If you’re looking for affordable family-friendly recipes, you’re in the right place! For years I shared weekly meal plans to ensure I had over 30 different plants and a variety of proteins each week. Eventually we got into a good rhythm and I stopped sharing here. But friends, we now find ourselves in a rut. We had a family meeting to brain storm what meals people would like to have, especially seafood. I find our default is a handful of chicken, beef and pork meals we repeat over and over. So I’m excited to have a long list of ideas a house full of teens requested to share with you!
What I Keep Stocked
To make meal planning easier, we have a standard set of things in our pantry and freezer. I’ve noted on each recipe things beyond what we’d naturally have as standard basics. What’s cool is that even without shopping outside our staples, we naturally hit the 30 varieties of plant-based foods recommended for optimal gut health.
Here’s what we have all the time:
Pantry
- White & Red Onions
- Gold & Russet Potatoes
- Stewed & Diced Tomatoes (canned)
- Tomato paste (canned)
- Marinara (jarred)
- Tuna (canned)
- Pasta (boxed varieties, GF)
- Rice Ramen & Sweet Potato Noodles
- Jasmine, Wild & Basmati Rice
- Fruit: Bananas, Oranges, Apples, Lemon, and Lime
- Olive oil & spices: dry dill, rosemary, thyme, garlic, onion, paprika, sage, bay leaf, etc.
Freezer
- Broccoli or Normandy Mix (Broccoli, Cauliflower, Carrots)
- Peas and Green Beans or Pea/Carrot/Green bean mix
- Shrimp (deveined, tail off)
- Tilapia (any white fish will work)
- Salmon Filets
- Burger Patties
- Ground Beef and Turkey
- Beef Chuck Roast
- Pork Shoulder
- Pork Tenderloin
Fridge
- Carrots and Bell Peppers
- Butter
- Ketchup, Mustard & Mayonnaise
- Garlic
- Tofu
- Milk (almond and cow)
- Heavy Cream
Because I know there’s a variety of over 30 plant varieties, if I build a plan that utilizes the standard items I keep stocked in my home, it means we’ll be eating the variety.
My overall approach
I send a text to the family group chat once a week which includes the overall meal plan. I always get input from folks, asking if there’s anything they want to either have or make that week. Usually 1 or 2 people will give input (eyeroll), so then it’s up to me to build the rest of the week out.
Because we’re a family of 6 and I build in a day for either frozen pizza or takeout (Fridays, no one wants to cook) and Saturdays are for leftovers (we’re all scattered). I myself don’t cook because I’m doing the emotional labor of planning.
I used to provide two weeks at a time, because we were trying to reduce grocery store trips. But ultimately we found that produce never lasted that long, which sent us back to the store – where we inevitably bought more off-list items. And thus, our grocery list and meal plan worked best on a weekly basis.
You’ll notice I also list specific items we will need that are not already in our “staples.” Fortunately, my oldest works at a grocery store and will bring things home we can’t get at Costco – where we do 98% of our grocery shopping.
I also will link recipes. This way the chef for the night is completely empowered with everything they need: recipe and ingredients. Now that we’ve got all of these recipes in one place, they’ll always have what they need!
Where do I get my recipe ideas from?
The internet, of course! I’ve been accumulating a huge folder from blogs, Pinterest and Instagram – and I’m sharing my catalog with you today!
If we’ve made any of the meals below before or I have ideas on how to tweak I’ve noted as much. Otherwise, I’ve chosen the recipes based on reviews and creators that I trust – but haven’t yet tried.
Seafood Affordable Family-Friendly Recipes
I find the most affordable seafood is frozen. It always feel expensive, but when I sit down to calculate cost I find that white fish and shrimp are more affordable than beef or chicken. And while tuna or salmon might be slightly more, they’re what the family prefers. Trader Joe’s, Aldi and Costco have the best option for frozen seafood – I’ve found.
