Summer means sunshine, swimming pools, and… hungry kids all day long. Keeping them fueled with healthy and delicious food can feel like a challenge for your wallet. This list offers 21 tasty and budget-friendly recipes that are sure to keep your little ones happy and satisfied all summer without costing a fortune.
![Image shows an overhead shot of a Calzone cut in half on a wooden board with a small bowl of marinara above it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Calzones-1024x576.jpg)
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
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This casserole is a cheesy and hearty hug on a plate, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd on a budget. Ground beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheese come together for a satisfying weeknight meal that will leave no one feeling empty.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
![Image shows an overhead shot of Easy Cheesy Stuffed Shells with a small plate holding one and the rest of the pan next to it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Easy-Cheesy-Stuffed-Shells.jpg)
Forget takeout! These giant, cheesy shells are overflowing with a creamy ricotta mixture and can be customized with all your favorite garden goodies. They’re a fun and delicious way to sneak in some extra veggies, perfect for a satisfying vegetarian weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Chicken Fried Rice
![Images shows a white Bowl of chicken fried rice.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Bowl-of-chicken-fried-rice.jpg)
Don’t toss leftover chicken! This recipe transforms it into a flavorful and fun fried rice dish. Add your favorite chopped veggies for a colorful and healthy twist. It’s a great way to clean out the fridge and create a delicious budget-friendly meal the whole family can enjoy together.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
![Image shows a wooden spoon holding a scoop of Mexican skillet quinoa with the full pot behind it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Mexican-Skillet-Quinoa.jpg)
This one-pan wonder is your weeknight fiesta in a flash! Quinoa is the fluffy base for a vibrant 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
Chicken and Dumplings
![Image shows Chicken and dumplings on a spoon with more in the backgroumd.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Chicken-and-dumplings.jpg)
Simmer up a pot of pure comfort food with this chicken and dumplings recipe. Tender leftover chicken bobs in a fragrant broth alongside fluffy dumplings, creating a soul-warming meal that’s perfect for chilly nights. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Potato Gnocchi
![Image shows a bowl of Potato Gnocchi with grated cheese atop it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Potato-Gnocchi.jpg)
Don’t be fooled by the fancy name! Homemade gnocchi is surprisingly easy and cheap to make. These pillowy dumplings can be served with your favorite sauce for a satisfying and delicious meal. It’s a fun way to try something new without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Pizza Pot Pies
![Image shows a fork with a great cheese pull taking a bite from a blue ramekin containing a chicken pizza pot pie.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Pizzakins.jpg)
Ditch the delivery box and turn
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pot Pies
Bacon Egg Salad
![Image shows a bacon egg salad sandwich on a white plate sitting on a wooden table.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Bacon-egg-salad-sandwich-on-a-white-plate.jpg.webp)
This recipe is a delicious way to transform leftover ingredients into a power-packed lunch or a flavorful sandwich filling. The crumbled bacon adds a surprising crunch and depth of flavor, making this a fun twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Kefta Kebabs
![Image shows kefta kebabs stacked on a white tray.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kefta-kebabs-on-skewers-on-a-white-platter.jpg)
Break out of the dinner routine with these fun and 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
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
![Grown up mac and cheese in a casserole dish.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Grown-up-mac-and-cheese-in-a-casserole-dish.jpg)
This mac and cheese isn’t your childhood cafeteria fare. Rich, creamy cheese sauce is studded with smoky bacon and pops of juicy tomato, creating a grown-up comfort food that’s both sophisticated and satisfying. It’s a delightful twist on a classic that will please palates of all ages.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Cacio e Pepe
![Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Cacio-e-Pepe-on-a-plate.jpg)
This pasta dish is like a warm hug in a bowl, made with just a handful of ingredients. Creamy pecorino cheese and black pepper come together to coat perfectly cooked pasta, creating a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal. It’s perfect for nights when you want something quick, delicious, and easy on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Shredded BBQ Chicken
![Image shows a BBQ shredded chicken sandwich on a wooden board.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BBQ-chicken-sandwich-on-a-wooden-board.jpg)
This recipe turns chicken into smoky, tender goodness perfect for pulling apart and piling high on anything your heart desires. Sandwiches, salads, or even creative summer tacos – this BBQ chicken is a flavor bomb waiting to happen, all starting with a single, simple recipe.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Creamy Pea Pasta
![Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Creamy-Pea-Pasta.jpg)
This veggie pasta is packed with protein and healthy peas, making it a wallet-friendly comfort food win that kids will love. It’s full of flavor and comes together fast, perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Calzones
![Image shows an overhead shot of a Calzone cut in half on a wooden board with a small bowl of marinara above it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Calzones.jpg)
Skip the delivery guy and ditch the greasy takeout! These homemade calzones are like portable pizzas packed with all your favorite flavors. Choose your own adventure with the fillings, from cheesy goodness to veggie delights. They’re perfect for a fun and customizable weeknight dinner that’s easy on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Calzones
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
![Image shows a lasagna roll up on a white plaet.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Lasagna-roll-up-on-a-plate.jpg)
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
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
![Image shows a closeup of chicken egg roll in a bowl in a blue enameled cast iron pot.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Pot-with-chicken-egg-roll-in-a-bowl.jpg)
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 quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights when you crave Asian-inspired comfort food. Kids will love the savory mix of veggies and chicken, and you’ll love how budget-friendly and healthy it is.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
![Image shows an overhead shot of an open face Pesto and Sundried Tomato Tuna Salad sandwich.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Pesto-and-Sundried-Tomato-Tuna-Salad.jpg)
Ditch the boring tuna salad! This recipe takes it up a notch with a burst of fresh flavor from pesto and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a grown-up twist on a classic that’s both impressive and easy on the wallet, perfect for a quick and delicious lunch or light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Shortcut Chicken Salad
![Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Canned-Chicken-Salad.jpg)
Made with canned chicken, chopped veggies, and a light vinaigrette, it’s a refreshing and healthy lunch option that’s perfect for packing in school lunches or grabbing on-the-go during busy summer days. Plus, it’s easy on the wallet, leaving you more room for those fun summer treats!
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Lemon Roasted Chicken
![Lime marinated grilled chicken sliced on a red plate over rice.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Lemon-Roasted-Chicken.jpg)
Tired of the same old summer dinners? This lemon-roasted chicken is a bright and flavorful twist that’s easy on the wallet and the cook. The juicy chicken gets a refreshing boost from tangy lemons, making it a perfect summertime meal that kids will gobble up.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken
Chicken Tenders
![Image shows Hand dipping a corn flake crusted chicken tender into a bowl of sauce on a wooden table.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Homemade-Chicken-Tenders.jpg)
Skip the overpriced drive-thru and ditch the greasy frozen box! These homemade tenders are a summer project your kids can help with. They’ll love mixing up the crispy cornflake coating, and you’ll love the juicy, golden chicken underneath. It’s a fun and frugal way to create a finger-lickin’ good meal together, perfect for a summer staycation dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
![Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Chicken-enchiladas-in-a-blue-pyrex.jpg)
Summer nights call for quick and easy meals. These enchiladas are your new weeknight hero! Skip the takeout menu and transform leftover rotisserie chicken into a cheesy, saucy fiesta. Kids will love the melty goodness, and you’ll love how fast this budget-friendly meal comes together.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas