A Week’s Worth of Kid-Approved Weeknight Dinners (That Won't Break the Bank!)

Feeding the family can be a challenge, especially on busy weeknights when time and budgets are tight. To make things easier, we’ve put together a week’s worth of dinners that are affordable, kid-approved, and easy to prepare. With these meals, you’ll be able to put tasty, comforting food on the table without spending a fortune.

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Monday: One-Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

Start the week off with a quick, hearty meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb ground beef or turkey

- 1 onion, diced

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

- 1 tsp Italian seasoning

- 8 oz spaghetti noodles

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain any excess fat, then add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.

2. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil.

3. Break the spaghetti noodles in half and add to the pot. Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are cooked.

4. Season with salt and pepper, sprinkle with Parmesan, and serve.

Tuesday: Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

This casserole is creamy, comforting, and super easy to throw together.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup uncooked rice

- 2 cups chicken broth

- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed

- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. In a baking dish, combine rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and cubed chicken.

2. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil, stir, and add cheese and peas.

3. Bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and rice is tender.

Wednesday: Beef and Bean Quesadillas

Quesadillas are quick to make, and this version with beef and beans is hearty and filling.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb ground beef

- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

- 1 tsp taco seasoning

- 8 flour tortillas

- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)

- Sour cream and salsa for serving

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in beans and taco seasoning.

2. Place a tortilla in the skillet, add a layer of cheese, beef and bean mixture, and another tortilla.

3. Cook each side until golden and cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream and salsa.

Thursday: Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies

Sheet pan dinners are great for busy nights, and this sausage and veggie combo is both affordable and tasty.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced

- 1 bell pepper, sliced

- 1 zucchini, sliced

- 1 red onion, sliced

- 1 tbsp olive oil

- 1 tsp Italian seasoning

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place sausage and veggies on a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. Toss to coat, then spread into an even layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until veggies are tender and sausage is browned.

Friday: Easy Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice

This stir-fry is budget-friendly and packed with veggies, making it a nutritious end to the week.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced thin

- 1 bell pepper, sliced

- 1 cup broccoli florets

- 1 carrot, sliced thin

- 1/4 cup soy sauce

- 1 tbsp honey

- 1 tsp garlic powder

- 1 tbsp olive oil

- Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat oil and cook the chicken until browned. Add bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots.

2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, and garlic powder. Pour over the chicken and veggies, stirring until everything is coated and cooked through.

3. Serve over rice.

Saturday: Homemade Pizza Night

Let everyone make their own mini pizza for a fun, interactive dinner!

Ingredients:

- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

- 1 cup pizza sauce

- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

- Toppings of choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Divide the dough into personal-sized portions and roll out.

2. Spread a layer of sauce, sprinkle with cheese, and add desired toppings.

3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.

Sunday: Baked Mac and Cheese with Veggies

This classic comfort food is a kid-favorite, with some added veggies for extra nutrients.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb elbow macaroni

- 2 tbsp butter

- 2 tbsp flour

- 2 cups milk

- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

- 1/2 cup frozen peas

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux.

2. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened. Add cheese, stirring until melted.

3. Combine the cheese sauce with macaroni and peas. Pour into a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, until bubbly.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Each of these recipes is designed with affordability and simplicity in mind, but here are a few tips to keep your grocery bill even lower:

- Use Frozen Veggies: For recipes like stir-fries and casseroles, frozen veggies are just as nutritious and often cheaper than fresh.

- Bulk Protein: Buying ground beef or chicken in bulk and freezing portions can save money in the long run.

- Skip the Meat: For even more savings, swap out meat for extra beans or veggies on certain nights.

We hope these kid-approved, budget-friendly meals make your weeknights easier and more delicious. From pasta and casseroles to stir-fries and pizzas, these recipes keep things simple while bringing plenty of flavor to the table. Happy cooking from all of us at The Denman Homestead!