beef recipes to feed a family of four for around $15
Beef isn’t just a protein - it’s a meal game-changer. By combining the protein provided by beef with everyday staples like potatoes and canned/frozen vegetables, you can create hearty, nutritious dishes that feed the whole family for less. Plus, beef’s rich flavor and nutrition make every bite satisfying and filling.
Big nutrition, small package
When it comes to high-quality proteins, beef provides many nutrients in a smaller serving size than other choices (with unbeatable taste at that)! For example, you’d have to eat at least 8 oz. of cooked chicken breast (USDA NDB #05064) to get the same amount of iron in just 3 oz. serving of cooked beef (USDA NDB #13364). When comparing zinc, you’d need to eat 20 oz. of cooked chicken breast!
what you get in a serving of beef
The great thing about beef is one 3.5-ounce serving of cooked beef offers more than just great taste - it’s packed with high-quality protein that helps keep you fuller, longer. The protein in beef is essential for muscle repair and recovery, but it also works to curb hunger by keeping you satisfied between meals. In addition to protein, beef delivers 10 essential nutrients in powerful amounts, including over 10% of your daily needs for iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are key for growing kids and busy parents alike.
These nutrient-dense beef meals are the perfect way to balance flavor, nutrition and the family meal budget. We’ve handpicked recipes that can feed a family of four for around $15 - proof that you don’t have to sacrifice quality or taste to stay within budget.
Our Methodology and a Disclaimer: We did our best to estimate the cost of ingredients using a national retailer’s online shopping prices in October 2024. Prices may fluctuate by the day, season or region. Additionally, since every city, county and state has different tax rates, we did not factor in tax. What we did factor in, however, is the amazing taste and value provided by each one of these recipes.
While some recipes show a total price of more than $15, that is because they yield 6 or even 8 servings. However, if you break the entire recipe cost into cost per serving, it usually falls under $15 for a family of 4.
1. cheeseburger mac
Everyone’s favorite comfort food is taken up a notch with this cheesy, beefy pasta dish. Quick and easy, it’s perfect for satisfying hungry kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb 80% Ground Beef: $5.98
- Macaroni noodles (1 lb): $1.00
- 6 ounces processed cheese - $4.48
- 8-10 dill pickles (2.74)
Approximate Total Cost: $9.84 for 4 servings
Approximate Cost Per Serving: $2.50
Stretch the Meal Further: Add your favorite steamed frozen veggies.
2. beefy harvest soup
Loaded with ground beef, veggies, and elbow macaroni, this hearty soup is a great way to feed the family while embracing all the flavors of fall.
Ingredients
- 1 lb 80% Ground Beef: $5.98
- Frozen mixed vegetables (1.5 cups): $1.00
- Beef broth (4 cups): $2.5
- Elbow macaroni (1 cup): $1.00 for 16 oz (~$0.25 for 1 cup)
- Smoked sausage (4 oz): $3.94 for 14 oz (~$1.12 for 4 oz)
- 1 Can (14.5 ounces) Italian-style stewed tomatoes, undrained: $1.24
Approximate Cost-Per-Serving: $3.09
Stretch the Meal Further: Add some warmed dinner rolls, a slice of buttered bread, or a house salad.
3. confetti beef tacos
These tacos add a fun twist to the classic with a blend of ground beef, corn, and salsa, making them a flavorful and easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb 80% Ground Beef: $5.98
- Corn (1 cup): $1.00 for 15 oz can (~$0.50 for 1 cup)
- Salsa (1 cup): $2.48 for 16 oz (~$1.24 for 1 cup)
- Taco shells (8 shells): $1.78
- Taco seasoning: $0.50-$1.00
Approximate Total Cost: $10.00 for 4 servings
Approximate Cost-Per-Serving: $2.50
Stretch the Meal Further: Mix in black or pinto beans while you're stirring in the taco seasoning. Or, cook up some rice and combine the meat mix with salsa for delicious and filling burrito bowls.
4. one pot lasagna
All the delicious flavors of lasagna, without the hassle! This one-pot wonder combines beef, zucchini, and pasta sauce for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80% lean): $5.98
- 1 medium zucchini (about 1-1/2 cups): ~$0.75 (estimated at $1.50 per pound)
- 1 jar (24 to 26 oz) garden-style pasta sauce: $2.12
- 2 cups water:
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: $0.02
- 6 ounces uncooked mini bow tie (farfalle) pasta: $1.00 for 16 oz (~$0.38 for 6 oz)
- 2/3 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese: $2.24 for 15 oz (~$0.94 for 2/3 cup)
- 1 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese: $2.34 for 8 oz
- Fresh basil (for garnish): ~$1.00 (estimated for a small bunch)
Approximate Cost-Per-Serving: $3.75
Stretch the Meal Further: Add some fresh-baked garlic bread sticks and a Caesar salad.
5. meatball sub sandwiches
Whether you make the meatballs your own or buy them in bulk from a store, this is an incredibly easy and time-saving recipe to feed a family.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80% lean): $5.98
- 1/4 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs: $0.50 (from a $1.98 package)
- 1 egg: $0.23 (from a dozen eggs at $2.76)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: ~$0.02 (estimated from a $1 container)
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper: ~$0.02
- 2 cups pasta sauce: $2.48 for a jar (24-oz)
- 4 crusty Italian rolls (5 to 6 inches each): $2.50 (from a $5 pack of 8 rolls)
Approximate Total Cost: ~ $12.25 for 4 servings
Approximate Cost-Per-Serving: $3.25
Stretch the Meal Further: Mix in black or pinto beans while you're stirring in the taco seasoning. Or, cook up some rice and combine the meat mix with salsa for delicious and filling burrito bowls.
