We’ve pulled together 7 simple meals that actually work — using real supermarket ingredients and realistic prices.
1. Feed a Family for Under $15 – Creamy Chicken Pasta
Feeding the family doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort food.
This creamy chicken pasta delivers rich flavour using simple, affordable ingredients — perfect for busy weeknights.
Estimated Cost (NZ): $14–$18 (feeds 4)
Ingredients
- 500g pasta ($2–$3)
- 600g chicken thighs ($7–$9)
- 1 cup cream ($3–$4)
- Garlic + onion ($2)
- Spinach (optional) ($2–$3)
Method
- Cook pasta
- Pan-fry chicken, garlic, onion
- Add cream + spinach
- Combine with pasta
Why This Works
- Cheap comfort food
- High protein
- Easy to bulk out
2. One-Pan Beef & Rice Bowl (No Fuss Dinner)
One pan. Minimal cleanup. Maximum flavour.
This is a go-to meal when time and money are tight.
Estimated Cost (NZ): $13–$17 (feeds 4)
Ingredients
- 500g beef mince ($8–$11)
- 2 cups rice ($2)
- Frozen veg ($2–$3)
- Soy sauce + garlic ($2)
Method
- Cook rice
- Brown mince with garlic
- Add veg + sauce
- Mix through rice
Why This Works
- Fast
- Filling
- Minimal dishes
3. Garlic Butter Prawn Stir Fry (15-Minute Dinner)
Feels like a takeaway — costs far less.
Estimated Cost (NZ): $15–$20 (feeds 4)
Ingredients
- 400g prawns ($10–$14)
- Frozen stir fry veg ($3–$4)
- Garlic + butter ($2–$3)
- Rice or noodles ($2)
Method
- Cook rice/noodles
- Fry prawns in garlic butter
- Add veg
- Toss together
Why This Works
- Fast
- High flavour
- Feels premium
4. Loaded Baked Potatoes – Cheapest Family Winner
One of the easiest ways to feed everyone on a tight budget.
Estimated Cost (NZ): $10–$14 (feeds 4)
Ingredients
- 2kg potatoes ($5–$7)
- Cheese ($4–$6)
- Sour cream ($3)
- Optional: bacon bits ($4–$6)
Method
- Bake potatoes
- Slice open
- Add toppings
Why This Works
- Extremely cheap
- Filling
- Customisable
5. Homemade Chicken Wraps (Better Than Takeaways)
Skip the drive-thru — this hits the same craving.
Estimated Cost (NZ): $13–$17 (feeds 4)
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs ($7–$9)
- Wraps ($3–$4)
- Lettuce + tomato ($4–$6)
- Mayo or sauce ($2)
Method
- Cook seasoned chicken
- Slice
- Assemble wraps
Why This Works
- Healthier than takeaways
- Customisable
- Family-friendly
6. $12 Veggie Fried Rice (Budget Staple)
Cheap. Fast. Surprisingly good.
Estimated Cost (NZ): $10–$13 (feeds 4)
Ingredients
- Rice ($2)
- Eggs (4) ($3–$4)
- Frozen veg ($2–$3)
- Soy sauce + garlic ($2)
Method
- Cook rice (best cold)
- Scramble eggs
- Fry everything together
Why This Works
- Ultra cheap
- Quick
- Great for leftovers
7. Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole (Set & Forget)
Comfort food that cooks itself.
Estimated Cost (NZ): $12–$16 (feeds 4)
Ingredients
- Sausages (8–10) ($6–$8)
- Canned tomatoes ($2–$3)
- Carrots + onion ($3–$4)
- Potatoes ($3–$4)
Method
- Chop ingredients
- Add to slow cooker
- Cook 6–8 hours
Why This Works
- Hands-off cooking
- Great for winter
- Feeds everyone
ENJOY!!!