If I had to describe this meal plan in one word, it would be “easy.”
As I look at the meals on the menu, I must have been feeling overwhelmed and in need of nourishing meals that didn’t require tons of work.
I see “one pot” meals, “dump it in a skillet” meals and several slow cooker meals strewn throughout – enough to make the few days of homemade tortillas and homemade bread worth the effort.
But, as always, feel free to take/leave the meals you like, or re-arrange as you need to fit your schedule. Remember that while this is a plan, it’s not written in stone – that’s the beauty of meal planning. There’s a method to fit everyone!
Click HERE to download the 14-day Frugal Real Food Meal Plan with recipes and shopping list.
(Note that clicking the link will trigger a pop-up form. Enter your information to have the recipes and shopping list sent to you via email.)
Real Food Meal Planner: February 2016
Notes on this Real Food Meal Planner:
- This meal plan is for the average family of four, costing approximately $330. You might need to change portion sizes according to your own family size and budget.
- Meals are based around 2 whole chickens, 1 beef roast, 1 steak, Italian sausage, ground turkey and bacon.
- The meals within this plan were designed to build off of each other, using leftovers when possible and allowing opportunities for batch cooking (i.e. making one big batch of tortillas instead of making “just enough” on two separate days. Take advantage of this to really lower your budget and reduce time spent in the kitchen.
Real Food Meal Planner: Week 1
(S) Vegetable Chickpea Curry
(M) Delicata Squash Salad with Herbed Man Bread
(T) One-Pot Creamy Sundried Tomato Pasta
(W) Creamy Potato & Spinach Soup with Dinner Biscuits
(T) Mediterranean Grilled Cheese
(F) Spinach & Chickpea Rice Pilaf
(S) Mexican Carnitas with Cabbage Slaw, Black Bean & Corn Salsa
Real Food Meal Planner: Week 2
(S) BBQ Pork Sandwiches with Slaw and Crash Hot Sweet Potatoes
(M) Well Salad with Artisan Bread
(T) Family Favorite Lasagna
(W) Kung Fu Panda Soup
(T) BBQ Pork Pizza
(F) Stuffed Pumpkin
(S) Northern Beans & Ham Soup
Real Food Meal Planner: Week 3
(S) Kung Pao Chicken with Vegetables
(M) Honey Mustard Tuna Salad
(T) Savory Pasta with Onions, Bacon & Greens
(W) Italian Chicken Meatball Soup
(T) Cast Iron Skillet Pizza
(F) Italian Meatball Subs with Roasted Potato Wedges
(S) Chicken & Sausage Gumbo
Real Food Meal Planner: Week 4
(S) Pork & Spinach Enchilada Casserole
(M) Buffalo Chicken Ranch Salad with Dinner Biscuits
(T) Creamy Squash Pasta Bake
(W) Red Lentil Vegetable Soup with Rosemary Olive Oil Bread
(T) Shredded Pork Nachos
(F) Chicken Shepherd’s Pie
(S) Baked BBQ Potato Skins
Breakfast
Breakfasts are usually a variety of meals, based largely on what we have in the kitchen and almost always served with fresh fruit. These are a few basic meal ideas, plus some recommended recipes that should align with the ingredients being purchased for the dinners above. Simple meals like breakfast porridge and baked oatmeal can be flavored based on what you have in your own kitchen.
Lunch
Similar to breakfast, lunches are usually a variety of meals based on what’s in the fridge and pantry and come with a side of fresh fruit. My first suggestion for lunch is always leftovers (unless the leftovers are already slated for another meal), but here are a few additional lunch ideas that are simple and easy to prepare. As a bonus, all of them can be tailored according to what you currently have on hand, and packed either for school or a picnic lunch on the go.
Dessert
Since the goal is to not consume too much sugar, let’s keep the options minimal. Still, you’ll be able to enjoy either one of these treats.
Looking for more delicious and frugal inspiration? Get more real food meal plans here.
Click HERE to download the 14-day Frugal Real Food Meal Plan with recipes and shopping list.
(Note that clicking the link will trigger a pop-up form. Enter your information to have the recipes and shopping list sent to you via email.)
Lots of meaty dishes here to enjoy with the fam, but I’m thinking I’ll have to take a closer look at those oatmeal chocolate chip cookies first!
There are several recipes you shared that I can see working for my family! Thank you for sharing these!
You’re most welcome!
I wanted to mention to you a store called Sprouts Farmers Market. They are all around the Atlanta area. They usually run GREAT specials on produce, meat and bulk items. They also have double sale Wednesday, which means you get to get sale items for 2 weeks on one day. Just might be an option to lower your bill. Also, Azure Standard has drops around Atlanta but their prices have been going up. Hope this helps!
Completed the second week and so far it’s been fantastic. I am just looking forward to trying the pasta!! Thanks for the meal plan.
You’re most welcome Lauren!
Thanks for sharing! It is nice when you can make dishes that stretch the meat!