6 Back-to-School Dinner Recipes

 

1. Cheesy Quesadilla Pizzas

Ingredients: Flour tortillas, pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, pepperoni slices, Italian seasoning
Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.

2. Place one tortilla in the skillet and spread with pizza sauce.

3. Add mozzarella and pepperoni, sprinkle with Italian seasoning.

4. Top with another tortilla.

5. Cook until golden on one side, then flip and cook the other. Slice and serve.
   Dollar Tree Finds: Flour tortillas, pizza sauce, shredded cheese, pepperoni
   Gourmet Twist: Add roasted red peppers, fresh basil, and drizzle with garlic-infused olive oil.

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2. One-Pan Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Ingredients: Cooked chicken strips, penne pasta, Alfredo sauce, milk, garlic powder, shredded Parmesan
Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, combine pasta, Alfredo sauce, milk, garlic powder, and chicken.

2. Simmer until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.

3. Stir in Parmesan and serve.
   Dollar Tree Finds: Pre-cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, pasta, garlic powder
   Gourmet Twist: Add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for extra depth.

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3. BBQ Chicken Sliders

Ingredients: Canned chicken, BBQ sauce, slider buns, shredded cheese, butter, garlic powder
Instructions:

1. Mix canned chicken with BBQ sauce.

2. Place mixture on slider buns and top with cheese.

3. Brush bun tops with garlic butter.

4. Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
   Dollar Tree Finds: Canned chicken, BBQ sauce, buns, cheese, butter
   Gourmet Twist: Add caramelized onions or coleslaw for crunch and sweetness.

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4. Pinwheel Sandwiches

Ingredients: Tortillas, cream cheese, deli meat, shredded lettuce, cheese slices
Instructions:

1. Spread cream cheese on tortillas.

2. Layer with meat, cheese, and lettuce.

3. Roll up tightly and slice into pinwheels.
   Dollar Tree Finds: Tortillas, cream cheese, deli meat, cheese
   Gourmet Twist: Use herbed cream cheese and a touch of Dijon mustard.

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5. Taco Rice Bowls

Ingredients: Instant rice, canned black beans, canned corn, taco seasoning, salsa, shredded cheese
Instructions:

1. Cook rice according to instructions.

2. Heat beans and corn with taco seasoning.

3. Layer rice, bean mix, salsa, and cheese in a bowl.
   Dollar Tree Finds: Rice, beans, corn, taco seasoning, salsa, cheese
   Gourmet Twist: Top with avocado, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips.

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6. Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad

Ingredients: Elbow pasta, canned tuna, mayo, sweet relish, frozen peas, onion powder
Instructions:

1. Cook and cool pasta.

2. Mix with tuna, mayo, relish, peas, and seasoning.

3. Chill before serving.
   Dollar Tree Finds: Pasta, tuna, mayo, relish, peas
   Gourmet Twist: Add lemon juice, fresh dill, and diced celery for extra zing.

6 Authentic Swiss Dinners That Won’t Break the Bank

 

🇨🇭 1. Zürcher Geschnetzeltes with Rösti

Tender strips of chicken bathed in a creamy mushroom and white wine sauce—this Zurich-inspired favorite is rich, comforting, and feels like a restaurant dish from the Swiss Alps. Paired with golden, crispy rösti (a classic Swiss-style potato pancake), it’s comfort food with class.

Dollar Tree Finds:
Frozen hash browns, canned mushrooms, chicken thighs, and onion powder.

Gourmet Twist:
Use a splash of dry white wine and finish the sauce with a pat of butter and fresh lemon zest for an elevated touch.

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🇨🇭 2. Älplermagronen (Swiss Alpine Macaroni)

Switzerland’s cozy take on mac and cheese—this dish combines pasta, creamy potatoes, cheese, and caramelized onions for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Traditionally served with applesauce for a sweet and savory contrast that surprises and delights.

Dollar Tree Finds:
Macaroni noodles, shredded cheese blend, instant mashed potatoes, canned milk, and crispy fried onion topping.

Gourmet Twist:
Add sautéed garlic and a dash of nutmeg to the cheese sauce. Use a mix of cheddar and a small amount of Swiss for extra flavor depth.

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🇨🇭 3. Swiss Cheese Fondue Dinner

Turn your dinner table into a Swiss chalet with this crowd-pleasing, melt-in-your-mouth cheese fondue. Dip chunks of bread, steamed veggies, and apple slices into a creamy, savory cheese blend. It’s interactive, entertaining, and perfect for sharing.

Dollar Tree Finds:
Shredded mozzarella, cream cheese, frozen broccoli, French bread, and apple slices (canned or fresh).

Gourmet Twist:
Add a splash of dry white wine and a pinch of garlic powder to the cheese mixture. Finish with a sprinkle of paprika for visual flair.

