If you’ve ever stood in front of the refrigerator wondering what to make for dinner, you’re definitely not alone. Some weeks, simply deciding what to cook can feel like the hardest part.
That’s exactly why I put together these weekly meal plans.
Instead of seven completely different grocery trips, I build my meal plans around ingredients that can be used throughout the week. The goal is simple: help you spend less at the grocery store, waste less food, and still enjoy dinners your family will actually look forward to.
This week’s menu is full of easy comfort food made with everyday ingredients. You’ll see things like chicken, ground beef, smoked sausage, potatoes, pasta, rice, and cheese used in different ways so nothing feels repetitive while still helping stretch your grocery budget.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, cooking after a long day at work, or simply trying to avoid another expensive takeout night, I hope this meal plan makes your week a little easier.
This Week’s Menu
Monday
Creamy Ranch Chicken & Rice Bake
Creamy, cheesy, and baked in one dish for easy cleanup.
Tuesday
Everything you love about a cheeseburger in one comforting casserole.
Wednesday
Garlic Butter Sausage & Potatoes
A simple sheet pan dinner with crispy potatoes and smoky sausage.
Thursday
Oven Baked BBQ Chicken with Cheesy Potatoes
Sweet barbecue chicken paired with cheesy roasted potatoes.
Friday
A cheesy one-pot dinner loaded with taco flavor.
Saturday
A hearty casserole that’s perfect for using leftover ham.
Sunday
Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken with Roasted Green Beans
Golden, crispy chicken with a simple roasted vegetable side.
Grocery List
Meat
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
- 2 pounds chicken thighs
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 package smoked sausage
- 2 cups diced ham
Dairy
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Butter
- Milk
Produce
- Baby potatoes
- Green beans
- Onion
- Garlic
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Frozen
- Broccoli
- Tater tots
- Frozen diced potatoes/hash browns
Pantry
- Rice
- Pasta shells
- Cream of chicken soup
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Ranch seasoning
- Taco seasoning
- BBQ sauce
- Salsa
- Beef broth
- Italian breadcrumbs
- Olive oil
Seasonings
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
Budget Tips
One of the easiest ways to save money at the grocery store is by choosing recipes that share ingredients.
This week’s meal plan uses:
- Cheddar cheese in multiple recipes
- Potatoes in several different ways
- Ground beef for two dinners
- Chicken for three meals
- Pantry staples that you’ll likely already have
Buying ingredients once and using them throughout the week helps reduce food waste while making your grocery budget stretch further.
Meal Prep Tips
If you have about 30 minutes on Sunday, you can make the rest of the week even easier.
✔ Dice the onion
✔ Trim the green beans
✔ Shred the cheese
✔ Cut the chicken into portions
✔ Mix your seasonings
✔ Thaw frozen vegetables overnight before using
Easy Substitutions
- Chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts
- Frozen vegetables instead of fresh
- Ground turkey instead of beef
- Different cheeses depending on what’s on sale
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does this meal plan cost?
Prices vary by location, but expect to spend about $85–100 if you’re starting with an empty pantry. Many seasonings and pantry staples will last for future meal plans.
Can I freeze these meals?
Yes! Several recipes, including the casseroles, freeze well.
Can I swap vegetables?
Absolutely. Use whatever vegetables are on sale or already in your refrigerator.
Want the Printable Grocery List?
If you’re part of my weekly meal plan membership, your printable grocery list and recipe cards are ready for you inside the subscriber library.
And if you’re new here, welcome! I share a new set of budget-friendly dinners every week to make family meals easier and more affordable. Click here to sign up!
