Here's a kid-pleasing favorite that's not too hard on the budget. Even with less meat than a traditional calzone, there's still plenty of flavor and all for about $1.10 per serving (2 slices).

Easy Calzone Rolls

Hands-On Time: 10 minutes
Ready In: 30 minutes
Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:

2 loaves frozen bread dough - thawed
1/2 pound sliced ham
1/2 pound sliced hard salami
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup jarred marinara sauce

Directions:

1. Roll each loaf of dough into a rectangle about 8 inches by 12 inches.
2. Layer ham and salami down the center of each rolled loaf lengthwise.
3. Top meats with 1 cup shredded mozzarella for each roll.
4. Fold short ends of each loaf in about 1/2 inch and seal. Roll from the long sides and pinch well to seal the entire loaf. You should have 2 long rolls.
5. Bake, seam side down on a greased baking… Read More

This substitute sauce is as good as the real deal, but better for you and less expensive, about $1.35 per serving. Add whatever vegetable combination you like and feel free to use cheaper chicken cuts to make this even more budget-minded.

Creamy Chicken and Rotini Primavera

Hands-On Time: 10 minutes
Ready In: 30 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1/2 pound dry rotini
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast - cubed
1 pound… Read More

Sliders are very popular right now and this version made with ground turkey and baked rather than fried is not only good, but good for you. My kids ate these like there was no tomorrow and even the pickiest of them finished his plate without a complaint. Served with baked Parmesan fries this was the perfect 'fast food' meal and the cost per slider is about 45 cents - that's good, too.

Italian Turkey Sliders with Honey Dijon Mayo
… Read More

Chilly days mean big pots of soup around these parts. This one combines the flavor of a chicken taco in one warm bowl. Bake up a batch of cornbread to go with this and you're good to go.

Chicken Taco Soup

Hands-On Time: 5 minutes
Ready In: 20-25 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken, cooked and shredded
2 cups cooked kidney beans
2 cups prepared salsa
6 cups chicken stock
… Read More

Traditionally made with minced lamb, this shepherd's pie is closer to an English Cottage Pie. Perfect for dark and cold winter days when the desire for comfort food is at a peak, this pie is also very frugal, making the most of winter vegetables. I've streamlined preparation and added flavor by using onion soup mix. Add a cup of thawed frozen peas for a change of pace.

Shepherd's Pie

Hands-On Time: 10 minutes
Ready In: 45 minutes
Serves:… Read More

Top pita halves with chicken, barbecue sauce and cheddar cheese for a quick busy-night dinner that will satisfy everyone. Add vegetable dippers and you're good to go with minimal fuss. The cost per serving (about $1.20) makes this easy on the wallet as well.

Chicken BBQ Cheddar Pitas

Hands-On Time: 5 minutes
Ready In: 15 minutes
Serves: 6 Two pita halves per person

Ingredients:

6 pitas - 6 inch size (I use whole wheat)
1 pound… Read More