Budget-savvy Irish mum feeds her family of five for just €5 - and here's how she does it

An Irish mother has shared how she manages to feed dinner to her family of five for less than €5.

Savvy saver Caz posts a new meal idea on social media each week where she sticks to a strict budget of €5 while aiming to make a balanced dinner for her family.

The mum-of-three uploaded a TikTok video of her Lidl shopping trip and meal prep in a bid to help other parents on a budget.

With many other people clearly keen to pick up budgeting tips, the post has gone viral gaining almost 200,000 views on the social media platform.

In her latest video, Caz cooked a meal of savoury mince and mashed potato with ingredients from Lidl.

The ingredients from Lidl came in just under budget, costing a total of €4.96 (TikTok/@irishbudgeting)

READ MORE:

Her shopping list included minced beef for €2.99, frozen mixed vegetables €0.69, a turnip for €0.79 and potatoes for €0.49. The ingredients came in just under budget, costing a total of €4.96.

She does not include cupboard staples in the final cost, such as stock or tomato puree, and only calculates the cost of the main ingredients.

The final result was five hearty bowls of savoury mince and vegetables mix served with mashed potatoes.

Her followers have thanked her for her tips, with one person writing: “Please do not stop making these videos. Amazing!"

Another send her a message writing: "I made your €5 meal for just me and my son and I've got 3 extra dinners I can put away for a day when I don't feel bothered to make dinner. Thanks so much for the tips I can't wait to make more of your meals!!!"

The final result was five hearty bowls of savoury mince served with mashed potatoes (TikTok/@irishbudgeting)

The expert budgeter shared the full recipe on her Instagram page @irishbudgeting, writing: "This is an easy and quick meal to make that is hearty and warm."

Caz's Savoury Mince Recipe

Ingredients

• Minced beef
• Mixed Veg (I used about half this bag)
• Turnip (again I used half)
• 1 pint beef stock
• 1 tbsp tomato puree
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Spuds
• Salt & Pepper

Method

1. Cut off the portion you want of swede and dice.

2. In a pan heat a little oil and once ready pop the mince in, break it up, the add the swede.

3. While mince is browning, peel spuds and cut. I cut them into smaller pieces so they cook quicker saving time!

4. Place spuds in a pan, add boiling water till they are covered, pop a lid on and cook on medium.

5. Once mince is browned add the mixed veg. Mix then add the beef stock, the tomato purée and the Worcestershire sauce. Leave to simmer with a lid on.

6. After about 15-20 mins, your spuds should be cooked, check with a fork. Drain, mash and season to your liking.

7. Plate up and enjoy!