If you’re like most families, you probably struggle to find time to cook during the week. That’s why we’ve put together an easy weekly family meal plan that includes simple recipes your whole folks will love. Plus, we’ve included a grocery list so you can make sure you have everything you need before starting. Enjoy!
Money is tighter than ever! And a family meal plan is a great way to save potentially hundreds of dollars on your grocery bill every month.
The Benefits of Family Meal Planning:
There are just so many benefits to weekly meal planning for your family. They include:
- Cutting down on food wastage
- Saving money
- Knowing what you are going to eat for the week in advance
- Cooking what your family knows and loves
Goals with Family Meal Planning on a Budget:
Personally, I try and keep the cost of every main meal for four under $20 give or take. All meals are family-friendly with no schmancy ingredients that you will never use again. We do focus strongly on Pantry Staples – because that makes multiple meals.
More reading:
What’s Included in this Meal Plan?
Our weekly meal plan has seven dinners, and every week we will publish a new meal plan. Remember not every meal plan will suit all families – but we will be publishing varieties of meal plans such as:
- Dairy Free Meal Plans
- Gluten-Free Meal Plans
- Super Frugal Meal Plans (for when money is really really tight)
We also include a full shopping list for your meal plan to make it easy! And if you are looking for budget breakfast and lunch ideas – we have those for you too!
Day 1: Family Meal Plan
Breakfast 1: Lemon Risotto For Under $9!
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly breakfast option, you can’t go wrong with lemon risotto. This dish is usually made with rice, broth, and Parmesan cheese, but the addition of lemon juice and zest gives it a bright flavour that’s perfect for the morning. Best of all, risotto is very versatile and can be easily adapted to whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Oh, did we mention it’s also healthy with loads of vegetable stock?
Lunch 1: Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake
Another budget-friendly, quick family meal plan option? It’s this cheesy broccoli pasta! This dish is packed with flavour and is sure to satisfy your hunger. Plus, it’s super easy to make. Simply boil the pasta, cook the broccoli, and mix everything together with some cheese.
In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, healthy meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
Dinner 1: Hidden Veggie Porcupine Meatballs
My boys are aged 14 and 15 now and I still have to hide vegetables… It is so frustrating. Luckily – they love meatballs – and I’ve been making the traditional style porcupine meatballs for years and years – so I thought I’d see how they would go with loads of added veggies in there – and they worked! The boys didn’t suspect a thing!
Some days I’m sure they will get scurvy!
Day 2: Family Meal Plan
Breakfast 2: Pea and Corn Fritters
These little patties are made with a mixture of frozen peas, corn kernels, flour, egg and some seasonings, then fried up in a pan until golden brown. Serve them with some grilled tomatoes and avocado on the side for a complete meal. You can also make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for later.
Just pull them out of the freezer when you’re ready to eat and cook them up for a hot and delicious breakfast.
Lunch 2: Indian Rice Pilaf with Spiced Beef
A.K.A. your favourite biryani! This one is with spiced beef. If you love food with loads of spice and a bit of a kick (but not too much for the kids) – then this recipe is for you. It is just – delicious!!!!! Leave out the sour cream on top for the Dairy Free version.
Alright, if you think it’s too spicy, you can down it out with some homemade milk tea or teh tarik.
Dinner 2: Baked Sour Cream Chicken
Baked sour cream chicken is one of my favourites. It’s cheap and quick, and you can easily make a big batch to feed a crowd. Plus, it’s always a hit with my family. I typically serve it with some roasted vegetables and a side of rice or mashed potatoes.
It makes a really great comfort food!
Day 3: Family Meal Plan
Breakfast 3: Banana Oaty Smoothie
Smoothie for breakfast! Can’t get any cheaper or quicker than that. All you need is a banana, some oats, milk of your choice, and a blender. Simply combine all ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth. This smoothie is not only cheap and quick to make but it’s also packed with nutrients and fibre to help start your day off right.
And if you’re looking to mix things up, you can always add in other fruits or vegetables to customize your smoothie to your liking.
Lunch 3: Family Size Chicken Caesar Salad
This salad is packed with all of the classic Caesar salad toppings – romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and of course, chicken – but it comes in a larger size that is perfect for feeding a family of four. Plus, it’s relatively cheap compared to other lunch options – you can easily find it for under $10 to $15.
Hey, this is a hearty lunch meal great to pack for your kids to school! Meal planning shouldn’t be this hard.
Dinner 3: Chicken and Spinach Meatloaf
Chicken meatloaf is a great budget-friendly meal that can be made quickly and easily. I like to use ground chicken because it’s cheaper than ground beef, and it’s also leaner so it’s healthier. To make the meatloaf, I start by mixing together the ground chicken, some chopped spinach, an egg, some bread crumbs, and a little bit of milk.
Then I shape it into a loaf and bake it in the oven. While the meatloaf is cooking, I make a quick gravy by whisking together some chicken broth, some flour, and a little bit of cream. Once the meatloaf is cooked through, I pour the gravy over it and serve. It’s a delicious and hearty meal that my family enjoys!
