Budget Meal Plan | 7 Dinners for the Week Using Pantry and Freezer Foods
After a giant Costco haul last week, I’m determined to keep this week’s grocery list under $40. (I do a monthly Costco run and this month was a bit more expensive than usual. So I’m trying to tighten up my weekly grocery budget to make up the difference!)
After a week of sickness and then another week of fun with friends, we’ve eaten out quite a bit recently. Thankfully, that means my freezer is still happily stocked with beef, chicken, and a few other treasures. This week is all about using what we already have and letting the pantry do the heavy lifting.
Here’s what we’re cooking this week!
Sunday – Cowboy Casserole
We’re kicking off the week with a hearty casserole that tastes like a cozy potluck favorite. Layers of ground beef, tomatoes, beans, corn, and cheese and topped with cornbread, all baked together: simple, filling, and budget-friendly. I’ve got a cans of corn, tomatoes, and beans, some leftover shredded cheese from last week, a box of Jiffy Cornbread, and a pound of frozen beef, which means everything for this dish is already on hand. Chef’s kiss!
Monday – Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Rice, & Roasted Veggies
This is one of those meals that feels restaurant-worthy but is secretly easy. Thin chicken breasts get a crispy Parmesan coating and bake in the oven while rice cooks on the stovetop. I’ll toss a sheet pan of whatever veggies need to be used up—Costco’s big bag of broccoli will shine here. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper makes this meal both simple and satisfying. I’m very excited about this one.
Tuesday – Spaghetti with Meat Sauce & Garlic Bread
A classic family dinner that never disappoints. I found a jar of meat sauce in the pantry and a loaf of French bread in the freezer. I’ll brown freezer beef, stir in the sauce and some extra spices, and let it simmer while the pasta boils. Add a loaf of garlic bread (or freezer bread buttered and toasted with garlic powder, because we’re keeping it extra frugal), and we’re set for an easy, comforting evening.
Wednesday – Dinner at Church
Midweek is such a gift when we gather with our church family. No meal prep required, just fellowship. I love these nights because they remind me that our lives are not meant to be lived alone, especially around the dinner table.
Thursday – Leftovers or Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
Depending on what’s hiding in the fridge, we’ll either clear out leftovers or lean into the ultimate comfort food: grilled cheese with warm tomato soup. Our cherry tomato plant is absolutely thriving and we’re overrun with tomatoes right now. So homemade tomato soup could be on the menu this week! This is a no-stress night that keeps food waste low and bellies full.
Friday – Chick-fil-A Night
A planned drive-thru dinner! Knowing it’s in the budget makes this little treat even sweeter. Sometimes a waffle fry night and milkshake night is the best way to end the week!
Saturday – Shepherd’s Pie / Wedding Dinner
Mom and Dad are heading out for a wedding on Friday night, so I’ll make a shepherd’s pie for my toddler and her babysitter. It’s such a simple meal with easy ingredients: beef, frozen veggies, mashed potatoes, and shredded cheese. There’s a reason this meal makes it on the menu almost once a week!
Grocery List (Goal: Under $40)
Because of last week’s Costco stock-up, this list is delightfully short:
Fresh fruit for breakfasts and lunches
A gallon of milk
A small block of Parmesan
Fancy Coffee Creamer (we’re almost through our peppermint mocha creamer!
Turkey Slices for lunches
5 Cans of Tuna for lunches
Minced Garlic (the one thing I forgot to get at Costco!!)
That’s it. Everything else is already waiting in the pantry or freezer, proof that those bulk buys really do pay off when paired with a simple plan.
As Proverbs 21:20 reminds us, “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” A well-tended pantry isn’t just about food; it’s about stewarding the gifts God gives us, especially time, money, and the joy of nourishing our families.
Here’s to a week of full plates, happy hearts, and a grocery receipt that makes me want to high-five my budget (and maybe go thrifting!)!
Happy Stewarding!
