Week 7 Budget Friendly Meal Plan

Welcome, Budget Bite Brigaders, to another weekly menu designed to tantalize your taste buds without breaking the bank! In this menu lineup, we've curated a selection of hearty, delicious meals that are not only affordable but also sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. And fear not, because amidst the budget-friendly fare, we've included a special St. Patrick's Day feast to celebrate the luck of the Irish!

Day 1: Corned Beef & Cabbage

As St. Patrick's Day approaches, there's no better way to celebrate than with a hearty plate of Corned Beef & Cabbage, a beloved traditional Irish meal that brings warmth and flavor to the table. This classic dish is not only a staple of Irish cuisine but also a budget-friendly option that's perfect for feeding a family of five, with potential leftovers for the next day's lunch.

Corned beef, slow-cooked until tender, is paired with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, creating a satisfying meal that's as delicious as it is economical. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish proves that you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal, especially during the festive season of St. Patrick's Day. So gather your loved ones, don your greenest attire, and indulge in this comforting Irish classic without worrying about breaking the bank. Cheers to good food and good company!

Corned Beef & Cabbage Recipe

2-4 lbs Corned beef brisket (flat or point cut)

1 white onion, sliced

2 lbs red potatoes

16 oz bag baby carrots

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 head cabbage, cut into thin wedges

1 1/2 cups water

Side Dish:

We are getting a loaf of Irish soda bread from our local Jewel to eat with this meal.

Day 2: Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos with Mexican Street Corn Cups

Get ready to spice up your taco night with these mouthwatering Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos! With 4 lbs of pork, this recipe yields plenty of leftovers, making it not only a delicious meal but also a savvy budget-friendly option.

After enjoying your tacos, get creative with the leftover pork. Try adding it to quesadillas, burritos, or enchiladas for a quick and easy meal the next day. You can also use it to top salads, nachos, or even pizza for a fun twist on leftovers.

Intentionally planning for leftovers is a smart way to stretch your food budget while minimizing food waste. By repurposing ingredients in new and exciting ways, you can enjoy delicious meals throughout the week without breaking the bank. We will be using the leftovers for lunches at our house this week!

So grab your tortillas, load them up with flavorful pork carnitas, and get ready to savor every bite of these budget-friendly tacos. Ole!

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe

1 1/2 cups orange juice

1/2 cup lime juice

4-4 1/2 lb pork loin

2 Tbsp dried oregano

2 Tbsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 jalapeno, minced

1/2 cup olive oil

3 Tbsp Better than Bouillon Smoky Chipotle Base

3 bay leaves

Side Dish:

We are making Mexican Street Corn Cups for a side with this dish. This recipe has several ingredients, but I’m hoping you have some at home already and don’t need to purchase everything. If you do need to purchase everything, it may be a little out of your budget. But here’s what you’ll need: 2 Tbsp sugar, 1 lb frozen corn kernals, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/2 tsp Sriracha, 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco, 1/4 cup cilantro, Kosher salt and chili powder to taste, and 1 lime cut into wedges.

To make this dish, bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add the sugar. Then add the corn and simmer 3-5 minutes. While corn simmers, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Sriracha, and Kosher salt in a bowl. Drain the corn and allow it to cool for about 3 minutes. Combine the corn with the mayonnaise mixture and divide into cups. Top each cup with queso fresco, cilantro, chili powder, and a lime wedge.

Day 3: Chicken Pot Pie

When it comes to classic comfort food, few dishes can rival the timeless appeal of Chicken Pot Pie. With its flaky pastry crust, creamy chicken and vegetable filling, this hearty meal is a surefire way to warm both hearts and bellies.

Not only is Chicken Pot Pie a comforting favorite, but it's also a budget-friendly option that's perfect for feeding a family of five. With simple, affordable ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and store-bought pastry dough, you can whip up this delicious dinner without breaking the bank.

And let's not forget about its kid-friendly appeal! With its creamy texture and familiar flavors, Chicken Pot Pie is sure to be a hit with even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for your little ones without any complaints.

Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

1 box with 2 refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on package

1/3 cup butter

1/3 cup chopped onion

1/3 cup flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 3/4 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup milk

2 1/2 cups shredded precooked chicken (about 1 lb raw chicken breast)

2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed

Side Dish:

We plan on making Honey Glazed Carrots to go with our Chicken Pot Pie. We almost always have everything except the carrots on hand for this recipe, so this is a budget-friendly side for us. Hopefully you have some of the ingredients, too!

You’ll need: 1 lb baby carrots, 2 Tbsp butter, 2 Tbsp honey, and 1 1/2 Tbsp packed brown sugar. To make them, rinse the carrots and then put them in a medium saucepan. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and continue simmering for 15 minutes (until tender). In a saute pan, melt butter over medium-low heat and add the honey and brown sugar, stirring until well dissolved. Add the carrots and stir until well glazed.

Day 4: Upside Down Shepherd’s Pie

Get ready to flip the script on traditional Shepherd's Pie with this whimsical Upside Down variation! Picture this: a savory concoction of hearty ground beef, colorful vegetables, and velvety mashed potatoes, all nestled atop a bed of garlicky Texas toast. Yes, you read that right – we're turning dinner upside down, quite literally!