Salmon or Tuna
Salmon Sushi Bake by @grilledcheesesocial
One of our absolute favorite go-to dinners! We usually make this one with thawed from frozen tuna found at Aldi, the best price I’ve found.
Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake with High Protein Spicy Sauce by @kalejunkie
side note: I’ve never had a recipe by Nicole that wasn’t great.
Spicy Salmon Topped Crispy Rice by @spoonforkbacon
Shrimp
One Pan Creamy Lemony Shrimp and Orzo by @kalejunkie
Shrimp cooked in lemon butter then pasta added all in one pan? Yes, please!
note: our plan is to use any leftover ground meat, sausage, or chicken we have but make this primarily shrimp focused. I was also surprised when the kids asked for and volunteered to make this one, given that it’s a 90 minute commitment for first timers (according to the directions). This is why asking in a family meeting was the way to go, I never would have guessed!
Paella by Tastes Better from Scratch
note: same as above
Gumbo by Tastes Better from Scratch
note: gumbo is the stew version of jumbalya, made with a from-scratch roux that is easy to sub gluten-free. it takes less time to make than jumbalaya but delivers the same flavors.
Viral Crispy Shrimp Sushi Cups by @kalejunkie
A deconstructed shrimp sushi roll is right up our alley! Excited to have this one soon.
Other Easy Options
Fish & Chips
This is a frequent option for us. We get the GF fish sticks from Costco as well as their crispy fries. Then all we need is a side of peas or a side salad.
Fish Tacos
Cole is the king of making these! He uses taco seasoning on tilapia and pan blackens them. Then serve with corn tortillas and a bunch of fresh produce as toppings.
Fridge Dump Leftover Fried Rice by @realeverything
Anytime we have leftover product or rice we make a batch of fried rice, and with frozen shrimp already in our freezer it’s an easy and quick way to pull the meal together.
Pad Thai from Your Pantry by @realeverything
Another one we pull together from what we’ve got on hand – as long as you have green onions and lime this will please a crowd!
Trader Joe’s Langostino Lobster Mac n Cheese by @foodisafourletterword
Requested by the kids, we plan to make this with Jovial elbow pasta.
TJs Lobster Pasta by @_bossvin via @nicolemcmomon @allrecipes
We use frozen langinstino to make it even more affordable. We couldn’t believe how quick and easy this was to pull together. Served with a salad, we will definitely be making again!
Chicken Affordable Family-Friendly Recipes
Top Choice: Brothy Chicken Rice Bowl
- Sweet & Savory Chicken with Spicy Carbonara Brothy Rice by @moribyan [video here]
- Ginger Spicy Pepper Brothy Rice by @nkesienyioha
- Sticky Chicken & Brothy Rice Recipe by @Taste With Nicki
- Honey Soy Glazed Chicken with Garlic Ginger Brothy Rice by @OneHappyBite
- Golden Viral Brothy Rice by @mariongrasby
We have made this at least half a dozen times since our first iteration on the meal plan. It can be adjusted to so many flavors, but the crispy skin chicken thighs (more affordable than breast) with flavorful broth is something you do not want to miss!
Next Best: Crispy Rice Salads
- Asian flavors, the original by @jocoooks_
- BBQ Chicken Crispy Rice Salad with High Protein Spicy BBQ Ranch Dressing by @kalejunkie (our favorite so far)
- Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad by @dishedbykate via @thefeedfeed.glutenfree
Everyone in the house loves these. I love seeing the whole family lick a salad bowl!
Latin Flavors
Taco Tuesday (bowls)
We usually do tacos of some kind at least twice a month. We often use the bagged rotisserie chicken breast from Costco, or a ground meat of some kind. Simply reheat in a pan with either Kevin’s Taco Sauce or seasoning blend and a little fat. Then it’s simply a matter of making rice and prepping the add-ins like tomatoes, avocado, etc.
Green Chili Enchilada Casserole by @fedandfit
Cassy has been a solid go-to recipe creator (and friend) for over a decade now. I love her creative ways to make meals flavorful and simple. This one is a winner!
High Protein Street Corn Chicken Bowl by @ice.karimcooks
I can’t wait for fresh corn and avocados to be in season to make this! Of course, the fire roasted frozen bag from TJ’s would be awesome, too.
Skillet Creamed Corn Chicken by @thedefineddish
Cheese, corn and crispy chicken? There’s no way this can’t not be good.
Asian Flavors
Ginger-Orange Chicken by @thedefineddish
Because Alex is a recipe creation QUEEN, we’re sharing a couple wish-list recipes in a row.
Dumpling Meatballs with Creamy Peanut Sauce by @kalejunkie
We plan to try these with at least half ground shrimp because I’m always trying to get more seafood into our lives.
One Pot Wonders
One Pan Sesame Chicken and Rice by @thedefineddish
The reviews on this are incredible. Can’t wait to make!
Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese by @stealth_health_life
This is made in the crockpot and makes 10 servings of 42g of protein each. We’ve made it twice and both times the kids left no leftovers.
Hawaiian Chicken & Veggies Sheet Pan from The Stay at Home Chef
Another reliable recipe creator, this one looks like it’ll be a family favorite – they love pineapple with anything.
Coconut Thai Meatball Bowls by @nikittalouise
Win-win: it’s both made in one pot AND warm and comforting!
Creamy Comfort
Creamy Wild Rice Soup by @fedandfit
I love me a creamy soup, especially one that has all the macros and a ton of micro-nutrients all in one pot. No side salad or bread needed!
Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice by @nicolemcmomvia @allrecipes
Another creamy, comforting, one-dish wonder. Excited to try this, especially because the same creator has shared some hits with us before!
Marry Me Chicken and Tomato Soup by @mrsmckennabarry
Because sun-dried tomatoes aren’t readily available for us and often expensive, we plan to sub diced tomatoes for sun dried.
Marry Me Chicken and Gnocchi Soup by @whatsmomcookin_
A variation on this popular dish that not only becomes a soup, but adds gnocchi.
Chicken Pot Pie Orzo by @cookingwithkatiecross
This sounds like an Americanized version of the Greek creamy lemon chicken soup, and I’m here for it.
Pork Affordable Family-Friendly Recipes
In full honest disclosure, ever since we recipe tested, wrote, and toured for Beyond Bacon… we haven’t eaten much pork. *gasp* I know. But I’m sure we’re not along in the experience of too much of a good thing. That said, we still love a pork shoulder and the value of affordability of pork. Here’s a few of our go-to recipes we still do enjoy!
Breakfast for Dinner
Think pancakes or waffles, bacon or sausage, and an egg frittata full of veggies. Who doesn’t love BfD?!
Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder from @realeverything
This recipe is perfection. Period.
Instant Pot Carnitas Tacos by @fedandfit
I love that Cassy crisps the pork up in the oven after using the Instant Pot to shorten the cooking time. Flavorful and genius – perfect to big batch for a taco night and then have leftovers people can use for meals all week long.
Beef Affordable Family-Friendly Recipes
Braised Beef
Instant Pot Barbacoa by @fedandfit
We have made this dish countless times. The kids know the recipe by heart. I remember the first time I saw “pot roast + spices + heat = barbacoa”, I thought “GENIUS!”. I love that it uses a big affordable, protein-dense cut that makes a large meal with a ton of leftovers.
Slow Cooker Garlic Pulled Beef Pasta by @nikittalouise
I think we need to bring back the slow cookers, friends. This “pulled” beef with pasta looks ingenious.
Slow Cooker Shredded Beef and Horseradish Sandwiches by @thestayathomechef
Caramelized onions and horseradish are the perfect flavors for me to want to give these a try.
Ground Beef
Big Mac Casserole by @MarysWholeLife
One of our most requested meals, the kids would have this every week if I let them. Easy to make and a one-pan-wonder with tons of protein (41g per serving)
Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes by @real.life.nutritionist
A perfect combo of fiber, protein, sweet and salty, all the things in one pot my friends!
Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup by @fridasofiaeats
This looks so dang delicious, it’s like Frida read my mind. Instead of heavy cream we’ll blend cottage cheese with a bit of broth for a similar consistency, but even as it is I could dive right in!
Ultimate Burger Bowl with Secret Sauce by @kalejunkie
Who’s going to complain about fries in their salad? No one.
Cheeseburger Stroganoff by @realeaverything
Tried and true, it’s a Hamburger Helper recreation made healthier that we still love!
Plant-Based Affordable Family-Friendly Recipes
Breakfast for dinner (pancakes, eggs & fruit)
Artichoke & Burrata Risotto by @breadbakebeyond
Since Costco carries both jarred artichokes and burrata, I cannot wait to try this deliciousness! It could be served as a side dish with roasted chicken thighs or served as a main dish boosting the protein by using chicken or beef broth instead of vegetable.
Forbidden Tomato Soup by @zanderkyork
We’ve made this one, and the kids were critical and questioning of using cottage cheese. But, they all ate their words because it added a creamy deliciousness (with a boost of protein). We served ours with sandwiches.
Tofu
Fun fact, I was a vegetarian for 7 years before I met Matt. I grew up on tofu dishes. And while we avoided legumes, especially soy – it’s now something I am trying to prioritize. I have learned that what scared me about them before was pseudoscience. Many cultures have and continue to lead healthy lives with a soy-forward diet because of how healthful it are.
Since our family didn’t grow up eating it, they’re a bit trepidatious in how it’ll taste. These are great recipes to start with since it’s full of flavor from the spices and fresh herbs!
Crispy Peanut Miso Ramen with Tofu by @iantheasby
This was one of the first tofu recipes I introduced into meal plans and helped the young folk adapt to enjoy iit.
One Pan Baked Noodles (tofu) by @thehappypear
The good thing about this recipe is that it’s super easy to literally throw together in a pan and walk away. However, from experience, I recommend sticking to the recipe and not subbing your own things. You need the crunch! We added the crispy garlic from Trader Joe’s and toasted slivered almonds, which saved our mushy mess. I plan to try this one again once Spring is around and offers fresh greens and radishes.
Tofu Dan Dan Noodles by @prrrunch
If your family loves Asian take out and noodle bowls as much as mine, this is a fantastic recipe to put on your list! You could use whatever noodle is your favorite (we love sweet potato glass noodles)!
Coconut Lime Tofu with Rice and Broccoli by @plantyou
This “recession recipe” is super affordable and looks delicious and full of flavor. I love that she pan fries the tofu first, in my opinion (as a 7 year former vegetarian) this is the best way to enjoy it.
Sides Affordable Family-Friendly Recipes
Make sure you stock up at Parmesan at Costco, evidently my go-to is to save sides that are mostly parm with a little veg!
Parmesean Cabbage by @yaidymakes
We made this and can recommend! It’s great as a side served with something marinara-based. The flavors then remind me of my nona’s Halupkis.
I’d swap out the heavy cream in this for blended cottage cheese + a little broth for the correct consistency.
Crispy Mushroom Rice by @grooviefooodiess
Um, yes please. Mushrooms are such a super food and I’m always looking for ways to bring more of them to our table!
Sesame Cabbage Salad by @chefkla
We love Asian flavors and this cabbage-based side salad is a great side dish to any rice or noodle based dish.
Crispy Smashed Broccoli with High Protein Ranch Dressing by @kalejunkie
Yes, I’m sensing a theme here. Parm + veggies = win.
Mandarin Crunch Salad by @fedandfit
Look, no parm!
Corn Pudding by @heresyourbite
We make this often as a side with chili or stews, it’s such a winner! We use the Krusteaz GF cornbread mix.
Let’s Keep in Touch!
If you make any of these recipes, please let me know: tag @realstacytoth on IG (and the creator, of course)!
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