9 Delicious Family-Approved Meals Under $5

Feeding a family on a budget doesn’t have to be a hassle. We’ve rounded up nine delicious meals that won’t break the bank, each costing under $5. These family-approved recipes are easy to whip up, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights. Say goodbye to meal planning stress and hello to tasty savings!

Egg Fried Rice with Peas and Carrots

Egg fried rice with peas and carrots is a delightful dish that’s both satisfying and easy to whip up. This recipe brings together fluffy rice, tender vegetables, and savory eggs for a meal that’s packed with flavor.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish can be made in under 30 minutes. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and transform simple ingredients into something special. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, making it a top choice for families!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble them until fully cooked. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then stir in the peas and carrots. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender.
3. Add the cooked rice, green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil (if using) to the pan. Stir everything together, ensuring the rice is heated through.
4. Finally, mix in the scrambled eggs and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!

One-Pot Chili with Beans and Corn

This one-pot chili is a perfect blend of hearty beans and sweet corn, making it a family favorite. Packed with flavor, it’s a simple dish that warms you up and fills you up without breaking the bank.

Easy to prepare, this chili lets you skip multiple pots and pans. Just toss everything into one pot and let it simmer. It’s a great way to enjoy a nutritious meal that even picky eaters will love!

Ingredients

• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent.
2. Add the chili powder and cumin, cooking for an additional minute for the spices to bloom.
3. Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Once the chili thickens, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice

This Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice is a quick and easy meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. It features a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, stir-fried to perfection, and served over fluffy rice. The combination of crisp veggies and savory sauce creates a delightful dish that everyone in the family will love.

Not only is this recipe simple to make, but it’s also budget-friendly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re looking to save a few bucks. Just toss your favorite vegetables in a hot pan, add some soy sauce and spices, and you have a healthy meal ready in no time!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in the sliced bell peppers, carrot, zucchini, and snap peas. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Serve the stir-fried vegetables over a bed of cooked rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired, and enjoy!

Lentil Soup with Crusty Bread

Lentil soup is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for family dinners on a budget. It’s rich in flavor, hearty, and packed with nutrition, making it a comforting choice that everyone will love. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, even for those busy weeknights!

This recipe combines lentils, vegetables, and spices to create a deliciously satisfying dish. Paired with some crusty bread, it becomes a filling meal without breaking the bank. Get ready to enjoy a simple yet delightful dinner!

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic, cumin, and paprika, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley alongside crusty bread.

Taco Bar with Ground Beef and Fixings

Setting up a taco bar is a fun and easy way to bring the family together for a meal. With seasoned ground beef as the star, everyone can build their own tacos just the way they like. The great thing about this recipe is its versatility—choose your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa to create flavors that everyone will love.

This meal is not just budget-friendly but also simple to prepare. It takes only a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Plus, you can customize it however you want, making it a hit with kids and adults alike!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 8 taco shells or small tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 cup lettuce, shredded
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and follow package instructions, usually adding a bit of water and simmering for a few minutes until thickened.
3. Prepare Toppings: While the beef is cooking, prepare your toppings by shredding lettuce, dicing tomatoes, and setting out cheese, corn, and salsa.
4. Warm the Shells: If using taco shells, warm them according to package instructions. If using tortillas, you can lightly toast them in a pan.
5. Assemble Tacos: Set up a taco bar with all your ingredients. Let everyone build their own tacos with their favorite toppings.

Homemade Pizza with Simple Toppings

Homemade pizza is a fun and tasty way to bring the family together. With a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that everyone will love. The combination of crispy crust, savory sauce, and gooey cheese makes for a delightful taste that’s hard to resist.

The best part? Making pizza at home is super simple and budget-friendly. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or keep it classic with just cheese and tomato sauce. Gather the kids for a pizza-making night, and let their creativity shine!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Make the Dough: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes until doubled.
3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
4. Prepare the Pizza: Roll out the dough into a circle on a floured surface. Transfer it to a baking sheet or heated pizza stone. Spread marinara sauce evenly over the dough.
5. Add Toppings: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Top with halved cherry tomatoes.
6. Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and add fresh basil leaves. Slice and enjoy your homemade pizza!

Pasta Primavera with Seasonal Vegetables

Pasta Primavera is a colorful and delicious dish that showcases fresh vegetables, making it a hit with the family. It’s light yet filling, bursting with flavors from seasonal produce and a touch of olive oil. Not only is it super easy to whip up, but it also fits within a budget, typically costing under $5 per serving.

This dish celebrates simplicity while offering a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, Pasta Primavera can easily be tailored to include your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get the kids to eat their greens!

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Beans

Stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and budget-friendly meal that the whole family will love. Combining rice, beans, and spices, these colorful peppers are not only visually appealing but also pack a satisfying punch of flavor. Plus, they’re easy to make, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a fun way to use up leftover ingredients, these stuffed peppers are versatile enough to fit the bill. They can be customized with your favorite spices or additional veggies, ensuring everyone at the table has something to enjoy.

Ingredients

• 4 medium bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can (15 oz) black or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Place them in a baking dish, cut side up.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked rice, beans, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Spoon the mixture into the hollowed-out peppers, packing it gently.
5. If using cheese, sprinkle some on top of each filled pepper.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
7. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Cabbage and Sausage Skillet

This Cabbage and Sausage Skillet is a hearty, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender sautéed cabbage, savory sausage, and colorful veggies creates a comforting dish that’s packed with flavor. It’s easy to make and budget-friendly, making it a hit with the whole family.

The dish comes together quickly, requiring minimal prep work. You can customize it with your favorite seasonings or whatever vegetables you have on hand. It’s satisfying without being heavy, and the leftovers taste even better the next day!

Ingredients

• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 pound of smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the diced onion and carrots to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the chopped cabbage, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.
4. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.