, the potatoes are soft and cooked through, and the cabbage has softened. The flavors will have beautifully melded together, creating a rich and satisfying broth. Serve hot, perhaps with a slice of crusty bread, for a truly comforting and budget-friendly meal.
#4 Cabbage Stir-Fry with Mixed Veggies: Quick, Colorful, and Economical
Prepare a quick, easy, and incredibly tasty stir-fry that proudly features crisp cabbage and a medley of colorful, budget-friendly vegetables. This vibrant dish is perfect for a fast weeknight dinner, proving that healthy eating can be both affordable and exciting.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
3/4 head green cabbage, thinly shredded
6 oz frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans blend works well)
2 large carrots, shredded
1 tbsp minced garlic
1/4 yellow onion, diced
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tsp brown sugar
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, wok, or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the thinly shredded cabbage, frozen mixed vegetables, shredded carrots, minced garlic, and diced yellow onion. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 8-10 minutes. The vegetables should begin to soften and become slightly tender-crisp, but not overly mushy.
2. Stir in the 1/2 cup of water, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, and 2 teaspoons of brown sugar. Mix thoroughly to coat all the vegetables with the sauce.
3. Continue to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables reach your desired tenderness and the sauce has slightly thickened and is well combined with all the flavors. The brown sugar will caramelize slightly, adding depth to the stir-fry. Serve this easy stir-fry hot, perhaps over a bed of white rice, for a complete and satisfying extreme budget meal. This healthy and delicious dish is a testament to how simple ingredients can create vibrant flavors.
#5 Rice, Chicken, and Veggie Skillet: Simple & Satisfying
An incredibly easy and satisfying skillet meal featuring canned chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of frozen vegetables. This one-pan dinner is a lifesaver for busy evenings, offering a complete and balanced meal with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, truly a perfect cheap dinner recipe.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
6 oz frozen mixed vegetables
1/4 yellow onion, diced
1 tbsp minced garlic
5 oz can chicken, drained and flaked
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 cups water
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet with a lid, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and frozen mixed vegetables. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and the vegetables begin to thaw and become tender-crisp.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, drained and flaked canned chicken, uncooked white rice, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and 2 cups of water. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and let it cook for approximately 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally during the cooking process to prevent sticking and ensure the rice cooks evenly. Continue cooking until the rice is fully cooked through, tender, and has absorbed all the liquid. This rice, chicken, and veggie skillet is a true one-pot wonder, delivering a healthy and delicious dinner that’s perfect for any budget.
#6 Turkey Chili with Cornbread: A Classic Comfort Pairing
Enjoy a comforting, classic turkey chili, slow-simmered to perfection, and served with a delightful side of warm, fluffy cornbread. This hearty, budget-friendly meal is the epitome of home cooking, offering deep flavors and satisfying portions for the whole family, making it an ideal cheap family meal.
Ingredients:
1/2 lb ground turkey
1/4 yellow onion, diced
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp oregano
6 cups water
15 oz can chili beans (undrained for extra flavor)
14 oz can diced tomatoes (undrained)
1/2 cup white rice
1 box Jiffy cornbread mix (for cornbread)
Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing the cornbread according to the package instructions on the Jiffy cornbread mix box. While the chili simmers, you can bake the cornbread so both elements are ready at roughly the same time. This ensures a fresh, warm side for your hearty chili.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground turkey and diced yellow onion over medium heat. Break up the turkey with a spoon as it cooks. Continue until the turkey is thoroughly browned and cooked through, and the onion is softened and translucent. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and all the vibrant spices: chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, allowing the spices to toast slightly and release their full aroma. This step significantly deepens the flavor profile of your chili.
4. Add the undrained chili beans, undrained diced tomatoes, 6 cups of water, and the white rice to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chili has thickened to your desired consistency. Serve the hot turkey chili alongside warm cornbread for a comforting and complete budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for a family dinner.
Recipe Video: See These Meals Come to Life!
Your Essential Extreme Budget Shopping List for Under $20
To help you effortlessly recreate these 6 amazing extreme budget meals, I’ve put together a comprehensive shopping list. This list is designed to maximize your savings and minimize your time at the grocery store. Remember, prices can vary, but this will give you a solid foundation for your under $20 meal plan!
Protein:
1 lb ground turkey
5 oz can chicken
Canned Beans and Vegetables:
14 oz diced tomatoes (2 cans) (or one large 28 oz can, divided as needed)
8.75 oz can corn
15 oz can pinto beans
15 oz can chili beans
Dry Goods:
1 box Jiffy cornbread mix
1 lb bag white rice
1 bag of lentils
10 medium-sized flour tortillas
Produce:
1 lb bag of carrots
1 head green cabbage
1 yellow onion
1 head of garlic
5 lb bag potatoes (Russet or similar)
12 oz bag frozen mixed vegetables
Spices & Seasonings:
Before you head to the store, take a moment to check your pantry for these common spices. I typically have these on hand, and you likely do too. Purchasing them fresh will increase your budget slightly, but they are excellent investments for any kitchen.
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp oregano
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
2 tsp brown sugar
Getting Started with Your Extreme Budget Meal Plan
Once you’ve cross-referenced the shopping list with your pantry and gathered any missing items, you’re all set! The beauty of this extreme budget meal plan is its flexibility. Simply decide which days you want to enjoy each of these healthy and delicious dinners, and you’re good to go. I encourage you to try them all throughout the week and discover your new family favorites. Don’t forget to come back and let me know which recipes you loved the most – your feedback helps inspire even more budget-friendly creations!
Can I Double These Budget-Friendly Recipes for More Servings?
Absolutely! Doubling these recipes is not only possible but highly recommended if you’re feeding a larger family, planning for guests, or aiming to create convenient leftovers for quick and easy lunches throughout the week. By doubling the ingredients, you can easily produce 12 generous meals for around $40. Think about it: that’s an incredible value, especially when you consider you can barely get one fast-food meal for a family of six for that price. With this strategy, you’re providing a full week’s worth of healthy, homemade dinners, ensuring everyone is well-fed and happy. Store your leftovers in airtight containers to maintain freshness and make meal prep a breeze.
Can I Substitute Proteins in These Recipes?
Certainly! Flexibility is key when it comes to budget cooking. If you wish to swap the ground turkey for ground chicken or ground beef, please feel free! These recipe bases are very forgiving and will work beautifully with either substitution. Just be mindful that the cost might slightly increase depending on the price of your chosen protein. However, the core flavors and ease of preparation will remain consistent, allowing you to tailor these extreme budget meals to your family’s preferences or what’s on sale at your local grocery store.
Expand Your Menu: More Great and Easy Dinner Ideas
Looking to fill your month with even more delicious and affordable meal options? Explore these additional resources for simple, healthy, and budget-friendly dinners that your family will adore. Each link leads to a treasure trove of recipes designed to make your cooking life easier and more enjoyable.
Healthy Dump & Go Slow Cooker Recipes: Effortless Meals for Busy Days
10 of the BEST Ground Beef Recipes! Tasty, Quick & Cheap Dinners Made EASY!
Quick Links for Making Dinner Preparation Effortless
Here are some essential resources and tools to help you streamline your meal planning and cooking process. From organized family meal plans to my personal favorite kitchen tools and a free budget meal plan, these links are designed to support your journey to stress-free, budget-friendly cooking.
Family Meal Plans: Structured Guides for Weekly Dinners
Tools for the Kitchen and More: My Recommended Gear
The Best Cookbook for Family Dinner Recipes: Your Go-To Guide
FREE Budget Meal Plan: Download Your Copy Today!
Cooking Videos to Watch: Visual Guides for Every Recipe
If you give any of these fantastic extreme budget recipes a try, please make sure to tag us on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking and share your delicious creations! We absolutely love seeing how much you enjoyed the recipes and how they’ve helped you save money and eat well.
