💰 1. Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet

🌮 One Pan • 30 Minutes • Serves 4

Estimated Cost: $9-$11

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 packet taco seasoning

• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz)

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup frozen corn

• Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, tortilla chips

Directions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet and drain excess grease.

2. Stir in taco seasoning.

3. Add pasta, tomatoes, broth, and corn.

4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover for about 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender.

5. Stir in cheese until melted.

6. Top with your favorite taco toppings and serve.

🐝 Buzzy Tip: Serve with tortilla chips for scooping!

🍗 2. Creamy Chicken & Rice

🍽️ Comfort Food • One Pot • Serves 4

Estimated Cost: $10-$12

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, diced

• 1 cup uncooked white rice

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 can cream of chicken soup

• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt & pepper

• 1 tablespoon butter

Directions

1. Melt butter in a large skillet and cook chicken until no longer pink.

2. Stir in rice, broth, soup, vegetables, and seasonings.

3. Bring to a boil.

4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20-25 minutes.

5. Stir before serving.

🐝 Buzzy Tip: Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top for an extra creamy finish.

🌭 3. Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage & Veggies

🥔 Easy Cleanup • 35 Minutes • Serves 4

Estimated Cost: $11-$13

Ingredients

• 1 package smoked sausage, sliced

• 4 small potatoes, diced

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 1 onion, sliced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt & pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Toss everything with olive oil and seasonings.

3. Spread onto a sheet pan.

4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through.

5. Serve with fresh fruit or a side salad.

🐝 Buzzy Tip: Swap broccoli for green beans or zucchini using whatever is on sale.

🛒 Shopping List

🥩 Meat

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey

• 2 chicken breasts

• 1 package smoked sausage

🥛 Dairy

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Butter

• Sour cream (optional)

🥕 Produce

• 4 small potatoes

• 1 broccoli crown (or bag of florets)

• 1 bell pepper

• 1 onion

• Green onions (optional)

🥫 Pantry

• Elbow macaroni

• White rice

• Taco seasoning

• Beef broth

• Chicken broth

• Cream of chicken soup

• Diced tomatoes with green chilies

• Frozen corn

• Frozen peas & carrots

• Olive oil

• Garlic powder

• Italian seasoning

• Salt

• Pepper

• Tortilla chips (optional)

💰 Budget Breakdown (Approximate)

Meal

Cost (Family of 4)

🌮 Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet

$9-$11

🍗 Creamy Chicken & Rice

$10-$12

🌭 Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage & Veggies

$11-$13

💡 Average cost per meal: About $2.50 to $3.25 per person, making these perfect for busy summer nights when you want to spend less time cooking and more time making memories. ☀️🐝