Eating tasty food doesn't have to cost a lot of money. There are so many simple meals that you can make at home without breaking the bank. The best part? These meals are so yummy that your kids will love every bite!
With a little creativity, you can make meals that are easy on your wallet and delicious enough for even the pickiest eaters. Here are some of our favorite budget-friendly recipes.
Tortilla Pizza
Tortilla pizza is super easy and fast to make. Start with a tortilla as your base. Spread some tomato or marinara sauce evenly over it, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Add whatever toppings your kids love, like pepperoni, diced bell peppers, or pineapple chunks. Bake it in the oven and voila!
This dish is great as it gives you plenty of variations. For example, you can switch out flour tortillas for wheat- or gluten-free wraps if you prefer it that way. You can also use non-dairy cheese if you are vegan.
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Skip the boxed stuff and make homemade mac and cheese! Toss pasta, milk, butter, and cheese into the Instant Pot. In minutes, you'll have creamy, cheesy goodness that tastes better and costs less.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
This comforting soup is perfect for busy evenings or chilly weather. Best of all, you can use leftover cooked chicken or even canned chicken to keep it affordable.
Simmer chicken broth with noodles, diced carrots, and celery. Add a splash of cream to make it rich and smooth. It's warm, filling, and packed with flavor. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Making grilled cheese in the air fryer is so easy and mess-free! Butter two slices of bread and place cheese in the middle. Pop it in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result is a sandwich that's golden and crispy on the outside with gooey melted cheese on the inside.
If you want to kick things up a notch, pair it with a warm bowl of tomato soup for a classic, kid-favorite combo.
Chicken and Green Beans
This simple meal is both healthy and delicious. Sauté bite-sized pieces of chicken in a skillet with a little olive oil and seasoning like garlic powder or paprika. Add fresh or frozen green beans and cook until tender. You can serve it with rice or mashed potatoes.
Banana Pancakes
If you're addicted to bananas, try out this four-ingredient banana pancake recipe. These naturally sweet pancakes are a great way to use up ripe bananas and also give your kids a nutritious breakfast or snack option.
The bananas add natural sweetness, so you can skip the extra sugar. That said, you can serve them with syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a dollop of peanut butter.
Meatball Stroganoff
Meatball Stroganoff is a hearty meal that combines frozen meatballs, noodles, and a creamy sauce for a filling and flavorful dish. Cook your noodles first, then heat the meatballs in a skillet with a can of cream of mushroom soup and a little sour cream. Mix the cooked noodles into the sauce and stir everything together.
