Affordable & Oven-Free: 6 Summer Dinners for Just $60 (Week #66)
Summer is here and that means it’s time to give your oven a well-deserved break! This week kicks off our No Oven Dinner Series, where every meal is designed to keep your kitchen cool while still feeding your family well.
Whether you’re using a stovetop, slow cooker, or air fryer, these recipes are all about easy prep, big flavor, and smart grocery spending.
For this week’s plan, we spent just $57.08 at the Super Walmart in Watertown, South Dakota, and came away with 6 delicious dinners for a family of 4. Our meal plans use lots of basics, so don’t forget to check your fridge and pantry so you can get your total even less!
If you’re ready to beat the heat and stick to your budget, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in!
What’s for Dinner?
Grocery List
If you want to see the full shopping list on Walmart in your area, all you have to do is click my Walmart Grocery list and change the zip code to your area. *This is an affiliate link, and I do make a small commission on any purchases, but at no additional cost to you!*
**** Please note, that every once in a while, an item that I pick turns out to be regional. This means that it may be a much higher price in some areas. Always double check the list and if you see an item that is much higher than normal, just adjust as needed.
Meal Prepping Options
If you want to save some time this week, here is a list of things you can make or do ahead of time, in order to need less time to cook!
Simple Meals this Week
Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken over Rice & Broccoli
This slow cooker dinner is sweet, tangy, and so easy. Boneless chicken breasts are simmered with BBQ sauce and crushed pineapple until tender, then shredded and served over fluffy rice with a side of steamed broccoli. It’s a great set-it-and-forget-it meal that feels summery and light while still being satisfying.
You can easily swap out the pineapple for canned diced peaches if that’s what you have on hand or switch up the base by serving it over quinoa, buttered noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Bean, Cheese, Rice Burritos with Guacamole Salad
This meatless night doesn’t skimp on comfort or flavor. These burritos are filled with warm seasoned beans, cooked rice, and melted cheese, then toasted in a skillet or air fryer for a slightly crispy finish. On the side, a quick guacamole-inspired salad made with diced avocado, tomatoes, and shredded lettuce brings freshness and balance to the plate.
Want to mix it up? You can use black, pinto, or refried beans, skip the wrap and turn it into a burrito bowl, or even add a spoonful of salsa or leftover veggies to bulk things up!
One Pot Cabbage Roll Pasta
This cozy one-pot meal brings together everything you love about cabbage rolls—savory meat, tender cabbage, and rich tomato flavor—without the hassle of rolling anything.
It’s made with ground turkey, but it’s just as delicious with ground pork, ground beef, or even a meat/bean combo if that’s what you have on hand. The pasta shape is totally up to you: elbow macaroni, rotini, penne, or shells all work perfectly here.
Top it with whatever cheese you like whether that be mozzarella, cheddar, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s hearty, comforting, and a great way to stretch inexpensive ingredients into a filling family dinner.
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
This stovetop meal gives you all the flavor of a classic egg roll without the deep frying or the wrappers. Diced chicken breast is sautéed with shredded cabbage, carrots, garlic, and soy sauce for a fast and flavorful dinner that feels like a better-than-takeout option. It’s naturally low in carbs and very customizable.
Want to stretch it further? Add cooked rice and turn it into a rice bowl, or toss in extras like green onions, sesame seeds, or water chestnuts for crunch. You can also drizzle on your favorite sauce like sweet and sour, yum yum, spicy mayo, or even sriracha to add a punch of flavor that takes it to the next level.
Air Fryer Chicken Parm Melts with Pasta & Ceasar Side Salad
These chicken parm melts are the kind of no-oven dinner that feels a little fancy but comes together in a flash. Chicken breasts are breaded and air fried until crispy, then topped with marinara sauce and melty mozzarella.
On the side, we’re serving up simple buttered noodles and a classic Caesar salad for a balanced and satisfying plate. Don’t have marinara? Try it with Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist. You could also tuck the chicken into sandwich rolls for easy chicken parm sandwiches instead.
Cajun Sweet Potato Skillet
This one-skillet dinner is bold, colorful, and packed with flavor. Sliced smoked sausage is browned and tossed with tender sweet potatoes, black beans, onions, and bell peppers, all seasoned with Cajun spices for a little kick.
The natural sweetness of the potatoes balances perfectly with the smoky sausage and beans for a well-rounded, budget-friendly meal. Prefer things milder? Use less Cajun seasoning, or swap in regular potatoes if that’s what you’ve got. Either way, it’s an easy dish that comes together quickly and feeds a crowd.
Low-Cost Fruit Options to Add:
I am a huge fan of adding fruit to dinners. This small, yummy part helps kids know they will love at least something on their plate.
So, whenever I have a little wiggle room in my budget, I try to pick up 2-3 fruits to add to meals. Here are some good options that you can grab this week! (Try mixing fresh fruit and canned fruit together for some added variety)
It’s also been shown that most Americans don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables, so add some to your dinner! (Remember you don’t need a ton of fruit either, just a 1/4 to 1/2 a cup can help fill you up at mealtime.)
*Walmart is not always the cheapest when it comes to fresh fruits. Lots of local stores run better sales and have fruit as loss leaders, so check your local stores for some better deals if needed!*
Free Printable PDF Version
This prints on standard paper sized 8.5 x 11 inches.
What about next week?
We put out a new meal plan every week! We have 3 ways to be notified of new menus:
*Join our Low Dough Facebook Page where we post new menus every Saturday and new meal ideas every Wednesday!
*Sign up for the weekly email newsletter. We send it out on Fridays, so you actually get early menu access!
Join our Facebook Group- Meal Planning for All (you can ask questions and get help planning your own menus)
Until next week, I hope you have a fabulous week!
