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
15 Hearty and Cheap Winter Family Meals Your Kids Will Love
Finding family meals that are budget-friendly but delicious is a constant challenge. These winter meal ideas won't disappoint.
Vegetable Cheddar Cheese Soup
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.
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!
One Pot 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.
Beef and Vegetable 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.
French Onion Soup
Soup is one of the easiest winter meals for kids and this recipe won't disappoint.
Hungarian Beef Goulash
Think ‘winter dinner ideas’ and goulash is right up there. This Hungarian beef goulash will warm cockles and fill tummies.
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.
Also called Ropa vieja, this Cuban beef stew makes a delicious next-day meal, too.
Delicious Mujaddara
I just love it when I find winter meals using lentils because they are super cheap and healthy.
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.
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!
Chickpea Sweet Potato and Peanut Curry
Hearty family meals aren’t just for carnivores.
This beautiful vegetarian curry will delight the whole family.
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.
Asian Marinated Chicken Drumstick
Marinated chicken is a winner when it comes to winter recipes for kids.
Persian Creamy Barley Soup
Hearty winter meals using barley are a great way to keep costs down and boost nutrition at the same time.
Persian Noodle Soup
My kids and hubby adore noodles so I’m looking forward to adding this to my repertoire of hearty winter recipes.
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