Being a new mom is exciting but also tiring. Finding time to cook can be hard, especially when you’re on a budget. Luckily, there are easy and cheap meals that can help. Here are five tasty and budget-friendly meals for new moms that are quick to make and won’t break the bank.

Key Takeaways

• • Vegetable stir-fry is a quick and healthy meal option.

• • Lentil soup is nutritious and easy to prepare.

• • Quinoa salad is versatile and can be made ahead of time.

• • Chicken tacos are flavorful and can be customized.

• • Oatmeal with fruit is a simple and filling breakfast choice.

Vegetable Stir-Fry

Vegetable stir-fry is a quick, healthy, and budget-friendly meal perfect for new moms. It’s packed with nutrients and can be made in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or sesame oil

• • 1 onion, sliced

• • 2 cups bok choy, chopped

• • 1 bell pepper, sliced

• • 1 cup broccoli florets

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

• • Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Instructions

1. 1. Heat the avocado oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.

1. 1. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and cook until it becomes translucent.

1. 1. Add the bok choy and stir-fry until it starts to wilt, about 5 minutes.

1. 1. Toss in the bell pepper, broccoli, and garlic. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes.

1. 1. Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and ginger. Mix well to coat all the vegetables.

1. 1. Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles.

This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Perfect for busy new moms!

Lentil Soup

Lentil soup is a fantastic option for new moms looking for a budget-friendly, nutritious meal. It’s super easy to make and packed with protein and fiber, which are essential for keeping your energy levels up.

Ingredients

• • 1 cup of lentils

• • 1 large carrot, chopped

• • 1 onion, chopped

• • 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• • 4 cups of vegetable broth

• • 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1. Rinse the lentils under cold water.

1. 1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until they are soft.

1. 1. Add the chopped carrot and cook for another 5 minutes.

1. 1. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the lentils.

1. 1. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

1. 1. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper.

This lentil soup is not only tasty and good for you, but it’s also extremely cheap to make. A little hack I’ve learned recently is to add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking for a subtly tangy kick.

Feel free to add any other veggies you have on hand, like spinach or tomatoes, to make it even more nutritious. Enjoy your meal!

Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad is a fantastic, budget-friendly meal that’s both healthy and delicious. It’s perfect for new moms who need something quick and nutritious.

Ingredients

• • 1 cup quinoa

• • 2 cups water

• • 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• • 1 cucumber, diced

• • 1 bell pepper, diced

• • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

• • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

• • 1/4 cup olive oil

• • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water.

1. 1. In a medium pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.

1. 1. Let the quinoa cool to room temperature.

1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and feta cheese.

1. 1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.

Tips

• • You can add other veggies like cherry tomatoes or avocado for extra flavor.

• • Store-bought Greek dressing is great, or you can make your own with olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano.

• • This salad tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep.

Quinoa salad is not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients, making it a go-to meal for busy new moms.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious quinoa salad!

Chicken Tacos

Chicken tacos are a lifesaver for busy new moms. These delicious, slow-cooker chicken tacos come in to save the day! With just 5 minutes of prep time, this saucy, spiced chicken is always a hit with my family.

Ingredients

• • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs

• • 1 packet taco seasoning

• • 1 cup salsa

• • 8 small tortillas

• • Toppings: shredded lettuce, cheese, sour cream, avocado, etc.

Instructions

1. 1. Place the chicken, taco seasoning, and salsa in a slow cooker.

1. 1. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

1. 1. Shred the chicken with two forks and mix it well with the sauce in the slow cooker.

1. 1. Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.

1. 1. Assemble the tacos by adding the chicken and your favorite toppings.

Pro Tip: You can also use an Instant Pot to speed up the cooking process. Just cook on high pressure for 15 minutes and then shred the chicken.

Enjoy these easy and tasty chicken tacos that are perfect for a quick dinner!

Oatmeal with Fruit

Oatmeal is a fantastic, budget-friendly option for new moms. It’s quick to make, filling, and can be customized with various toppings. Oatmeal is so filling and provides a great start to your day.

Ingredients

• • 1 cup rolled oats

• • 2 cups water or milk

• • A pinch of salt

• • Fresh or frozen fruit (like berries, bananas, or apples)

• • Optional: honey, nuts, or seeds

Instructions

1. 1. In a pot, bring the water or milk to a boil.

1. 1. Add the oats and a pinch of salt.

1. 1. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

1. 1. Once the oats are cooked, remove from heat and let it sit for a minute.

1. 1. Top with your choice of fresh or frozen fruit. You can also add honey, nuts, or seeds for extra flavor and nutrition.

Oatmeal with fruit is not only nutritious but also versatile. You can switch up the toppings to keep things interesting. Try adding banana oat waffles for a fun twist!

This meal is perfect for busy mornings and can even be prepared the night before. It’s one of the best meals for new moms who need something quick, easy, and nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make these meals?

Each meal can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy new moms.

Are these meals budget-friendly?

Yes, all the meals cost less than $30 to make and are designed to be affordable.

Can I make these meals gluten-free or dairy-free?

Absolutely! Each recipe includes tips on how to make them gluten-free and dairy-free if needed.

Do I need any special cooking equipment?

No special equipment is required. Basic kitchen tools like pots, pans, and an oven will do.

Can I use Instacart to buy the ingredients?

Yes, each meal includes a grocery list linked to Instacart for easy shopping and delivery.

Are these meals suitable for the whole family?

Yes, these meals are family-friendly and designed to be enjoyed by everyone.

How many people do these meals serve?

Each meal serves approximately 4-6 people, perfect for family dinners.

Can I prepare these meals in advance?

Yes, many of these meals can be prepped in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to cook.