3 FLAVORFUL and EASY RECIPES you can make for dinner TONIGHT (without breaking the bank)

3 Flavorful Quick & Easy Recipes You Should Make TONIGHT! Bursting with Flavor (Without Breaking The Bank)
Hey friends, if you’ve been to the grocery store lately and seen the prices; you are probably second guessing every item you pick up and put in your cart. If you’re anything like me, you’ve come back home and dug just a little deeper in those freezers and pantries and asked yourself, “What can I make without grocery stopping?” That’s what I did and I hope it brings you lots of inspiration for making some easy, budget-friendly dinners this week that are FULL of flavor without breaking the bank. Thanks for watching and as always I send you love from my kitchen - Mel
#inthekitchenwithmommamel #mommamel #whatsfordinner #budgetfriendlymeals
If you’re looking for something I use, including Auntie Nono’s, the Southern Biscuit Company Formula L Biscuit Mix, and lots more; you’ll probably find it here:
My Amazon Favorites: www.amazon.com/shop/inthekitc...
Cheeseburger Gnocchi Skillet: / 196047390021120767
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia: / 196047390020213549
Jiffy Hushpuppies: / 196047390016965867
Crack Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups: / 196047390021121302
Need some more easy meal inspiration? Check out the playlists below:
My Crockpot Playlist:
• NEW! Easy Crockpot Mea...
My One Pot/Skillet Meals Playlist:
• 30 Minute Meals | One ...
My Fall Food Favorites Playlist:
• Fall Food Favorites
My Thanksgiving Favorites Playlist:
• Granny's Cornbread Dre...
My Christmas Playlist:
• Christmas Favorites
My What's For Dinner Playlist:
• What's For Dinner
My Ground Beef Playlist: • Ground Beef Dishes
My Grocery Haul Playlist:
• Grocery Hauls
My Summer & Garden Recipes Playlist:
• Spring, Summer & Garde...
My Sweet Tea Video:
• How To Make Sweet Tea ...
My Breakfast Playlist:
• Breakfast Ideas
My Quick & Easy Weeknight Meals Playlist:
kzbin.info?list...
My Baking & Desserts Playlist:
• Baking & Desserts
My Potluck Favorites Playlist:
• Potluck Favorites
If you don’t have a church home or are not able to attend in person services, here is a link to my church’s KZbin channel. I encourage you to watch and when the time is right, seek a home church for you and your family. I am praying for you!
/ @pineylevelbaptist
Here is a link for a free Bible app. It features a devotional for each day and numerous other topical reading plans. It will even read the Bible aloud for you when your hands are busy.
www.youversion.com/the-bible-...
If you are having trouble providing food for your family, please contact your local government, churches, and schools. Food insecurity is nothing to be embarrassed about; there are many resources available to help. Everyone deserves to be able to feed their family.
Follow me on Instagram @inthekitchenwithmommamel
Click here for all my social media links: linktr.ee/MommaMel
For collaborations or business inquiries, please email me at [e-mail]
Music is courtesy of the KZbin Free Audio Library
Or my paid subscription to Epidemic Sound
FTC Disclosure: This video is not sponsored. Some links above are affiliate links. This means at no additional cost to you, as an Amazon Associate or other brand affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you so much for supporting me!

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

It dawned on me after this video went up that I did not show you the fish I used. It is frozen tilapia fillets and I buy them at Walmart, Aldi, or kroger; they're in all the grocery stores. They come individually vacuum packed and they thaw out so quickly in the refrigerator. I have been buying these for years and I love them! Anyway wanted you guys to know what kind they were and where to find them. Hope everyone has a blessed week, see you Wednesday 😊❤️

[@sandybowman7140]

It looked like Tilapia & happy I have some in the freezer! Thanks for clarifying but I bet Cod would work well too.

[@debbie1483]

Thank you for sharing that. I’m glad the frozen worked so well. Definitely going on my meal plan. I just wish Pinterest was more print friendly.

[@lindahoward710]

I thought it was bad to eat tilapia!!

[@sandybowman7140]

@@lindahoward710 Some Tilapia that are farm raised can have adverse data but most are fished off the coast of Alaska & high quality. They are not bottom feeders like Catfish. With all the imbalance Americans have with Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids, fish is a great nutritional choice.

[@lindahoward710]

@@sandybowman7140 thank you!!! That helps a lot to know it's ok to eat!

[@angelacampana7058]

TYFS Momma Mel, I hope you have a peaceful and blessed day/week♥️💫✨👼🏻✨💫♥️

[@jackiewilson6796]

I don’t know why fixing fish intimidates me, so I’ve never tried 🤷🏻‍♀️. But this looks super easy! Thanks for sharing!

