Committing to feeding your family healthy meals without spending a fortune can sometimes feel like an impossible feat. We’re committed to staying on track with our nutrition and fostering a healthy relationship with food for our children, but we run into the issue of cost. Why does “healthy” food have to cost so much, right?
I totally get it. I used to think that I had two options when it came to feeding my family: buy what’s cheap and not nutritionally dense or shell out bucko bucks for foods and ingredients that fell within the realm of “healthier.”
But this beautiful thing happened when I stopped the black-or-white thinking I was experiencing about nutrition and realized that healthier meals can be made with simple ingredients. We don’t need to buy organic everything (unless you want to!). We put together easy, healthy meals that the whole family can enjoy for so much less than we thought.
How? By leaning into recipes that take a healthier twist on our classic family favorites. With a few simple ingredient swaps and healthy additions, we can enjoy nutritionally sound meals that won’t break the bank. Here at Fit Healthy Macros, we’re all about helping you make easy, macro & family-friendly meals that fit your budget and your time constraints!
15 Healthy Meals for The Family + Budget Friendly
1. Easy Baked Turkey Tacos
Tacos are an absolute staple in my house! It’s one meal that my picky kiddos will always say yes to which means we’re eating some variation of tacos at least once per week. These Easy Baked Turkey Tacos are a favorite around here. They’re full of flavor, simple to make, and they keep things on the lighter end.
2. Healthier High Protein Hamburger Helper
When I was a kid, Hamburger Helper was a staple around our house. It was a quick, easy, and cost-effective way to get dinner on the table. While there’s nothing wrong with grabbing a box of Hamburger Helper every once in a while, I challenge you to give this healthier version a try! With only a handful of budget-friendly ingredients and only one skillet required, you’ll have a hot, healthy dinner on the table that didn’t put a dent in your budget.
3. Copycat McChicken Sandwiches
Does anyone else have kids that are instantly teasing for McDonald’s the second they see those golden arches? Yes, we sometimes hit up the drive-through on our busiest days, but that can add up quickly, both from a cost and nutrition standpoint. Enter our Copycat McChicken Sandwiches! A nutritious, wholesome version of the iconic sandwich that the whole family will enjoy! Plus, all you need to get this meal on the table is your air fryer!
4. Protein-Packed Pizza Sliders
When it comes to family-friendly meals, I would venture to say that pizza is at the top of many families’ lists, mine included. When no one can agree on what to eat, pizza is usually a safe bet! If your family likes pizza as much as mine, give our High Protein Pizza Sliders a go! These delicious sliders have all the best features of pizza but are significantly healthier. Plus, the ingredients list is simple and budget-friendly.
5. Macro-Friendly Tuna Noodle Casserole
When the budget gets tight, we start looking for convenient protein sources like canned tuna to keep us on track. Thankfully, this Macro-Friendly Tuna Noodle Casserole is not only healthy, but it’ll be one of the most cost-effective meals you make all week. And your family will love this one!
6. Turkey Ricotta Stuffed Meatballs
Our take on classic Italian meatballs, but a hair healthier! These robust meatballs are bursting with flavor, super versatile, and a staple for weeknight meals. With only a handful of simple ingredients and steps, you won’t feel squeezed for time or money when you add this healthy family recipe to your rotation.
7. Chicken Fried Rice
The average cost of Chinese takeout for a family of 4 these days is around $40, and that’s not including a tip or delivery fee! Skip the takeout and make our easy, macro-balanced Chicken Fried Rice recipe for your family. It’s packed with protein and veggies but maintains that authentic taste we’re all craving.
8. Easy One-Pot Lasagna
Our One-Pot Lasagna has been one of our most popular family recipes to date! I’ve received feedback from dozens of moms who can’t believe how easy it is to make and how much their family raves about it. We took all the hassle and hardship out of making a traditional lasagna so you can fuel your family with this healthier dish anytime!
9. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
If you’re like me and you see the words “sheet pan” in relation to a dinner recipe, you’re already excited. Throw a bunch of easy, nutritionally balanced ingredients on a sheet pan, pop it in the oven, and you have yourself some incredible fajitas that you can let the family do what they wish! Wrap them in a tortilla, put them over rice, or enjoy on a salad - this recipe has something for everyone!
10. Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
I was just thinking about this the other day; my air fryer is easily the most utilized appliance in my home. And for good reason, it cooks food so quickly and easily that I save a ton of time on busy weeknights when kids need to be shuttled to sports and activities. These Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos contain such simple ingredients that you won’t believe how delicious they come out and just how gentle on your budget they are.
11. Healthy Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole
If your family likes burgers, then they’re going to love this lightened-up Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole. It’s got all the best flavors from a traditional burger (we’re talking Big Mac here), but the addition of the pasta makes this a well-balanced meal that’ll fill everyone up without emptying out your wallet.
12. Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Pasta is a classic dinner option, but most pasta dishes leave a lot to be desired when it comes to protein content, which helps keep us full and fueled. But that’s not the case with our Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake! This dish is creamy, delicious, and packed with protein.
13. High Protein Loaded Baked Potato Soup
A good potato soup recipe offers the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s creamy, hot, and customizable so everyone in the family can enjoy it with their own unique preferences. This High Protein Loaded Baked Potato Soup is cost-effective, easy to make, and oh-so-delicious.
14. Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Busy evenings call for easy dinners, and it doesn’t get any easier than this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet. One skillet, 7 ingredients, and 36g of hearty protein make this dish not only favorable but also a great choice for a healthy family dinner.
15. Healthy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Skillet
When I picture family dinners, a big dish of hearty pasta being passed around comes to mind. And who says you can’t eat pasta and still stay on track with your nutrition goals? Our macro-balanced, budget-friendly Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Skillet allows your whole family to enjoy a creamy pasta dish that also promotes a healthy, balanced relationship with food.
If You Like These Recipes…
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