3 Quick Fun Budget Friendly Big Family Meals


Some days are busier than usual as a big family mom. Whether it’s an extracurricular activity, doctor’s appointment or special event, when I’m pressed for time and have eleven children plus a hardworking husband to feed by the end of the day, having a rotating selection of quick, simple, budget friendly meals makes my life so much easier. Bonus, these three favorite meals are super fun for the children which makes dinner time even more special as we laugh, learn and grow together.

The following three recipes are some of my favorite big family meals that I prepare (or have older children prepare on their assigned dinner night). They are especially fun because they have a ‘build it yourself’ aspect, are super simple to prepare, are nutritious and easy on the budget. All three can be prepared in advance the night before or in the morning if you have a full day so when you come home it’s simple to serve & eat and they can be adapted for different tastes and nutritional needs for all to enjoy.

 Power Salad

Just the name is exciting for my children from the young adults to the toddler (especially with seven sons).  This is a fun meal because everyone builds their own giant salad according to their taste. Prep is easy for any capable child with or without me.

Chop up a big bowl of lettuce (we do 2 heads of romaine lettuce) then fill smaller serving bowls with toppings based on what is in the fridge and cupboards. For example any combination of the following are great toppings: peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, mushrooms, pickles, olives, red cabbage, carrots, avocado, cashews, peanuts, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, raisins, dried cranberries, shredded cheese, feta etc. Fresh berries and fruit are optional. For protein hard boiled eggs are budget friendly and little ones enjoy the chance to crack & peel their own. Serve with a variety of salad dressings or even your own homemade favorite! To fill hungry bellies and add some carbs I sometimes add a side of rice or bowl of buttered bread. Dinner is served!

Make Your Own Sandwiches

Make-your-own sandwich on homemade bread has become a tradition in my big family home. My son with Aspergers quietly asked for it this week so you can bet I will be featuring it ASAP. To save time & energy I employ my trusty bread machine to make a 2 pound loaf. My 11 year old loves to prepare it which saves me even more time & energy! Store bought rolls will do great also.  Simple toppings such as 2-3 favorite deli meats, sliced cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, lettuce & onions are the crowd pleasers at my home. Pop some mayo & mustard on the table, serve with a side salad, veggie plate or big bowl of nacho chips and it’s time for dinner!

Potato Bar

This is another crowd pleaser and super easy on the budget and is quick to prepare.   Bake a number of white or sweet potatoes in your oven or microwave while you prep a few favorite toppings.  We enjoy classic butter, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped chives or green onions, shredded cheese, bacon bits, then salt & pepper.  Another variation is a Volcano Potato which uses leftover chili & cheese as a topper along with optional sour cream.  Served with a side salad or veggie plate this is a simple vegetarian meal that children love to build themselves and is simple to prepare as well as easy on the budget.

I hope these three quick fun budget friendly big family meals have inspired you to try something new with your own family! I’d love to hear if you test any of them out with your own crew so feel free to jump into my Big Family Moms community community to share and get more resources & encouragement for your family. Here's the link if you like.

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