[@wandafull12]

I will be making all three of these recipes. I recently discovered your channel and must say I enjoy your peaceful vibe.

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

Welcome, I am so happy that you're here! I do like to keep things laid back and happy here, no drama LOL just food, fun and friendship. I hope you will enjoy some more of my videos and you find lots of good things to eat, let me know when you try some. Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and introduce yourself, hope to see you often in the comments.

[@barbnauman705]

Hi Mel! These all look like wonderful and delicious comfort meals during this winter time of year! I think our families experience a feelings of love and peace when mama is making hot, delicious food for them. It’s truly a love language!!

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

I agree 100%, I love - loving on my family in this way! LOL Nothing makes me happier than to see them enjoy something that I have prepared just for them knowing that it contained one of their favorite foods or ingredients. It truly is my love language!

[@whatthecroc3483]

I’m an Italian girl, gnocchi is so delicious with red sauce! Everything looked delicious! Your videos always make me hungry!

[@maryberkenpas1596]

My son who loves fish was in the room when the fish portion came on. I immediately thought of turning the volume down so he wouldn’t hear because fish is always more work than I care to do 😁. But you have a very simple method, so I’ll have to give it a try. I really appreciate all the easy recipes you share. Thank you!

[@ericastout4552]

Hi Aunt Mel, I'm so glad that you are on now 😇. I just love you and your videos 😍❤️. God bless you and your family. Have a blessed evening 🌆 Love you guys 😇🥰😇

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

Happy Sunday Erica, thanks so much for being here! Hope you and your family are well and have a blessed week.

[@ericastout4552]

@@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel you're welcome angel girl 😇. I am blessed to get your videos.

[@ladysmith3578]

I do like fish but I love hush puppies. These meals look amazing. I pull stuff out of the pantry and cook meals I never thought I’d cook. These food prices are ridiculous. Hopefully when 2024 gets here we can get our country back on the right track and we’ll be able to afford to eat. I like these simple meals. Thank you for sharing! ❤

[@lulamaemcrae3032]

Hello Mama Mel. Loved all of the recipes, everything looks so good. Especially the fish recipe. Ya'll be blessed and have a wonderful week. Love from Lula Mae & Family. 💕 💕 💕 💕 💕

[@ericastout4552]

Hi again Sweetie 😘

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

Thanks so much, I hope you have a blessed week too! I appreciate you so much for watching!

[@CindyKinney]

Hi Mel. That cracked chicken lasagna roll ups and the fish looked amazing. Have a wonderful new week ahead.

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

Thanks so much! I hope you have a great week too!

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

Hey sweet Aunt Mel. I'm excited for this video to get new recipes. Love quick and easy meals. Definitely adding them to our meal plan. I make my meal plan a month in advance. Have a Beautiful and Blessed evening and week. See you next video. Stay safe and healthy. God Bless.

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

Thanks so much, I wish I could get my act together and plan a month at a time, I think that's amazing!

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

@In The Kitchen With Momma Mel you're welcome, Aunt Mel. You could do it. I add the meals we want to make which most of them come from my favorite KZbinr's, then I add our favorites.

[@debbiekocol8731]

Hi Ms. Alma Hope all is better with you and your hubby. Which was your favorite? How in the world do you make a meal plan a month ahead. I am should give it a try

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

@Debbie Kocol hey Debbie. We're doing pretty good. It's hard to pick a favorite. I would say the crack chicken rollups.

[@geraldinelucas3143]

When living in NC we would camp in the Smokie mountain's the guys would catch trout they would fry them up in hot oil. After the trout were cooked they then made hush puppies frying in the same oil they were so good this CA girl loved them.

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

Yes, I love a good ole fish fry, trout, crappie, all the good stuff!

[@annethompson2212]

the hush puppies looked perfect and delicious 😋

[@healthhollow7218]

Yes! Grocery store prices have gotten totally ridiculous. I love seeing what you come up with! 💗🤗 Have a blessed week!

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

Thanks 😊 you too

[@wolchfam]

Well I didn’t have lasagne noodles in the pantry but I had manicotti noodles. Just put two 8x8” dishes together (7 manicotti in each) one for tonight and one for the freezer. We are a small family with our grown daughter still living home. Can’t wait to try them. I did put lasagna noodles on the shopping list (they’d be quicker than filling manicotti noodles). Thank you so much for the recipe. I used up some home canned chicken which makes me happy. I better put tilapia fish on my shopping list too.

