How to Meal Plan for a Family of Four under $100 + Recipes

Feeding a family of four can be challenging, especially when staying within a budget. However, with proper meal planning, you can save money and provide healthy and delicious meals for your family. Learning how to meal plan on a budget for 4 is a great way to save money and ensure your family eats healthy and nutritious meals.

If you are stuck making a healthy meal plan for a family of four on a budget, I will guide you through meal planning for a family of four under $100 per month and provide you with some delicious and easy-to-prepare recipes to help you stick to your budget.

Want to learn the secret behind meal planning on a budget for a family of four? Keep reading.

How to Meal Plan for a Family of Four under $100

The following are some tips and strategies to help you make a cheap meal plan for a family of 4 under $100 per month:

Plan your Meals

Plan your grocery list for the meals before shopping to avoid buying unnecessary items. Making a list and sticking to it are essential to meal planning on a budget.

Before you go grocery shopping, plan out your meals and make a list of everything you’ll need. Check your pantry and fridge for any items on hand to avoid buying duplicates. Sticking to your list will help you avoid impulse purchases and unnecessary items that can add up quickly.

Shop in Bulk and at Discount Stores

One great way to stay budget-friendly is to buy groceries in bulk. Look for deals on meat, grains, and canned goods. Wholesale buying for a month or a few months can be easy on the pocket, especially for dry items.

Several discount stores can be great places to find affordable groceries. These stores often sell their brands that are significantly cheaper than name-brand products.

Meal planning on a budget may take extra time and effort, but the savings can be significant. With some planning and creativity, you can feed your family of four for under $100 a month.

Use Cheaper Proteins

Meat can be one of the most expensive parts of a meal, but plenty of affordable protein sources can be just as satisfying. Look for deals on canned or dried beans, lentils, and eggs. Tofu is also a budget-friendly source of protein that can be used in various dishes.

Stick to in-season Produce

Another tip is to plan your meals around seasonal produce, as the crops of the current season are usually cheaper than those that are not.

Cook from Scratch

Avoid processed and pre-packaged foods, which are often more expensive and contain additives and preservatives. Instead, opt for whole foods and ingredients used in multiple meals.

For example, a bag of brown rice can be used for a stir-fry one night and then as a base for a burrito bowl the next. Cooking from scratch not only saves you money but is also healthier.

Plan for Leftovers

Planning for leftovers is a great way to stretch your budget and save time. Make extra servings of meals that will keep well in the fridge or freezer, such as soups, stews, and casseroles.

When planning your meals for the month, consider how to repurpose leftovers in future meals. For example, you can use steamed or roasted chicken from the previous evening to make a salad the next day.

Recipes for a Budget-Friendly Meal Plan for a Family of Four

Here are a few yummy recipes for your low-budget healthy meal plan.

Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into small strips
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 red, green, and yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 large onion, sliced into strips
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 3/4 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp coriander
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• Flour tortillas for serving

Instructions:

1. Add chicken, canned tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Toss everything to combine.
2. Cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir in lime juice and cilantro. Serve with tortillas.

One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 12 ounces of spaghetti noodles
• Shredded Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

1. Begin by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat.
2. When the meat is cooked, add the minced garlic and diced onion, stirring occasionally until the onion is translucent.
3. Next, mix in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if desired), salt, and black pepper.
4. Allow the mixture to boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add the spaghetti noodles, broken in half, to the pot and ensure they are entirely covered with the sauce.
6. Cover the pot and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spaghetti is cooked and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
7. Serve your one-pot spaghetti and meat sauce with shredded Parmesan cheese on top for a delicious, budget-friendly family dinner.

Tips for Sticking to a Meal Plan on a Budget

One of the biggest challenges with a budget-friendly meal plan is sticking to it. It can be tempting to give in to cravings and order takeout or dine out at a restaurant, but this can quickly throw your budget out of balance. To avoid this, it’s essential to plan your meals ahead of time and stick to your grocery list when shopping. Avoid buying unnecessary items or impulse purchases that can add up quickly.

Try to use up items in your pantry and freezer before buying more groceries. Cooking in bulk and freezing leftovers can also help save time and money in the long run. And if you do have the urge to eat out, try to find ways to recreate your favorite dishes at home for a fraction of the cost.

How do you plan a meal for a family of four under $100? Keep it healthy and affordable with budget-friendly meals, and don’t be afraid of experimentation.