The Best Cheap Lunches For Hungry Teens

 I am actually shocked at how ridiculous my grocery bill is lately. I am trying not to spend a fortune but this is getting crazy. I leave the store with two bags and somehow spent over $150. A big grocery shop costs us anywhere from $400-$600 and it barely gets us through two weeks. 

I have been experimenting with different ways to save money on food for my kids that they will actually eat. There are quite a few subscription boxes I absolutely love to get every week and alternate each one to try new stuff constantly. One of my tricks is to get extra of each meals main protein and starch or grain at the grocery store and stretch it further. I cook it according to the recipe but usually make a portion with less spices, take out certain things, or what I like to call “Troy Friendly” since he is so picky. With our youngest being on the spectrum it can be hard to get him to eat too many new things. 

I have been getting so sick of planning dinner all the time that it is so much easier to pick between different recipes that are all ready for me in the fridge. If you have the extra money right now I highly recommend you give them a try. 

For my oldest boy he survives off a high protein diet and as you know that can be expensive. Bulking up is a huge trend right now if your kids are into fitness and the more food they eat the more they turn to muscle. I have come up with these quick and easy high protein lunches and snacks for his bulky lunches. 

• Protein shakes
• Cheese and nuts 
• Pepperoni sticks
• Cottage cheese
• Yogurt and granola
• Sandwiches
• Casseroles

The easiest and most affordable meal I have found that my son will take with him in his lunch that fills his belly and helps him bulk up is casserole. I have created a bunch of different kinds and I make them the night before and put them in the fridge for him to access. He packs them into a thermos or Tupperware container and it keeps him full until he gets home.  

Tuna Casserole

All you need is:

• Cooked pasta of choice
• Canned soup (any cream soup will do)
• Milk
• Sour Cream
• Seasonings
• Tuna
• Cheese
• Cooked veggies of choice

Add all ingredients into a large bowl to mix well and then top with cheese and bake in the oven ant 350 degrees until cheese is melted. Super simple. I also add a scoop of Naked Marine collagen in which is completely flavourless for added nutrients. 

You don’t need to add sour cream or milk if you don’t eat dairy you can use alternatives also just estimate most of the liquid ingredients until it is your desired texture. It will thicken slightly as it cooks in the oven and the pasta soaks it up but not by much. 

Turkey Noodle Casserole

All you need is:

• Cooked pasta of choice
• Canned soup 
• Sour cream
• Milk 
• Cooked ground turkey
• Seasonings
• Cheese
• Cooked veggies of choice 

Add all ingredients to a large bowl to mix and combine. Place them in a casserole dish and bake in oven ant 350 degrees until cheese melts. 

Beef Noodle Casserole

• Cooked pasta of choice 
• Canned soup
• Cooked ground beef
• Seasonings
• Milk sour cream
• Cheese
• Cooked veggies of choice

Chicken Noodle Casserole

You can create a million different variations of these casseroles with different proteins, veggie options, cheeses, soups, and seasonings. 

• Cooked pasta of choice
• Canned soup 
• Cooked ground chicken or chopped chicken pieces
• Milk
• Sour cream
• Seasonings
• Cheese 
• Veggies of choice

Add all ingredients to a large bowl to mix and combine. Place them in a casserole dish and bake in oven ant 350 degrees until cheese melts. 

Depending on how picky your kids are you can mix and match so many different items to make a good casserole. Casseroles are always a great way to use up leftovers as well. If you had veggies the night before and tacos the night before that you can create a Tex mex casserole simply by adding cooked pasta, some sauce, and cheese. You just need to use your imagination and casseroles can come together quickly and easily to reduce waste and create filling meals for the whole family.