Brrr – it’s really starting to get chilly out there. I’ve had the slow cooker out for the past week which I love because it’s such an easy way to cook, and it makes my freezing kitchen feel cosy.
BUT I’m starting to run out of hearty meal ideas for my hungry tribe.
With a husband who works an uber-physical job and 2 growing kids, I need filling yet budget-friendly meal ideas.
So when I put a call out to some of my blogging buddies to share their best budget-friendly winter warmer recipes to warm the cockles for us poor sods in the antipodes, I was overwhelmed with some fantastic winter recipe ideas.
I’m excited to bring you these 15 delicious, winter-warmer meal ideas.
Some are vegetarian which is great for staying on-budget. I definitely recommend eating more vegetarian meals if you can.
All of these recipes are delicious, easy to make and kid-friendly.
(Quick note: lots of these recipes use the imperial measurements. For conversion to metric go here.)
15 Cheap Winter Meals The Whole Family Will Devour
Finding family meals that are budget-friendly but delicious is a constant challenge. These winter meal ideas won’t disappoint.
1. Vegetable Cheddar Chowder
A creative take on regular old chunky veg soup, the cheddar makes this one of those hearty winter recipes you’ll keep coming back to.
Check out the recipe here: Vegetable Cheddar Chowder / Wanna Bite
2. Chef Boyardee Beefaroni
Mince and macaroni in the same dish! My kids are going to love this.
As budget family meals go, this one is right up there. I pretty much always have a spare packet of pasta in the cupboard and mince in the freezer. Looks delish!
Check out the recipe here: Chef Boyardee Beefaroni / Eat Thrive Glow
3. Cheeseburger Pasta
Mention the words cheese and burger and my boys are in.
This is one of those kid friendly meals for cold weather I’ll be coming back to often.
Check out the recipe here: One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe / Two Kids and a Coupon
4. Beef or Veggie Casserole
When it comes to cheap family meals, you can’t go past a casserole.
This simple recipe is easily adapted to use up any leftover veg in the fridge.
See the recipe here: Tummy-Warming Beef or Veggie Casserole / Snapshots and Snippets
5. French Onion Soup
Soup is one of the easiest winter meals for kids and this recipe won’t disappoint.
Check it out here: Easy French Onion Soup / She Wears Many Hats
6. Beef Goulash
Think ‘winter dinner ideas’ and goulash is right up there.
This Hungarian beef goulash will warm cockles and fill tummies.
See the recipe here: Hungarian Beef Goulash / Savory Tooth
7. Cuban Beef Stew
One of our top family meals on a budget is stew, because it’s easy to make, cheap and lasts at least 2 meals.
This Cuban beef stew makes a delicious next-day meal, too.
Recipe here: Cuban Beef Stew / Savory Tooth
8. Delicious Mujaddara
I just love it when I find winter meals using lentils because they are super cheap and healthy.
Check it out here: Delicious Mujaddara / Living Sweet Moments
9. Macaroni Pizza Casserole
This casserole rates highly on the budget meals for family scale.
Plus it contains the word ‘pizza’, so I know I’m not gonna struggle to get my kids to eat it.
Full recipe here: Macaroni Pizza Casserole / Ann’s Entitled Life
10. Cheesy Burrito Casserole
Another casserole because you just can’t beat them for cheap winter meals the kids will actually eat.
This time, Mexican inspired. Andale!
Recipe here: Cheesy Burrito Casserole / Ann’s Entitled Life
11. Chickpea Sweet Potato and Peanut Curry
Hearty family meals aren’t just for carnivores.
This beautiful vegetarian curry will delight the whole family.
Make it here: Chickpea Sweet Potato Peanut Curry / Rhian’s Recipes
12. Slow Cooker Vegan Barley Stew
The best winter family meals are the ones I can chuck in the slow cooker and forget about until dinner time.
And it’s vegan, so all goodness here.
Click here for the full recipe: Slow Cooker Vegan Barley Stew / Mama Likes to Cook
13. Asian Marinated Chicken Legs
Marinated chicken is a winner when it comes to winter recipes for kids.
Recipe here: Asian Marinated Chicken Legs / Fearless Dining
14. Persian Creamy Barley Soup
Hearty winter meals using barley are a great way to keep costs down and boost nutrition at the same time.
Check out the recipe here: Persian Creamy Barley Soup / The Delicious Crescent
15. Persian Noodle Soup
My kids and hubby adore noodles so I’m looking forward to adding this to my repertoire of hearty winter recipes.
Go here for more: Persian Noodle Soup with Beans and Herbs / The Delicious Crescent
Related:
- 20 Make Ahead Meals Your Toddler Will Actually Eat
- 85 Cheap Mince Recipes The Whole Family Will Love
- 6 Practical Meal Planning Tips + Meal Plan Template {FREE PRINTABLE}
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