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?