In today’s fast-paced world, feeding a large family on a slim grocery budget can seem daunting. However, with a bit of creativity and planning, it’s entirely achievable—and I’m here to help.
As a mom of six, I’ve learned to stretch my dollar, with nutritious frugal meals, like my mom used to make! The easiest way to start your frugal meal planning?
Create a weekly menu. This simple step helps you assess what you have, use up leftovers and food that’s about to expire, and take advantage of weekly sales to boost savings.
In this guide, I’ll share my best strategies for making your budget work harder, ensuring you can enjoy delicious, cost-effective dinners every night of the week.
What is Meal Planning?
Meal planning is simply planning your meals in advance. It involves not just choosing what to have for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but also figuring out snacks and any special diets in the family.
This helps you avoid last-minute scrambles and the temptation of fast food or pricey pre-packaged meals.
For big families like ours, it’s a total game changer. It stretches our budget and reduces food waste. (Plus, I absolutely LOVE leftover nights because I don’t have to cook! 😆)
And, it simplifies grocery shopping since you know exactly what you need!
The Benefits of Meal Planning
Meal planning seems like an extra chore to do, but it makes all the difference in the world! So don’t skip it!!
Planning your meals:
Saves Money: Buying only what you need helps avoid unnecessary purchases, keeping your grocery bill low.
Reduces Waste: Knowing what you need leads to using what you buy, minimizing waste.
Promotes Healthy Eating: Planned meals decrease the likelihood of choosing unhealthy drive-thrus or processed options, supporting health goals.
Relieves Stress: Eliminates the nightly “What’s for dinner?” dilemma, making meal times more predictable and less hectic for families.
Meal planning truly transforms both your budget and your well-being! Plus, it’s fun if you get the whole family involved!
How to Create a Frugal Menu Plan for Your Family
A budget-friendly menu can transform your household finances and mealtime with some creativity and planning! Focus on affordable ingredients that work in multiple dishes, take advantage of sales, and reduce waste to keep your family healthy and your wallet happy.
1. Understand Your Family’s Dietary Needs
Before you get started, it’s super important to think about what everyone can and can’t eat.
I have someone in my family who can’t handle gluten. Sometimes that feels like a huge hurtle, because gluten-free products are so expensive!!
But it doesn’t mean I need to spend more; I just have to get a bit creative with my meal plans.
You can totally keep everyone happy without breaking the bank!
First off, I stick to basics like fruits, veggies, and lean meats. They’re great for all kinds of diets and buying in bulk or seasonally saves me some dough.
And for my gluten-free DIL, go for natural grains like brown rice or quinoa. They’re way cheaper and healthier than those pricey gluten-free products.
Another cool idea? Make dinners that you can tweak for different tastes.
Tacos are awesome for this. Just switch up the fillings and use corn tortillas for the gluten-free folks.
This way, you’re not stuck making something different for everyone.
Trust me, a little bit of creativity goes a long way in saving money and still keeping everyone happy!
2. Set Meal Planning Goals
Setting goals for your meal planning is the key to staying on track and making the most of your grocery budget! When you have clear objectives, whether it’s to reduce food waste, try new recipes, or stick to a specific spending limit, you’ll find that meal times become less stressful and more enjoyable.
Plus, it helps everyone in the family stay engaged and excited about what’s cooking!
First, consider your crew’s size, your budget, and your cooking style.
We have a big family, so buying in bulk and gardening really saves us some money. But if your family is smaller or you’re short on space, aim for a balance between less waste and yummy dinners.
If you haven’t set a budget yet, that’s your first step!! Just track your grocery spending for a month and then set a goal.
Don’t know how to track your expenses? Read this post.
Remember, the aim is to spend smart, not just less.
Then think about any current challenges you face in the kitchen.
Are you often scrambling at the last minute for dinner ideas? 🙋🏻♀️ Yo! I like to use dump and go recipes to keep my day easy.
Or perhaps you’d like to cut down on food waste; in that case, a goal around using up leftovers could be a game changer!
Set goals that feel achievable and fun, momma, rather than overwhelming! Remember, meal planning is all about making your life easier and your meals more enjoyable.
3. Stock A Frugal Pantry
A well-stocked kitchen is your secret weapon for success! Think of it as your trusty toolkit, letting you whip up meals on nights when the fridge is empty or grocery shopping feels overwhelming.
Whenever my boys complain about “no food” in the house, I say, “We could live for months on what’s in the house and freezer!” 😂🤣 The funny part? I’m not lying!
When they say “there’s no food,” they really mean “we’re out of snacks!” 😆
Keeping stocked up allows you to grab sale items and buy in bulk without worrying about waste.
Here’s how I do it:
Buy in Bulk: Get grains, legumes, and spices in bulk. It’s cheaper, and they store well. I also buy meat in bulk since I have a few freezers.
Choose Versatile Ingredients: Opt for ingredients like chicken or rice, which can be used in various recipes to avoid waste.
Keep an Inventory: Knowing what you have helps prevent duplicates and lets you plan meals around what needs to be used.
Maintain a Grocery List: Keep a list on your fridge or phone to easily add items as they run low.
In my pantry, several staples form the backbone of countless recipes:
Olive Oil & Vinegar: Essential for dressings, marinades, and cooking, adding flavor to dishes.
Beans and Lentils: Packed with protein and fiber, they’re versatile in soups, stews, and salads.
Canned Tomatoes: Crushed, diced, or whole, they’re the base for sauces and soups.
Pasta and Rice: Great foundations for meals, ready to pair with whatever you have.
Eggs: Beyond breakfast, they star in meals like frittatas and stir-fries.
Frozen Vegetables: Longer-lasting than fresh, they can boost almost any dish.
Flour and Baking Supplies: Essential for baking, thickening sauces, or quick cookies.
Oats: Perfect for breakfasts and baking.
Spices: Key spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder can enhance any dish.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to cook even when it feels like there’s “nothing to eat.” They’re the key to nutritious, satisfying meals that won’t break the bank!
4. Use Strategies to Save on Your Grocery Budget
If you want to cut down your grocery bill, it’s all about planning, being flexible, and shopping smart.
Here are some tips I use to help me spend less on groceries without sacrificing quality or variety:
Plan Meals: Each week, I take time to plan meals around sale items or what I already have in my pantry and fridge. This cuts waste and ensures I only buy what I need.
Shop Sales and Use Coupons: I watch local supermarket ads and use coupons. Apps and websites are great for finding deals.
Buy in Bulk: I purchase staples like rice and beans in bulk when they’re on sale.
Choose Store Brands: Store brand products are often just as good as name brands but at a lower price. Many times, they’re made in the same facilities using the same ingredients!
Limit Processed Foods: Processed foods are not only less healthy but also pricier. Cooking from scratch saves money and is better for your health.
Seasonal and Local Produce: I buy fruits and vegetables that are in season or locally grown.
Preserve Sales or Excess Produce: When I find great deals on produce or have a garden surplus, I can, freeze, bake, or dry it for later use.
Go Meatless: Meat can be the most expensive part of a meal, so I aim for at least one meatless night a week.
Using these strategies can really make a difference in your grocery spending, allowing you to enjoy delicious, nutritious meals while staying within your budget! If you want to learn more, check out this post for more money saving tips.
5. Use Frugal Meal Planning Strategies
Choosing the right meal planning strategy is all about finding what works best for your family’s needs and lifestyle.
Here are a few strategies and tips to consider:
Weekly Meal Planning: This means mapping out meals for the upcoming week and shopping accordingly. It’s how I plan my meals. It’s great for families looking to simplify grocery shopping and reduce food waste. I consider our family’s schedule and plan quicker meals on busier days.
Batch Cooking and Freezer Meals: If your weekdays are hectic, try spending part of your weekend preparing and freezing meals. While I don’t do this, many people find it helpful. It takes time upfront but saves effort during the workweek.
Theme Nights: Theme nights, like Meatless Monday or Taco Tuesday, can make meal planning more fun. They simplify decision-making and can be adjusted based on dietary preferences. While I don’t strictly follow theme nights, I do have a certain pattern in my meal planning. Here’s my exact process, if you’re curious.
Flexible Meal Planning: For families who enjoy spontaneity, a flexible meal plan might be best. This involves stocking up on staple ingredients and deciding on meals a day or two ahead based on what you have. I’ve tried this, but it often left me scrambling for dinner!
Thinking about the best meal strategy for your family? Consider how much time you have to cook, your budget, any special diets, and the variety your crew craves.
Combining different approaches could provide a good balance of routine and flexibility.
6. Create Your Meal Plan
So, you’ve decided on the perfect meal planning strategy for your family? Great!
The next thing you’ll wanna do is figure out your actual meal plan.
Start by checking out what’s already in your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Spot any leftovers from last week, especially stuff that’s about to expire or go bad.
This step is super helpful because it cuts down on food waste and might even give you some cool meal ideas for the coming week.
Oh, and don’t forget to peek at the weekly sales at your local grocery stores. These deals can really shape your meal plan by letting you add in some seasonal or discounted items, which is awesome for saving a few bucks.
With a bit of smart prep, you can whip up a weekly menu that’s good for your budget, fits your schedule, and meets your dietary needs, all while using what you’ve already got.
If you want to know exactly how I do my meal planning, check out this post: Meal Planning Tips For Busy Stay at Home Moms. It’ll walk you through exactly what I do!
7. Use Budget-Friendly Recipes
Looking to save some cash on meal planning? You might think scrolling through Pinterest or Instagram is the way to go, but be careful—it’s super easy to get lured in by recipes that require a ton of pricey ingredients.
Instead, try some old cookbooks! You know, the ones created by church ladies or sitting in your grandma’s kitchen!
They’re like hidden treasures for simple, budget-friendly, and delicious meals! Seriously, those classic recipes really knew how to stretch a dollar.
And don’t forget to check out grandma’s recipe stash or ask your family for their favorite go-to budget meals! Those tried-and-true recipes have stood the test of time because they’re tasty and won’t break the bank.
