We are a family of 7. We have allergies in our family so we do not eat dairy, eggs, or nuts. I compiled this list of simple and cheap meal ideas a little while back and thought that I would share it with you. I always focus on the protein. I try my hardest to have a variety of foods at each meal. Even if it is just a few slices of carrot sticks and a pickle to add some variety.
Breakfast Ideas
- Oatmeal or creamy rice with peaches and brown sugar
- Oatmeal or creamy rice with apples, cinnamon, brown sugar
- Oatmeal or creamy rice with raisins and brown sugar
- Oatmeal or creamy rice with coconut milk and peaches
- Breakfast Skillet - potatoes, onions, veggies, and meat cooked on stove
- Homemade Pancakes
Main Dish Ideas
- Stew - meat, veggies, potatoes (make it thinner like soup if you need to stretch it farther - serve with bread or buns)
- Shepherds Pie - any meat, veggies, and then mashed potatoes on top
- Soups - meat or beans, veggies, starch (potato, pasta, or rice)
- Potato Soup with bits of ham (you could take one slice and cut it up really small or grate it to)
- Potato and Leek Soup - potatoes and leeks
- Chili (heavy on the beans and veggies)
- Chiligetti - chili with noodles
- Spanish Rice - pasta sauce with rice - usually I add veggies and hamburger too
- Sweet and Sour (pork, chicken, etc) - you can make this with pineapple juice (from a tin of pineapple), vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, cornstarch then serve with rice and veggies
- Honey Garlic (pork or chicken) - you just need some honey and fresh garlic
- Beef and Broccoli - stir fry the beef and broccoli and serve over rice
- Tuna Salad - tuna, green relish or pickles, mayo, fine chopped celery, raisins, grated carrots… could be served with lettuce or bread
- Hamburger, kidney beans, corn, and rice
- Tuna Casserole - tuna, elbow noodles, and peas (canned or frozen)
- Spaghetti - hamburger, peppers, onion, tomato, sauce, and noodles
Snack Ideas
- Carrot or other veggie slices
- Apple or other fruit slices
- Popcorn - cook the kernels in oil on a pot on the stove
- Frozen Fruit
- Fruit Juice Popsicles
Other Fun Ideas
- Honey Garlic Dip - honey, garlic, and eggless mayo
- Homemade Ice Tea - 6 tea bags, water, lemon juice, and sugar
- Lemonade - lemon juice, water, and sugar
- Quick Pancake Syrup - simmer a few tablespoons of jam with some water in a pot on the stove.
Check out these fun ways to make water more interesting.
What are your simple and cheap ideas for feeding your family?
