What’s for Dinner | Easy Budget Friendly Family Meal Ideas | July 2022

[@rainepanda]

As someone who's willing to put in quite a bit of time and effort into making dinner I'm still totally down for things like salad kits cuz sometimes you really just don't have the time or energy to make everything from scratch. I am a huge advocate for hybrid cooking with some meals being scratch and some meals being convenient

[@kristennelson2480]

Those salad kits are amazing especially adding a protein and more ingredients

[@rainepanda]

@@kristennelson2480 yes!

[@coreysosa5450]

Amen!

[@leannecoffey6721]

Those tomatoes in that last dish were magnificent. Made me drool for fresh garden tomatoes!

[@PethtelLady]

When I make the stove top meatloaf, I make it in a cupcake pan & make meatloaf cupcakes. Our favorite pieces of the meatloaf are always the crunchy ends-when you make meatloaf cupcakes, every single one gets nice and crispy on the outside & so, so good. I’ve also made them and put a scoop of mashed potatoes on top of each one and covered them each one in gravy. That was really good too. :)

[@lisaking3685]

I just found your channel. I’m now obsessed with your lunch and dinner recipes and I’m binge watching 🤷🏻‍♀️lol

[@mmarieritter216]

I just love your videos, and as someone from Boston your accent just wraps me in warm joy

[@rsnide1891]

When making the meatloaf, use warm or tap-hot water and pour it over the stuffing mix & let it soak for 5 mins or so. It will rehydrate the onion pieces where they aren’t crunchy!! Once it’s soaked just add everything else and follow the recipe!

[@LynneGirl26]

You're the only food channel I follow. Thank you for making normal food that real families eat. I live in a different location so my only challenge is some regional differences in the types of products that are available but I love your recipes. I make 2-3 mid-energy meals and 2-3 low-energy meals each week and fill in the remainder of the week with leftovers, frozen meals, takeout and meals out. I used to feel guilty but this is the best I can do, everyone's happy, and my budget isn't totally insane (yet).

[@caitlynmauger8794]

Watching these “what’s for dinners” while I cook it’s my favorite routine

[@Selfemployedmildautisticperfor]

Surprised that don't get confusing and also good for inspiring ideas

[@dogsrfun4rae]

Girl, the meatloaf recipe….one of our favorites. I use the cornbread stuffing version and add some ranch seasoning to it . Best ever! Thank you for doing these recipes. It gives me so many ideas.

[@aliciahughes8664]

So happy for a new video! I love your recipes, my husband also loves how much I've stepped up his lunchboxes, that is all thanks to you. Thank you! ❤

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you so much! & that makes me so happy to hear! 💕

[@aliciahughes8664]

@@KristinStepp they are great. The people he works with are so jealous. I sent him the link to yoir page for them to watch! Saves him a fortune too 😁

[@stephnicole8242]

I love that u are using a country crock container. Child hood memories.... is it butter or leftovers lol 😆 ❤

[@aprilok440]

Go tip for using stuffing in meatloaf. Definitely need to try it.

[@wendybecker4223]

Thank you for showing that meatloaf recipe! It is so easy to make if you are a caregiver. I make it and pop it in the fridge, then my dad bakes it later that day for dinner. You're a lifesaver!

[@marilyncausey9348]

I used to make chicken spaghetti with spaghetti sauce. I'll have to try it the way you make your sauce! I used to cook the chicken in my crock pot, then pour the liquid from the crock pot into a stove top pot to cook the pasta. It adds lots of flavor. Welcome home! I hope y'all had a great time!

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you so much!

[@jillgott6567]

That is a great idea

[@gingerhammond6446]

When I was a kid, I always asked for pizza & salad for my birthday dinner...I still love it...

[@apeeples22]

I love salad kits. Everything is all in one bag and you save money on buying the ingredients plus most of them taste amazing. Me and my sister also love those Kroger pizzas because they are big and good for feeding a lot of ppl especially when you’re having a party.

[@Jenafiregaming]

I have been making this meatloaf the last few times I've made it, and I won't ever make it any other way. So glad you showed this! Chicken stuffing has the best flavor

[@MaritaCovarrubias01]

So glad you’re back. I would love to see you try to tackle chicken fried steak again with cube steak. I find there are 3 keys to it: 1)soak in buttermilk 2)pound out thinly 3) and don’t cook the heck out of it.

[@KristinStepp]

I probably will in fall 💛

[@bonniebusch7960]

I get so happy when I see a new video from you. You have given me so many good ideas. I love the Stove Top meatloaf. I also make it in muffin pans sometimes so I can easily freeze them in serving size portions for a quick dinner later. I'm also glad yall had a nice vacation, you certainly deserved it.