But what makes this dish truly magical is its budget-friendly charm. With humble ingredients like ground beef, frozen veggies, and store-bought garlic toast, you can create a meal that's as satisfying for your taste buds as it is for your wallet.

And the best part? This Upside Down Shepherd's Pie is a hit with the little ones, too! With its playful presentation and familiar flavors, it's a surefire way to turn mealtime into a whimsical adventure that the whole family will love.

Upside Down Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

1 lb ground beef

1 (12-oz) pkg frozen peas and carrots

1 (.87-oz) pkg brown gravy mix

1 (14.5-oz) can beef broth

2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 (32-oz) tub refrigerated mashed potatoes

1 (8-ct) pkg frozen garlic Texas toast

Side Dish:

We are making sauteed spinach to go with our Upside Down Shepherd’s Pie. This side dish is as simple as it is delicious. In a large skillet, drizzle olive oil and then add 2 Tbsp chopped garlic (about 6 cloves), heating for about 1 minute. Then add in the spinach and stir until wilted. Season with salt and pepper and serve!

Day 5: Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage and Veggies

Picture this: juicy smoked sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and tender baby yellow potatoes, all roasted to perfection on a single sheet pan.

Not only is this meal bursting with flavor, but it's also a budget-friendly option that won't break the bank. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a delicious dinner that's as easy on your wallet as it is on your taste buds.

And here's the best part: kids love it too! With its colorful presentation and irresistible flavors, this sheet pan sensation is guaranteed to be a hit with even the pickiest of eaters. So why stress over dinner when you can toss everything onto a sheet pan and let the oven do the work? It's time to simplify your life and savor every bite of this delectable one-pan wonder! And since the veggies are included in the one dish, there is no recommended side with this meal!

Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage & Veggies Recipe

24 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds

3 lbs baby yellow potatoes, cubed

4 bell peppers, deseeded and sliced

4 Tbsp olive oil

3 Tbsp Italian seasoning

2 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Day 6: Chicken Parmesan

Not only is Chicken Parmesan delicious, but it's also a hit with the kiddos! With its crispy exterior and gooey cheese, it's a surefire way to win over even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, it's a budget-friendly option that won't break the bank, making it perfect for the savvy spender.

Picture this: tender chicken breasts, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, smothered in tangy marinara sauce, and topped with a generous blanket of melted cheese. It's a symphony of flavors that'll leave you craving more!

Chicken Parmesan Recipe

For the Chicken:

3 large chicken breasts, halved into 6 filets

2 large eggs

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp dried parsley

salt and pepper to season

1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 cup oil for frying

1 (24 oz) jar pasta sauce

For the Topping:

8 oz sliced mozzarella

1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

2 tsp dried basil or parsley

Side Dish:

I couldn’t picture a better side for this meal than roasted veggies. They complement the chicken so well! Here’s what we plan on using: 2 green bell peppers, deseeded and diced, 2 zucchini cut into rounds, 1 sweet potato cubed, 1 red onion cut into wedges, 1 small head of broccoli cut into florets, olive oil, Italian seasoning and garlic powder.

Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease 2 large rimmed baking sheets. After chopping all the veggies, arrange them on the baking sheets and drizzle with olive oil and then sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the top. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until fork-tender.

Day 7: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

This budget-friendly dish combines all the delicious flavors of traditional stuffed peppers – savory ground beef, tender rice, vibrant bell peppers – into one hearty and satisfying meal. Plus, by transforming it into a casserole, you'll save both time and effort without sacrificing any of the deliciousness.

And here's the best part: kids love it too! With its colorful presentation and comforting flavors, it's a surefire hit with even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, it's an affordable option that won't break the bank, making it perfect for families on a budget.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe

1 lb ground beef

2 large bell peppers, deseeded and diced

1 onion, diced

1 1/2 cups beef stock

1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes

1 cup white rice, uncooked

2 cups shredded colby jack cheese

3 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 tsp Montreal steak seasoning

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp paprika

Side Dish:

We are purchasing pre-packaged Everything Salad kits to go with our Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. We light the refreshingly light taste of a salad to complement a hearty casserole.

Shopping List

I did go slightly over my $100 budget this week, coming in at $104.09 for the meals. This does not include the recommended side dishes under their own headings. However, multiple meals essentially have built in side dishes, so I think it would be ok for most families to skip sides for multiple nights. This week also features a holiday meal for St. Patrick’s Day, and I’m always okay with having some wiggle room when I want to have a traditional meal. As always, the only things NOT included in the shopping list are regular salt and pepper. This week is very heavy on spices, so if you don’t already have a stock of spices, you will after this week!

Since I personally feel that many meals this week do not need actual sides, I decided to have a little fun with them, but if you don’t have any of the ingredients on hand, the sides I recommended this week will cost a bit more. However, if you’ve been following along, you should have several items to make the sides with. The recommended sides came in at $39.33 plus tax. Some ingredients I think you will have include: sugar, honey, mayonnaise, sour cream, brown sugar, and Sriracha. But they are currently included in the previously noted total.

I hope you see some meals your family will enjoy this week. Good luck in your grocery budget adventures!