Mince is a favourite meat for kids because it tastes great and is easy to chew. Coincidentally, mince is usually ultra affordable and quick to cook, making it a favourite for parents on a budget.
Like most family cooks, mince is one of the first things I throw in my trolley when I hit the meat section of the supermarket. After all, as long as you have mince in the freezer, you’ve got a meal ready to go.
Here’s 15 of our most loved budget friendly family dinners using mince meat! From beef, to lamb, chicken to turkey and pork too – they’re all here. Just choose your kids’ favourite and let’s cook!
1. Rissoles
My boys’ favourite. Pair rissoles with vegetables, salad or when the weekend rolls ’round and you’re looking for a quick fix, grab a bag of potato wedges and throw them in the oven. Delicious!
2. Beef sausage rolls
Great for lunch or dinner, these beef sausage rolls are just as tasty cold as they are hot. Awesome for lunch boxes and they freeze magnificently.
3. Meatloaf
Bacon wrapped pork meatloaf with mango chutney – hooley dooley! Talk about budget friendly family dinners! Not a fan of pork? Switch out the pork for beef or chicken!
4. San Choy Bau
A fun dinner if ever there was one, delicious pork san choy bau! The kids will love loading up lettuce cups with tasty savoury mince.
5. Lasagne
Always a favourite family dinner, lasagne will fill up little (and large) appetites. Just construct and bake, easy!
6. Noodles
A DIY takeaway meal and on the table in 15 minutes, flavour packed chicken rice noodles will be loved by all the family.
7. Meatballs
Italian meatballs! Eat them on their own covered in their delicious tomato sauce or with slurpy spaghetti, either way they’re sure to go down a treat. Don’t forget the extra cheese!
8. Chicken sausage rolls
Kids love chicken? Try these chicken sausage rolls with added vegetables. Cut into small sausage rolls, they’re perfect for kids to dip in their favourite sauce!
9. Tacos
But of course, tacos are ALWAYS popular! We often switch out beef mince for turkey and the kids love it!
10. Swedish meatballs
No need to head to Ikea for creamy Swedish meatballs when you can make your own at home. No allen key required!
11. Meatball subs
You’ll be winning all the family chef awards with meatball subs for dinner! Budget friendly family dinners don;t come any easier.
12. Chilli con carne
Packed with beans and delicious mince beef, chilli con carne makes for a tasty dinner. Serve with crusty bread or a handful of corn chips and the kids will barely be able to wait to tuck in.
13. Sloppy Joes
It doesn’t get much easier than sloppy Joes. You can hide a whole lot of vegetables in this mince and the kids are none the wiser. Serve with super fresh bread rolls, yum!
14. Spaghetti bolognese
An oldie but a goodie. Stick to traditional style spaghetti bolognese or check out these seven ways to tastily amp it up!
15. Shepherd’s pie
Finally, who can resist a delicious crunchy tipped, soft potato mash topped shepherd’s pie? Not many that’s for sure.
There you have it, 15 winning ways with mince meat, guaranteed to get mouths watering. Be sure to check out our budget friendly recipes for more money saving meals. Bon appetit!
