Cheap and Easy Meals for Families on the Go

At Laurie’s Grill, we know how challenging it can be to feed a family on a tight budget and schedule.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide on cheap and easy meals for families on the go.

We’ll share quick breakfast ideas, simple lunch and dinner solutions, and budget-friendly meal planning tips to help you keep your family well-fed without breaking the bank.

Quick Breakfast Ideas for Busy Mornings

At Laurie’s Grill, we understand the importance of starting the day with a nutritious meal. Here are some quick and easy breakfast ideas that will keep your family fueled and ready to tackle the day ahead.

Overnight Oats: A Time-Saving Powerhouse

Overnight oats revolutionize busy mornings. You can make these oats the day before and even prep a whole week’s worth at a time for a high-protein, fiber-rich on-the-go breakfast! Mix rolled oats with milk (dairy or plant-based) and your favorite toppings in a jar before bed. The next morning, you’ll have a creamy, delicious breakfast ready to go. Add fresh fruits, nuts, or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor. This method saves precious morning time and allows customization to each family member’s taste preferences.

Egg and Veggie Breakfast Burritos

Prepare a batch of breakfast burritos on the weekend for grab-and-go meals throughout the week. Scramble eggs with diced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and spinach. Wrap the mixture in whole wheat tortillas with a sprinkle of cheese. You can make these ahead and freeze them, then quickly reheat in the microwave or oven. Each large egg contains six grams of protein and is a good or excellent source of eight essential nutrients all for just 70 calories, making them an excellent choice for a satisfying breakfast.

Smoothie Bowls: A Nutrient-Packed Start

Smoothie bowls pack fruits, vegetables, and protein into one colorful dish. Blend frozen fruits with Greek yogurt or plant-based milk for a thick base. Pour into a bowl and top with granola, fresh fruit slices, and a sprinkle of chia seeds. This breakfast option offers quick preparation and a variety of textures and flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.

Make-Ahead Breakfast Sandwiches

Assemble breakfast sandwiches using English muffins, eggs, cheese, and (if desired) pre-cooked bacon or sausage. Wrap individually in foil and store in the freezer. In the morning, unwrap and microwave for a hot, satisfying breakfast in minutes. This option combines convenience with the comfort of a classic breakfast sandwich.

Yogurt Parfait Bar

Set up a yogurt parfait bar the night before with individual containers of yogurt, a variety of toppings (such as granola, nuts, and dried fruits), and fresh berries. In the morning, family members can quickly assemble their own parfaits, allowing for personalization and reducing prep time.

These quick breakfast ideas prove that nutritious meals don’t require extensive time or expense. With a bit of planning, you can ensure your family starts the day right, even during the busiest mornings. Now, let’s explore some simple lunch and dinner solutions that keep both your schedule and budget in check.

Easy Family Meals in a Flash

At Laurie’s Grill, we understand the challenge of preparing quick, nutritious meals for busy families. We’ve compiled some simple lunch and dinner solutions that are both time-efficient and budget-friendly.

One-Pot Wonders

One-pot meals minimize cleanup while maximizing flavor. A favorite among our customers is the one-pot pasta primavera. Toss pasta, vegetables, and seasonings into a large pot with broth, and in about 20 minutes, you’ll have a complete meal. A study by the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that families who cook together at least three times a week are more likely to have healthier eating habits.

Sheet Pan Suppers

Sheet pan meals offer another easy solution for hectic weeknights. Try a simple sheet pan chicken and vegetable roast. Arrange chicken pieces and your choice of vegetables on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with herbs, and roast for about 30 minutes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that this cooking method can help retain more nutrients in vegetables compared to boiling.

Slow Cooker Saviors

Don’t overlook the power of your slow cooker for creating hearty, hands-off meals. A crowd-pleaser is slow cooker chili, which can simmer for eight hours in the crockpot until it’s absolutely perfect. The National Institutes of Health suggests that beans are an excellent source of fiber and protein (making them a nutritious and affordable addition to family meals).

Breakfast for Dinner

Who says breakfast foods are only for mornings? Whip up a quick frittata using eggs, leftover vegetables, and cheese for a protein-packed dinner in under 30 minutes. The American Heart Association recommends eating eggs as part of a healthy diet (noting their high-quality protein content).

Build-Your-Own Meal Stations

Create a DIY taco or burrito bowl station with pre-cooked proteins, rice, beans, and various toppings. This approach allows family members to customize their meals and can be a fun way to get kids involved in meal preparation. A study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that children who help with meal preparation are more likely to try new foods.

These simple meal solutions can save you time and money while still providing nutritious options for your family. Now, let’s explore some budget-friendly meal planning tips to help stretch your food dollar even further.

Smart Savings for Family Meals

Bulk Buying Benefits

At Laurie’s Grill, we understand the importance of smart shopping for families. Bulk purchasing continues to grow in the rice category as consumers seek cost savings, meal prep convenience, and versatile staple ingredients. Focus on staples like rice, pasta, canned goods, and frozen meats to maximize your savings.

Meal Prep Magic

A study found that meal planning was associated with a healthier diet and less obesity. You can transform your family’s eating habits by dedicating a few hours on the weekend to prepare meals for the week. This strategy not only saves time but also reduces the temptation to order expensive takeout on busy weeknights.

Frozen Food Finds

The freezer aisle offers budget-friendly options that don’t compromise on nutrition. The American Frozen Food Institute states that frozen produce is picked at peak ripeness and flash-frozen, which locks in nutrients. You can stock up on frozen berries (perfect for smoothies), mixed vegetables (ideal for quick stir-fries), and spinach (an easy addition to pasta dishes or omelets).

Protein on a Budget

Protein doesn’t need to strain your wallet. Eggs, beans, and lentils provide cost-effective protein sources that form the base of many meals. The USDA reports that a serving of beans costs about 17 cents, compared to 63 cents for lean ground beef. You can incorporate these budget-friendly proteins into dishes like bean burritos, lentil soups, or vegetarian chili for hearty, wallet-friendly meals.

Strategic Shopping Tips

You can maximize your grocery budget with a few simple strategies. Try to shop with a list to avoid impulse purchases. Compare unit prices (not just total prices) to find the best deals. Consider store brands, which often offer similar quality at lower prices. You can also take advantage of sales and coupons, but only for items you actually need and will use.

Final Thoughts

Feeding a family on a budget while managing busy schedules can be challenging. We’ve explored various options for cheap and easy meals for families that are both nutritious and delicious. These include quick breakfast ideas, simple dinner solutions, and budget-friendly meal planning tips.

Planning is essential for success in creating affordable family meals. You can significantly reduce time and money spent on meals through meal prep, bulk buying of staples, and use of budget-friendly protein sources. Frozen fruits and vegetables offer cost savings and ensure you always have nutritious ingredients for quick meals.

We encourage you to try new recipes and involve your family in meal planning and preparation. At Laurie’s Grill, we offer classic American diner favorites when you need a break from cooking (but we hope these ideas inspire you to create budget-friendly meals at home).