A family of seven can be fed a hearty homemade lasagne dinner from Sainsbury's for just £26.28, working out at £3.75 per head. The meal, which includes salad and garlic bread, was put together by Shania King-Soyza as a challenge to prove that even at a supermarket not known for low prices, cost-effective meals are achievable.
Shopping Strategy and Ingredient Costs
King-Soyza visited a local Sainsbury's store and selected budget-friendly options. The most expensive ingredient was three 500g packs of 5% fat beef mince at £5.19 each, totalling £15.57. Two tins of plum tomatoes at 47p each were used for the sauce instead of a jar, saving money. A jar of mac and cheese sauce (69p) served as the white sauce. Dried lasagne sheets cost 75p, and the cheapest grated cheese was £2.80. These basic ingredients came to £20.75.
Additional flavourings included a pack of four garlic bulbs (87p), fresh basil (90p), three large brown onions (95p), and dried Italian herb seasoning (£1.25). For sides, two bags of sweet leaf salad (78p each) and a pack of frozen garlic bread (85p for two baguettes) were added. Including a 40p plastic bag, the total was £26.28.
Recipe and Method
The lasagne recipe serves seven but can be adjusted. Ingredients: three 500g packs beef mince, one packet lasagne sheets, one jar white sauce, two tins plum tomatoes, cheese, fresh basil, dried Italian herbs, garlic, onions, salt, pepper, oil, and optional paprika or all-purpose seasoning. To make: fry onions in oil, add mince and season, stir in tinned tomatoes (chopped if plum), basil, herbs, and simmer. Layer mince, lasagne sheets, white sauce, and cheese in a baking dish. Bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes until golden. Serve with salad and garlic bread.
Proving Budget Meals Are Possible
King-Soyza noted that while Sainsbury's is not typically a budget supermarket, careful selection and homemade sauce kept costs low. She avoided pre-made pasta sauce and chose affordable alternatives, demonstrating that large families can eat well without overspending.
