Feeding a family doesn’t have to break the bank! This 2-week dinner plan is designed for 2 adults + 2 kids, with every meal coming in under $15 total. Each recipe is family-friendly, budget-conscious, and uses overlapping ingredients to keep shopping...
Sections
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🥘 Week 1: Comfort Classics & Family Favorites
🍲 Week 2: Easy Skillets & One-Pan Wonders
🥘 Week 1: Comfort Classics & Family Favorites
A hearty bowl of beef, beans, and tomatoes simmered in chili spices, served with warm, golden cornbread. Cozy comfort food the whole family loves.
Day 1 – Chili & Cornbread 🌶️
Homemade meatballs simmered in marinara, stuffed into hoagie rolls, topped with mozzarella, and served with a crisp side salad.
Day 2 – Meatball Subs with Salad 🥖
Cheesy beef rolled in tortillas, smothered in red enchilada sauce, and baked until bubbling. Pair with beans or rice for a Tex-Mex favorite.
Day 3 – Beef Enchiladas (Red Sauce) 🇲🇽
Creamy baked casserole with tender chicken, rice, veggies, and mushroom soup — the definition of easy comfort food.
Day 4 – Chicken & Rice Casserole 🍗
Messy, tangy, and delicious! Ground beef simmered in a sweet-savory sauce, piled onto buns, served with crispy fries.
Day 5 – Sloppy Joes & Fries 🍔
DIY pizzas on premade crusts or flatbreads — let the kids build their own with sauce, cheese, and toppings.
Day 6 – Homemade Pizza Night 🍕
Classic tomato soup paired with melty grilled cheese sandwiches. Simple, cozy, and kid-approved.
Day 7 – Soup & Grilled Cheese 🥣🧀
🍲 Week 2: Easy Skillets & One-Pan Wonders
Ground beef, macaroni, and tomatoes come together in a cheesy, one-pot meal that stretches beautifully for leftovers.
Day 8 – Goulash (Beef & Macaroni) 🍲
Fold pizza dough or tortillas around beef, cheese, and veggies, then bake until golden. Fun for kids to assemble and eat!
Day 9 – Homemade Calzones 🥟
Quick-cooked beef or chicken with frozen veggies tossed in soy or teriyaki sauce, served over fluffy rice.
Day 10 – Stir Fry with Rice 🍚
A hearty soup loaded with ground beef, veggies, tomatoes, and noodles or potatoes, served with soft rolls for dipping.
Day 11 – Beef & Veggie Soup with Rolls 🥖
Chicken and cheese wrapped in tortillas, covered in a creamy white sauce, and baked until gooey and golden.
Day 12 – White Sauce Beef Enchiladas 🌯
An affordable classic: pasta topped with ground beef marinara and a sprinkle of cheese.
Day 13 – Spaghetti & Meat Sauce 🍝
Roasted chicken, potatoes, carrots and more all baked on one pan — minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
