What's for Dinner, simplified.

August 07, 2026

It's Back-to-School time for most of us here in Southeast Texas. So we're making the next couple weeks' dinners simple and filling. I’ll be grabbing a couple rotisserie chickens and prepping as much as I can before.

I've realized over the years that it's not always about home-cooked everything, but more about sitting at the table together and making sure that you have that connection each day!

Enjoy.

On The Menu

  1. Easy Loaded Doritos Nachos | The Hearty Life | 30 minutes

  2. Folded Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wraps | Half-Baked Harvest | 25 minutes

  3. Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole | Savory Crafted | 15 minutes prep

  4. Homemade Pizzas | From My Kitchen | 20 Minutes

  5. Honey Harissa Beef Rice Bowl | The Hungry Goddess | 35 minutes

  6. Slow-Cooker Texas Style Chili | A Pinch of Yum | 30 minutes prep

  7. Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan | The Fervent Mama | 40 minutes

  8. Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwiches | Eat Clean Life | 25 minutes (We’ve subbed frozen chicken tenders for this recipe. But feel free to make them per the recipe if desired!)

  9. Easy Tostadas | From My Kitchen | 20 minutes

  10. One-Pot Spaghetti | The Cozy Cook | 35 minutes

When you see “From My Kitchen”, you won’t get a recipe, but we’ve added the basics to the grocery list! Make the dinner with your families taste in mind!

Grocery List

PROTEIN
3 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup cooked shredded chicken
4 lb ground beef
1 lb ground beef or mild Italian sausage
2½–3 lb beef chuck roast
Pepperoni or pizza toppings of choice

PRODUCE
4 onions
3 bell peppers
1–2 jalapeños or poblano peppers
1 fresh pineapple or 1 large can pineapple chunks
1 bunch green onions
1 bunch fresh cilantro
1 16oz bag shredded lettuce
1 head romaine lettuce
tomatoes for slicing
1 head garlic
2 limes
Fresh fruit (for sides)

DAIRY / EGGS
16 oz plain Greek yogurt
16 oz sour cream
16 oz Mexican crema
32 oz shredded cheddar cheese
8 oz shredded pepper jack cheese
8 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
16 oz shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
cotija cheese (optional)
½ cup Caesar dressing

DELI / BAKERY
1 package burrito-size flour tortillas
2 bags frozen or refrigerated pizza dough (our favorite)
1 package sandwich buns or ciabatta rolls
1 loaf garlic bread
1 bag tostada shells

PANTRY / CANNED / GRAINS
2 (15 oz) cans black beans
1 bag/can refried beans (our favorite)
1 (28 oz) can red enchilada sauce
1 jar pizza sauce or marinara
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (14 oz) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
2 (4.5 oz) cans green chiles
1 small can tomato paste
1 can corn or 1 bag frozen corn
1½ cups long-grain white rice
½ lb spaghetti
1 carton chicken or beef broth
1 bag Nacho Cheese Doritos
Corn chips or cornbread (to pair with Chili)
buffalo sauce
harissa paste
hot honey (optional)
hot sauce
salsa
guacamole
pickled jalapeños
pineapple juice (if not using canned pineapple)

FROZEN
1 bag breaded chicken cutlets or strips
1 bag frozen corn (if not using canned)

SEASONINGS / SAUCES / OILS
salt
black pepper
garlic powder
onion powder
smoked paprika
paprika
ground cumin
chili powder
cayenne pepper
chili flakes
Italian seasoning
dried parsley
dried dill
taco seasoning
soy sauce
honey
brown sugar
granulated sugar
apple cider vinegar
rice vinegar
olive oil
avocado or vegetable oil
cornstarch
mayonnaise

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