[@KirstiPickens]

I agree....the hushpuppies are my favorite part!!!

[@tabitharay3076]

Any time you hear "this needs to go in the rotation", you KNOW it's good! My hubs will love the fish & can't wait to try it. Thank you for sharing!

[@kittywetzel92]

I could make a meal out of hushpuppies alone! I love these recipes!

[@mississippigirl]

Hi Mel! Thanks for sharing your delicious recipes. I will surely try these. Have a blessed week, friend.

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

Thank you, I hope you have a wonderful week!

[@JudithBrummett]

I have to drive 45 min each way to get to a grocery so shopping my pantry was a great idea. Since we live winters in our RV I have a great two week pantry but almost no freezer lol. I don't have all the ingredients but I'm creative lol.

[@Sammi_May]

Hey hey Mel ❤️ 👋 ☺️. Just now getting to watch.....that fish looks delicious 😋 😍. Thank ya for sharing!

[@MaegensKitchen]

This tilapia looks delicious! Yum!

[@eileenmaschal9505]

Thank you for the inspiration…I see these on my dinner table this week. 😊

[@barbaraweidenhammer7644]

Seeing this reminds me I need to get some food out of the freezer, if I want to eat.

[@jenniferr.2122]

Thank you, this video made me so hungry and I had just finished my lunch 😅🤣😂. These meal ideas are excellent.

[@donalowrie5683]

My daughter and I love your videos ! We want to try your crack chicken roll ups for sure!! Thanks for making these easy on the wallet too.

[@phyltorkelsonp9268]

I just love your voice, Momma Mel! It’s so comforting and easy to listen to….I love your “down home” cooking!! It the kind of food I love, too!!

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

Next time, you fix the tilapia coat it Duke's mayo then add the breading. So delicious. Saw it on Taylor Elmore's channel. I love tilapia, salmon, shrimp, and lobster.

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

Oh yes! I do love to coat my chicken with mayo and I just never thought about doing it with the fish - great idea!

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

@@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel me either till I saw it on Taylor's channel.

[@stillsinglestephanie]

Those hush puppies look so good! I haven’t had hush puppies in forever and now I really want them.

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

I LOVE hushpuppies! Well, any bread LOL and really we don't need any excuse to fry up some hushpuppies do we? LOL

[@wahnemahardin4417]

Now I'm hungry!!! LOL. It all looks so good. I really want to try the cracked chicken roll ups. My hubby would love them.

[@shannonpichotta4834]

What a great idea to use what you have in the pantry, refrigerator, etc. instead of going to the store and spending more money. Everything looked so delicious and so easy to make. Thank you for the great ideas and we'll see you next time.

[@kellikombat9535]

Thanks for an amazingly delicious fish recipe! I think I am going to splurge and get the Auntie NoNo's set.

[@basreynolds50]

The roll ups look awesome. I might make the fish dish with anything but tilapia. The seasoning looked good.

[@nelliematthews2277]

Spray your spoons this will help release your hushpuppies easier the slip off easy ..thanks for shareing your recipes ..❤

[@cindychurchill1003]

Remind me again where you are. My son and his family just moved to N Carolina last week. They have my 4 youngest grands with them :'( My heart is broken and may have to consider a move from the frozen tundra of Michigan down south!

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

Oh honey, I am so sorry I know that your heart is broken 😥 I will be praying for you. And I am in East TN just over the mountains from NC and I think you should consider a move down here with us if you don't have anything holding you to Michigan. We would love to have you!

[@karenphillips3632]

All three recipes looked amazing. I’ll be trying them, for sure!

[@claudialaquidara9723]

Can't wait to try these! Thanks Mel!

[@denisedieter9004]

I just loved the cracked chicken lasagna roll-ups they are definitely a must-try. Thank you so much for sharing these with us!

[@cindychurchill1003]

I am still doing Keto but I just love watching your channel! 50 pounds since October 3rd!

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

Awesome friend, and I forgot to mention that the soup I posted on Thursday with the grocery haul was keto friendly (if you don't make a pan of cornbread like I did LOL) Here's a link in case you missed it, it was truly delicious! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5-toH6sdpWtj6c

[@cindychurchill1003]

@@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel That soup looked awesome! I'm with you on spicy food! No thank you! Might have to try a smaller batch, not sure my son will eat it. I did cheat on New Year's Day and had a sliver of corn bread with my black eyed peas and turnip greens! Gotta have it then! It was worth the cheat and I got back on track! Thanks Mel for putting a smile on my face! Love, love love that southern hospitality!!

