5 Budget Friendly Meals for New Moms

Becoming a new mom is a joyous and transformative experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges and exhaustion. During this precious time, it’s crucial for new moms to prioritize self-care, including nourishing meals that are not only quick and easy but also budget-friendly.

In this article, we will explore a delicious list of easy, family-friendly meals for new moms. These dishes can be prepared in under 30 minutes, cost less than $30 to make, and, most importantly, offer a dose of comfort and nutrition.

We also have included how to make these meals gluten-free and dairy-free for those moms who have dietary restrictions. 

Every meal includes a grocery list that is linked to Instacart. If you haven’t tried Instacart or think it’s too expensive give it one try! I promise you actually save money in the long run.

To shop the recipes below, click the link and add the ingredients you don’t have on hand, pick your delivery day and time, and get your groceries delivered straight to your doorstep. Then make these easy recipes in less than 30 minutes. 

Now let’s dive into these five dinner ideas!

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5 Meals for New Moms

Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry

This simple and wholesome dish brings together succulent beef and vibrant vegetables. Not to mention this dish is high in iron and nutrients to fuel your body while you recover.

The ingredients are budget-friendly, and the entire meal can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy new moms. 

This dish is naturally gluten- and dairy-free too! 

This meal costs $28.25 and feeds 5-6 people. 

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Ingredients

• 2 cups rice
• 2/3 cup liquid aminos
• 2/3 cup water
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
• 2 teaspoons corn starch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 pound beef sirloin, sliced thin (pat dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture)
• 12 ounces broccoli, cut into bite size pieces
• 2 cups mini bell peppers, sliced thin
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the rice according to the package directions
2. When the rice is cooking make the homeade teriyaki by combining the liquid aminos, water, brown sugar, ginger, and cornstarch mixture into a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until thick and bubbly. Remove from the heat and set aside
3. Preheat a large skillet over high heat. When the pan is hot but not smoking add the oil and steak
4. Sear the steak on both sides for 3-4 minutes
5. When the steak is seared add the broccoli and bell pepper. Stir in the homemade teriyaki sauce and cover the pan with a lid for 3 minutes
6. Serve the stir fry over the cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds, if desired

Baked High Protein Taquitos

Packed with protein and a great freezer meal, baked taquitos are nutritious and a speedy option for new moms. You can change up the fillings to create different flavor taquitos too!  

You can make this gluten-free by using corn tortillas. To make it dairy-free, combine rotisserie chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce and roll to form the taquitos. 

This meal costs $23.57 and feeds 6 people.

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Ingredients

• 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 12 flour tortillas
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 6 pieces bacon, cooked until crispy
• Cooking spray
• Coarse salt

Directions

1. Combine the chicken, cheeses, BBQ sauce, and bacon in a mixing bowl
2. Place 2-3 tablespoons of the filling on the tortilla and roll into a taquito
3. Place the taquito seam side down on a foil lined baking sheet
4. Spray with cooking spray and sprinkle with coarse salt
5. Bake in a 425 degree F oven for 10-15 minutes
6. Serve with extra BBQ sauce

Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls

Impressively quick and surprisingly budget-friendly, honey garlic chicken bowls are a delightful option for new moms. This is a healthy, nutrient dense dinner that can be put on the table in under 30 minutes, making it one of my favorite meals for new moms!

This meal costs $27.03 and feeds 6 people.

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Ingredients

• 3 cups white rice
• 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces
• Drizzle of oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup lemongrass hoisin
• 1/2 cup liquid Aminos
• 1 tablespoon corn starch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1 head broccoli

Directions

1. Cook the rice according to package directions
2. Preheat a large skillet over medium high heat
3. Drizzle the hot pan with 2 teaspoons oil and immediately sear the chicken. Let the chicken brown before you start stirring it
4. Combine the garlic, honey, lemongress hoisin, and liquid aminos into a small bowl and mix to combine
5. Cook the broccoli in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 390 degrees F
6. When the chicken is golden brown and almost cooked through add the sauce and stir to combine
7. Make the slurry with the cornstarch and water and then add it to the pan. Cook until the sauce is thickened, about 2 minutes
8. When the chicken is cooked through assemble the bowls
9. Place a layer of cooked rice in your serving bowls. Top with chicken and sauce and then add your broccoli

Cheeseburger Bowls

A delicious dinner that is family friendly and naturally gluten-free. These cheeseburger bowls are quick and easy to make and are full of iron and nutrients to fuel your body. This meal is a great option to make double and meal prep half for easy, quick lunches. 

This meal costs $29.74 and feeds 6 people. 

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Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 teaspoons Montreal steak seasoning
• 6 russet potatoes, diced
• Xxtra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt to taste
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 package bacon, cooked until crispy
  Optional Toppings:
• Pickles
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced red onion
• Chick Fil A sauce

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degress F
2. Peheat a skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef until cooked through breaking up the meat into small pieces
3. Season the meat with the steak seasoning and stir to combine
4. While the meat is cooking, toss the potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt onto a baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until crispy
5. To assemble the bowls, layer the potatoes in the bottom of your serving bowl
6. Top with meat, cheddar cheese, lettuce, bacon, pickles, tomatoes, red onion, and a drizzle of Chick Fil A sauce.

Italian Sandwiches

For an Italian inspired dinner that’s both speedy and economical, try Italian sandwiches. Or you can use the Italian sausage mixture to stuff a baked potato or tossed in some pasta.

This meal costs $24.72 and feeds 6 people. 

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Ingredients

• 1 package Italian cooked sausage, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, sliced
• 2 zucchini, sliced
• 1-2 cups mini bell peppers, sliced
• Drizzle of olive oil
• 1 can whole San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
• 3 cups kale
• Ciabatta rolls, sliced in half
• 1 cup Quattro formaggi cheese or 5 cheese blend

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F
2. Toss the sausages, onion, zucchini, and peppers on a sheet tray with some olive oil. Cook for 10 minutes
3. Remove from the oven and add the tomatoes and kale. Place back in the oven for 5 minutes
4. Toast the rolls with the cheese for 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted
5. Remove the sheet tray, toss to combine everything, and place the mixture on the rolls

Meal Plan

For new moms navigating the whirlwind of motherhood, these quick and affordable dinner options offer a lifeline to nourishing meals without compromising on time or budget.

If you need some extra help with meal planning follow Dinner Under 30 Less Than 30 on Instagram. Each week offers a free weekly meal plan with five dinner recipes. These recipes are tailored to families and are less than $30 and take less than 30 minutes to make.

By incorporating these easy recipes into your meal rotation, you can prioritize your well-being and enjoy delicious, homemade dinners that support your health and energy levels during this special and demanding time.

After all, a well-fed mom is better equipped to savor the precious moments with their little one and embark on the journey of motherhood with strength.