One Pork Shoulder, Three Totally Different Dinners (MM15)
I’ve been asked a few times for “progressive meals” where you start with one main recipe and transform it into multiple, completely different dinners. As a bonus, this idea is perfect for the busy back-to-school season.
You can meal prep on Sunday afternoon, then just make a few quick adjustments each night to get dinner on the table fast. This particular plan starts with a tender, flavorful crockpot pork shoulder and turns it into BBQ sandwiches, Brunswick stew, and tacos.
And the best part? The whole meal plan cost just $27.74 for a total of 16 ingredients!
Grocery List Needed for the Mini Menu
If you want to see the full shopping list on Walmart in your area, all you have to do is click my Walmart Grocery list and change the zip code to your area. *This is an affiliate link, and I do make a small commission on any purchases, but at no additional cost to you!*
**** Please note, that every once in a while, an item that I pick turns out to be regional. This means that it may be a much higher price in some areas. Always double check the list and if you see an item that is much higher than normal, just adjust as needed.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Tender pulled pork tossed in tangy BBQ sauce and piled high on soft buns, served with sweet corn on the cob and savory baked beans for a true BBQ plate. Swap the corn for air fryer potato wedges or a fresh garden salad, and the beans for coleslaw if you want something lighter.
Brunswick Stew
A hearty Southern-style stew loaded with pulled pork, mixed vegetables, crushed tomatoes, and a touch of BBQ sauce for richness. You can swap in chicken instead of pork, or use fresh vegetables if you have them on hand.
Pulled Pork Tacos
Seasoned pulled pork tucked into soft tortillas, topped with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and creamy avocado, with Mexican-style rice on the side. Swap the toppings for pico de gallo, shredded cheese, or grilled peppers and onions for a flavor twist.
Possible Variations
Our main meat for this meal plan is a pork shoulder, but you actually have a lot of options!
You could easily use a pork loin, multiple pork tenderloins, or really any pork roast that you like. Pork Shoulder tends to be fairly inexpensive, but if you already have pork in your fridge or freezer, I would totally use that instead of going out to buy something else.
As a bonus, all these recipes will actually work with chicken too!
All the sides are easily made with homemade versions if you like. We were just really focused on speed and ease of preparation this week.
For instance, you can make your own Mexican rice using plain white rice and salsa, you could make your own baked beans with dry beans, and you can even make your own tortillas!
Free Printable Grocery List & Recipes
Here is a 1-page cheat sheet that includes the grocery list as well as all the recipes you need to make this budget mini menu work!
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