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you so much!! ❤️

[@MJM8715]

Great idea for the muffins tins!!👌🏾

[@stephaniepapaleo9001]

I woke up randomly at 4 am and this was what I needed to watch to give me ideas for the rest of my week! I bought meat for meatloaf & have stuffing in my pantry just waiting to be used! Back to basics with the pork is always comforting! Thank you, Kristin!! ❤️

[@prettycolorsinthesky]

You're my new favorite person 🙂 I started cooking for my husband and making his lunch for the day and he's so appreciative! I made the smothered chicken last night and it was delicious! It was my first time making a homemade gravy and thought I messed it up but it worked! Thank you for the motivation ❤️❤️

[@beautifullyjess]

You polish sausage skillet dish looks really good without being super fussy. Ill def try this recipe this week!

[@FaithfulFinds2024]

Another great week of meals. Hope you have a wonderful rest of your week♥️

[@medievalmayhem164]

Pizza and salad is one of my favorite meals, I too am obsessed with Caesar salad. Hope you had a great vacation!

[@brebarnes1997]

Ground turkey with the stuffing in muffin pan with all the Thanksgiving fixings.... helps with that middle of the year craving.

[@brosie3277]

If you soak the stuffing mix in a little water or chicken broth before mixing with the meat..helps rehydrate those dried vegs

[@KristinStepp]

I’ll try that next time, thanks!!

[@bonniepwtf]

Thanks for so many great ideas. Definitely going to try the stuffing meatloaf recipe. That last meal looked so good too, perfect for summer. Was fun seeing your dad's feast.

[@sonyahubbard3226]

I make the stuffing meatloaf as muffins, that’s how Kraft first put it out yearrrrs ago. 1 lb meat, 1 box stuffing, 1 cup water. No eggs. Season how you wish, even divide it & make different flavors: Italian, bbq, Mexican etc. 375• 30 minutes, dozen regular or 6 jumbo muffins.

[@mykieislost]

I've been patiently waiting for a new one and so excited to watch this 😊

[@KristinStepp]

❤️❤️❤️

[@monicavalentine8472]

Love that you use a box shredder...

[@cherylshelton8532]

I BEING MISSING YOUR VLOG. LOVE THE FOOD LOOKS DELICIOUS 😋. HAVE A BLESSED WEEK.

[@marisajomcdowell458]

I’m just jealous that you have an old school Country Crock bowl!

[@leslieb4553]

Love the Country Crock bowl- that’s something I would do!😆 it’s a good container!

[@jilly8372]

If you were my mom or wife, I’d treat you right! Lol. Thanks for your easy and delicious ideas, Kristin! I get into ruts and I know I can always get some inspiration here.

[@KristinStepp]

You’re so kind! I’m so happy to help. 💛

[@ingridg91]

Im currently 37 weeks pregnant and in the middle of making Alfredo pasta for dinner as I watch this and now all I want is pizza and a salad 😭 lol

[@MsBubu26]

I swear when you shredded the chicken I could smell it! 🍗

[@laurc619]

Got two recipes added to meal plan!! Thank you so much because I was really stumped!

[@ms_texas]

I want to make those cube steaks and pasta salad. Looks delicious and so did everything else.

[@lyricann3660]

The Heinz Chili Sauce on top of meatloaf is so delicious and a nice change of pace!

[@ItsJess2220]

I make that same pasta salad, except I always add some crumbled feta 🙂 it’s delicious!

[@danical8739]

This lady is pioneer woman ready…me too girl ❤

[@gsuscan1]

Hello Kristin just discovered your channel and I have to say I really appreciate you making these what’s for dinner and what’s in my husband’s lunchbox I don’t have a husband but I have to pack my own lunch and it Hass to last for 12 hours I’ve got some great ideas and tips from you so keep on doing it because I really appreciate it thank you so much

[@melissamclaughlin4383]

Each one of these are fantastic and i definitely will be making these.i really lved the sausage rice broccoli with cheese, and i love your cold pasta salad, really delicious and refreshing and great for warmer weather coming 😊 thank you so much for sharing what you put on your dinner table 😋 have a blessed day family 💕💖😊

[@janiceyoung2004]

Everything looks Delicious! I always use stuffing mix in my meatloaf, with a dash of the W sauce! Definitely trying the pasta tonight Thank You for sharing 💕💕

[@vanessadyson7031]

I feel ya on not wanting to cook dinner after a grocery shopping day, and I don't have little ones along! I try to have something easy peazy, too! The pizza looked yummy and the perfect solution

[@reneelopez902]

I may be the only person who’s never heard of the stuffing mix meatloaf. I definitely want to try it 2 ways with beef and ground turkey thanks to everyone who requested the recipe. 😉

[@SkitSkat674]

Add freshly shredded cheddar cheese to meatloaf. Really good. I love the salad kits too. Chopped ceaser is my favorite.

