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8 cheap family meals

by Rachel Deeley

published on 18 January 2024

It’s no secret that feeding a family isn’t always easy on the wallet, or a busy schedule. Fortunately, Ashleigh Mogford, the creator behind the hugely popular Cardiff Mum platform, has you covered with her budget- and family-friendly recipes that are quick and easy to cook.

Below, we’ve rounded up some of the brilliant recipes you’ll find in her cookbook, Cardiff Mum’s Thrifty Feasts, including meals to feed the family for £5 or less, air fryer and slow cooker recipes, one-pot wonders, and comfort food with classic flavours.

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Meals for £5 and under

Mexican_Bean_Patty_Pittas

Mexican-Inspired Bean Patty Flatbreads

by Ashleigh Mogford

Filling and packed with flavour, these vegetarian flatbreads are a great way to use up store cupboard staples.

Deep_Pan_Pizzas

Deep Pan Pizzas

by Ashleigh Mogford

A guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this easy pizza recipe is packed with delicious toppings like smoked pancetta and caramelised red onions. The homemade pizza dough also stores well in the freezer, making it a go-to dinner option.

Cheap air fryer and slow cooker recipes

Air_Fryer_Jalapeno_Popper_Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken

by Ashleigh Mogford

Inspired by the flavours of spicy-and-creamy jalapeño poppers, these succulent chicken breasts take just 30 minutes to cook in the air fryer.

Slow_Cooker_White_Chicken_Chilli_

White Chicken Chilli

by Ashleigh Mogford

This slow cooker recipe uses tender chicken thigh meat to create a lighter alternative to chilli con carne that’s just as hearty and delicious.

Cheap one-pan meals and traybakes

Hot_Honey_Salmon_Traybake

Hot Honey Salmon Traybake

by Ashleigh Mogford

If you love contrasting sweet, spicy, and umami flavours, this traybake combining salmon, aubergine, and red peppers is the ultimate midweek meal for you.

Caprese_Pesto_Orzo

Caprese Pesto Orzo

by Ashleigh Mogford

Made with roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, pickled red peppers, and a gooey mozzarella topping, this is not your average pasta bake.

Cheap comfort food recipes

Mexican_Halloumi_Taco_Bowls

Mexican Halloumi Taco Bowls

by Ashleigh Mogford

Who doesn’t love a taco bowl? Recreate this fun restaurant favourite at home, complete with smoky Cajun seasoning, cooling yoghurt and guacamole, and crispy roasted veg.

Smoked_Pancetta_and_Baked_Feta_Spaghetti

Smoked Pancetta and Baked Feta Spaghetti

by Ashleigh Mogford

This indulgent pasta recipe uses a creamy feta and tomato-based sauce and onions caramelised in pancetta fat for the ultimate comfort food dish.

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