Cheap Healthy Meals for Family: 7 Budget-Friendly Options That Actually Taste Wonderful

Does the weekly shop leave your wallet feeling lighter while your family's tummies stay grumbling? You're certainly not alone. Finding cheap healthy meals for family dinners that tick all the boxes feels nearly impossible when you're juggling work, school runs, and the eternal question of "what's for dinner?" The wonderful news is that feeding your family nutritious, delicious food doesn't require endless hours in the kitchen or a second mortgage. Let's explore some clever solutions that'll have everyone at the table feeling satisfied, including your budget.

7 Family-Friendly Meals That Won't Break the Bank

Before you start planning your next grocery shop, consider these ready-made family portion meals that deliver genuine value. Each one is designed to feed the whole family without the prep stress, and they're all 100% gluten-free and Coeliac Australia Endorsed.

1. Satay Chicken with Basmati Rice

Transport your taste buds to the streets of Bangkok without leaving your kitchen. Our Satay Chicken with Basmati Rice features succulent chicken breast, cooked to perfection and served over a bed of fluffy basmati rice with a thick, creamy peanut sauce. The chicken breast provides iron and zinc for a healthy immune system, while peanuts are an excellent source of healthful fats, protein, and fibre. An explosion of flavours your family won't soon forget!

2. Chicken Singapore Noodles

They always say to eat the rainbow, so why not try our Chicken Singapore Noodles! This dish is packed with veggies, free-range chicken and rice noodles, thank us later. Chicken thigh is high in iron and zinc, which are great for a healthy immune system, while carrot is loaded with vitamin A and beta-carotene, which can strengthen bones and control blood sugar levels. With 2 vegetable serves (based on a large portion size) and hidden veg, it’s an easy weeknight win.

3. Beef Bolognese Gnocchi

Is there anything better than a bowl of your mum's famous Spag Bol? Don't tell your mum, but we think we have the answer. Our Beef Bolognese Gnocchi features pillowy soft gluten-free gnocchi made with resistant starch to aid digestion, alongside a thick, nutrient-packed bolognese. With 3 vegetable serves and loads of veggies supplying potassium, dietary fibre, folate, and vitamins A and C, this one's a nutritional powerhouse disguised as comfort food.

4. Beef Bourguignon with White Potato Mash

A French-inspired classic with a Nourish'd twist! Our Beef Bourguignon with White Potato Mash features tender slow-cooked beef simmered in a rich, cranberry-infused sauce with carrots, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs. Served with a side of creamy, buttery mash, it’s pure comfort done right. It’s high in protein from slow-cooked beef for muscle support and satiety, and packed with gut-friendly fibre from carrots, onions, and mushrooms. Based on a regular portion size, it contains 31g of protein and 3 vegetable serves.

5. Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice

Love your curries, but not such a fan of setting your mouth on fire? Our Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice will be your best friend! Full of delicious veggies and cooked to perfection, this meal will melt in your mouth and leave a delicious aftertaste, without the burn. It includes 3 vegetable serves (based on a large portion size) and hidden veg. Almonds contain vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium that can help blood flow, and sweet potato contains essential minerals such as vitamin C, D, iron, magnesium and calcium, which improve eyesight, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

6. Cottage Pie

This scrumptious Cottage Pie has savoury comfort in every mouthful! This beloved everyday favourite features a hearty beef mince and veg filling with a creamy mashed potato topping, the epitome of cosiness on a plate waiting to be devoured. The savoury mince is a great source of Vitamin B12, an essential nutrient that is important for blood formation and your brain and nervous system, while potatoes are great in potassium, an electrolyte which aids in the workings of our heart, muscles, and nervous system.

7. Spaghetti Bolognese

Spag. Bol. Do we need to say more? Probably not, but we will anyway. Our Spaghetti Bolognese features delicious beef and pork mince, rich with tomato, fresh herbs and packed full of veggies, served on a bed of gluten-free pasta. Add a glass of vino and a garlic bread and you are in our idea of heaven. Beef is rich in protein, vitamin B12 and iron, which helps support muscle growth and reduce fatigue, while tomato is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium and folate.

Why Feeding Your Family Affordably Feels Harder Than Ever

The numbers don't lie. Data from Compare the Market shows the average Australian now spends over $213 per week on groceries, a 11.5% increase from last year. That's an additional $1,142 in grocery costs alone. For families of four, the situation intensifies with weekly bills often ranging between $280 and $400.

But here's what most budget guides don't mention: the hidden costs of cooking from scratch. Time spent planning, shopping, and cooking averages 10+ hours weekly for most families. Then there's food waste, the forgotten vegetables at the back of the crisper, the half-used jar of paste that expires before your next curry night. These costs add up significantly.