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🇨🇭 4. Sausage with Onion Sauce and Polenta

Satisfying and hearty, this dish layers juicy sausage with a rich onion sauce, all served over buttery, smooth polenta. It’s rustic Swiss comfort food with bold flavor in every bite.

Dollar Tree Finds:
Polenta roll (or substitute quick grits), frozen sausage links, onion, and beef bouillon cube.

Gourmet Twist:
Sauté onions until deeply golden, then deglaze the pan with a splash of vinegar or wine. Add fresh rosemary or thyme for extra depth.

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🇨🇭 5. Swiss Chard and Cheese Tart

Light, flaky, and flavorful—this savory tart is packed with tender greens and gooey cheese. It’s a gourmet-looking meal that works just as well for brunch as it does for a cozy dinner.

Dollar Tree Finds:
Frozen spinach (as a Swiss chard alternative), eggs, pie crust (or crescent dough), and shredded cheese.

Gourmet Twist:
Add a dollop of sour cream or a touch of Dijon mustard to the egg mixture. Top with a sprinkle of nutmeg and bake until golden.

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🇨🇭 6. Chicken Schnitzel with Warm Potato Salad

Crispy chicken schnitzel served alongside a warm mustard potato salad is a Swiss-German classic that’s bold and comforting. The crisp breaded chicken and zingy potatoes bring old-world flavor to your kitchen.

Dollar Tree Finds:
Chicken breasts, bread crumbs, potatoes, mustard, and pickles.

Gourmet Twist:
Add chopped fresh herbs (parsley or chives) to the potato salad and finish the schnitzel with a squeeze of lemon juice.

How to Cook 6 Egyptian-Inspired Dinners for Under $12 Each

 

1. Koshari (Egyptian Lentil & Pasta Bowl)

Ingredients: Lentils, rice, macaroni, chickpeas, onions, tomato sauce, garlic, vinegar
Instructions: Cook lentils, rice, and pasta separately. Warm chickpeas. Sauté garlic and mix with tomato sauce and a splash of vinegar. Fry thinly sliced onions until crispy. Assemble in layers.
Gourmet Twist: Top with crispy fried onions and a drizzle of spiced garlic vinegar sauce.
Dollar Tree Finds: Lentils, rice, pasta, canned chickpeas, tomato sauce, garlic, and onions

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2. Ful Medames with Eggs & Pita

Ingredients: Fava beans, garlic, cumin, olive oil, boiled eggs, pita bread
Instructions: Warm fava beans with garlic, cumin, and olive oil. Lightly mash. Serve with boiled eggs and warm pita bread.
Gourmet Twist: Add diced tomatoes, parsley, and a dash of lemon for a fresh finish.
Dollar Tree Finds: Canned beans, garlic, eggs, pita bread, and olive oil

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3. Egyptian Macarona Bechamel (Baked Pasta with Meat Sauce)

Ingredients: Pasta, ground beef or turkey, milk, flour, butter, tomato sauce
Instructions: Cook pasta. Sauté meat and tomato sauce. Make béchamel with milk, butter, and flour. Layer pasta, meat, and béchamel. Bake until golden.
Gourmet Twist: Sprinkle with nutmeg and parmesan (or grated cheddar) before baking.
Dollar Tree Finds: Pasta, milk, flour, butter, tomato sauce, and ground meat (if available)

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4. Spiced Lentil Soup with Flatbread

Ingredients: Red lentils, onion, garlic, cumin, carrots, vegetable broth
Instructions: Sauté onion, garlic, and carrots. Add lentils, broth, and cumin. Simmer until soft. Blend smooth.
Gourmet Twist: Serve with garlic butter flatbread and a swirl of yogurt on top.
Dollar Tree Finds: Red lentils, garlic, onion, carrots, broth, and flatbread

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5. Hawawshi (Stuffed Pita Meat Pockets)

Ingredients: Pita bread, ground beef/lamb, onion, bell pepper, spices
Instructions: Mix meat with chopped onion, pepper, and spices. Stuff into pita and bake until crisp.
Gourmet Twist: Brush with olive oil and bake for extra crunch; serve with pickled veggies.
Dollar Tree Finds: Ground beef, pita bread, onion, bell pepper, and seasoning blends

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6. Roz Bel Laban Wa Lahma (Creamy Rice with Meat)

Ingredients: Rice, milk, sugar, cinnamon, ground beef or shredded chicken.
Instructions: Cook rice in milk with sugar and cinnamon until thick and creamy. Cook meat separately. Serve together.
Gourmet Twist: A savory-sweet fusion; top with toasted almonds or pine nuts.
Dollar Tree Finds: Rice, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and ground beef or canned chicken.

