15 Frugal Meals for Kids

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Last year, I put together a round up of 15 Frugal Meals for a Small Budget. It has been such a hit, that I decided it was time to do it again…KID STYLE! If you have kids, you know how frustrating dinner time can be. It seems like the meals I spend lots of money and time on, my kids push away in disgust followed by,

I don’t like this!” 

To which I reply, “You haven’t even tried it yet!” 

followed by, “It looks gross!” 

and ended with, “Too bad. Eat it or go hungry!”

As much as I love having these “conversations” with my precious minions, and as much as I love finding hidden snacks and wrappers behind couches and beds from the little rebels who I “thought” were learning their lesson by going without dinner, sometimes a compromise is in order.

Why not save yourself some money (and time!) and make something easy AND kid friendly! I’m all for putting away the Martha Stewart apron and just keeping it simple! Ready or not, here they come! 15 Frugal meals for kids!15 Frugal meals for kids

Let’s start it out with a Double the Batch favorite:

#1 – Sweet Ham and Swiss Sliders    

Seriously! There is a reason why these are popular. They are amazingly easy and delicious! Make them for gatherings, dinners that your kid will love. My friends and I had these when we had a mommy lunch at home. We feed kids and let them play while we chat! Quick, easy, and  SOO GOOD!

Sweet Ham and Swiss Sliders  

#2 – Crock Pot Ravioli Casserole by Becoming Betty

Bowtie pasta and hamburger with a red sauce is a sure win with your kids! Delicious! 

Crock Pot Ravioli Casserole by Becoming Betty

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#3 – Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups by Spend with Pennies

 

Grilled cheese is always a great fall back on when your kids are needing something good and delicious! 

Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups by Spend with Pennies

#4 – Threaded Spaghetti Hot Dog Bites by Very Culinary

If this doesn’t scream kid friendly I don’t know what would! HA HA

Threaded Spaghetti Hot Dog Bites by Very Culinary#5 – 2 Ingredient Pizza Dough by Mother’s Niche

Super easy and fun to make as a family! We would shape the dough into ghosts for Halloween! 

2 Ingredient Pizza Dough by Mother's Niche#6 – Fruity Pancake Tacos by Betty Crocker

Breakfast for dinner is always a nice treat and easy to make! 

Fruity Pancake Tacos by Betty Crocker#7 – Walking Tacos by Come Together Kids

This is fun to make while camping too. Kids eat this up fast! 

frugal meals for kids#8 – French Bread Pizzas by The Pioneer Woman

Oh, we made these all the time growing up! We got to put whatever we wanted on our own. So fun! 

French Bread Pizzas by The Pioneer Woman#9 – French Toast Roll Ups by Cincy Shopper

Once again….Deliciousness! Breakfast for dinner! 

French Toast Roll Ups by Cincy Shopper#10 – Baked Sloppy Joe Cups by Ready Set Eat

Sloppy Joes are delicious and these are the perfect size for kids! 

Baked Sloppy Joe Cups by Ready Set Eat#11 – Butterfly Quesadillas by Creative Kid Snacks

Perfect for Mexican night! Add some fresh squeezed lime to these! You will love it! 

Butterfly Quesadillas by Creative Kid Snacks#12 – Alphabet Soup by Nashing with the Nolands

Great idea to make alphabet noodles and throw them in a soup! Super fun. 

Alphabet Soup by Nashing with the Nolands#13 – Crispy Chicken Snack Wraps by Love Bakes Good Cakes

Crispy Chicken Snack Wraps by Love Bakes Good Cakes#14 – 7 Layer Dip Cups by Baking Beauty

Any kind of chip dip is delicious! Especially when they can double dip in their own cup all they want! 

7 Layer Dip Cups

#15 – Pizza Crescent Rolls from Delish

This meal is fast and something your kids will for sure eat! Add some veggies like a bag of carrots, or some peas and your set! 

 For more great food ideas for kids check out my kids snack post here and also this post from Mother’s Niche!

May your kids never go hungry again! Happy Eating!

Wanna pin these for later? I got you covered!Meals perfect for kids! Meals your kids will love that are easy to make as well!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This post has been updated from when it was first published in Feb 2015. Thanks for stopping by!