How does she do it? 

This should be a series here on Refine. Seriously. 

Every American mother asks the question at some point. We see another mom. Maybe she has more kids. She homeschools. She works full-time from home. She makes her own bread. She exercises every morning. 

We think, “How does she do it?”

Maybe it would help us all if we asked that question out loud more often. Described our morning routines. Our shopping lists. Our various life hacks. 

So here’s one of mine.

The question on the table: How does she cook for 9 people five nights a week in one of the highest cost-of-living states in the country?

Here are my hacks.

#1: Develop a go-to list

I have a short list of go-to meal plans that I know will please at least 60% of the people at the table on any given night. One principle of frugal meal planning is, “You can please some of the people most of the time, so there’s no reason to torture most of the people some of the time.”

For the (small) people who don’t particularly like what’s for dinner… it’s a personal growth opportunity. I’ve found in 20 years of parenting that they do eventually come around.

At the end of this article, you’ll find five of our favorite on-rotation meals for busy weeknights.

#2: The rule of three

Second hack: every meal has three basic components. There’s a protein (usually an inexpensive meat, eggs, or beans); a starch (yes to pasta!); and a vegetable (fiber is the spice of life). 

Let’s not forget aesthetics! You don’t have to sacrifice beauty for efficiency. My rule: At least one of these components – usually the vegetable – must be a vibrant color, such as bright green, red, or yellow.

#3: Plan out the week

Finally, I plan as soon as I’ve unpacked our weekly grocery haul.

The three components for each weeknight go right up on a whiteboard, which allows for easy last-minute adjustments as the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune hit our large and bustling family throughout the week.

If you cook with recipes or prefer to plan on your phone, I recommend checking out the free version of the Paprika app. The basic functions allow for meal planning with linked recipes all in one place.

Go-to family favorites

1. Spaghetti supper

Protein: A big ol’ pot of meat sauce. Ground beef or turkey with canned tomatoes, garlic, and Italian spices does the trick. I love to grate carrots into the sauce for extra sweetness (and a hidden veggie) If you’re really pinching pennies, throw in some lentils or white cannellini beans to stretch the meat.  

Starch: Your favorite pasta shape — cheap, cheerful, and perfect paired with sauce.

Vegetable: A simple side salad with whatever’s in the fridge: lettuce, cucumbers, shredded carrots. Offer one cream-based and one vinegar-based dressing on the side.

2. Sheet pan chicken and potatoes

Protein: Chicken thighs or drumsticks — super affordable and flavor-packed. Season with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and whatever’s in the spice drawer. Pro-tip: drizzle a little olive oil over the top before roasting.

Starch: Roasted potatoes, diced up and seasoned alongside the chicken. One pan, one cleanup. Efficiency is key.  

Vegetable: Toss some baby carrots or green beans onto the sheet pan. They roast beautifully and don’t demand their own dish. 

3. Chili bar

Protein: A giant pot of chili made with ground beef or turkey, beans (yes, all the beans), and a hearty mix of canned tomatoes and spices. Chili doesn’t care if you clean out your pantry into it — it loves it all. In the winter, I alternate a white and red chili to avoid boredom.

Starch: Cornbread! Boxed mix or homemade, either way, the butter is non-negotiable. An alternative (and faster) starch is a large pan of homemade nachos – just chips and cheese broiled for about 1 minute. 

Vegetable: Throw in diced onions, bell peppers, and maybe some sneaky zucchini into the chili. Bonus points for topping bowls with chopped green onions or a handful of cilantro. Tell everyone it’s a “build-your-own chili bar” and let them sprinkle cheese, plain Greek yogurt, green onions, or cilantro on top.

4. Breakfast for dinner

Protein: Scrambled eggs — eggs are generally cheap, filling, and always a win. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese if you’re feeling extravagant.  

Starch: Pancakes! A big batch of flapjacks made from a mix or scratch. Double them up if you want leftovers for breakfast tomorrow. For a little added health bonus, add a tablespoon of wheat germ or flax seeds to the mix. 

Vegetable: Sautéed spinach or a fruit salad if you’re aiming for balance. You can also turn the scrambled eggs into a veggie omelette for added fiber!

5. Taco night

Protein: Ground beef, turkey, or beans, seasoned with taco spices. Cheap, cheerful, and always a hit. To stretch the meat, I always add a can of black, red, or refried beans to the meat mixture. 

Starch: Tortillas! Corn or flour, pick your budget-friendly poison. Rice on the side if you want to carb-load.  

Vegetable: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and salsa. Bonus points for adding a can of corn or some sautéed peppers and onions. We serve “deconstructed tacos,” so everyone at the table builds their own.

Do you have go-to, frugal meals for busy families? Share yours in the comments below!