7 Budget-Friendly Meals Kids Will Actually Love (Including Spaghetti, Mac & Cheese, and More!)
Feeding kids can feel like a full-time job, especially when you’re on a budget. Between picky eaters and the ever-growing grocery bill, finding meals that are affordable, easy, and loved by everyone can feel like hitting the jackpot.
Luckily, there are tried-and-true budget-friendly classics that kids adore, like spaghetti, mac and cheese, and peanut butter and jelly. But if you’re looking to mix things up while still keeping costs low, I’ve got plenty of creative ideas to share.
Here are some of my favorite kid-approved budget meals—and tips for keeping mealtime fun and stress-free.
1. Spaghetti: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser
There’s a reason spaghetti is a household staple. It’s inexpensive, simple to make, and endlessly versatile. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to add in some extra veggies!
Tips to Elevate Your Spaghetti Game:
- Add grated zucchini or carrots to the sauce for a hidden veggie boost.
- Try whole-grain or chickpea pasta for added nutrition.
- Let kids sprinkle their own parmesan or help stir the sauce for extra excitement.
Since she began eating solids, my daughter has been in love with spaghetti. She gets the biggest kick out of pretending she’s a bird slurping up worms—complete with dramatic sound effects and giggles. Sure, it’s a messy endeavor (I’ve cleaned more sauce off the floor than I’d like to admit), but it’s a mealtime staple in our house because it never fails to make her smile.
2. Mac and Cheese: A Comfort Food Classic
Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? It’s quick, affordable, and a guaranteed hit with most kids. Whether you use a boxed version or make it from scratch, it’s easy to customize.
Ways to Make It More Nutritious:
- Mix in cooked broccoli, peas, or shredded chicken for a heartier meal.
- Use whole-grain pasta or experiment with a homemade cheese sauce.
- Bake it with a breadcrumb topping for a crispy twist.
Mac and cheese with a little sausage is a huge hit at our house! It’s one of those meals that comes together in no time but still feels hearty and satisfying. Plus, I love how easy it is to customize—sometimes we toss in a handful of peas or a sprinkle of paprika for a fun twist. It’s a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when everyone is starving and patience is running low!
3. Peanut Butter & Jelly: The Timeless Favorite
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are the ultimate no-fuss meal. They’re quick to make, inexpensive, and packed with protein (bonus points if you use whole-grain bread!).
Creative Twists on PB&J:
- Swap jelly for sliced bananas or honey for a new flavor combo.
- Try almond butter, sunflower butter, or Nutella for variety.
- Make a PB&J quesadilla by spreading the ingredients on a tortilla and toasting it in a pan.
Peanut butter and jelly is a lunchtime hero in our house—we eat it almost every single day! It’s quick, versatile, and perfect for school lunches since it doesn’t need to be refrigerated. I love how easy it is to switch things up, whether it’s swapping the jelly for fresh fruit slices or trying different types of bread. It’s a classic for a reason, and it keeps everyone happy without much fuss!
4. Breakfast for Dinner: Fun and Affordable
Breakfast for dinner is always a win in our house. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, and toast are affordable, easy to make, and feel like a special treat.
Ideas to Spice Up Breakfast for Dinner:
- Add mix-ins to pancakes, like blueberries or chocolate chips.
- Turn leftover veggies and cheese into a quick egg scramble.
- Serve with fruit or yogurt for a balanced meal.
Breakfast for dinner is a family favorite in our house because everyone can join in on the fun of making it! Even the littlest helpers love cracking eggs and whisking them up—it’s messy, sure, but it’s also the best kind of memory-making. Whether it’s flipping pancakes, toasting bread, or arranging fruit on the plate, there’s something simple and enjoyable for everyone to do. Plus, it’s hard to go wrong with a meal that feels like a cozy treat at the end of the day!
5. DIY Pizza Night: Affordable and Fun
Pizza night doesn’t have to mean ordering takeout. You can make your own at home for a fraction of the cost, and the kids will have a blast customizing their toppings.
How to Do It:
- Use store-bought crusts, English muffins, or tortillas for a quick base.
- Let kids add their favorite toppings—cheese, pepperoni, veggies, or even pineapple.
- Bake until the cheese is bubbly, and voila—dinner is served!
DIY pizza night is a meal where the kids can jump in and help from start to finish. My daughter especially loves sprinkling on the cheese, although I’m pretty sure more ends up in her mouth than on the pizza! The best part? It’s so easy to customize. For holidays, we’ve had a blast shaping pizzas into jack-o’-lanterns for Halloween or Christmas trees during the holidays when we make our own crust. It’s a fun, creative way to enjoy dinner together—and it tastes amazing too!
6. Soup and Grilled Cheese: A Cozy Combo
Tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches are a match made in heaven. They’re comforting, budget-friendly, and perfect for colder nights.
Budget Tips:
- Make a big batch of soup and freeze portions for future meals.
- Use leftover bread for the grilled cheese to avoid waste.
- Add extra protein to the soup with beans or lentils.
Tomato soup paired with gooey grilled cheese is a staple in our house, especially on chilly winter nights. There’s something so comforting about dipping a warm, crispy sandwich into a bowl of creamy soup—it’s like a hug in meal form! Whether it’s dinner or a cozy weekend lunch, this classic combo always hits the spot and warms us right up. Sometimes, we even get creative and add a sprinkle of basil or a swirl of cream to the soup for an extra touch of flavor!
7. Quesadillas: Quick, Easy, and Versatile
Quesadillas are a lifesaver when you need to whip up something fast. They’re as simple as tortillas and cheese, but you can add almost anything to them for a heartier meal.
Ideas for Filling:
- Beans, shredded chicken, or leftover taco meat.
- Veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or onions.
- Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
Quesadillas are perfect for using up leftover food, and they’re always a hit in our house. Recently, I had some leftover brisket, so I threw together some brisket quesadillas—and let me tell you, they were a huge success! The combination of tender brisket and melted cheese was absolutely delicious, and the whole family devoured them. It’s one of those meals that’s super simple to make but feels like a special treat. Plus, it’s a great way to give leftovers a whole new life!
Tips for Making Budget Meals Work
- Plan Ahead:
Save money and stress by meal planning and sticking to your grocery list. - Get Kids Involved:
Letting them help prepare meals not only teaches them skills but also gets them excited to eat what they’ve made. - Keep It Fun:
Cut sandwiches into shapes, serve meals picnic-style, or have themed dinner nights like Taco Tuesday or Fancy Friday.
Wrapping It Up
Budget meals don’t have to be boring! Whether it’s classics like spaghetti, mac and cheese, and PB&J, or fun ideas like breakfast for dinner and DIY pizza, there are so many ways to feed your family delicious meals without breaking the bank.
I’d love to hear your favorite kid-approved budget meals! Share them in the comments, and let’s inspire each other to make mealtime both fun and affordable.
Here’s to happy tummies and happy wallets!
