Weekly Meal Plan: Easy, Delicious, and Budget-Friendly Dinner Ideas

Hey there, mama! If your week is anything like mine, it’s a whirlwind of kids’ activities, errands, and trying to figure out what’s for dinner—without blowing the budget. I’m here to simplify meal planning with quick, family-approved dinners that are easy on your wallet and perfect for those hectic weeknights. We all need a break sometimes, so our family also enjoys takeout once a week, usually on Fridays, as a fun way to unwind and spend time together. This week’s meal plan is a mix of comfort foods, crowd-pleasers, and a standout cast iron steak recipe with a Gordon Ramsay twist! I hope these budget-friendly dinner ideas give you some inspiration.

Weekly Meal Plan: Budget-Friendly Dinner Ideas for Families

Here’s a look at our dinners this week. I’m sharing six easy recipes that require minimal prep and no fancy ingredients—because who has time for that? I like to keep things flexible, so I don’t assign meals to specific days. This way, I can choose what fits our schedule and energy levels each day, making meal planning stress-free. Plus, it ensures I always have everything on hand, which cuts down on last-minute grocery runs.

Weekly Meal Plan for Families

• Chicken Parmesan and Spaghetti
• Cheese and Chicken Nachos
• Easy Shrimp Scampi with Linguine
• Crockpot Sausage Cream Potato Soup
• Cast Iron Ribeye Steak with Rice and Veggies (featuring a Gordon Ramsay marinade!)
• Chicken Sausage, Peppers, Potatoes, and Onion Sheet Pan

1. Chicken Parmesan and Spaghetti

A classic comfort food that’s quick and sure to be a hit with the kids!

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 oz spaghetti
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then coat chicken in olive oil and the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Sear chicken in a frying pan, then place it on a baking sheet. Pour marinara sauce over the chicken, top with mozzarella, and bake for 5-7 minutes.
4. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Serve the chicken over the spaghetti.

2. Cheese and Chicken Nachos

Perfect for a quick dinner or game night, these nachos are loaded with cheesy goodness.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 bag tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup salsa
• Optional toppings: sour cream, jalapeños, tomatoes, and green onions

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread chips on a baking sheet.
2. Top with chicken, beans, and cheese. Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
3. Top with salsa and your favorite extras.

3. Easy Shrimp Scampi with Linguine

This quick shrimp scampi is a delicious and light dinner option that’s done in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz linguine
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook linguine according to package directions.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add shrimp, cooking until pink.
3. Add broth or wine and lemon juice. Toss with pasta and top with parsley.

4. Crockpot Sausage Cream Potato Soup

A hearty, creamy soup that’s perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 5 cups diced potatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups chopped kale or spinach (optional)
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Brown sausage and add to crockpot with potatoes, onion, and broth.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in cream and greens 30 minutes before serving.

5. Cast Iron Ribeye Steak with Rice and Veggies (Gordon Ramsay Marinade)

This cast iron steak recipe is a standout, bringing restaurant quality to your dinner table.

Ingredients:

• 3 ribeye steaks (about 1-inch thick)
• Oil, to sear the steaks
• Gordon Ramsay Steak Marinade:
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 sprigs of rosemary
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Steaks: Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl. Coat steaks and let sit for 20-30 minutes.
2. Preheat and Sear: Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat a cast iron skillet on the stove over high heat, add oil, and sear steaks for 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Finish in the Oven: Transfer skillet to the oven and cook for 3-5 minutes for medium-rare. Rest, slice, and serve with rice and veggies.

6. Chicken Sausage, Peppers, Potatoes, and Onion Sheet Pan

A one-pan meal that’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
• 4 potatoes, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss all ingredients on a sheet pan with oil and seasoning.
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway.

Grocery List by Aisle

Planning ahead keeps my grocery bill low and helps me avoid those last-minute trips to the store. Here’s what you’ll need this week—shop your pantry first to save even more!

Produce:

• Garlic, onion, potatoes, peppers, lemon, parsley, kale/spinach, veggies, green onions, tomatoes, jalapeños

Meat & Seafood:

• Chicken breasts, Italian sausage, ribeye steaks, shrimp, chicken sausage, shredded chicken

Dairy:

• Mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan

Bakery & Bread:

• Tortilla chips

Pasta & Grains:

• Spaghetti, linguine, rice

Canned Goods:

• Marinara sauce, black beans, chicken broth

Condiments & Spices:

• Olive oil, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salsa

Snacks:

• Sour cream

Dinner is Served…

Cooking for your family doesn’t have to be a chore. With a little planning, you can whip up meals that feel gourmet (hello, steak night!) but are totally doable on a mom budget. I’d love to hear if you try any of these budget-friendly dinner ideas and recipes! Also, would you like to see more meal idea posts like this? Let me know in the comments. Until next time, happy cooking, mama!

Want Seconds?

If you enjoyed this post and want more meal planning inspiration, check out these favorites:

• Meal Planning Made Easy: Your Ultimate Guide to Budget-Friendly and Nutritious Meals
• Easy Baked No Boil Ziti: A Budget-Friendly Family Favorite
• Shop Your Pantry: Saving Big on Groceries and What We Ate This Week