Day 4: Family Meal Plan
Breakfast 4: Glorious Veggie Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Try this delicious Veggie Quinoa Breakfast Bowl! This healthy dish is packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like quinoa, kale, sweet potato, eggs and avocado. Plus, it’s super versatile – you can easily add or substitute any of your favourite veggies. And it’s perfect for meal prep – simply make a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it all week long! Talk about a real weekly family meal plan.
So why not give it a try? Your body (and your taste buds) will thank you!
Lunch 4: Golden Bake – The One Dish Wonder
Plan your weekly family meal plan well! This dish is perfect for those days when you want something hearty and filling but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover meat and vegetables you have on hand. To make golden bake, simply layer cooked ground beef, diced vegetables and mashed pumpkin in a baking dish.
Then, top with shredded cheese and bake until golden brown and bubbly.
Dinner 4: Toad in the Hole
Toad in the Hole is a budget-friendly meal that is quick and easy to make. The dish consists of sausage cooked in a hole in a slice of bread and is typically served with gravy. Toad in the Hole is popular comfort food with Aussies, and is often enjoyed on chilly evenings or rainy days.
The dish can be made with any type of sausage, but traditionally, it is made with bangers. Bangers are a type of pork sausage that is typically flavoured with sage and onion. One advantage of Toad in the Hole is that it can be easily adapted to suit different tastes. For instance, you can use any type of sausage that you like.
Day 5: Family Meal Plan
Breakfast 5: Vegan Banana Pancakes
I love pancakes, but I never really thought about making them myself until I went vegan. I was always budget-conscious, so I looked for frugal recipes that I could make cheaply and quickly. The problem was that most of the vegan pancake recipes I found used ingredients that I didn’t have on hand, or that were too expensive for my budget.
Finally, I found a recipe for vegan banana pancakes that fit the bill. Not only were the ingredients cheap and easy to find, but the pancakes were quick and easy to make. Plus, they were delicious! They’re perfect for a budget-friendly family meal plan.
Lunch 5: Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Bake (costs under $10!)
It’s a quick and easy way to get lunch on the table, and it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. I like to make a double batch and freeze half for another day. This is also a great meal to take to a potluck or picnic. Just reheat and enjoy!
And, do you know what else I love about it? Heck, it costs under $10 to make it!
Dinner 5: Two Ingredient Slowcooker Sticky Ribs
Ribs are one of my favourite budget-friendly, cheap, and quick family meals to cook up in the slow cooker (for 8 hours full). I usually just need two ingredients: a rack of pork ribs and my favourite BBQ sauce. This recipe is so easy, and it always turns out delicious!
The ribs come out tender and fall off the bone, and they’re coated in a sticky, sweet, and slightly tangy BBQ sauce. My family always loves when I make this dish – it’s definitely a favourite on our meal plan!
Day 6: Family Meal Plan
Breakfast 6: Berry Muesli Parfaits
Given the budget-friendly price tag and the cheap, quick family meal plan, Berry Muesli Parfaits are a great way to enjoy a delicious breakfast without spending a lot of money or time. Simply layer berries, muesli, and yogurt in a jar or cup, and you’re good to go! If you’re feeling fancy, you can top your parfait with a drizzle of honey or some chopped nuts.
Lunch 6: White Bean Salad Lunch Bowl
I like to make this salad when I’m short on time but still want to prepare a healthy, homemade family meal plan. The salad is packed with protein and fibre, and it’s a great way to use up leftover beans or vegetables. To make the salad, simply combine cooked white beans, diced tomatoes, chopped cucumber, and shredded carrots in a bowl.
For the dressing, I like to use a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. You can also add other herbs or spices to taste. I typically serve the salad over a bed of greens, but it would also be delicious with quinoa or rice.
Dinner 6: Frugal Vegetarian Lasagne
I usually make this dish on the weekend so that I have leftovers for the week (great weekly family meal plan trick!). To make this dish, you will need a jar of tomato sauce, a package of lasagne noodles, a container of ricotta cheese, a bag of frozen spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
First, preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, begin layering the lasagne noodles, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, frozen spinach, and mozzarella cheese in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Continue layering until all ingredients are used up. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Let the lasagne cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Day 7: Family Meal Plan
Breakfast 7: Bubble and Squeak
Bubble and squeak is a budget-friendly, cheap, and quick meal that is perfect for the family meal plan. It’s made with leftovers from the night before, typically boiled potatoes and cabbage, and fried in a pan with eggs. Bubble and squeak can be a hearty breakfast or a light lunch or dinner.
It’s a budget-friendly meal because it uses up leftovers that would otherwise go to waste, and it’s a cheap meal because it doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. Plus, it’s a quick meal that can be whipped up in minutes. Bubble and Squeak is perfect for those busy days when you need to get breakfast on the table fast. It’s also a great way to sneak some veggies into your kids’ diet!
Lunch 7: Low Fat Turkey Burgers
These delicious burgers are perfect for a family meal plan, and they’re so easy to make. Simply combine ground turkey, bread crumbs, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form the mixture into patties and cook on a lightly oiled grill or pan over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Serve on whole wheat buns with your favourite toppings, and enjoy!
