Grocery prices keep going up. Every time I do a shop, I swear something else has jumped a dollar or two. It can feel really overwhelming trying to feed your family well when the costs just keep rising. But here’s what I’ve learned: it is absolutely possible to make beautiful, delicious dinners on a budget. I focus on stretching my ingredients, using really good quality basics, and making smart choices that save without cutting corners. I’m not making my own pasta or sourdough (obviously!), but I am using shortcuts where I can and getting the most out of every dollar. These five dinners are all under $20 for a family, and they’re meals my family loves to come back to again and again.

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Close-up shot of beef ramen noodles and a pair of chopsticks on top.

One-pan Beef Ramen Noodles

4.86 from 67 votes
One-pan Beef Ramen Noodles is an easy, flavoursome stir-fry featuring juicy beef, ramen noodles and fresh veggies in a hoisin-based sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!
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Overhead view of Portuguese chicken and chips on a plate.

Butterflied Portuguese Chicken

5 from 14 votes
Butterflied Portuguese Chicken is a no-fuss family dinner that delivers big flavours and serious crunch. Serve with crispy oven fries for the full fakeaway experience.
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Crispy oven fries served with a side of chicken salt on a white plate

Crispy Oven Fries

5 from 6 votes
These Crispy Oven Fries with real takeaway vibes might be baked, not fried, but they are every bit as addictive. Serve them with magical chicken salt to take them to the next level.
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4
Overhead image of plated wonton soup

Deconstructed Wonton Soup

4.70 from 20 votes
This Deconstructed Wonton Soup recipe is a cosy, low-effort twist on a family favourite. No folding required – just juicy pork dumplings, silky wonton wrappers, and a rich, savoury broth ready in 25 minutes. One pot, freezer-friendly and weeknight gold!
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5
Close-up of folded nacho wraps filled with seasoned meat and cheese, grilled to a crispy golden brown, served on a wooden board

Nachos Beef Folded Wraps

5 from 16 votes
Nachos Beef Folded Wraps are a fun and delicious twist on traditional nachos. They combine all the flavours you love in nachos – seasoned beef, melty cheese and crunchy corn chips – wrapped up in a soft tortilla for a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with mashed potatoes and asparagus

Easy Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken

4.94 from 31 votes
A wholesome, comforting classic made easier and more economical. Easy Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken uses thigh cutlets, rather than a whole chicken, but the result is still the satisfyingly tender, juicy roasted chicken with crispy golden skin that we all love.
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