School’s back, and with it comes after-school activities, homework battles, and a serious case of “what’s for dinner?” dread. Don’t let the back-to-school rush leave your wallet empty. We’ve got 25 budget-friendly dinner ideas that are quick to make and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Spend less time stressing over the grocery list and more time enjoying family meals together.
Shredded BBQ Chicken
This Instant Pot recipe transforms chicken into smoky, shredded goodness perfect for sandwiches, salads, or baked potatoes. Barbecue and the Instant Pot are a match made in busy weeknight heaven.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Forget the takeout menu and satisfy your family’s cravings with these Cheesy Stuffed Shells. Packed with savory goodness, these vegetarian shells are sure to become a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Tomato Basil Bisque
This rich and velvety Tomato Basil Bisque is a taste of summer in a bowl. Tangy tomatoes and aromatic basil come together for a comforting meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Cashew Chicken
Calling all cashew lovers! This stir-fry is a symphony of textures and flavors. Bite-sized chicken gets tossed in a savory sauce, then mingles with crisp cashews for a satisfying crunch. It’s a Chinese takeout classic made easy at home, perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken
Bacon Egg Salad
This recipe takes the classic egg salad to smoky new heights. Crispy bacon adds a salty crunch and a burst of savory flavor that complements the creamy egg mixture perfectly. Enjoy it on toasted bread for a satisfying lunch or a quick and delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
This kid-friendly Tuna and Tomato Pasta is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Packed with protein and ready in about 25 minutes, it’s a simple meal the whole family can help prepare.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Craving comfort food? Look no further than Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Rich, creamy, and packed with tender broccoli florets, this soup is a hearty and satisfying meal in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Pizza Rolls
Pizza night gets a fun twist with these Pizza Rolls. Filled with rotisserie chicken, spinach, cheese, and sauce, all wrapped in a fluffy, cinnamon-infused dough, they’re a delicious and unexpected dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls
Cacio e Pepe
Don’t be intimidated by the fancy name – Cacio e Pepe is a breeze to make. This cheesy pasta dish comes together in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something simple and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Lemon Garlic Chicken
This Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken is the answer to your weeknight chicken blues. Tender chicken infused with zesty lemon and fragrant garlic creates a flavorful and satisfying meal in no time.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Pulled Pork
Slow Cooker magic creates tender, flavorful pulled pork in this Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe. Succulent and juicy, this pork is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or sliders – the ultimate comfort food for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork
Creamy Pea Pasta
This quick and easy Creamy Pea Pasta is a vegetarian win for Meatless Mondays. Packed with flavor and ready in no time, it’s the perfect way to satisfy your cravings for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Chicken and Dumplings
Bring on the cozy vibes with this Chicken and Dumplings recipe. Tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and savory broth come together for a heartwarming and comforting meal, made even easier with leftover rotisserie chicken.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Forget takeout and ditch the greasy wrappers! This Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl brings all the delicious flavors and textures you love to your dinner table in a flash. Imagine tender chicken stir-fried with crisp veggies and savory seasonings, all served over fluffy rice. It’s a healthier, fuss-free way to enjoy your favorite Asian-inspired dish.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
This one-pot Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Hearty and satisfying, it combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheese for a delicious and easy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Pizza Pot Pies
Turn leftover chicken into a comforting dinner with these Pizza Pot Pies. Filled with melty cheese and your favorite pizza toppings, all encased in a flaky crust, these individual pies are a fun and delicious way to use up leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pot Pies
Chicken Tortilla Soup
This versatile Chicken Tortilla Soup can be enjoyed as a light appetizer or a hearty main course. Packed with chicken, beans, and corn, it’s a quick and easy weeknight meal with a Mexican twist.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Honey Glazed Chicken
This Honey Glazed Chicken is a sweet and sticky crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights. The glaze is simple to make and packs a punch of flavor, sure to leave everyone asking for seconds. It’s a great way to get even picky eaters to devour their chicken!
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Chicken Fried Rice
Leftover chicken night got you down? Breathe new life into that leftover rotisserie chicken with this Chicken Fried Rice recipe. It’s a quick and easy way to whip up a flavorful and filling stir-fry loaded with fluffy rice, tender chicken, and your favorite veggies. You can customize it with whatever you have on hand, making it a perfect fridge-clearing and weeknight dinner win!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese isn’t your kiddie cafeteria fare. It’s a creamy, grown-up version with rich, sharp cheese and savory bits of bacon and tomato. It’s the perfect comfort food that feels a little more sophisticated, but still totally satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Forget takeout! This Mexican Skillet Quinoa is a fiesta in a single pan. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, black beans, corn, and all your favorite taco toppings, it’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy the fun!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Forget takeout! Whip up these Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas for a quick and flavorful Mexican night at home. Instead of spending hours in the kitchen, you can use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut. This recipe is all about layering tortillas with melty cheese, a simple sauce, and the delicious chicken, then baking it all to gooey perfection. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s easy on you and big on taste.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Skip the stovetop and whip up a cool and flavorful chicken salad in minutes using canned chicken. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a quick dinner on a bed of greens or stuffed into a sandwich. This no-cook recipe is a win for busy weeknights when you want something refreshing and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Craving lasagna but stuck in a time crunch? Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups come to the rescue! Imagine all the cheesy, meaty goodness of lasagna, rolled up into bite-sized perfection. They bake up in just minutes, so you can enjoy a classic comfort food without the usual wait.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast Recipe
This Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast Recipe is a slow-cooker dream. The meat cooks to tender perfection, resulting in a flavorful roast that’s perfect for serving with mashed potatoes or vegetables for a comforting and easy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast Recipe