Forget takeout and frozen meals, and have your kids impress their friends with delicious (and cheap!) food they made themselves. We’ve got 17 awesome recipes that use regular grocery store stuff, so you won’t need a fancy kitchen or a ton of cash. These are easy-to-follow recipes, perfect for anyone who wants to skip the hangry and cook up something delicious.
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Forget about boring pasta nights. These giant shells are overflowing with creamy ricotta cheese, making them a satisfying and surprisingly easy vegetarian dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Take your taste buds on a trip to the Mediterranean with this one-pan chicken and orzo dish. Tender chicken pieces mingle with fragrant herbs and creamy feta cheese for a flavorful and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Chicken Taco Wraps
Ditch the hot stove and greasy mess. These chicken taco wraps are ready in minutes using leftover rotisserie chicken. Cool, flavorful, and perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps
Pesto Salmon
Feeling like a fancy chef? This pesto salmon is healthy, delicious, and surprisingly simple to make. A vibrant pesto sauce adds a burst of flavor to the salmon, creating a perfectly balanced dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Beat the heat with this refreshing chicken salad. No cooking required, this recipe is your weapon against a hot day and a grumbling stomach. Perfect for a quick and easy lunch.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Meatballs and Sauce
Dinner in a flash? Look no further than these Instant Pot meatballs and sauce. Juicy meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce create a classic and comforting meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Simple Marinara Sauce
Ditch the jarred sauce and become the flavor boss! This recipe is packed with fresh tomatoes and herbs, surprisingly easy to make, and lets you customize the taste. Want more garlic? You got it!
Get the Recipe: Simple Marinara Sauce
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Calling all teens! This protein-packed tuna and tomato pasta is so easy you can whip it up yourself. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Honey Habanero Tacos
Want to turn Taco Tuesday into a flavor fiesta? These honey habanero tacos are quick and easy to make, but the delicious combination of sweet and spicy will blow your usual recipe out of the water.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos
Veggie Pasta Salad
Say goodbye to heavy mayo! This veggie pasta salad is light, refreshing, and bursting with colorful vegetables. A tangy dressing makes it the perfect side dish for any potluck or barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad
Southwest Tortilla Pie
Love Mexican food? This recipe lets you build your own mini fiesta! Layer chicken, beans, corn, and cheese between tortillas for a fun, filling, and customizable meal.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie
Italian Meatball Soup
Warm up on a chilly day with a hearty bowl of Italian meatball soup. This comforting classic features juicy meatballs simmered in a savory broth, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Tomato Lime Chicken
Short on time but still craving something delicious? This tomato lime chicken is your answer. Simply throw everything together and let it cook – perfect for busy teens on the go. Enjoy it in tacos, salads, or rice bowls.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Honey Glazed Chicken
This healthy and flavorful chicken is surprisingly easy to make at home. The sweet and sticky glaze makes it irresistible, so be warned – you won’t be able to stop at just one piece!
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Cacio e Pepe
This fancy-looking cheese pasta is actually a breeze to make. It’s ready in about 15 minutes and only uses a few ingredients. Bonus: it’s super cheesy and perfect for satisfying that cheese craving.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Take your mac and cheese game to the next level with this grown-up version. This recipe adds a flavor explosion with tomatoes and bacon to the classic dish.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Creamy Pea Pasta
Feeling like some comfort food, but want something beyond the usual spaghetti and meatballs? This creamy pea pasta is your answer. It’s quick, easy, and even sneaks in some veggies for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta