Wondering how to keep your grocery bills on budget? Feeding a family of four on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on nutrition or flavour. Here are five healthy meals, each costing under $10 from Woolworths Australia, and providing at least 500 calories per serving. Prices are current as of June 2024.
Cheap family meals under $10
1. Spaghetti with Tomato and Basil
Ingredients:
- 500g Minced Beef – $5.00
- 500g Spaghetti – $1.00
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes – $0.80
- 1 Onion – $0.40
- 2 Garlic Cloves – $0.20
- Fresh Basil – $2.00
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil – $0.10
Total Cost: $9.50
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 815
- Protein: 41g
- Fat: 24.5g
- Carbohydrates: 103.5g
- Fiber: 3g
Recipe:
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and add minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until fragrant.
- Add the minced beef, break up and stir until browned.
- Add the canned tomatoes and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Tear fresh basil leaves and stir into the sauce.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti in the sauce and serve.
2. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 cups Jasmine Rice – $1.40
- 1 Broccoli – $2.50
- 2 Carrots – $0.80
- 1 Red Capsicum – $1.20
- 1 Onion – $0.40
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce – $0.30
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil – $0.10
Total Cost: $7.40
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 110g
- Fiber: 6g
Recipe:
- Cook the jasmine rice according to package instructions. I prefer the absorption method.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, and cook until translucent.
- Add sliced carrots, capsicum, and broccoli florets, stirring frequently.
- Pour in soy sauce and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Serve the stir-fried vegetables over a bed of rice.
3. Chicken and Vegetable Soup
Ingredients:
- 500g Chicken Breast – $5.00
- 2 Carrots – $0.80
- 2 Potatoes – $1.00
- 1 Onion – $0.40
- 2 Celery Stalks – $0.50
- 1L Chicken Stock – $2.00
Total Cost: $9.70
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 510
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
Recipe:
- Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large pot, heat a bit of oil and add diced onion, cooking until soft.
- Add the chicken, cooking until it’s no longer pink.
- Add chopped carrots, potatoes, and celery, and stir for a few minutes.
- Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Beef and Bean Chili
Ingredients:
- 500g Minced Beef – $5.00
- 1 can Red Kidney Beans – $0.80
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes – $0.80
- 1 Onion – $0.40
- 2 Garlic Cloves – $0.20
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder – $0.20
Total Cost: $7.40
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 12g
Recipe:
- In a large pot, brown the minced beef over medium heat, then drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
- Stir in chili powder, canned tomatoes, and kidney beans.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, with optional toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream.
5. Egg Fried Rice
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Jasmine Rice (cooked) – $1.40
- 3 Eggs – $1.00
- 1 Carrot – $0.40
- 1 cup Frozen Peas – $0.60
- 1 Onion – $0.40
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce – $0.30
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil – $0.10
Total Cost: $4.20
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 85g
- Fiber: 4g
Recipe:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until translucent.
- Add diced carrot and peas, stirring frequently.
- Push vegetables to the side and scramble the eggs in the same pan.
- Stir in the cooked rice and soy sauce, mixing everything together.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes and serve hot.
These recipes are designed to be affordable, nutritious, and simple to prepare. They provide a good balance of macronutrients to keep your family healthy and satisfied. By utilizing cost-effective ingredients from Woolworths, you can keep your grocery bill low while enjoying delicious homemade meals.
For the latest prices and deals, you can always check the Woolworths online catalogue. For more information on creating a budget check out our best budget template page.