Budget recipes for two (2024)

FAQs

What is the cheapest food that can feed a lot of people? ›

Pasta is one of the cheapest and most filling pantry staples you can buy, and that's exactly why it's the perfect food to feed to a crowd! Plus, everyone loves a good pasta dish. Grab yourself a buffet server warming tray so you can pop your cooked pasta inside and keep it warm all evening long!

If you're a single adult, depending on your age and sex (the USDA estimates are higher for men and lower for both women and men 71 and older), look to spend between $229 and $419 each month on groceries. For a two-adult household, the figure above will double: $458 to $838.

What's a reasonable food budget? Many financial advisors and gurus recommend spending no more than 10%-15% of take-home pay on food, a figure that includes restaurant dining and takeout. By this measure, a couple with $70,000 in adjusted income should keep an annual food budget in the $7,000 to $10,500 range.

Filling Fruits

Bananas, apples, oranges, and kiwi are not only cheap but filling. Bananas and apples we recommend adding a heavy dollop of your favorite nut butter or peanut butter for an even more filling treat or snack.

Lower-income households purchase more cereals, pasta, potatoes, legumes, and fatty meats. Their vegetables and fruits are often limited to iceberg lettuce, potatoes, canned corn, bananas, and frozen orange juice.

Store bulk grains, cereals, rice, and dried beans in airtight containers. Stock up on pantry essentials when they're on sale: frozen and canned vegetables, pasta, cooking oil, canned fish, flour, nuts and seeds, stock cubes, and herbs and spices. 4. Find cheaper protein options.

This strategy might benefit you if you're new to budgeting as a couple. For your joint income, you can spend 80% on needs and wants and commit 20% to savings. This 20% could go toward emergency funds, college savings, retirement savings or debt reduction. Be sure to prioritize your emergency savings first.