Easy Family Meal Ideas On A Budget

September 06, 2024
family with grandparents enjoying meal at the dinner table
Eating well doesn’t have to cost a lot and you’d be surprised what can be made with just a few simple ingredients. So, if you’re looking for some easy family meal ideas on a budget, we’ve got you covered! These tasty, yet cheap family meal ideas are great for spreading across the week and can be made with very little ingredients. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert, our delightful Mexican-inspired recipes will keep your family’s tummies happy and your wallet too!

Budget-Friendly Family Meal Ideas For Breakfast


Start the day on a high note with these simple and inexpensive breakfast ideas, sure to bring a smile to everyone's faces without costing a fortune.

breakfast burritos topped with mayo served on a cream coloured plate with bacon

Mexican-Inspired Scrambled Eggs Breakfast Wrap

When it comes to creating a budget-friendly breakfast, eggs are often a staple! Spice things up and create your very own breakfast wrap by scrambling yours with a mixture of chopped tomatoes, onions, and a sprinkle of Old El Paso’s taco seasoning and serve wrapped in a tasty and warm soft tortilla wrap.
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Mexican Shakshuka served in a black plate with crunchy tortilla chips

Chorizo and Sweet Potato Hash

Another simple and easy meal idea is a chorizo and sweet potato hash, requiring only a few ingredients that you can use to create even more budget-friendly family meals throughout the week. Making this breakfast dish is simple, fry up some diced sweet potatoes until soft, add chorizo, onions and bell peppers to the pan until cooked, and top with a fried egg. There you have it, a hearty and affordable breakfast that’s for the whole family to enjoy in minutes.
More breakfast recipes

Delicious Midday Family Feasts

Eating on a budget doesn’t have to be mundane and these Mexican-inspired lunch recipes are proof!

Cheesy Chicken and Bean Quesadillas

Quesadilla Extravaganza

Quesadillas are a fantastic way to use up leftover veggies and meats. Simply layer cheese, chopped veggies (like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes), and leftover chicken or beans between two tortillas. Cook until crispy and golden brown, then cut into wedges for an oozy and cheesy meal the whole family will love. Consider serving with a choice of ketchup, salsa or guacamole.
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Chilli Turkey, Sweetcorn and Black Bean Soup served in a white bowl

Mexican-Inspired Bean Soup

If you have lots of leftover veggies, a soup can be the perfect solution. Our Mexican-Inspired bean soup recipe combines black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and veggies such as carrots and celery. Season with cumin and Old El Paso’s chilli powder, and simmer until everything melds together in a rich, satisfying broth. Serve with a side of tortilla chips for dipping.
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Budget Family Dinner Ideas


When it comes to dinnertime there’s plenty of easy Mexican-inspired budget family dinner ideas that you can enjoy together around the dinner table.

Mini Taco Salad Boats

Taco Night

Nothing brings the family together quite like a taco night! Use our Stand n’ Stuff soft tortilla boats or crisp taco shells. Fill with seasoned minced meat or beans, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and top with a dollop of sour cream. Let everyone create their own taco, making it fun and engaging for kids.
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layered black bean enchiladas served on a plate with tortilla chips

Chicken Enchiladas

Enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser and surprisingly easy budget family meals. Roll shredded chicken mixed with some Old El Paso Enchilada sauce in tortillas, place them in a baking dish, cover with more sauce and cheese, and bake until bubbly. Serve with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans.
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Simple & Budget Friendly Dessert Recipes


Don’t forget dessert! These simple and budget friendly dessert recipes are guaranteed to round off your mealtime with a smile.

a bowl of fruit salad served with cinnamon crisps in a white plate

Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips

Cut tortilla wraps into triangles, brush with butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake until crispy for a quick and delightful treat. Serve with a side of fruit salsa or a dollop of whipped cream.
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tacos served with brownie, cheese & mayo

Mexican Hot Chocolate Brownies

Incorporate a twist into your regular brownie mix by adding a pinch of cinnamon and dash of chilli powder. The warm spice complements the rich chocolate, creating a deliciously unique dessert that won’t blow your budget.
More dessert recipes

Smart Planning: 7 Day Family Meal Plan on a Budget


Planning ahead can save you both time and money. Here’s a simple 7-day family meal plan on a budget, designed specifically to make use of common ingredients like chicken, beans, and tortillas across multiple meals. Be sure to save any leftovers in the fridge, as these could be used to create another meal later in the week!

  • Monday:
    • Breakfast: Mexican scrambled eggs
    • Lunch: Quesadillas with leftover veggies
    • Dinner: Taco night with all the trimmings
  • Tuesday:
    • Breakfast: Chorizo and sweet potato hash
    • Lunch: Mexican bean soup
    • Dinner: Chicken enchiladas
  • Wednesday:
    • Breakfast: Tortilla wraps with avocado and scrambled eggs
    • Lunch: Leftover Mexican bean soup
    • Dinner: Beef or chicken burritos using leftovers from Monday or Tuesday
  • Thursday:
    • Breakfast: Sweet potato hash with fried egg
    • Lunch: Chicken quesadillas
    • Dinner: Vegetarian fajitas with bell peppers and onions
  • Friday:
    • Breakfast: Yoghurt with fruit and a side of cinnamon sugar tortilla chips
    • Lunch: Bean and cheese quesadillas
    • Dinner: Chicken taco salad
  • Saturday:
    • Breakfast: Mexican scrambled eggs
    • Lunch: Enchiladas using leftover chicken
    • Dinner: Fish tacos with a simple slaw
  • Sunday:
    • Breakfast: Brunch with tortillas, eggs, and toppings
    • Lunch: Fish taco salad using leftover ingredients from Saturday
    • Dinner: Nachos with beans, cheese, and leftover toppings

Community & Togetherness – It’s What Matters!


At Old El Paso we’re passionate about fostering community spirit and bringing people together through food. Our budget family meal ideas are designed to show the versatility of Mexican-style dishes and to help you enjoy mealtimes without the stress of heavy expenses! So, gather your loved ones, get creative in the kitchen, and get ready to Dine Loud and Proud.

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