To ask for your really cheap ideas to feed 5 on a budget

[turquoisegem]

Family of 5.
3 teens not yet of working age.
Food is costing us a fortune at the moment with growing kids and food prices on the hike.

The older boys have huge appetites so I'm hoping for some ideas for meals we can cook on a budget please?
I feel like I'm spending a fortune and still struggling to make it go round.

I know I will get slated for this but I would also think twice about keeping your house full of easy to grab snacks - in my experience a lot of teenage boys are plain greedy if the fridge and cupboards are full of nice to have things, rather than make themselves a quick peanut butter or cheese sandwich etc. - and many women feel obliged to keep nice full fridges and cupboards- if there is less to choose from then it often encourages more sensible eating options

Yes.

Also microwave then 10 mins in the oven to crisp up you won't know the difference.

If you are buying or replacing a microwave get one with a grill or oven option, it's worth the extra just for the potatoes.

It's probably already been mentioned but community shop / fridge and apps like Olio are great for bargains.

My community shop does a £5 deal on a Friday of meat (usually a chicken) potatoes, veg, stuffing and gravy granules.

Cheese scones are a great filler!

I like www.destitutegourmet.com.nz for great ideas.

Great ideas on this thread.

Jamie Oliver is publishing a free monthly menu of family budget friendly meals atm

We really like majadra (Middle Eastern spiced rice and lentils with yummy fried onions on top). I use this recipe but halve the spices and simplify the cooking - I just do normal fried onions: amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2010/oct/09/mejadra-recipe-yotam-ottolenghi

Can be a side or a meal in itself with a bit of sour cream on top and some salad or veg.

This chilli recipe is easy and works really well with veggie mince: www.hairybikers.com/recipes/view/chilli-con-carne
I serve it as burritos so everyone takes a tortilla then puts rice, chilli then grated cheese, chopped tomato and onion, and whatever other toppings I have around. It’s a huge hit as it’s a fun meal, and the chilli goes a really long way.

Popcorn that you pop on the stove or in an air-popper (not the expensive microwave popcorn). After popping, put some oil or butter and either sweet or savory toppings and have it for snacks or with lunch. For savory -Parmesan cheese, any herbs and spices you like, & for sweet cinnamon, sugar, etc.

We really like majadra (Middle Eastern spiced rice and lentils with yummy fried onions on top). I use this recipe but halve the spices and simplify the cooking - I just do normal fried onions: amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2010/oct/09/mejadra-recipe-yotam-ottolenghi

Thanks, this looks intriguing - will give it a go.

We have stopped keeping loads of snacks in the house and clamped down on thoughtless teenage grazing.

Always buy bigger and make more.
Chicken thighs.
Bulk things out and have carb option like flatbread,chapiti or dumplings.these can be made with either just yoghurt and flour or just flirt and water.add a few herbs or mustard and you've got a topping or bulk. Boys especially love a good dumpling or flatbrwad for acoopage.
And I'd be making more bake type thing and saucy casserole
Sausage and bean casserole
Curry's
Pasta bakes
Big rice dishes
Have a whatever you want night so whatever is left or it's egg,cereal,sandwich etc. Make it a tradition😊 we used to love our free for all night.
Deff jacket potatoes. With buffet style beans and cheese or tuna mayo in bowls to nab a spoonful.
Enchiladas
Get them to cook.so they can see what goes into it.
Even get them to go shop for ingredients so they themselves can see the price hikes.they will be shocked.
Make pies with jus roll pastry.
Always look in lidl and aldi for their top veg offer that week.
Pasta.jar if dolmio.frankferters is a favourite.
Tuna,white sauce,sweetcorn poured into the middle of a puff pastry envelope.bringing yhe sides up together.
Cheese and bacon andvyonato bake
Lasagne and or using fusili or penne which makes it go further.

Frozen cauli cheese cooked in air fryer with (cooked) macaroni added at the end and stirred in to the cheese sauce

Penne arrabiata or amatriciana

Flatbreads, houmus, roast veg (whatever is in the fridge), bag 79p salad, feta or halloumi if budget permits

Wraps, red onion, chicken and/or peppers, sauce made from tin toms - cheaper version of the fajita kits