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Taste the Big Easy at Home | 12 Delicious NOLA Dinners Under $12

 

Red Beans and Rice with Sausage

Ingredients: Canned red beans, smoked sausage, onion, garlic, bell pepper, rice, Cajun seasoning
Instructions: Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper in oil. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned. Stir in red beans and Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 20 minutes. Serve over cooked rice.
Dollar Tree Finds: Canned beans, rice, smoked sausage, seasoning blend
Gourmet Twist: Add a bay leaf, a splash of hot sauce, and top with chopped scallions.

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Cajun Chicken Pasta

Ingredients: Chicken thighs, penne pasta, cream, Cajun seasoning, bell peppers, Parmesan cheese
Instructions: Cook pasta. Sauté sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning. Add bell peppers and cream, simmer until thick. Stir in pasta and top with Parmesan.
Dollar Tree Finds: Pasta, frozen peppers, cream sauce mix, chicken thighs
Gourmet Twist: Use freshly grated Parmesan and garnish with parsley.

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Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich

Ingredients: Frozen shrimp or fish sticks, hoagie rolls, lettuce, tomato, pickles, remoulade sauce
Instructions: Cook shrimp or fish sticks. Toast rolls, add lettuce, tomato, pickles, and shrimp. Drizzle with remoulade.
Dollar Tree Finds: Frozen shrimp or fish sticks, hoagie rolls, mayo, mustard
Gourmet Twist: Mix homemade remoulade with Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, and garlic.

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Jambalaya with Chicken and Sausage

Ingredients: Chicken, sausage, rice, canned tomatoes, onion, celery, bell pepper, Cajun seasoning
Instructions: Sauté vegetables, add chicken and sausage. Stir in tomatoes and rice. Cook until rice is tender.
Dollar Tree Finds: Canned tomatoes, rice, sausage, frozen veggie mix
Gourmet Twist: Add bay leaves and a splash of chicken broth for depth.

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Dirty Rice with Ground Turkey

Ingredients: Ground turkey, onion, bell pepper, celery, rice, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning
Instructions: Brown turkey, add vegetables and seasoning. Stir in rice and broth. Simmer until rice is cooked.
Dollar Tree Finds: Ground turkey, rice, broth, frozen peppers and onions
Gourmet Twist: Add Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder.

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Gumbo with Chicken and Okra

Ingredients: Chicken thighs, okra, onion, celery, bell pepper, flour, oil, broth, Cajun seasoning
Instructions: Make a roux with flour and oil. Sauté vegetables. Add chicken and okra. Pour in broth and simmer.
Dollar Tree Finds: Chicken drumsticks, frozen okra, flour, oil, seasoning
Gourmet Twist: Finish with a sprinkle of filé powder and hot sauce.

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Muffuletta Pasta Salad

Ingredients: Pasta, olives, salami, cheese, Italian dressing, banana peppers
Instructions: Cook pasta, mix with chopped ingredients and dressing. Chill before serving.
Dollar Tree Finds: Pasta, canned olives, salami, Italian dressing
Gourmet Twist: Add provolone cheese and marinated artichokes.

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Blackened Catfish with Grits

Ingredients: Catfish fillets, Cajun seasoning, grits, butter, milk
Instructions: Season and sear catfish. Cook grits with butter and milk. Serve fish over grits.
Dollar Tree Finds: Frozen fish, instant grits, butter, Cajun seasoning
Gourmet Twist: Add a lemon butter drizzle and fresh parsley.

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Cajun Turkey Meatballs and Rice

Ingredients: Ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Cajun seasoning, tomato sauce, rice
Instructions: Mix turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasoning. Form meatballs and bake. Simmer in tomato sauce. Serve over rice.
Dollar Tree Finds: Ground turkey, breadcrumbs, tomato sauce, rice
Gourmet Twist: Add sautéed peppers and onions to the sauce.

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Andouille and Cabbage Skillet

Ingredients: Smoked sausage, cabbage, onion, potatoes, garlic, vinegar
Instructions: Sauté sausage, add chopped veggies, season, and cook until tender.
Dollar Tree Finds: Sausage, cabbage, onion, potatoes
Gourmet Twist: Finish with apple cider vinegar and caraway seeds.

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Crawfish Mac and Cheese (Budget Remix)

Ingredients: Macaroni, cheese sauce, imitation crawfish, Cajun seasoning, breadcrumbs
Instructions: Cook pasta, stir in cheese sauce, crawfish, and seasoning. Top with breadcrumbs and bake.
Dollar Tree Finds: Macaroni, cheese sauce, imitation crawfish, Cajun spice
Gourmet Twist: Add cream cheese and bake for extra richness.

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Creole Veggie Stew

Ingredients: Canned tomatoes, beans, frozen vegetables, onion, garlic, Cajun seasoning
Instructions: Sauté onion and garlic, add veggies and beans. Simmer with tomatoes and seasoning.
Dollar Tree Finds: Canned tomatoes, beans, frozen veggies, seasoning mix
Gourmet Twist: Serve over rice with olive oil and fresh herbs.