Main menu

Pages

TOP 5 QUICK & EASY WEEKNIGHT DINNERS ON A BUDGET

 It's great that you were able to plan out your meals in advance and save money on your grocery bill. Quick and easy meals are perfect for busy weeknights, and it's important to be able to stay on budget while still feeding your family delicious meals. It's also great to hear that you were able to take advantage of cashback apps like Ibotta and Fetch Rewards to save even more money.

Meal planning can be a lifesaver for busy families, and it's always great to have some easy and budget-friendly meal ideas on hand.

1.CHEESY GROUND BEEF PASTA SKILLET :

CHEESY GROUND BEEF PASTA SKILLET


Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a one-pot meal made with ground beef, pasta, and a cheesy tomato sauce. It's a quick and easy weeknight dinner that can be made in under 30 minutes.

The ground beef is browned and mixed with cooked pasta and a sauce made from canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and cheese. The skillet is then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. It's a budget-friendly and family-friendly meal that is sure to satisfy.



Ingredients

2 cups ziti pasta cooked see NOTES

1 tbs extra-virgin olive oil

1 lb ground beef

1/2 tsp pepper

3 cloves garlic minced

1 tsp crushed red chili flakes optional

1 tbs Worcestershire sauce

2 tbs tomato paste

1 onion chopped

1/2 cup chopped parsley plus more for garnish

salt to taste

2 cups shredded mozzarella

Instructions

Cook pasta according to al dente package directions less 1 minute. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain pasta without rinsing.

Meanwhile in a large skillet over high heat add 1 tablespoon olive oil and brown beef while breaking up with a wooden spoon, about 2 minutes. Reduce to medium heat. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir in garlic, onions, chili flakes, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, parsley, and 1/2 cup pasta (or plain) water. Simmer until meat is tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Toss in pasta and 1 cup mozzarella. Top with remaining cheese and cover with lid. Garish with additional parsley.


2.French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups :

French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups



French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups are a tasty appetizer or snack made by rolling up slices of deli roast beef and Swiss cheese in a tortilla, then baking them until warm and crispy. They are typically served with a dipping sauce made from beef broth and onion soup mix, similar to the au jus sauce served with traditional French dip sandwiches.





Ingredients

4 (12-inch) flour tortillas

4 slices Provolone cheese (about 5 ounces)

1/2 lb deli sliced roast beef

3/4 cup French fried onions

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 can (10.5 oz) beef consomme

3/4 cup water

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

 Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425ºF.

Lay the 4 tortillas on a counter or work surface. Tear the provolone up into smaller pieces and distribute evenly over each of the 4 tortillas. Place the deli roast beef evenly over the cheese, then sprinkle the French fried onions over the roast beef.

Working with one tortilla at a time, fold the sides of the tortillas in, then tightly roll the tortilla into a roll. Brush a little bit of the olive oil on the edge of the tortilla to help it stick closed, and place seam side down on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

Brush the remaining olive oil over the tops of the roll ups.

Bake in the preheated oven until the roll ups are browned, about 10 minutes.

While the roll ups are baking, combine the beef consommé, water, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion powder and garlic in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Cook until warmed through.

To serve, cut the roll ups in half and serve with the warm sauce for dipping.


3.Lazy Lasagna




Lazy Lasagna is a simplified version of the classic Italian dish. It typically involves layering uncooked lasagna noodles with meat sauce, cheese, and other ingredients in a baking dish, and then baking until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Unlike traditional lasagna, the noodles in lazy lasagna don't need to be cooked beforehand, which makes it a quicker and easier recipe to prepare. It is called "lazy" because it requires less effort and time compared to making traditional lasagna.





Ingredients

1 (25 oz bag) frozen ravioli

1 (24 oz jar) pasta sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/3 cup parmesan cheese for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and grease a 9x13 baking dish.


Spread about 3/4 cup of your pasta sauce onto the bottom of your baking dish.


Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.


Top with half of the remaining sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese.


Repeat the layers starting with what's left of the frozen ravioli. Finish by topping with the remainder of the sauce and mozzarella. Sprinkle with parmesan if you'd like. 


Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. 


Let it cool for 5-10 minutes, and then serve alone or with garlic bread, salad or veggies. Enjoy!



4.Bacon Pierogi Bake

Bacon Pierogi Bake is a casserole dish made with pierogies, bacon, onions, and cheese. Pierogies are a type of Polish dumplings that are typically stuffed with potatoes, cheese, and other fillings. In this recipe, the pierogies are layered in a baking dish with crispy bacon pieces, sautéed onions, and cheese, then baked until hot and bubbly. It's a comforting and hearty dish that's perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck gathering.


Ingredients

1 (16–ounce) package frozen potato and onion pierogies (such as Mrs. T’s)

Cooking spray

2 center-cut bacon slices, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/3 cup (3 ounces) 1/3–less-fat cream cheese

1/2 cup fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth

1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 cup thinly diagonally sliced green onions

1/4 cup chopped seeded plum tomato

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°.

Arrange the pierogies in an 11 x 7-inch glass baking dish coated with cooking spray. Cook bacon in a saucepan over medium heat until crisp; remove from pan. Set aside.

Add garlic to drippings in pan, and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add 1/3 cup cream cheese to pan, and cook for 1 minute or until cream cheese begins to melt, stirring frequently. Gradually add chicken broth to pan, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over pierogies.

Top evenly with 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until bubbly and thoroughly heated. Remove from oven, and sprinkle with bacon, green onions, tomato, and pepper.



5.POPCORN CHICKEN BACON RANCH PASTA SALAD

POPCORN CHICKEN BACON RANCH PASTA SALAD



Popcorn chicken bacon ranch pasta salad is a type of pasta salad that includes crispy popcorn chicken, bacon, and a creamy ranch dressing. It typically also contains pasta (such as fusilli or rotini), cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion. The salad is easy to prepare and can be served as a side dish or a main course. It is a popular dish for potlucks, picnics, and other gatherings.



Ingredients

▢12 Ounces Rotini Pasta

▢1 Packet Ranch Dressing Mix

▢1 ½ Cups Mayonnaise

▢2-3 Tablespoons Milk

▢½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder

▢¼ Teaspoon Pepper

▢Bacon Bits

▢1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes

▢1 25 Ounce Package Frozen Popcorn Chicken

▢3 Green Onions, sliced

▢½ Cup Shredded or Cubed Cheddar

Instructions

Cook the popcorn chicken according to package directions and set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, cook the rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse well under cold water.

In a large bowl mix together the ranch dressing mix, mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder, pepper, bacon bits, green onions, cherry tomatoes and cheddar.

Add the cooked popcorn chicken and pasta to the ranch mixture and stir to combine.

Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.







Comments

table of contents title