Affordable Holiday Meals for Families: Delicious Recipes The Feed 4 to 6 People on a Budget
Research for post done by an NGJ volunteer Elizabeth Jacob
Holiday meals do not need to be expensive to feel special. With grocery prices rising nationwide, many families are searching for affordable recipes that still bring comfort, tradition, and flavor to the table. The good news is that you can enjoy a festive holiday dinner without spending more than you need.
Below are three affordable holiday meals that feed 4 to 6 people, complete with ingredient lists and estimated grocery totals based on current national averages. These recipes are simple, comforting, and perfect for any holiday celebration.
Meal 1: Herb Roasted Chicken with Garlic Potatoes and Green Beans
Estimated Total Grocery Cost: $22 to $27
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken (4 to 5 pounds)
6 to 8 medium russet potatoes
1 pound fresh green beans
1 stick of butter
1 lemon
Olive oil
Garlic (6 to 8 cloves)
Salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, paprika
Why this meal works
Whole chickens cost significantly less per pound than pre-cut pieces and can easily feed a family of four to six. Paired with inexpensive vegetables and pantry seasonings, it becomes a complete and budget friendly holiday dinner.
Meal 2: Creamy Baked Ziti with Salad and Garlic Bread
Estimated Total Grocery Cost: $18 to $22
Ingredients:
1 pound ziti or penne pasta
1 jar marinara sauce
1 jar alfredo sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella
Parmesan cheese
1 pound ground turkey or beef
1 head of lettuce
1 tomato
1 cucumber
1 loaf of French bread
Butter and garlic powder
Why This Meal Works
Baked ziti is hearty, comforting, and stretches easily to feed a crowd. Ground turkey or beef keeps the dish filling, while an inexpensive homemade salad and garlic bread make it feel like a complete holiday dinner without the high cost.
Meal 3: Holiday Turkey Meatball Dinner with Mashed Potatoes and Corn
Estimated Total Grocery Cost: $19 to $24
Ingredients:
2 pounds ground turkey
1 egg
Bread crumbs
1 packet onion soup mix or seasoning blend
8 medium potatoes
1 stick of butter
1 cup milk
1 bag frozen corn
Parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder
Why This Meal Works
Turkey meatballs are an affordable alternative to traditional holiday turkey. They cook quickly and pair perfectly with classic sides like mashed potatoes and buttered corn. The ingredients are simple, low cost, and widely available.
Tips for Saving Even More During the Holidays
Buy store brands
Most store label items cost 20 percent less than name brands without sacrificing quality.
Shop seasonal produce
Potatoes, onions, carrots, and winter squash are budget friendly staples during the colder months.
Use leftovers creatively
Turn leftover chicken into soup, extra pasta into a quick lunch, or extra turkey meatballs into sandwiches.
Compare prices per ounce
Unit pricing helps you find the best deals, especially on meat, cheese, and pantry staples.
Holiday meals can be delicious, comforting, and festive without straining your budget. These affordable recipes show that with a few smart grocery choices, families can enjoy full holiday dinners that feel special and feed everyone at the table. Whether you choose a classic roasted chicken, a cozy baked pasta, or a creative turkey meatball dinner, you can celebrate the season without overspending.
Resources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). Average retail food and energy prices, U.S. city average. https://www.bls.gov/regions/mid-atlantic/data/averageretailfoodandenergyprices_usandmidwest_ table.htm
ConsumerAffairs. (2025). The rising cost of groceries by state. https://www.consumeraffairs.com/finance/cost-of-groceries-by-state.html
Instacart. (2025). Average grocery cost per month: The 2025 breakdown. https://www.instacart.com/company/ideas/average-grocery-cost-per-month/
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service. (2025). Food price outlook: Summary findings. https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings
