Summer is here and kids are home, which often means more meals to make. But between sunscreen, pool floats, and vacations, keeping the grocery bill down can feel tricky. This list has 23 delicious and affordable meal ideas that will keep your kids full and happy all summer long, without breaking the bank.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
This pasta dish is like a restaurant meal, but way cheaper! It’s packed with flavor, comes together in a flash, and is perfect for busy weeknights. Kids will love the taste, and you’ll love how easy it is on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Stretch your grocery money with this hearty and cheesy casserole. Ground beef, rice, and cheese come together for a crowd-pleasing meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to satisfy even the hungriest eaters.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Craving lasagna but short on time? These roll-ups are a fun and delicious solution. Packed with cheesy goodness, they’re perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Creamy Pea Pasta
This veggie pasta is full of flavor and comes together fast. It’s packed with protein and healthy peas, making it a wallet-friendly comfort food win that kids will love.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Calzones
Skip expensive delivery and make these yummy calzones at home! They’re packed with delicious ingredients you can choose together, making them a fun and affordable dinner option. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Calzones
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
This recipe is like takeout, but way cheaper and healthier! It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor, making it a delicious and affordable meal for busy nights. Kids will love the taste, and you’ll love how easy it is to make.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese is fancy enough for grown-ups, but still kid-approved. Adding tomatoes and bacon gives it a delicious flavor that won’t break the bank. It’s a fun twist on a classic comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Short on time for Mexican food? No problem! These enchiladas use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut, making them a delicious and affordable meal you can whip up in no time. Plus, they’re sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Pizza Rolls
Take
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls
Pizza Pot Pies
Put a fun twist on
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pot Pies
Bacon Egg Salad
Give your egg salad a delicious upgrade with leftover bacon. This recipe is a perfect way to use up leftover ingredients for a tasty sandwich or lettuce wrap filling. It’s a great way to add a salty and satisfying twist to a classic lunch option.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Chicken and Dumplings
Skip takeout and make comforting chicken and dumplings at home instead! This recipe uses leftover chicken to create fluffy dumplings and a flavorful broth, all for a budget-friendly price. It’s a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
This tuna salad is for grown-ups (and cool teens!), but it’s still easy on the wallet. Pesto and sundried tomatoes add a burst of flavor for a delicious and affordable lunch or dinner option. It’s a fun twist on a classic and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
This protein-packed quinoa dish is a budget champion and perfect for busy nights. Black beans, corn, and salsa add bursts of flavor and nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Cacio e Pepe
This cheesy pasta dish is surprisingly cheap to make and ready in just 15 minutes! It’s perfect for those nights when you want something comforting and delicious without breaking the bank. The simple ingredients come together to create a creamy and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Beat the heat with this no-cook chicken salad. Made with canned chicken and simple ingredients, it’s a delicious and refreshing lunch option that’s easy on your wallet. It’s perfect for hot summer days and requires no cooking!
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Potato Gnocchi
Don’t be intimidated by the fancy name – homemade gnocchi is easy and cheap to make! These pillowy dumplings can be served with your favorite sauce for a satisfying meal. It’s a fun and delicious way to try something new without spending a lot of money.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Craving a vegetarian meal that’s easy on the wallet? These gooey stuffed shells are bursting with flavor and comfort, making them a perfect choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Plus, you can customize the filling with your favorite veggies!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Chicken Fried Rice
Don’t throw away leftover chicken! Turn it into a delicious and easy meal with this chicken fried rice recipe. You can add your favorite veggies, making it a great way to clean out the fridge and have a fun dinner together. It’s a perfect way to use leftovers and create a flavorful and budget-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Lemon Roasted Chicken
Brighten up your dinner routine with this simple lemon-roasted chicken. The lemon adds a refreshing twist to the classic roasted chicken, making it a delicious and affordable meal. It’s a light and flavorful option that’s perfect for summer nights.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken
Shredded BBQ Chicken
This easy recipe makes delicious shredded BBQ chicken perfect for kid-approved options like sandwiches, salads, or baked potatoes. You can use it for lunches, dinners, or even fun summer barbecues. It’s a versatile and flavorful option that’s sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Kefta Kebabs
These fun and flavorful kebabs are a great way to break out of the dinner routine. Easy to make with delicious spices, they’re sure to be a hit at the table. Marinate the meat for extra flavor and enjoy these kebabs with your favorite dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Chicken Tenders
Ditch the frozen box and level up your finger food game! These homemade tenders boast a crispy cornflake coating that shatters with every bite, revealing juicy and flavorful chicken underneath. Get ready for a fun and delicious dinner that kids will love making and eating.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders