Are you ready to do a deep dive back into your childhood memories? In this article, we’re sharing 17 of the foods your parents may have fed you as a kid that you thought were delicious, despite them being simple and very budget-friendly.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Were you one of the many American families that tucked into a tuna noodle casserole from time to time? This affordable meal combines canned tuna, noodles, and some sort of creamy sauce—often baked to golden perfection with a crunchy topping. To this day, it’s a staple for family gatherings and potlucks.
Sloppy Joes
You can’t go wrong with a sloppy Joe! These delights are quick and easy to prepare with ground beef and a sweet-savory tomato-based sauce. Typically served on hamburger buns, we bet the whole family loved them growing up, despite how cheap and simple they are.
Meatballs with Grape Jelly
Mashed says, “This quirky mix is believed to have first emerged on the scene in the 1960s.” It’s since remained a hit with families in the United States, with the unusual combination of grape jelly and chili sauce forming a surprisingly tasty glaze. As this meatball dish is both easy to make and economical, you may have enjoyed it time and time again!
Chicken Noodle Soup
Another super cheap dish to make that tastes amazing even today is chicken noodle soup, a comforting meal known for its healing properties. It’s made with simple and affordable ingredients, including chicken broth, noodles, and vegetables—the type of meal you’d feed your own kids!
Spam Fried Rice
Even the richest families in the country can’t knock spam fried rice—a delicious budget meal that everyone loves. The iconic canned meat adds a salty, meaty flavor to the dish, creating the ultimate one-pan meal that’s ideal for using up any leftover rice and veggies.
Pancakes
Pancakes are adored by kids and adults alike all over the United States (and beyond). Luckily, they’re also super cheap to make—made from very basic ingredients like flour, eggs, milk, and sugar. Pancakes are a versatile breakfast option that can be served with syrup, fruits, or yogurt.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Who doesn’t love a grilled cheese sandwich? It’s the ultimate comfort food, often paired with tomato soup, and involves simply grilling cheese between two slices of buttered bread. Could it get any cheaper? As told by HowStuffWorks, “Some three-quarters of people who buy sliced cheese make at least one grilled cheese a month.”
Fish Sticks
For kids, fish sticks are considered a real treat—and luckily for parents, they are and always have been very affordable in the store. Typically served with ketchup (or tartar sauce for those who want to jazz things up), fish sticks are super easy to throw in the oven and done in no time at all.
Rice Krispie Treats
You probably dug into many of these as a kid, so you may be very familiar with the no-bake dessert made from marshmallows and puffed rice cereal. As you remember how delicious these treats were, it’s also great to consider how cheap they are to make!
Corn Dogs
Do you remember frequently biting into corn dogs when you were younger, smothered in ketchup or mustard? These simple and budget-friendly carnival-inspired treats consist of hot dogs coated in a cornmeal batter—deep-fried to perfection! There’s no denying how amazing they taste, but they’re even better when you consider how cheap they are to make!
Potato Salad
“Potato salad is a summer staple and a surprisingly versatile dish at a cookout,” as per Business Insider. Made with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, and herbs—along with all kinds of other additions like eggs, vegetables, and meats—potato salad is served cold and often as a side dish. It’s budget-friendly and delicious!
Beef Stew
If you grew up eating beef stew, you’ll remember how tasty the hearty and nourishing dish is, made with tender beef and a mix of vegetables. It’s often cooked in large pots to feed a family on a budget, though it sure doesn’t feel “budget.”
Ambrosia Salad
A sweet, creamy fruit salad featuring marshmallows, coconut, and canned fruits—what’s not to love? Ambrosia salad is typically made for festive occasions and holiday meals. It’s a quick, easy, and affordable dessert to whip up, but it never fails to impress those who eat it!
Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a rich and creamy side dish that you likely enjoyed as part of many family dinners. It’s made with spinach, cream, and often parmesan cheese for some added flavor. It’s amazing how just a few simple and affordable ingredients can convert even those who are typically averse to their greens!
Baked Alaska
Once known as “Alaska, Florida,” according to Tasting Table, this delicious dessert may seem complicated or expensive to make but it’s really not. It features ice cream and cake encased in meringue and does require a little skillful preparation, but most people can handle it!
Mac and Cheese
Another American classic, mac and cheese has been adored by generation after generation, and that’s sure to continue for many years to come! It’s the perfect comfort food; it’s filling, and it’s made with some very budget-friendly ingredients—ideal for families all over!
Spanish Rice
Spanish rice is a simple one-pot meal consisting of rice, tomatoes, and various seasonings. It’s often made with leftover vegetables and meats to bulk it up a little but is known for its versatility and ease of preparation. As a kid, you were probably amazed by how it tasted, and as an adult, you’re impressed with how cheap the ingredients are!
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