15 Affordable "Heat and Eat" Walmart Finds That Simplify Weeknight Cooking

Weeknight cooking can be a challenge, especially if you have a job with long hours or commute time. Having plenty of refrigerator-friendly and shelf-stable options can really help you fill in the gaps between trips to the grocer.

During the winter you’ll want to be stocked up on warm, hearty, quick-prep meals to enjoy when you’re short on time or energy. You can save money on essentials at Walmart, a retailer with an array of brands and a focus on affordable prices.

We’ve gathered a list of 15 hearty “heat and eat” Walmart finds that will simplify your meal prep any time of the week.

Editor’s note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $5.94

Flavortown enchiladas have an unexpected crunchy texture, layered flavor, and decadent amounts of Monterey jack, pepper jack, and cheddar cheese. Plus, prep time comes to a total of around eight minutes or less

Price: $5.94

If you’re looking for a creamy, decadent soup that will fill you up quickly and have a layered flavor that keeps you coming back for more, then Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup may be the answer.

Ready to eat in under four minutes, you can pick up this budget-friendly fan favorite in the refrigerated foods section.

Price: $3.48

This fried rice dish has 11 grams of protein per serving, is gluten-free, and heats up in just 90 seconds. Each meal is also void of artificial colors and flavors.

Customers rave that “it's versatile, satisfying, and perfect for a no-fuss lunch solution.” Eat it as a snack, or add protein to it to create a main course.

Price: $4.92

Ready in less than two-and-a-half minutes, this one-person 12-ounce meal is fresh, made of whole ingredients, and packs 26 grams of protein. Experience the pop of juicy, fire-roasted corn in a bed of chipotle and shredded white meat chicken, among other ingredients.

Fans say this dish easily serves two people.

Price: $10.92

Jack Daniel’s does Tennessee Honey so well, it’s no wonder they‘ve transferred that flavor to cooked meats. You can pick up a pound of slow-smoked pulled pork, perfect for burgers or sliders, on top of fries, pizza, nachos, tots, and more.

One reviewer exclaims, “If you like your pulled pork sweet and tender, this is for you!”

Price: $12.94

Scoop up a 32-ounce tray of chicken bacon ranch bake — a bed of penne slathered in ranch sauce, chicken, cheddar, and bacon — for a criminally low price.

It serves three to four people and is ready in 30 minutes or less making it an easy weeknight family-friendly meal.

Price: $4.92

If you’re into alfredo and broccoli, Marketside’s fettuccine alfredo will most likely blow your mind with its deliciousness and ease of preparation — it can be ready in less than three minutes.

It’s a single serving, making it a nice one to have on hand for those who live alone or to take to work for lunch.

Price: $3.92

Fans of biscuits and sausage gravy will love this four-pack of Jimmy Dean breakfasts that comes out to less than $1 per meal and is incredibly warming and tasty. Expect 11 grams of protein per tray, and irresistible, soft, fluffy buttermilk biscuits.

Price: $8.18

For just 20.5 cents per ounce, this family-sized, creamy, delicious vat of macaroni & cheese is perfect for a large meal or as a quick cook with plenty for leftovers the next day. Each serving has 14 grams of protein as well.

“It is as good as homemade mac and cheese,” says one happy buyer.

Price: $4.24

Sliders can really hit the spot, and there are 11 grams of protein per pair of sliders in this six-pack. With two minutes of prep time, you won’t get a craving into your hands faster.

Each cheeseburger comes out to an affordable 71 cents, and you can easily doctor them up with onions, sauces, tomatoes, or other toppings and seasonings to your liking.

Price: $8.72

For just about 55 cents per ounce, you can purchase a quick orange chicken entree that can be ready in eight minutes or less. The tempura battered chicken has a satisfying crispy snap to it that reviewers appreciate.

Each serving has 13 grams of protein and only 150 calories.

Price: $5.94

Freshness Guaranteed makes a couple of heat-and-eat long-roll sandwiches that are worth grabbing and toasting up. The Philly cheesesteak is particularly tasty and boasts 30 grams of protein per sub.

The best part: you can prepare it in less than two minutes. Customers suggest adding peppers and other toppings before heating it.

Price: $4.97

While the traditional cook time on this flatbread pizza is 10 to 12 minutes, it’s so tasty and endlessly cheesy that it’s worth the wait. One box yields about three servings, with 15 grams of protein each, and fans love the thin crust and blend of toppings. In fact, some customers have expressed shock at how good it is.

Price: $5.94

Another fantastic soup option is actually from Walmart’s deli brand, Marketside. Made with antibiotic-free, white meat chicken, real vegetables, and delicious pasta, the microwave will quickly heat up this warm and comforting dish.

A few fans warn that there aren’t enough dumplings, but several are impressed with how this soup tastes.

Price: $1.28

If you want a quick rice base for a meal or side dish, Knorr’s flavorful rice packets are ready in just seven minutes. The Cajun Chicken flavor adds a sweet, smoky taste to a delicate blend of bell peppers, rice and pasta.

Add andouille sausage or shredded chicken to the mix to take it up a notch.

Comfort food isn’t always easy to come by, especially in a pinch. Tackle high grocery costs by grabbing these budget-friendly foods at Walmart.

To save even more, check out their weekly flyers to see what easy-to-make finds are on sale to add to your grocery list for the week.