Eating healthy doesn’t have to break the bank, and with a little planning, you can prepare nutritious meals for the whole family without spending more than £10 per meal. Whether you’re looking for simple dinners that are quick to prepare or dishes that will please everyone, we’ve got you covered! Here are five budget-friendly, healthy meals that feed 4 people, with a full shopping list to make your next grocery run a breeze.
Chicken Fajitas
- Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts: £2.99
- 2 bell peppers: £1.20
- 1 large onion: £0.20
- Fajita seasoning: £0.50
- 8 small tortilla wraps: £1.00
- Sour cream: £1.00
- Cheddar cheese (optional): £2.00
- Total Cost: Approx. £8.89
- Serves: 4
- Instructions: Slice the chicken, peppers, and onion. Fry together with fajita seasoning until cooked through. Serve in warmed tortillas and top with sour cream and cheese if desired.
Chicken & Veggie Risotto
- Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts: £2.99
- 300g arborio rice (risotto rice): £1.00
- 1 onion: £0.20
- 1 garlic clove: £0.10
- 1 litre chicken stock: £0.50
- 100g frozen peas: £0.30
- 1 bell pepper: £0.60
- 50g grated parmesan (optional): £1.50
- 1 tbsp olive oil: £0.10
- Total Cost: Approx. £7.29
- Serves: 4
- Instructions: Fry the chopped chicken until golden, then set aside. In the same pan, fry the onion and garlic. Add the rice, then gradually add chicken stock while stirring. Once the rice is creamy and cooked through, stir in the chicken, peas, and bell pepper. Add parmesan if desired.
Sausage and Veggie Tray Bake
- Ingredients:
- 8 pork sausages: £1.50
- 4 medium potatoes: £1.00
- 2 carrots: £0.30
- 1 red onion: £0.20
- 1 bell pepper: £0.60
- Olive oil and herbs: £1.00
- Total Cost: Approx. £4.60
- Serves: 4
- Instructions: Slice the veggies, toss them in olive oil and herbs, and arrange with sausages on a tray. Roast at 200°C for 25-30 minutes until everything is cooked through.
Chicken Stir-Fry
- Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts: £2.99
- 300g mixed frozen vegetables: £1.50
- 300g egg noodles: £1.00
- Soy sauce: £0.50
- 1 garlic clove: £0.10
- 1 inch ginger: £0.20
- Total Cost: Approx. £6.29
- Serves: 4
- Instructions: Fry the chicken with garlic and ginger until cooked through. Add the veggies and soy sauce, stir-frying for a few minutes. Cook the noodles separately and mix together.
Vegetarian Chilli
- Ingredients:
- 1 can kidney beans: £0.50
- 1 can black beans: £0.50
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes: £0.50
- 1 onion: £0.20
- 1 bell pepper: £0.60
- 2 garlic cloves: £0.20
- Chilli seasoning: £0.50
- 300g rice: £1.00
- Total Cost: Approx. £5.50
- Serves: 4
- Instructions: Fry the onion, pepper, and garlic until softened. Add the beans, tomatoes, and chilli seasoning, and let simmer. Serve with cooked rice.
Shopping List
This shopping list includes all the ingredients you’ll need for the week, with quantities and approximate prices:
- 4 chicken breasts: £5.98
- 10 sausages: £1.50
- 300g arborio rice: £1.00
- 500g minced beef: £3.00
- 2 cans kidney beans: £1.00
- 1 can black beans: £0.50
- 2 tins chopped tomatoes: £1.00
- 1 tbsp tomato puree: £0.40
- 8 tortillas: £1.00
- 1 pack of egg noodles: £1.00
- 300g mixed frozen vegetables: £1.50
- 1 large onion: £0.20
- 1 red onion: £0.20
- 4 bell peppers: £2.40
- 4 medium potatoes: £1.00
- 2 carrots: £0.30
- 1 garlic bulb: £0.40
- 1 inch ginger: £0.20
- Fajita seasoning: £0.50
- Chilli seasoning: £0.50
- Olive oil and herbs: £1.00
- Sour cream: £1.00
- Cheddar cheese: £2.00
- Grated parmesan (optional): £1.50
Total Weekly Shopping Cost: Approx £26.08
Closing Thoughts:
By shopping smart and choosing versatile ingredients, you can create a week of healthy, delicious meals for your family that won’t break the bank. These recipes are not only budget-friendly but also packed with nutrients, ensuring your family stays well-fed and happy.