Simple 6-Dinner Plan That Won’t Break the Bank (week #74)
This week’s meal plan came in at just $52.23 at the Super Walmart in North Vernon, Indiana. This is one of the lowest totals we’ve had in a while! The secret? We leaned on the protein powerhouse of a 10 lb bag of chicken leg quarters. At such an affordable price per pound, chicken quarters stretch into multiple meals while keeping things flavorful and versatile.
Because the chicken cost so little, we were also able to stock up on a bunch of pantry staples like condiments, seasonings, vinegar, and sugar. If your pantry is already stocked, you could get your total super low this week!
This just goes to show that a smart protein choice can open up more room in your budget while still giving you filling, family-friendly dinners.
Affordable Weekly Meal Plan
Weekly Grocery List on a Budget
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.
Budget Family Dinners for Busy Weeknights
Garlic Butter Chicken Quarters with Rice & Broccoli
These baked chicken quarters are brushed with a simple garlic butter sauce and served with fluffy rice for a hearty base. Swap in green beans or corn if broccoli isn’t your family’s favorite.
Turkey Taco Pasta with Corn
This family favorite blends ground turkey, taco seasoning, and pasta into a cheesy skillet meal with a fun Tex-Mex twist. It works just as well with ground beef, and frozen peas or mixed veggies can easily replace the corn.
Cajun Chicken Quarters with Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts
Bold Cajun seasoning makes this roasted chicken pop, while sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts balance it with sweetness and crunch. You can use carrots or green beans if Brussels sprouts aren’t on sale.
Sweet & Sour Ground Turkey with Rice & Zucchini
Tangy, sweet, and sour sauce coats ground turkey, pineapple, and tender veggies for a colorful dinner served over rice. Zucchini is a great match here, but broccoli, peppers, or even cabbage make easy swaps.
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup with Mixed Veggies
This cozy crockpot soup uses chicken quarters to create a rich broth, then adds noodles and mixed veggies for a filling dinner. Egg noodles are classic, but any short pasta or even rice works in a pinch.
Twice-Baked Sausage Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Green Beans
Fluffy sweet potatoes are mashed with sausage and cheese, stuffed back into their skins, and baked until golden. Try adding a little sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess, or swap the green beans for a side salad if you prefer.
Low-Cost Fruit Options to Add:
I am a huge fan of adding fruit to dinners. This small, yummy part helps kids know they will love at least something on their plate.
So, whenever I have a little wiggle room in my budget, I try to pick up 2-3 fruits to add to meals. Here are some good options that you can grab this week! (Try mixing fresh fruit and canned fruit together for some added variety)
It’s also been shown that most Americans don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables, so add some to your dinner! (Remember you don’t need a ton of fruit either, just a 1/4 to 1/2 a cup can help fill you up at mealtime.)
*Walmart is not always the cheapest when it comes to fresh fruits. Lots of local stores run better sales and have fruit as loss leaders, so check your local stores for some better deals if needed!*
Printable PDF Grocery List & Recipes
This prints on standard paper sized 8.5 x 11 inches.
What about next week?
We put out a new meal plan every week! We have 3 ways to be notified of new menus:
*Join our Low Dough Facebook Page where we post new menus every Saturday and new meal ideas every Wednesday!
*Sign up for the weekly email newsletter. We send it out on Fridays, so you actually get early menu access!
Join our Facebook Group- Meal Planning for All (you can ask questions and get help planning your own menus)
Until next week, I hope you have a fabulous week!
