With 3 boys (ages 2, 5 and 30… the 4 month old doesn’t count yet) who could eat all day every day, I’m always looking out for the best, most filling and least expensive dinners. But in my house, it’s not just enough that they have any kind of food; I’m always looking for ways to cook tons of veggies, limit the gluten, and eliminate processed foods.
When I had my first son, I didn’t think that whole boys eat so much thing was true. I thought “how bad could it be? He’s so little!” Until he started eating solids… He’d clear a bowl of sweet potatoes and still be starving! I was in trouble. As if the oldest wasn’t bad enough, I have 2 more boys who inhale food.
I should’ve just called them Hoover, Orek, and Bissell on here instead of giving them their superhero names!
They all got that trait from somewhere, and it wasn’t from me… my husband could literally eat all day every day and still be hungry. I’m pretty sure that in order to feed them all, I’m going to need to take out a second mortgage when my kids get to be teenagers! Is it possible to feed a hoard of hungry boys without going into debt?
The answer is yes. But it takes a lot more digging around for recipes, a lot more diligence at the grocery store, and a lot of healthy “filler” options (like rice and quinoa).
I have found some recipes that are both healthy AND budget friendly. Thankfully, for my poor inability as a cook, they’re all nice and easy. I know what I’m making for dinner tonight!
Baked Potato Bar
Corn and Potato Chowder Recipe
30 Minute Corn & Black Bean Chili
Red Lentil Tomato Soup
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Curry
Shepherd’s Pie
Sweet Ham and Swiss Sliders
Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Taco Soup
Easy Chicken Stir-Fry
Loaded Vegetable Soup
Amazing Fried Rice
Lentil Tacos
Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken Noodle Soup with Rice and Quinoa
Looking for some more recipe ideas?
Follow Cow Country Housewife’s board Broke Butt Dinners on Pinterest.
My issue is that my kids are super picky. They would complain about every single one of those recipes above! I still make the healthy stuff but when my almost four year old only weighs a little more then my ten month old nephew it is nerve racking when they don’t eat dinner.
Hoover, Orek,…ha ha ha. I have 3 boys too, so I feel your “pain.” And my husband can eat all day everyday too. Growing up, our family of 8 was treated to a lot of pasta, rice, and beans in the form of soups and stews. Cheep. Filling. Nutritious. I love that baked potato bar…put it on a lazy Susan and you’re in business!
It’s what you’ve gotta do in a big family. I totally get it!
These recipes all look ah-mazing! I am going to try the weeknight chicken stir-fry tonight. Thank you for sharing =)
That baked potato bar is genius!!! I’m totally making those ham and cheese sliders for my son’s first birthday this weekend!
Thanks for sharing the round up!
Thanks, Stephanie! I never would’ve thought about that, but it’s such a great idea for a cheap but fun dinner!
Looks yummy! Thanks for sharing on the Healthy Living Link Party.
Awesome collection of recipes. I also have some hungry people in my household (myself included if I’m honest), but have a pretty limited food budget, so I’m always look for cheap, healthy, filling things. Best round up of recipes I’ve come across! #healthylivinglinkparty
Thanks, Robyn! I hope these work for you!
Those sweet Ham and Swiss sliders look SO good. I’m so glad you shared these family dinners at #100HappyFridays!
What a great round-up of easy weeknight dinners! I’m always looking for new favorites and I know some of these will be hits around our table! I hear ya, too, on the boy thing. My son is only 2, but already he’s making a dent in our grocery budget 😉 Pinning to keep this handy and will definitely schedule to share on social media!
Thanks, Kathryn! I’m so glad I’m not the only one whose little sons eat a ton of food!
Great options here! I am always looking for new meal ideas!
you’ve put some great ideas together here! #PoCoLo
Always handy to have on hand! I get so tired of spaghetti and beans!
Yes, I get it! I have a 2 and almost 5 year old. Both boys! All they do is eat. They are constantly hungry! Teenagers years are definitely going to break the bank!
Great list of recipes!
I hear you Crystal! It’ll be a lot of fun to try to feed them as they grow!
These are great! Can’t wait to make some! Thank you so much for linking up with us at The Alder Collective Link party. Come back and link so more! http://harmonyandhappiness.com/the-alder-collective-link-party-6/
Our lad either eats everything or nothing. No predicting it. Those recipes have given me a few new ideas so thanks. I absolutely love taco soup- yum.
Thanks again for linking up to #fartglitter x
This is perfect! Pinned and tweeted. We appreciate you taking the time to party with us! I hope to see you on Monday at 7 pm, so we get to see your fabulous new creations. The party goes until Friday at 7 pm. Happy Saturday! Lou Lou Girls