[@meaganlowe2238]

I made the meatloaf recipe tonight for dinner and I don't care for meatloaf but this was definitely delicious. I can't wait to make it again already .

[@sweetheart5062]

Thank you Kristin for always inspiring me to keep cooking in my kitchen and your recipes are always delicious 😊

[@mom4life513]

Yes mama I've been waiting for u!! Missed u!! Great video!! Add corn Into that pasta salad trust me u will.love it

[@kimberlyyoung6187]

Im definitely going to try that spaghetti! I love your videos

[@sundayygravyy6769]

I’m on a Caesar salad kick too- may I suggest the Marie’s Caesar dressing. I’ve been making chicken Caesar wraps lately. Also that pizza looks amazing 😋

[@cherylzink3612]

I love watching your videos and learning short cuts to make simple meals! We are empty Nestor's and instead of making 8x10 casseroles I make 8x8! Love your videos!

[@TheGucciBears]

Girlll I LOVE using the kits!! My fam’s favorite !!! Ceaser 🤤

[@Randy8923]

Delicious meals! Enjoyed. Great job!

[@barbknitsandcrochets]

I'm going to have to try that meatloaf recipe! I'm perfectly fine with certain salad mixes with ingredients I don't normally have separately, like the kale blends. Life's too short to stress about handy shortcuts. 😊

[@Gidget13mwa]

Ken’s Zesty Italian in good too! Everything looked wonderful!👍😋

[@tapsfan2]

I also found the tenderized pork cutlets and they are amazing! The beef ones are too chewy for me but the pork is really tender. Thanks always for your awesome recipes!

[@donnabush7938]

My family has made chicken spaghetti for years, but we’ve always just kept it simple, with a can each of cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup. I’ve never tried your version of chicken spaghetti, but it looks amazing!

[@Selfemployedmildautisticperfor]

Sounds great been ages usually not a fan of that stuff but reminds me of dish from Belgium

[@ashleycashner6910]

Cooking meatloaf on a broiler pan is the way to go!

[@sandralockard1401]

I make that salad too but I add ranch dressing to it too!! Love your videos.

[@tinaryan8879]

I just found your channel and I can’t wait to try that chicken spaghetti!! I’m also going to share with both my boys who are in the Army, they will love it!!

[@letty88]

Trying the chicken spaghetti now for dinner. Can't wait thank you for sharing

[@Audreysmommie]

I needed some new ideas for dinner this week. Going to put the sausage broccoli rice and the meatloaf on the menu this week! 🙂

[@heathermacaluso8938]

All the Italian cringing at you breaking your spaghetti! 😂 Love your videos!!! 💛💛

[@KristinStepp]

Haha!! Thank you! 💕

[@MaegensKitchen]

That chicken spaghetti looks amazing!! I’ve got everything to make it, so I think that will be dinner tomorrow 😋

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

Hey Kristin. Hope y'all had a wonderful time on vacation. Excited to get some new recipes from you.

[@KristinStepp]

We did, thank you!! ❤️

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

@@KristinStepp you're welcome friend.

[@yeetasaurus9427]

Aldi pizza is my favorite store pizza. Yum!!

[@hannahwalker2828]

The Kroger deli pizzas are the bomb!! Walmart deli pizzas are too!! The ultimate meat from Walmart are our favorite!

[@beckaelise1706]

That MacNCheese looked incredible. I need the recipe.

[@kathybray7156]

That salad looks good for a quick side thanks

[@MariposaBTTV]

I grated a huge block of cheese once to make a BLT pasta salad because the fridge had broken at Walmart overnight and all the cheese went bad and I don’t ever want to do that again. 😂 I know it’s better and cheaper but that was horrible so I’m amazed at how you do it all the time!

[@LesliesBlushing]

Always love your videos ✨💖 thank you for sharing love your kitchen with us

[@Autumn.93]

I love making the Italian pasta salad in the summer. Everyone in the house loves it! An easy way I make it a bit less "guilty" is using the fat free dressing (can't even tell the difference) and whole grain pasta. Still so yummy!

[@brandi1719]

I saw a cubed steak slow cooker meal that had sliced onions and a can of creamed soup, which ever flavor. I want to try it next grocery trip.

