Hmmm yes, interesting, thanks for your insight. I do sometimes wonder how much the 'feeding the family' aspect features in these choices.
I don't make the faffy meals largely because it would take me such a long time to eat, e.g. 3-4 sittings and I'd be bored of it by then.
Talking of the tuna steak, it's about £6.50-7 indeed. The way I now eat is I'll have a double helping of the protein, and not that much else, i.e. 7 quid spent on protein content, and maybe another quid on the side veg/tzatziki/ cheese. I suppose if you are feeding more people though, you need the bulk of the meal to be cheaper, i.e. pasta/rice/potatoes, with just enough protein so it doesn't break the bank. And the protein has to be cheaper, e.g. mince, chicken.
Is that what you're getting at?
To be fair, my work colleagues do say about their really high grocery bills every week (£150-200 for 2 people). I have stopped talking because 'I struggle to get up to the Ocado minimum order value for my biweekly shop' isn't going to make me popular!
I reckon I could still come up with easier meal than a shepherd's pie to feed 4 though... How about just boiling the potatoes and making an easy mince sauce with veg? Or serving 1x chicken fillet per person with rice and veg on the side? Things with minimal intervention, such as a huge pasta bake with peppers, tomatoes, green beans and canned tuna + cheese for the protein? A massive Spanish omelette?
You're right, better snacks cost a lot for sure. I've switched off from these shelves now other than high quality chocolate and some Italian biscuits, but it shock me to see the price of some of these things is under a pound! In my head, because of what I buy, the cost of a sweet snack start at £4 😂