I hate meal planning but we’re in a budget so eating at home is important. What can I make that is cheaper and faster than it sounds, especially during summer? My husband feels strongly about high-protein meals.

Question

Tim Sondrup · Answer

Mississippi Chicken Recipe: Juicy, flavorful, and a certified hit with everyone in the family. One of those rare recipes where nobody at the table complains.

Amy · Answer

Vegetarian Taco Bowls: These bowls are delicious and highly customizable!

Sophia Lucchesi · Answer

Ground Turkey: Okay, I know this sounds deeply unsexy but there is a method to the madness. Brown ground turkey with salt and pepper. You can throw it on a salad with whatever dressing you like, or add salsa, beans, and rice for a taco bowl, hoisin and sriracha over rice and steamed greens, add tomato sauce and plop over pasta. Combinations are endless, but as long as you have condiments, you can make something delicious.

Casson · Answer

Ramen with Egg and Cheese: The cheese seems like a weird thing but it is truly delicious. If you don’t like using the seasoning packet, I recommend getting Japanese broth concentrate.

chiarabelle · Answer

Mediterranean Bowls: We do this with grilled chicken for protein! So good and everyone can customize to their preference.

Sarah · Answer

Heyday beans: Heyday beans! Eat them over rice or toast, and/or poach eggs in them. Each flavor has simple meal suggestions printed on the can, too.

LizK · Answer

Salmon Rice: Easy, cheap, nutritious, lotsa protein. Done!

Becca Mandy · Answer

Sheet Pan Nachos: Tortilla chips, cheese, protein of choice, and pop in the oven! Easy to customize or switch up the flavors. Got leftover chicken? Throw that on top instead! For added protein you could add on beans, avocado, or even sub sour cream for greek yogurt! Love adding other veggies too.

Mo · Answer

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: This is one of my easy go-tos. Just dump all the ingredients in and shove it in the oven. All the ingredients are pretty cheap too.

Gabriela Riccardi · Answer

Smitten Kitchen Braised Chickpeas with Zucchini and Pesto: Naturally, Deb doesn't miss. I love this one hot or cold: a creamy, zesty zucchini dish you can dig into with a great hunk of toasted bread, all delivered in one pan.

Jules · Answer

Ottolenghi's Lamb & Pistachio Patties (Meatballs): most work done by a food processor! all ingredients at TJs