Budget-Friendly Meals Under £5 for the Whole Family
Feeding a family on a tight budget is entirely possible without sacrificing taste or nutrition. These meals all cost under £5 for a family of four.
Pasta with Tomato and Vegetable Sauce
Cost: approximately £1.50. Cook pasta and top with a sauce made from tinned tomatoes, onion, garlic, courgette, and mixed herbs. Add a tin of lentils for extra protein. Simple, filling, and delicious.
Vegetable and Chickpea Curry
Cost: approximately £2. Fry onion and garlic, add curry powder, tinned tomatoes, and chickpeas. Add any leftover vegetables from the fridge. Serve with rice. A complete, nutritious meal for pennies.
Jacket Potatoes with Beans
Cost: approximately £1.50. Baked potatoes are one of the most budget-friendly meals available. Top with baked beans, cheese, or tuna. Nutritious, filling, and incredibly cheap.
Egg and Vegetable Frittata
Cost: approximately £2. Whisk six eggs and pour over sautéed onions, peppers, and spinach in an ovenproof pan. Bake at 180°C for 20 minutes. Serve with salad.
Homemade Lentil Soup
Cost: approximately £1.50. Red lentils, tinned tomatoes, carrots, and onion make a filling soup that feeds four. Season with cumin and coriander. Serve with bread.
Tips for Reducing Your Food Bill
- Plan your meals for the week before shopping
- Buy own-brand ingredients — quality is often the same
- Use your freezer — freeze bread, meat, and leftovers
- Shop seasonal vegetables which cost less and taste better
- Use pulses and legumes as cheap protein alternatives
- Cook in bulk and eat leftovers the next day