Is your food budget weighing you down? If so, you’re definitely not alone! In fact, according to ASIC, an Australian couple with two young kids spends around $279 every week on food and drink. You and your family have to eat, but what if you could cut down your food and drink expenses just a little bit? Even if you managed to save $50 per week on your food and drink bills, that’s $200 a month and $2,400 a year!
Cutting down on food and drink expenses is hard though, especially if you have a big family to feed. Whether you need to cut back on everyday meals, or you need to know what to cook for holiday meals that won’t break the bank, here are two easy and cheap recipe tips to feed a big family.
Make pasta with a simple tomato sauce
Pasta is always a go-to cheap food that can easily be made for a big family or large get together. It’s also a time saver if you buy boxed pasta instead of making your own. One box can easily feed a family of four, while two or more boxes can be used for large gatherings. While you can buy pasta sauce ready-made in a jar or can, here’s an easy homemade sauce recipe that’ll delight.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and then add 1 onion, 1 teaspoon of garlic and a dash of fresh or dried oregano. When the onion becomes soft, add in one small can of tomato paste and 2 large cans of chopped tomatoes (with the liquid). Add salt and pepper to taste and then throw a lid on it until it cooks down into a smooth sauce. Cook your pasta as usual, toss together and you’re done!
Swap meat for sweet potatoes
When feeding a large family, buying meat can be expensive! Here’s an easy solution - swap meat for sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals and they taste great. You can swap them in soups, or even grill them in place of meat. The possibilities are endless with this one.
For more easy money saving tips, click here!