Week 16 Weekly Menu Budget-Friendly Family Dinners
Kid-Friendly Weekly Dinner Menu for $100
Feeding a family on a budget is no easy feat, especially when picky eaters are involved! But Budget Bites Brigade is here to help with a kid-friendly weekly dinner menu that keeps your little ones happy without stretching your wallet. Packed with cheesy, comforting dishes and fun favorites, this menu brings variety and kid-approved flavors to the table—all for just around $100!
Kid-Friendly Weekly Dinner Menu
Here’s what’s on the menu this week:
This lineup is full of comforting classics and customizable dishes to keep the whole family excited about dinnertime. Let’s dive into the breakdown of each day!
Daily Meal Breakdown
Day 1: Cheesy Baked Ziti
Flavor Profile: A warm, cheesy pasta bake loaded with marinara sauce, gooey cheese, and plenty of comfort.
Tips for Staying on Budget:
Use store-brand marinara and bulk pasta for maximum savings.
Mix in cooked ground turkey or crumbled tofu for a protein boost on a budget.
Make extra and freeze half for a quick meal next week!
Day 2: Sloppy Joes with Sweet Potato Fries
Flavor Profile: Sweet, tangy, and messy sandwiches paired with crispy, naturally sweet fries.
Tips for Staying on Budget:
Use ground beef or ground chicken, whichever is on sale.
Make your own sloppy joe sauce with ketchup, a splash of vinegar, and pantry spices.
Buy whole sweet potatoes and slice them into fries for a more affordable option than pre-cut frozen fries.
Day 3: Personal Protein Pizzas
Flavor Profile: Fun, customizable pizzas with a crispy base and melty toppings.
Tips for Staying on Budget:
Use pita bread, English muffins, or tortillas as affordable pizza bases.
Let kids choose their toppings from simple, low-cost options like shredded cheese, pepperoni, or cooked veggies.
Sneak in protein by spreading a thin layer of refried beans or adding shredded chicken.
Day 4: Chicken Nugget Bowls
Flavor Profile: Crispy chicken nuggets served over rice with a variety of toppings for a fun, build-your-own meal.
Tips for Staying on Budget:
Buy frozen chicken nuggets in bulk for savings.
Use leftover rice from earlier meals to keep costs down.
Add toppings like shredded cheese, chopped veggies, or a drizzle of ranch to create variety.
Day 5: Chicken Quesadillas
Flavor Profile: Crispy tortillas filled with melty cheese and tender chicken, perfect for dipping.
Tips for Staying on Budget:
Use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken nuggets as filling.
Store-brand tortillas and shredded cheese are budget-friendly essentials.
Add in leftover veggies or beans to stretch the filling further.
Day 6: Stovetop Broccoli Mac & Cheese
Flavor Profile: Creamy, cheesy pasta with tender broccoli mixed in for a comforting, nutrient-packed meal.
Tips for Staying on Budget:
Buy frozen broccoli florets to save on fresh produce costs.
Make the cheese sauce from scratch with milk, flour, and shredded cheese for a budget-friendly alternative to boxed mac.
Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top for extra texture if desired.
Day 7: Pancakes, Eggs & Sausage
Flavor Profile: A classic breakfast-for-dinner meal that’s sweet, savory, and fun for the kids.
Tips for Staying on Budget:
Use a homemade pancake mix or store-brand boxed mix to save money.
Look for sausage links or patties on sale; chicken sausage is often a budget-friendly option.
Stretch the eggs by scrambling them with a splash of milk or water for fluffier results.
Why This Menu Works for Kids
Customizable Dishes: Meals like personal pizzas, chicken nugget bowls, and quesadillas let kids choose their favorite ingredients, making mealtime more enjoyable.
Familiar Flavors: Cheesy pasta, crispy nuggets, and sweet pancakes are kid-approved classics that keep even picky eaters happy.
Balanced Nutrition: Incorporating vegetables into mac & cheese or using sweet potatoes instead of fries helps boost the nutritional value while keeping flavors kid-friendly.
Shopping List
Final Thoughts
This kid-friendly weekly dinner menu proves that feeding your family on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or variety. With customizable options, creative ideas, and smart shopping tips, you’ll have a week of dinners that satisfy both kids and adults—all while sticking to a $100 budget.
What are your family’s favorite kid-friendly meals? Share your tips and recipes in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
