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?
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Hannah says
November 4 at 8:46 AMMy 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.
Heather Z says
November 4 at 10:59 AMHoover, 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!
Caroline says
November 11 at 11:13 PMIt’s what you’ve gotta do in a big family. I totally get it!
Lyn @MidMichiganMom says
November 4 at 11:24 AMThese recipes all look ah-mazing! I am going to try the weeknight chicken stir-fry tonight. Thank you for sharing =)
Stephanie says
November 4 at 11:55 AMThat 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!
Caroline says
November 11 at 11:10 PMThanks, Stephanie! I never would’ve thought about that, but it’s such a great idea for a cheap but fun dinner!
Elaine Hodges says
November 4 at 9:12 PMLooks yummy! Thanks for sharing on the Healthy Living Link Party.
Robyn says
November 4 at 10:03 PMAwesome 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
Caroline says
November 9 at 10:25 PMThanks, Robyn! I hope these work for you!
Valerie says
November 5 at 9:57 PMThose sweet Ham and Swiss sliders look SO good. I’m so glad you shared these family dinners at #100HappyFridays!
Kathryn Doherty says
November 6 at 9:41 AMWhat 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!
Caroline says
November 9 at 10:24 PMThanks, Kathryn! I’m so glad I’m not the only one whose little sons eat a ton of food!
Vicki Montague - The Free From Fairy says
November 6 at 9:49 AMGreat options here! I am always looking for new meal ideas!
Jennifer says
November 6 at 11:12 AMyou’ve put some great ideas together here! #PoCoLo
Ronda Bowen says
November 9 at 1:47 AMAlways handy to have on hand! I get so tired of spaghetti and beans!
Crystal Renaud says
November 9 at 10:35 AMYes, 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!
Caroline says
November 11 at 11:11 PMI hear you Crystal! It’ll be a lot of fun to try to feed them as they grow!
Lisa @ HarmonyandHappiness.com says
November 11 at 9:45 AMThese 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/
Mama, My Kid Doesn't Poop Rainbows says
November 12 at 9:16 AMOur 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
Lou Lou Girls says
November 14 at 4:40 PMThis 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