Top 10 Most Popular Budget Family Meals

This perfect winter warmer uses chunky pieces of carrot and sweet potato alongside chipolata sausages for a cheap, filling meal. The natural sweetness of these vegetables makes this casserole a hit with kids, and if you want to vary the mix try white potatoes, turnip or courgette. Stretch the dish further with a side of pasta, rice or mashed potatoes.
Recipe: Slow-cooker sausage casserole

You can’t go wrong with this iron-rich, low-fat, low-calorie budget supper. It tastes like it’s been cooking for hours, when in fact, all-in, it takes 45 minutes. Plus it freezes well. Good Food members suggest adding butternut squash, kale and cod.
Recipe: Spinach, sweet potato & lentil dhal

Using a can of sardines keeps this recipe well within budget, while providing a healthy source of omega-3. Add wholegrain brown rice, boiled eggs and plenty of spinach for a nourishing dinner.

The flavours of rich lamb mince and creamy mashed potato make this classic shepherd’s pie a firm family favourite. You can lower the cost of this recipe by bulking out the mince with a can of beans or two large handfuls of red lentils. Pay it forward by doubling the quantities and freezing the second pie.
Recipe: No-fuss shepherd’s pie

Use up that can of beans at the back of your cupboard for this inexpensive and delicious dinner idea. Sliced avocado, crumbled feta, pumpkin seeds and fresh coriander add brightness and texture to this warming soup.

Considering the most popular searches on the website are for chicken recipes and pasta recipes, it makes sense that this chicken pasta bake is in the top three of the most popular budget recipes. To make this recipe more cost effective, increase the amount of pasta and just use two chicken breasts. Double the recipe and freeze one for a rainy day, or freeze any leftovers.
Recipe: Chicken pasta bake

The crispy breadcrumb topping, garlicky-mustardy white sauce and genius mix of cheddar with parmesan cheese all make this mac n’ cheese live up to its name. Good Food members recommend adding leftover sautéed mushrooms, spring onions and crispy bacon bits for extra depth of flavour.
Recipe: Best ever macaroni cheese

Slow-cooker beef stew is BBC Good Food’s number one budget recipe this winter. Cheaper cuts of beef, such as braising steak or skirt make this stew a more affordable way to enjoy red meat, while using a slow cooker will keep your energy costs down. Add extra root vegetables, such as swede, or grains, such as pearl barley, to stretch the recipe and reduce the cost per portion.
Recipe: Slow-cooker beef stew

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