[@mimi0424]

New to your channel. I love it & subbed. I can't wait to try this meatloaf ty. ..I love your meals you make for hubby's lunch too. Can't wait to watch your videos...I noticed at my Walmart the Cabot (pronounced cab it) brand is on sale for $2.50 it's a great cheese. Esp the Vermont Cheddar. Their products don't have lactose so it's great for ppl w a sensitive belly. The chicken Spaghetti is something I'm going to make aa well. Heck I'm making all these lol..for the one w rice & broccoli for a change maybe French cut green beans? I swear they taste diff lol..or try Lesuer (pronounced Lee zure) Peas. They're a bit more in a silver can ..but literally are the BEST peas ever. They've even turned Non Pea eaters into one. Your pasta salad is exactly how I make mine. Esp when you said diff noodles..Salad Supreme is a staple in our house. I always make a double batch. I use stick pepperoni (peeling the skin) and cut in 4s...and cut up pieces of cheese. Normally a yellow & white just for color but tastes delicious..you could use pepper jack as well. Yum!

[@toastedmarshmallowkitchen7911]

4th of July cookouts are always so tasty! Thanks for sharing!

[@jillgott6567]

I buy the salad kits only when they are on clearance. I separate them put the salad dressing, any cheese, and crunchy topping from the salad so I can make different meals using the ingredients. The salad is good in a stirfry. Sometimes on shopping day I will take a Flatbread, sprinkle olive oil on, add a cooked protein, seasonings, bacon bits, veggies, cheese and yum. Great price on the cubed pork meals look yummy

[@ajmtapia319]

Thanks for another great week of recipes!!

[@cal_h8144]

I am all about salad kits!!!!

[@darlenebatts5115]

Hey Kristen. Yes Girl the Take and Bake pizzas are the Best ever ! My family would rather have one of those over any like pizza place. I just made the chicken spaghetti. A Big hit for my family as well.. thanks for sharing. God Bless Y'all. Love From your Indiana Friend.

[@alwaysloved6349]

Thank you for all your recipes wanted to share the way I cook my meatloaf which may be common is add Italian Panko breadcrumbs add eggs along with mostly cooked and chopped green bell pepper and onions sooooooo good!

[@janelledavis1966]

I will be making this chicken spaghetti tomorrow for dinner! I’m excited to try something new!!! Not sure how the family will feel about it! I think I’ll have to call it just chicken pasta for my kids. If I call it spaghetti I don’t think they will give it a chance. Lol I have a 14 year old son and a 7 year old daughter!!! I love your channel and all the great ideas!!!

[@tracykrueger1096]

Welcome home. I am going to make everything. One thing I am going to change is BBQ sauce on my meatloaf instead of ketchup. Walmart does carry the Wishbone salad dressing (at least in California).

[@shaym1615]

Thanks for sharing those recipes look delish. Ive been concerned about the salads as well I haven't messed with any salad in so long because of the recall on lettuce which means alot of salads I miss salad though

[@loriclickpatrick32]

Morning Kristin, try this one my mom always made it so yummy, smoked sausage add red bean an Salsa an serve it over rice. My kiddos like it with sour cream an cheese on top

[@shelbylynnwilliams8520]

All of your meals looked delicious this week even the store bought pizza. There is not a Kroger grocery store nearby so I have not tried the pizza but it looked yummy.

[@GenerationYoga]

Great idea using cans of soup in that pasta dish. Will definitely be trying it 👍🏻

[@meaganlowe2238]

I'm definitely trying the meatloaf. & I buy salad kits all the time because I'm the only one who cares for salads in my house so it just works better for us lol 🤣

[@HippyMoonMomma]

I hope you had such a lovely vacation!!!

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you so much!

[@shawnarice4515]

I am going to try all of these. Thank you.

[@jojoscircusss1670]

I’m definitely going to try the rice and sausage. I also tried the pork lion sandwiches you made. And those things were so good

[@shaunalea823]

Next time try sweet baby rays bbq sauce in and on the meatloaf w stuffing mix it’s so good.

[@kristynantone6989]

I use the stuffing in my meatloaf as well but I cook mine first before mixing it. I might have to try it without cooking. I don’t like putting ketchup in mine so I use a can of tomato soup for the mix and on the top. My family seems to enjoy it better that way.

[@kalieking6705]

We add diced red potatoes and hot sauce to our chicken spaghetti before baking and it's delicious 😋

[@christeenprice5637]

Awesome recipes, thanks for sharing 👍👍👍

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!!

[@somethingoldsomethingnew2199]

I'm like you when it comes to onions. Pepperidge Farm stuffing in the red bag doesn't have onion in it and could probably be switched out for the Stove Top. Now I think I need to make that meatloaf!

[@jasminejanay3016]

I make chicken spaghetti at least 2 times a month. My autistic toddler loves it!

[@susanb5058]

Your meals always look so delicious!! 😋 You gave me some new ideas too, so thanks! 🥰

[@lillyrainblue1581]

I use a old broiler pan works great for meatloaf and meats . Great video 🙃