[@nataliycorbin7267]

OMG, Mel, I started watching your channel a few months ago, and you are my absolutely fav! Your recipies are easy, budget-friendly, tasty, beautifuly- presented, and so user-friendly and easy. You are full of wonderful ideas, and we do appreicate you sharing your meals with all of us. Thank you. PS. your chicken lasagna looks amazing , on my list to do now !

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

You are so welcome! Thank you so much for this sweet comment, you have encouraged me today frirend!

[@LindaLou-oh6qz]

Hi Mel. All the recipes look like keepers to me, especially the crack chicken rolls. Adding the noodles to my curbside pick up this week. Can't wait. Thank you so much for all your time putting these recipes and videos together. Truly enjoyed it! Take care.

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

Thank YOU so much for watching and for being such an encouragement to me, I really appreciate you! Hope you love the roll ups!

[@cindyeasterling6917]

I can't wait to try the fish. Got to get some Auntie no-no's

[@kathyhelmold7358]

The roll ups definitely have to be tried❣️

[@kikomartin-pr]

All the recipes look delicious. I just will omit the mustard and try all 3. Have a great week.

[@cathyray3861]

Thank you Mel I can't wait to try these recipes

[@christeenprice5637]

Mel everything looks so delicious, thanks for sharing 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@SimplyEnjoyingLife]

The lasagna roll ups in particular look so good! 😋

[@gailafanador8813]

These recipes look so good. I will be making them. Specially the chicken roll ups. I will make for my family when they come back to town. They all are making my mouth water. Thank you for the recipes!!! God Bless.

[@janetdwyer1867]

Hi Mel the recipes look good I do have the stuff for the first recipe I will make it monday.have a blessed week.

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

Awesome, I hope you love it!

[@monakader9331]

Mel hi this is Mona from Egypt love you and wait for your fantastic meals every day ❤

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

Oh thank you so much for your support!

[@monakader9331]

@@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel you are more than welcome please make the videos more longer please ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@lindaevans6461]

You make due with what you got, good job.

[@wolchfam]

I have some home canned chicken and may use it in your lasagne roll ups. All I might not have in the pantry is the noodles - gotta check. If I have them, that’s dinner tonight. Yummy!

[@dorothycrowder8577]

Well.....I think I'll have to try all three of these! I hope mine turn out a pretty as yours.

[@janicedeaton1356]

I make gnocchi from left over mashed potatoes, just add a egg and enough flour to make a soft dough . Roll into a roll and cut in pieces.

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

Wow, I never even thought of making my own LOL I always end up frying potato cakes out of my leftover mashed potatoes

[@debbiemitteis743]

Mel I'm so glad you show how you pair your food up I'm always in the dark what goes together thank you so much love love your videos

[@teresacarnes2271]

Those roll ups look amazing ,wish you could do a video everyday!

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

Awh, you're so sweet! Thank you so much for being here!

[@rachelhero3413]

I’m going to definitely make all of these! Thank you for all these ideas

[@cinder8290]

I love cooking with Gnocchi, so I will try that first recipe. Thanks so much for it.

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

My pleasure 😊

[@lisas321]

Can’t wait to try these recipes!!! Thank you!!❤

[@anncooper3416]

The lasagne rolls are right up my alley. I'll definitely give those a try. Thank you! 💞

[@jackieoesterman6688]

I'm always left with a difficult decision after watching your videos...on which recipe to try first. Those chicken roll ups look fabulous. Great job, as always. Have a wonderful week ahead and ill look forward to seeing you again in a few days. God bless.

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

LOL Well, that's a problem that I am glad I've caused you to have! Thanks for watching and have a great week!

[@michsmith1973]

As always some great meal ideas. 😊

[@southernnana749]

Hey Mel I love your channel Im excited to make the chicken lasagna roll ups and the potato gnocchi dish. I'm making one or both this week. They look delicious. Thank you for sharing. I love the fact there easy to. Seeing how we are coming out of the Holidays and all the dishes we prepared. Easy is good. Cant wait to see what is next. Bye.

[@deborahdaniels9163]

Loved all of these have to try them

[@nidyabaldwin8149]

Yummy I can’t wait to make this ❤

[@tablefullofjoy5072]

These look super tasty!!! Thanks for sharing these yummy recipes! 💜

[@Hereforthecomments1161]

Love the meals this week. I'm going to try the crack chicken lasagna roll ups soon!

[@wendybrown2588]

Looks delicious Mel! Thanks so much!

[@geraldinehobson2704]

Loved these videos. Thank you for all the great recipe ideas! Love your sweet attitude. 😊

[@lparsons6924]

Always fantastic ideas. Thank you.🥰

[@ladonnapettis6700]

Mel, all the recipes looked yummy! I can’t wait to try them. I really enjoy your videos. I listen to them every day at work. I feel like I’m spending time with a friend! ❤❤

[@buttercupangel15]

Everyone of these recipes look so yummy 😋

[@magaperson3402]

Mel, these all look delicious! I am going to try the cracked chicken roll up for dinner tonight. Love your videos, and I'm always excited when you post a new one.

[@janiceyoung2004]

Everything looks Delicious! Can’t wait to try the lasagna roll ups ❤️❤️ the hush puppies and fish looked amazing, also! Thank You for sharing! Prayers for a Wonderful Week for you🙏🙏🙏🙏🥰🥰🥰

[@rose281396]

Happy New Year Mama Mel and family! 🎉

[@donnaryan9554]

I boil my gnocchi then toss it in some salted butter and serve it with pan fried salmon with either green beans or asparagus or even broccoli

[@commonsensetruecrime9635]

I have made the cheeseburger gnocchi 4 times now. It is SO good!

[@kelliejackson1191]

You always show us delicious dishes! The lasagna rolls looked fantastic!

[@denisekirsch3759]

Love your channel soo much! Made the chicken dumpling casserole last week and boy was it a hit !! Qe loved it and was soi easy!! Can't wait to try the Crack chicken roll ups. Love the quick and easy recipes!! Sooo glad I found your channel!!!😊

[@joanholley8547]

🤗 Hi Momma Mel... thank you so much for sharing your delicious recipes, they all look so scrumptious 😋😋😋, can't wait to try them out!!! I know my family is going to love them. May God continue to bless you and your family, and may you have a prosperous and safe New Year. 💕💕

[@ashleylaurenprice]

Oh my goodness! Everything looks so good. I love pantry meals and cannot wait to try your tilapia recipe!

[@honeybee5420]

I’d love to try them all!! They all look delicious! Thank you! ❤

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

Glad you like them!

[@cynthiafrance6741]

thanx so much for always sharing

[@christophervogt7456]

All dishes look amazing, especially the Crack Chicken Lasagna Rolls. Bet that filling would be good in a quesadilla! I love your style of cooking Mel. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@rosemarydoran9907]

Yum x 3!

[@debiscooking9770]

Those cracked chicken lasagna roll ups looked excellent. I did not know that you could boil the oven ready lasagna noodles and use them the way you did. Excellent! Thanks for always sharing these great recipes Mel! 👩‍🍳

[@crystalrodriguez6599]

Loved this one..the hush puppies and Crack lasagna...yummmm I'm trying to decide which one to cook tonight..xo

[@maurinadittenhaffer6140]

Good evening Mel I need to try those roll up soon. Looks so good. Your dishes always look wonderful. I am headed to the grocery store tomorrow so I will see what I can find. I love spending time with you.

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

Love spending time with you too!

[@evem4876]

Ty for sharing ur great delicious recipes n giving us ideas n tips ...❣️

[@cathymcafee9665]

These recipes are amazing!!

[@g-maw5458]

Oh my everything you made looked so delicious. My mouth was watering. Will be making these recipes. Thank you. ❤️

[@annetteford5616]

Looks delicious 😋

[@donnacalvert311]

Hi Mel! I really enjoy your recipes, and I love how you explain all the steps as you are cooking them. Thank you for sharing these yummy recipes with us all 💗

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

You are so welcome! Thank YOU for watching

[@tammifields4142]

Thanks Momma Mel,All of these meals look Absolutely DELICIOUS!😋😋 Thanks for sharing, Have a Blessed week!😊

[@Tammy-td5ok]

We make this with the shredded cheese and then bake some wontons in a muffin tin for about 5 minutes and then fill them with the crack chicken and sprinkle smoked paprika and put back in the oven till browned

[@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel]

YUM Sounds amazing!

[@lisajones4986]

Love the food you made 😋 ❤️ im going to make this fish recipe my hubby loves fish. Thank you sweet lady for sharing. ❤️

[@lananicolas160]

Everything looks delicious

[@badassunicorn5351]

MOMMA!!! Yummy recipes I will need to try❤

[@JoAnnCarpenter815]

Hi Mel! I never had tilapia but I’m going to give it a try - I bake salmon the same way. Your hush puppies look good too! Have a great week!

[@lizarichards2243]

You'll love tilapia! I've been cooking it for years. Definitely a fam fave!