14 budget dinner ideas with mince
Ever wondered what you can make for dinner with mince?
When it comes to feeding the family, few ingredients are as versatile and affordable as mince. From classic bolognese to crispy burgers, and hearty noodles to an easy chilli con carne, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s taste. You’ll never struggle to come up with a way to use leftovers again. Make your money go further with these fantastic mince-based meals, all under $5 per serve*.
"A bulk pack of mince holds so many possibilities! A good source of protein and super affordable, it’s my favourite base for all sorts of cuisines. I love to use pork mince for a Thai-style larb stir-fry, a beef mince for a classic lasagne, or a mixture of pork and beef mince for a delicious bolognese sauce. It’s so easy to stretch with canned lentils and use for next-day lunches, too!"
– Amanda
01
Mexican-style pork pasta bake
Dinner tonight is sorted! This budget-friendly Napoletana pasta bake with juicy pork mince is seasoned with chipotle to give it a smoky and slightly spicy kick.
02
Easy spring pea and lamb pasta
Make pasta night memorable with this 20-minute spring pea and lamb dish. Make the most of tender lamb mince and use up any leftover cooked pasta in the fridge. Simply add the pasta to boiling water to soften and refresh. Enjoy delicious spring flavours for under $5 per serve!
03
Cheat’s bolognese lasagne
Save time in the kitchen with this speedy bolognese lasagne. Cooked in one pan, this easier spin on a classic lasagne combines juicy beef mince with aromatic Italian flavours. The whole family will love this comforting dinner.
04
Quick Japanese curry udon noodles
Chicken mince is the perfect protein for this Japanese curry dish. Thick udon noodles and crunchy pak choy soak up all the delicious flavours. This recipe makes a satisfying weeknight dinner.
05
Freezer-friendly chilli con carne
If meal prep and batch cooking is your thing, this hearty chilli con carne makes an easy weeknight dinner and it can easily be doubled for future meals as well. Before freezing, chop the leftover coriander and stir it through the mixture.
06
Mexican-style bean soup
Fill up on Mexican flavours with this affordable soup made of beef mince and canned goods from the pantry. Just top with sour cream, white corn tortilla strips, tasty cheese, avocado and coriander. The one-pot dinner is sure to make your regular rotation
07
Easy pork ramen
A flavour-packed ramen broth doesn’t have to take hours to make. This recipe has dinner ready in just 20 minutes. With lean pork mince, soft boiled eggs, instant noodles and a touch of spice, it’s guaranteed to hit the spot.
08
Beef kofta with lemon yoghurt and couscous
This affordable Middle Eastern beef kofta dish makes a perfect midweek meal. Ready in four simple steps, you’ll be serving up tasty chargrilled spiced beef koftas with a fresh cucumber and parsley couscous. Serve with a zingy yoghurt sauce for a burst of flavour with every bite.
09
Double bacon burger
Get your hands on this deliciously crispy double bacon burger for a satisfying affordable dinner. This crowd-pleaser is stacked with bacon, Australian beef, Colby cheese and salad. Don’t forget to add secret burger sauce!
10
Sticky teriyaki pork stir-fry
A vibrant, flavourful and affordable meal that's ready in under 30 minutes, this tasty stir-fry will become your new go-to on busy weeknights.
11
Jacket potatoes with ricotta and basil leaves
Use leftover beef mince as a delicious filling in these simple jacket potatoes to stretch your meat budget.
12
Kofta pizza
Pizza night just got better with this delightful budget-friendly recipe featuring leftover kofta mince, rocket, red onion, beetroot hummus and Danish-style feta. It's on the table in 20 minutes.
13
Cheat's ragu with creamy polenta
Whip up this easy, comforting Italian meal using leftover beef mince, in-season tomatoes and a creamy polenta mash, for a warming budget-friendly winter dinner.
14
Easy meatball and slaw subs
You can't beat a meatball sub and your kids will thank you for this homemade meatball and slaw sub that ticks all the boxes. You can use leftover mince to help stretch the grocery budget.
More budget-friendly mince recipes
*Based on actual ingredient portion size used and standard shelf prices in NSW Woolworths supermarkets as at 25/08/2023. Prices and product availability may vary by state and store