Sure, social media can sometimes feel like a black hole of fancy eats, but it’s not all bad. There are plenty of amazing folks sharing tips on how to whip up tasty meals without spending a fortune.
Pinterest isn’t just for those fancy dishes; look for boards that celebrate eating well on a budget.
So, instead of getting lost in those too-good-to-be-true online meals, why not keep it real with some frugal foodie finds? Trust me, your belly and your wallet will thank you for it!
8. Adjust Your Meal Plan as Needed
Flexibility is key when it comes to meal planning. Life happens, and there will be times when sticking to your planned menu isn’t possible.
Maybe you forgot to pick up a key ingredient, or what you planned just doesn’t sound appealing anymore. And that’s totally okay.
Learning to substitute ingredients can not only save a meal but might also lead you to discover new flavors and combinations you wouldn’t have tried otherwise.
Don’t have fresh tomatoes for that sauce? Canned ones might do the trick. No milk? Powdered milk can work in a pinch.
Have a ton of eggs? Why not try an egg lasagna! We did that once, out of pure necessity. 😆
We just didn’t really have anything else to cook! Turned out really yummy!
Just be careful if you have a whiteboard hanging on the wall with the week’s menu, though! My boys hate it when I switch up the menu!
Especially if it was supposed to be something they absolutely love. The heartbreak…
Frugal Meal Planning Ideas
Eating on a budget doesn’t have to be hard! With a bit of creativity and pantry staples, you can create tasty and healthy meal plans that save you money.
$200 A Month Meal Plan for a Family of Five {2 adults & 3 young kids}
The Thrifty Frugal Mom shares a fascinating and incredibly budget-friendly meal plan designed to feed her family of five on a mere $200 a month!
My Meal Plan for a Family with 6 Kids
I take a different approach to meal planning. I like to choose three to four basic meals and then sprinkle in three days of leftovers.
My meals are often two ‘meat and potato’ meals, because they are the cheapest. And then I’ll do a soup or a sandwich, or a pasta, or something I call a ‘wild card meal’ – like Tacos – it’s not a soup, pasta, or a sandwich.
Here’s what a week might look like:
Monday: Pork Chops, Grilled Potato Medley, Pasta Salad
Tuesday: Burgers, Pasta Salad, and Beans
Wednesday: Leftovers
Thursday: Meatloaf, Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Asparagus and Stuffing
Friday: Pizza
Saturday: Leftovers
Sunday: Grilled Pork Roast, Baked Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli, and Homemade Bread
We eat a lot of ‘meat and potato’ meals. In the winter, it’s a lot of soups.
Pastas, fancy sandwiches, Chinese, Mexican… all those things often cost more.
A Super Frugal Meal Plan {that used to be less than $100}
For families looking to stretch their grocery budget further, the super frugal meal plan featured on The Moments at Home offers a practical solution. This clever plan shows you how to whip up tasty and healthy meals on a tight budget, proving that good food doesn’t have to break the bank.
A Healthy Frugal Meal Plan
Eating Well brings a fresh perspective on maintaining a frugal yet healthy dietary regime. Their meal plan is all about feeding a family well without breaking the bank.
Join the Savvy Mamas Membership for Ultimate Meal Planning Success!
Are you tired of the daily struggle to plan nutritious, budget-friendly meals for your family? Imagine having a community of like-minded moms supporting you every step of the way!
With the Savvy Mamas Membership, you’ll gain exclusive access to:
Expert Tips: Learn from the best with our curated meal planning strategies that save time and money.
Weekly Meal Plans: Say goodbye to the nightly dinner dilemma with our ready-to-use meal plans.
Budget-Friendly Recipes: Enjoy delicious, cost-effective meals that your family will love.
Exclusive Resources: Access printable planners, shopping lists, and much more to streamline your meal prep.
Join us today (yes, I’m there too!!) and take the stress out of meal planning. Make your life easier, healthier, and more frugal with the Savvy Mamas Membership.
Click here to learn more and start your journey to stress-free meal planning!
At the End of the Day…
At the end of a long day, it’s about more than just saving a few bucks or cutting back on your budget; it’s all about investing in your health, your family’s well-being, and creating those precious memories around the dinner table.
By embracing a frugal, clean eating lifestyle, you’re choosing to be mindful about what you consume, get creative in the kitchen, and truly appreciate the food on your plate!
This journey not only helps your wallet but also fills your life with wholesome meals and those invaluable, shared experiences with your loved ones.
Remember, it’s the little changes made consistently that can lead to a big, lasting impact. So why not start today?
Let’s see where this tasty, frugal adventure can take you! You’ve got this, momma! 🍽️💪✨
More on Frugal Meal Planning
MEAL PLANNING TIPS FOR BUSY STAY AT HOME MOMS
BIG FAMILY, SMALL BUDGET: 125 EXTREME FRUGAL LIVING IDEAS
FRUGAL LIVING TIPS 101: WAYS TO SAVE MONEY FOR BEGINNERS
SPEND TOO MUCH ON GROCERIES? HERE’S HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON GROCERIES
HOW TO BE A STAY AT HOME MOM ON ONE INCOME – AND STILL SURVIVE