Dinner 7: Country Beef Casserole with Herb Scones
This budget-friendly casserole is perfect for a quick and easy family dinner. The combination of hearty beef, creamy gravy, and tender herbs are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. And the best part is that the entire meal can be made in less than an hour.
Simply brown the beef, mix together the gravy ingredients, and bake in a single dish. While the casserole is baking, whip up a batch of scones using your favourite herbs. Serve the casserole hot with a few scones on the side, and enjoy a delicious and budget-friendly meal.
Shopping List for Ep: 2: Family Meal Plan
This plan is designed to help you get frugal food on the table fast, without breaking the bank. I’ll provide a shopping list of budget-friendly ingredients that can be used to make a variety of quick and easy chow. I’ll also include some tips and tricks for stretching your budget and getting the most bang for your buck.
With this plan, you can feel confident that you are feeding your family healthy, delicious meals – in a very frugal manner. So let’s get started!
Do you feel like you’re always rushing to figure out what to make for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Are you tired of the same old things? This weekly family meal plan is for you! We’ve put together a variety of meals that are both easy and delicious. Plus, we’ve included a shopping list so you can hit the grocery store with ease. Enjoy!
Weekly Family Meal Plan Stocks
| Meat | Fruits and Vegetables | Eggs, Cream, Dairy products / non-dairy products | Staples |
| 1.5kg Beef Mince | 1kg white onions | 2 500g butter | 1.5 kg vegetable stock |
| 250 g Spiced Beef | 1kg garlic | 1kg Sour cream | Olive oil |
| 500 g Lean Beef | 2 lemons | 150 g mixed herbs | 1 kg Arborio rice |
| 2 cups Chicken Stock | ¼ cup lemon juice | 500 g parmesan cheese | 750mL white wine |
| 4 Chicken Breast Fillets | 1 Broccoli Heads | 500 g cheddar | 200 g pasta penne |
| 300 g Bacon Rashers | 1kg carrots | 50 g mozzarella | 1 mustard |
| 500 g Chicken Tenderloins | 3 Zucchinis | 15 Eggs | 1/2 cup Long Grain Rice |
| 500 g Chicken Mince | 3 Brown Onion | 5 cups Tasty Cheese | 1 Worcestershire Sauce |
| 1 kg sausage | 420gram Tomato Soup | 4 1/2 cup Milk | 2 1/2 cup Self Raising Flour |
| 1kg Pork Spare Rib | 310 g Can Corn Kernels | 1 Can Cream Of Chicken Soup | Sweet Chili Sauce |
| 250 g Turkey Mince | 1 kg Peas | Aioli | Curry powder |
| 1 cup Beef Stock | 2 packs Basil Leaves | Mayonnaise | Spiced Indian Pilaf |
| 1 kg Mixed Frozen Vegetables | 100 g Feta cheese | 1 cup Rice Basmati | |
| 1 shallot | 1 cup Almond milk | 1 tsp Cumin Seeds | |
| 1/4 cup Coriander | Cheese Sauce | 1 tsp Caraway Seeds | |
| 2 tbsp Currants | 2 cups Skim Milk | 1/2 tsp Turmeric ground | |
| 2 bananas | 1/2 cup Cream | 1 kg Oats | |
| 1 cos lettuce | Dijon Mustard | 1 kg yoghurt | |
| 1 Avocado | 2 tbsp Goat Cheese | 150 ml vanilla | |
| Parsley | 500 g honey | ||
| 2 Spinach packs | Salt and pepper | ||
| 1.5 kg Cherry Or Grape Tomatoes | 2 cup Bread Crumbs | ||
| 1/3 cup Red Pepper | 100 g Pine Nuts | ||
| 1kg White Mushrooms | 1/3 cup Quinoa | ||
| 250 g Pumpkin | Water | ||
| 3 Potatoes | 2kg plain Flour | ||
| 3 Tins Crushed Tomatoes | 1kg Gravy | ||
| Rosemary | 0.3 cup Wholemeal Plain Flour | ||
| 500 g Fresh Berries | Baking powder | ||
| 400 g Cannellini Beans | Cinnamon | ||
| Spanish Onion | Chia seeds | ||
| 1 cup Salad Leaves | Coconut oil | ||
| 2 tbsp Tomato Paste | 2 cups Macaroni Noodles | ||
| 2 tsp Dried Basil | 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce | ||
| 1 Cabbage Head | 1/4 cup Brown Sugar | ||
| 6 tomatoes | 4 tsp White Sugar | ||
| 1 tbsp Thyme Leaves | 1/4 tsp orange zest | ||
| 2 cups Toasted Muesli | |||
| 1/4 Caramelised Vinegar | |||
| 1 tsp Dried Oregano | |||
| 1 Packet Wholemeal Lasagne Sheets | |||
| 1 Nutmeg | |||
| 2 Wholegrain Bread Rolls | |||
| 1/3 cup Brown Vinegar | |||
| 1/3 cup Plum Jam | |||
| Herb Scones | |||
| 2 tbsp Chives |
Do you make a weekly family meal plan? If so, what’s included? Do you have any tips or tricks for creating easy, nutritious meal planning on a budget?
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