It’s the fall time of year, where the schedule is so full! Want to know the secret to feeding 9 people on a busy weeknight without spending hours in the kitchen or draining your bank account?
The secret? Three words: Bone broth base.
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What makes it even better? Instant pot!
Quick method: Roast bones with tomato paste, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes at 350°F. Transfer to Instant Pot with 2 tbsp salt, 1 onion, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Cook on broth setting for 2 hours. Done.
Bonus Budget tips:
- Buy a half cow and ask for all the bones, or check with your local butcher. Game changer for large families.
- Buy seasonings in bulk! Avoid paying for the small container packaging.
Here are my top 3 go-to meals that have saved dinner time at our house countless times. (Full bone broth tutorial at the end!)
Want these recipes in your kitchen? Grab the free printable with all 3 recipes!
Free Printable of All 3 Recipes Here!🍝 Recipe 1: Hamburger Buddy
A hearty, one-pot pasta dinner loaded with veggies and flavor. This is a family favorite that even the pickiest eaters love!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 6–8 (double or triple for large families)
Ingredients
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 pounds ground beef of choice
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 3 ¾ cups bone broth (I make my own in the Instant Pot!)
- 8 oz small pasta (elbows or shells are my favorite!)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ½ cup sour cream
- Parsley or chives for garnish
Directions
- In a large pot, sauté the beef in a little butter or oil until browned.
- Add garlic, carrots, onion, thyme, and salt. Cook on low until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Add 3 ½ cups of bone broth, Worcestershire sauce, and pasta.
- Cover and cook for about 8 minutes, until pasta is tender.
- Mix remaining ¼ cup broth with flour to make a slurry. Stir into pot along with sour cream.
- Garnish with parsley or chives and serve!
Jessica’s Note:
For our family of 9, I use 2 pounds of beef with 2 pounds of pasta and quadruple the other ingredients. It’s also amazing cooked in a Dutch oven while camping. No one walks away hungry!
Healthy pasta tip: Look for brands with only semolina flour. Food Lion’s Nature’s Promise (their store brand!) is surprisingly clean and budget-friendly!
🌶️ Recipe 2: Instant Pot Lentil Chili
A cozy, protein-packed chili that’s budget-friendly, meat-free, and perfect for busy nights.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 8–10
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 carrots, chopped
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups brown lentils
- 4 cups bone broth
- 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional — I omit it)
Directions
- Set Instant Pot to sauté and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Sauté onion, carrots, and green pepper until softened. Add garlic last.
- Stir in remaining ingredients and close lid.
- Cook on Soup setting, high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Let it naturally depressurize and all the flavor can soak in.
Top with your favorite chili toppings — cheese, sour cream, or chives.
Jessica’s Note:
Make it kid-friendly by adding toast or serving over rice. A little sour cream on top makes everything better — creamy additions for the win!
🌮 Recipe 3: Burrito Bowls
Our weekly go-to! Endless combinations that keep everyone happy and full.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 8–10
Ingredients
- 1–2 pounds ground beef or chopped chicken breast
- 1–2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 (15 oz) cans black beans or pinto beans, drained
- 1 (15 oz) bag frozen corn
- 1 cup cooked rice (bonus: cook in bone broth for more flavor and nutrition!)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 peppers, sliced
- Sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, and greens of choice
- Tortillas, taco shells, or tortilla chips
Directions
- Cook rice (in bone broth if possible).
- In a skillet, sauté meat until fully cooked. Add taco seasoning.
- Sauté peppers and onions until soft.
- Assemble into burrito bowls, tacos, or salads — everyone chooses their favorite combo!
Jessica’s Note:
We have a Mexican night every week! Switching up meats and letting everyone build their own bowl or taco keeps dinner drama-free. Options = happy kids.
Money-Saver Tip: Buy dried beans in bulk and cook them in the Instant Pot! So much cheaper than canned, and they taste better too. I cook a big batch and freeze portions for quick meals.
🍲 Bonus: Bone Broth Tips for Big Families
Bone broth adds rich flavor and nutrition to any meal; plus, it stretches your grocery budget.
I usually use one large beef bone or a full chicken’s worth of bones per batch.
Here’s my routine:
- Roast: Place bones on a baking sheet with tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Roast 30 minutes at 350°F.
- Instant Pot: Transfer roasted bones to Instant Pot. Add:
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 medium onion
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Water to cover
- Cook: Set on broth mode on instant pot for 2 hours. Done!
That’s it! Do this at the beginning of a busy week and you’ll have a flavorful base for fast, healthy meals every night.
🧾 Don’t Forget to Grab the Printable!
Free Printable of All 3 Recipes Here!💕 Final Thoughts
Cooking for a large family doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few budget-friendly staples and a trusty Instant Pot, you can serve homemade, nourishing meals — even on the busiest nights.
Pin this for later! Save it for your next crazy-busy week.
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