6. Make it yourself chili mac
Bringing back the ultimate childhood favorite with this homemade, budget-friendly version. This hearty, cheesy dish takes you back to simpler times but packs in flavors the kids will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80% lean): $5.98
- 1 can (15 to 16 oz) chili beans in chili sauce: $1.48
- 1 1/2 cups thick-and-chunky salsa: $2.48
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro: $1.00 (estimated from $1.98 for a bunch)
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni: $1.00 for 16 oz ($0.25 for 2 cups)
Approximate Cost-Per-Serving: $3.25
Stretch the Meal Further: Fully embrace the Midwest culture and pair this with a delicious cinnamon roll for dessert.
7. Classic meatloaf
Meatloaf is not just a comfort food staple - it’s also an incredibly economical meal that stretches your budget without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds Ground Beef (80% lean): $5.98 per pound, totaling $8.97
- 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs: $0.50 (estimated from a $1.98 package) or make your own using stale bread or chips.
- 3/4 cup ketchup, divided: $0.75 (estimated from a $2.48 bottle)
- 1/2 cup minced onion: ~$0.40
- 1 egg: $0.23
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: $0.20
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: $0.10
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: $0.05
- 3/4 teaspoon pepper: $0.02
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: $0.02
Approximate Total Cost: $11.24 for 4 servings
Approximate Cost-Per-Serving: $2.81
Stretch the Meal Further: Roast some potatoes or some of those veggies going bad in the bottom of that drawer in your fridge.
8. buffalo style beef tacos
Bring back the ultimate childhood favorite with this homemade, budget-friendly version. This hearty, cheesy dish takes you back to simpler times but packs in flavors the kids will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80% lean): $5.98
- 1/4 cup hot pepper sauce: $2.48 (for a 12 oz bottle, estimated $0.50 for 1/4 cup)
- 8 taco shells: $1.78 1 cup thinly sliced lettuce: $1.00
- 1/4 cup blue cheese dressing: $2.34 (for an 8 oz bottle, estimated $0.60 for 1/4 cup)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot: $0.98
- 1/3 cup chopped celery: $1.48
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: $0.20 (from a $1.98 bunch, estimated)
Approximate Cost-Per-Serving: $3.15
Stretch the Meal Further: Add some pinto beans in with the beef mixture before seasoning and serve with celery sticks, carrots and other veggies.
9. pot roast with root vegetables
This slow-cooked beef roast is tender, juicy, and perfect for colder months. The rich flavor of pull-apart tender beef roast abounds and is paired with your favorite pot roast sides like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips. Yes, the total cost for this recipe is over $15, but this dish serves 8 quite easily, so the cost for four servings falls under that $15 mark.
Ingredients:
- Chuck Roast (3-3.5 lbs): ~$18.75
- Red potatoes (5 lbs): $2.98
- Carrots (1 lb): $1.48
- Parsnips (1 lb): $2.28
- Leek (1 large): $1.98
- Vegetable oil (1 tbsp): ~$0.10
- Cornstarch (1.5 tbsp): ~$0.20
- Garlic (1 clove): ~$0.10
- Oregano, lemon pepper, salt (combined): ~$0.20
Approximate Total Cost: $28 for 8 servings
Approximate Cost-Per-Serving: $3.50
Other Economical Cuts: Bottom Round Roast, Brisket Flat, Arm Roast
Stretch the Meal Further: Pair with a nice side salad and warmed whole-grain dinner rolls.
10. autumn beef and cider stew
This stew brings together fall’s best flavors with a combination of tender beef and tangy apple cider. It’s a warm, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Stew Beef: ~$11.96
- Apple cider (1 cup): $3.48 for 64 oz (~$0.55 for 1 cup)
- Sweet potatoes (1 lb): $1.00
- Dried cranberries (1/3 cup): $2.88 for 5 oz (~$0.96 for 1/3 cup)
- Condensed French onion soup (10.5 oz can): $1.72
- Bacon (2 slices): $4.24 for 12 oz (~$0.71 for 2 slices)
- Salt, Pepper (combined): ~$0.10
Approximate Cost-Per-Serving: $2.83
Stretch the Meal Further: Add a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing. The freshness of the salad pairs perfectly with the rich stew.
11. beefy shepherd's pie
Some call it shepherd's pie; some may call it cottage pie; we call it delicious. Loaded with savory and protein-packed ground beef and served alongside vegetables and mashed potatoes, this is an economical and delicious favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Ground Beef: ~$6
- 1.5 cups chopped onion: ~$0.75
- 1.5 cups classic beef gravy: ~$2.50
- 1½ cups frozen peas and carrots: ~$1.50
- ¼ tsp pepper: ~$0.05
- 2½ to 3 cups prepared mashed potatoes: ~$2
- 2 tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese (optional): ~$0.50
Approximate Total Cost: $14
Approximate Cost-Per-Serving: $3.50