The True Cost of "Cheap" Meals

When searching for cheap healthy meals for family dinners, it's worth considering what you're actually paying for. The most affordable option isn't always the most economical when you factor in preparation time, ingredient waste, and nutritional value.

Consider a typical homemade bolognese:

• Beef mince: $12-15
• Pasta (gluten-free if needed): $4-6
• Tinned tomatoes, onion, garlic, herbs: $5-8
• Preparation and cooking time: 45-60 minutes
• Leftover ingredients that may spoil: Variable cost

When you add your time at even minimum wage, plus the cost of wasted ingredients, that "cheap" homemade meal quickly approaches or exceeds the cost of a ready-made option that's prepared by professional chefs and nutritionists.

What Every Family Needs on the Plate

The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend enjoying a wide variety of nutritious foods from five food groups daily: vegetables and legumes, fruit, grain foods, lean meats and alternatives, and dairy or alternatives. For children and adolescents, especially, these guidelines emphasise eating sufficient nutritious foods to grow and develop normally.

According to Raising Children Network, children aged 4-8 years should aim for 1½ serves of fruit, 4½ serves of vegetables, 1½-2 serves of dairy, 4 serves of grains, and 1½ serves of lean meats or alternatives daily. That's a lot to coordinate when you're racing against the clock every evening.

This is where meal delivery services shine. Each Nourish'd meal is designed with these nutritional guidelines in mind, taking the guesswork out of balanced eating. Our meals typically include multiple vegetable servings, quality protein, and are all 100% gluten-free, perfect for families managing coeliac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Smart Strategies for Budget-Conscious Families

Between school runs, late meetings, and after-school activities, staying on budget can feel like a juggling act. Ready-made meals can take the planning and prep off your plate, helping weeknights run smoothly, reducing food waste, and cutting back on last-minute takeaway spending.

The 80/20 Approach

A simple way to balance cost and convenience is to cook from scratch most of the time and use ready-made meals on the busiest nights. Keeping a few pre-prepared family favourites on hand helps you stay on track without sacrificing a proper dinner, and it can stop takeaway splurges from blowing your weekly spend.

Plan Around Your Schedule

Monday through Thursday are often the chaos zone for families. Having heat-and-eat options available for these peak-stress evenings means dinner is sorted in minutes, with no extra shopping or chopping. Save your cooking adventures for weekends when you actually have time to enjoy the process.

Consider the Per-Serve Cost

When comparing options, always look at the true per-serve cost. A family-sized meal that feeds everyone can work out to just a few dollars per serve, often costing less than a coffee and far less than most takeaway options, especially once you factor in leftover ingredients and food waste.

Catering to Different Dietary Needs

Modern families often juggle multiple dietary requirements. One child might be a fussy eater, another might have allergies, and parents might have their own health goals. All Nourish'd meals are 100% gluten-free and Coeliac Australia Endorsed, ensuring safety without the premium price of specialty ingredients.

Beyond gluten-free, we offer options for those following dairy-free, low-calorie, high-protein, or keto diets. This means every family member can enjoy meals suited to their needs without requiring separate shopping trips or cooking sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should a family of four spend on groceries in Australia?

Australian families of four typically spend between $280 and $400 per week on groceries. This varies based on location, dietary requirements, and shopping habits. Families managing gluten-free diets often face additional costs for specialty ingredients.

Are ready-made meals actually cheaper than cooking from scratch?

When you factor in time spent cooking, ingredient waste, and the actual cost of buying each ingredient, ready-made meals can often be comparable or even cheaper, especially for families with dietary restrictions. A family-sized portion that feeds everyone can also cost just a few dollars per serving.

How do I order Nourish'd family portion meals?

Simply visit our menu and select the meals you'd like. Our weekly order cut-off is Wednesday at 9 pm AEST for delivery the following week.

How long do the meals last in the fridge?

Our fresh meals typically last from 4 to 7 days, depending on the ingredients or can be frozen for longer storage. This makes them perfect for meal planning throughout the week.

Are the meals suitable for children?

Absolutely. Our family-sized meals are designed for all ages. Each meal provides a balanced mix of nutrients aligned with the Australian Dietary Guidelines, and we avoid excessive salt or additives that aren't suitable for younger palates.

What's the minimum order requirement?

We have a minimum spend of $68 for all orders. If your order total is over $138, you’ll qualify for free delivery. You can mix and match any meals from our menu to reach this amount.

Your Family Deserves Better Than Budget Stress

Finding cheap healthy meals for family dinners shouldn't feel like solving a puzzle every single night. With a bit of planning and the right mix of homemade favourites and ready-made options, you can keep everyone well-fed without the constant stress. Your family's health and your sanity are worth investing in, and sometimes the smartest investment is choosing convenience without compromising quality.