Budget meal planning is a fantastic way to:
- streamline your grocery shopping
- reduce food waste
- eliminate the stress of deciding what to cook
We know sticking to a budget can be a real challenge, so we’ve crafted a week’s worth of recipes that are both diverse and delicious, all under a budget-friendly umbrella.
Say goodbye to last-minute grocery runs and hello to a week of hassle-free cooking!
Why One Grocery List for Multiple Meals?
Using a single grocery list for multiple meals is a game-changer.
It saves time, reduces food waste, and is a significant budget-saver. By planning meals with overlapping ingredients, you can buy in bulk at a discounted price and use up what you buy more efficiently.
This approach is not only good for your wallet but also better for the environment.
Your Budget Meal Planning Grocery Shopping List:
- Chicken thighs (4 lbs.)
- Ground turkey (1 lb.)
- Quinoa (1 bag)
- Whole wheat pasta (1 box)
- Tortillas (1 pack)
- Frozen mixed vegetables (1 bag)
- Fresh vegetables (spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers)
- Canned black beans (2 cans)
- Shredded cheese (1 bag)
- Eggs (1 dozen)
- Greek yogurt (1 container)
- Spices (cumin, paprika, garlic powder, etc.)
Total Estimated Cost: Around $50
Budget Meal Planning: A Week’s Worth of Recipes for Under $50 | Budget-Friendly Recipes→
Recipe 1: Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Ingredients from the list:
- 2 lbs. chicken thighs, cut into pieces
- 1/2 bag of mixed vegetables
- 1 cup of quinoa
- Spices (garlic powder, paprika)
Total cost: Around $12. Serves 4.
Cooking Directions:
- Cook 1 cup of quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside.
- In a pan, sauté chicken pieces until fully cooked.
- Add mixed vegetables and stir until heated through.
- Season with garlic powder and paprika.
- Serve the chicken and vegetable mix over quinoa.
Recipe 2: Turkey and Black Bean Tacos
Ingredients from the list:
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- 1 can black beans, drained
- Tortillas
- Spices to season (cumin, garlic powder)
Total cost: Around $8. Serves 4.
Cooking Directions:
- Cook ground turkey in a pan until browned.
- Add black beans and season with cumin and garlic powder.
- Warm the tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.
- Assemble the tacos using the turkey and bean mixture.
Recipe 3: Spinach and Cheese Frittata
Ingredients from the list:
- 6 Eggs
- 1/2 cup Spinach
- 1/2 cup Shredded cheese
Total cost: Around $6. Serves 4.
Cooking Directions:
- Beat eggs in a bowl. Mix in chopped spinach and shredded cheese.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until set.
Recipe 4: Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Ingredients from the list:
- 1 cup quinoa
- Fresh vegetables (tomatoes, bell peppers)
- Greek yogurt (for dressing)
Total cost: Around $7. Serves 4.
Cooking Directions:
- Cook quinoa as per package instructions and let it cool.
- Chop fresh vegetables and mix with cooled quinoa.
- Prepare a dressing with Greek yogurt, a bit of water, and spices of your liking. Drizzle over the salad.
Budget Meal Additional Savings & Hot Tips:
- Buy in Bulk: Ingredients like quinoa and spices are cheaper when bought in larger quantities.
- Seasonal Vegetables: Opt for seasonal vegetables for freshness and cost savings.
- Leftover Magic: Use leftovers from these meals to create new dishes, like adding leftover chicken to salads or wraps.
- Plan Around Sales: Check out weekly sales at your local grocery store to adjust the meal plan accordingly.
Budget Meal Planning – Saving Money & Time
This budget meal plan lets you enjoy four delicious meals without breaking the bank.
These recipes are designed to be flexible, nutritious, and budget-friendly, ensuring that you can cook delicious meals while keeping your grocery spending in check. Happy cooking and happy saving!
Editor’s note: This article was originally published Dec 5, 2023 and has been updated to improve reader experience.
