Description

Simple dinner ideas save time, money, and stress while still bringing flavor and comfort to the table. From weeknight dinner pizza ideas and hot dog meals to casseroles and stir fries, these recipes are perfect for busy families looking to enjoy fast dinners and budget-friendly meals.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pack of flour tortillas or flatbreads
2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
1 jar marinara or pizza sauce
1/2 lb cooked Italian sausage or sliced hot dogs
1/2 cup sliced bell peppers or mushrooms
1 box elbow pasta (for casserole)
1 can beans (black or pinto)
4 eggs (for stir fry or burritos)
Assorted vegetables: broccoli, spinach, carrots, etc.
Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs

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Instructions

For pizza night: Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread marinara over tortillas or flatbreads, add cheese, toppings like sausage, peppers, or mushrooms. Bake 8–10 minutes until bubbly.
For sausage pizza casserole: Cook pasta until al dente. Mix with cooked sausage and pizza sauce. Pour into a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
For hot dog meals: Slice hot dogs and stir into cooked mac and cheese or wrap in crescent dough and bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.
For stir fry: Sauté chopped vegetables with garlic, add cooked beef, chicken, or hot dogs. Stir in cooked rice and soy sauce. Scramble in eggs and serve hot.
Set up a build-your-own pizza bar with toppings in bowls and let everyone customize their own base—flatbread, tortilla, or muffin.

Notes

Use what you have on hand to customize these meals. Reuse ingredients across recipes to stretch your budget and simplify weekly meals. Let kids help assemble pizzas or quesadillas to get them involved and excited.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked & Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 480
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 85mg