10 Kid-Friendly Weeknight Meal Ideas Under $20

Kids adore chicken tenders and it’s pretty hard to beat the classic, but this twist using crunchy pretzels will take your family weeknight meals to the next level. The best part? It’s a little under $20 to make! Chances are you already have pretzels, cereal or stale crackers in your pantry. It takes 15 minutes in the air fryer and will surely be your kiddos’ new favourite meal. 

Instant ramen has always been defined as a budget-friendly meal. This recipe puts an Italian-flavoured twist to a classic Asian dish for a family meal deal that’s less than $20. It’s so simple to make that kids can join in on the fun and help cook it. Buon appetito-itadakimasu!

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This recipe is a healthy meal that will get your child to eat their veggies. It has all the flavours of a lasagna with less prep time. Lightly dredge sliced eggplant in bread crumbs, stuff with an herb-filled ricotta filling and air fry to golden perfection before smothering it in marinara sauce and showering with grated parmesan. 

Elevate canned tuna and create this quick and healthy meal that kids will enjoy. It’s quick and easy, budget-friendly and absolutely delicious. All the ingredients are basic pantry staples so if you’re short on time — from after school activities — you already likely have everything you need to put this recipe together. 

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This is the perfect weeknight meal your family will surely be craving all summer long. Top the chicken schnitzel sandwich with a creamy sauce, shredded lettuce and butter pickles in a soft bun. 

What kiddo doesn’t like Barbie? And after all the hype around Barbie-core, add some pink to the meal that’s made from beets. After being roasted, beets are blended with mascarpone, parmesan, lemon and garlic to create a velvety pasta sauce. If you’re short on time precooked beets from the grocery store work just as well. This recipe is summery, tasty and certainly Barbie-approved! 

This can be a weeknight meal, great for lunch or a snack. Kids love corn dogs so fulfill their cravings by whipping up some Korean corn dogs. Only a few ingredients are needed so it’s a cheap-kid-friendly family meal everyone will like. 

Raise your hand if your kid wants to eat potato chips for dinner. Well, now it’s possible they can with this recipe they’ll want to eat all summer long! One cup of dill-flavoured potato chips adds a tangy flavour and texture your kids will love.

Say hello to your new favourite weeknight meal. Although this recipe calls for Thai sweet chili sauce and sriracha for a spicy bite, just swap out those ingredients so kids are able to eat it. These lettuce wraps are perfect if you have any veggies lying around in your fridge — just chop them up and add them in. 

Add some more protein and vegetables to your dinners with this super cheesy baked white bean and kale skillet dish. Beans are tossed with a saucy tomato base and wilted kale, then topped with a generous sprinkling of mozzarella and baked until ooey-gooey. If you don’t have kale in your kitchen feel free to replace it with whatever vegetables you have. And voila, you have a weeknight meal under $20.