School’s out, the sun is shining, and the fridge seems to magically empty faster than ever. Sound familiar? This summer, ditch the dinnertime stress with 17 easy and affordable meals your kids will love. These recipes are quick to make, kind to your wallet, and sure to keep everyone happy from pool time to bedtime.
Shredded BBQ Chicken
This recipe turns chicken into smoky, tender goodness. Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or even creative summer tacos, it’s a flavor bomb waiting to happen, all starting with a simple recipe.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Pizza Roll-Ups
Skip the delivery guy and make your own calzones! These portable pizzas are packed with all your favorite flavors. Choose your own fillings for a fun and customizable weeknight dinner that’s easy on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Roll-Ups
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Forget the messy layers, lasagna roll-ups are flavor explosions wrapped in tender pasta. Packed with melty cheese and your favorite sauce, they’re a fun and fuss-free weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Chicken and Dumplings
Simmer up a pot of pure comfort food. Tender leftover chicken bobs in a fragrant broth with fluffy dumplings, creating a soul-warming meal perfect for chilly nights or cozy dinners in.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
This one-pan wonder is your weeknight fiesta in a flash! Fluffy quinoa is the base for a party of black beans, sweet corn, and a salsa fiesta. It’s a protein-packed fiesta in a bowl, perfect for busy nights and happy tummies.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Skip the takeout menu and transform leftover chicken into a cheesy fiesta! These enchiladas are your new weeknight hero, sure to be a hit with kids thanks to the melty goodness. Plus, they’re easy on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken Tenders
Skip the overpriced drive-thru and ditch the greasy frozen box! Make these homemade tenders with your kids this summer. They’ll love mixing up the crispy coating, and you’ll love the juicy chicken underneath. It’s a fun and frugal way to create a delicious meal together, perfect for a summer staycation dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
This tuna salad is a surprising twist on a classic. Pesto and sun-dried tomatoes pack a flavorful punch, perfect for a quick and budget-friendly lunch or light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Kefta Kebabs
Break free from the dinner routine with these flavorful kebabs. Marinated in delicious spices, they’re easy to make and sure to be a hit at the table. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce for a satisfying and budget-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Bacon Egg Salad
This recipe transforms leftover ingredients into a delicious and power-packed lunch or sandwich filling. The crumbled bacon adds a surprising crunch for a fun twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Lemon Roasted Chicken
Tired of the same old chicken? This lemon-roasted bird is a bright and flavorful twist. Easy on the wallet and the cook, it’s perfect for summer with its juicy chicken and refreshing tang. Kids will devour it.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken
Calzones
Skip delivery and make your own portable pizzas! Calzones are fun to customize with all your favorite fillings, making them a perfect weeknight dinner that’s easy on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Calzones
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese isn’t your cafeteria fare. Rich, creamy cheese sauce is studded with smoky bacon and pops of juicy tomato, creating a sophisticated and satisfying twist on a classic that will please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Made with canned chicken, chopped veggies, and a light vinaigrette, this chicken salad is a refreshing and healthy lunch option. Perfect for packing in school lunches or grabbing on-the-go during busy summer days, it’s easy on the wallet too, leaving room for those fun summer treats!
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Tuna Tomato Pasta
This restaurant-style pasta dish won’t break the bank! Packed with flavor and ready in a flash, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Kids will love the taste, and you’ll love how easy it is on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Tomato Pasta
Creamy Pea Pasta
This veggie pasta is a wallet-winner packed with protein and healthy peas. It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Ditch the takeout menu and stir-fry your way to deliciousness! This recipe packs all the flavor you love from an egg roll into a bowl, minus the greasy wrapper. It’s a quick, easy, and budget-friendly option for busy weeknights when you crave Asian-inspired comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl