This Week’s Meal Plan: Simple Gatherings & Good Stewardship

I find such a deep comfort in seeing the week stretched out in pantry/freezer heavy meals. It reminds me that God is faithful to provide. Not just in the big moments, but in the quiet, daily ways. When I look at my pantry shelves and freezer drawers, I’m reminded again of Jesus’ words:

“Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11)

This week’s meal plan leans on pantry staples, my Good Ranchers freezer stash, and a few fresh items. And I spent only $58.17 on the items I didn’t have on hand this week! Here’s what’s cooking in our home:

Meal Plan (Sunday–Saturday)

Sunday – Lemon Grilled Chicken & Roasted Broccoli

I’m still working through August’s Good Ranchers delivery, so we’re eating the last of the chicken this week! I also have some lemons leftover from last week’s chicken piccata. I don’t have a recipe yet. ;) My plan is to day-of-Pinterest-search for something yummy and lemony! I’ve also still got some broccoli leftover from last week as well. Pairing these together, using what I have, and holding onto summer with a bright meal sounds like a wonderful way to start off the week!

Monday – Beef Stew (with Steak Tips, Carrots, & Potatoes)

Again, we’re using up our Good Ranchers order from August! With so much travel this month, our freezer-meat stash has really stretched.

For beef stew with steak tips, I literally just add steak instead of chuck roast. I use this recipe and it’s always delicious. In addition to the steak tips, I also had chopped celery in my freezer, red cooking wine in my pantry, and a crockpot on my shelf that’s been calling my name. I’m so eager for a good, filling, fall-esque meal. Hopefully there’s a chill in the air on Monday night, too!

Tuesday – Chicken Tikka Masala & Green Beans, with Rice & Garlic Naan

This has been a favorite in our house since we got married, and I get all the ingredients at Aldi! I use their Tikka Masala mix for about $4 and some mini garlic naan slices for a little over $5 - it’s so cheap and easy to make. Again, we’re still using up chicken from our freezer stores, but I also picked up some green beans for a veggie. Sometimes I grilled up some bell peppers and onions to add to the chicken mixture as well!

Wednesday – Wednesday Night Dinner (at church!)

Last week marked the start of our Wednesday night dinners at church! For our family, it costs $18 total, and it’s worth every penny. Not only is it a meal I don’t have to cook, but it’s also a table of fellowship: a reminder that feeding our bodies and our souls often go hand-in-hand. If you go to church with me, I hope to see you there!

Thursday – Leftovers (or Chicken Pot Pie)

Depending on how much stew and tikka masala are left, we’ll either enjoy those again or I’ll pull together a chicken pot pie using odds and ends from the fridge and freezer. I’ve got frozen mixed veggies, canned chicken, and pie crust ingredients waiting and ready for a last minute meal!

Friday – Chick-fil-A Night

Y’all already know - we eat Chick-fil-A once a week and it’s our favorite tradition so far. However, with the holidays coming up, we’ll switch to every other week for eating out. On the odd weeks, we’ll just make “homemade” Chick-fil-A! ;) Having a weekly dinner tradition like this is something we budget for and always look forward to. And waiting an extra week for the Lord’s chicken makes it even more delicious. ;)

Saturday – Pizza Night!

My husband has an Aldi favorite that I can’t deprive him of. So even though I’m trying for healthier meals for myself and my daughter, I splurge for him to get his favorite frozen pizza! I also bought cauliflower, pizza sauce, and mozzarella cheese to make homemade pizza for my toddler and me. This is another tradition we love - it makes for one less meal to think about while I’m meal planning. And it’s always fun to kickback and chow down on pizza at the end of a long week. :)

A Reflection as You Enter September

Meal planning can sometimes feel like just another box to check or list of decisions to make, but I’ve found it to be a practice in contentment and trust. When I choose to use what’s already in the pantry and freezer, I’m reminded that God’s provision is already here. I don’t need more, I just need to be faithful with what He’s given.

Charles Spurgeon once said, “You say, ‘If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.’ You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled.”’

This week, as I stir the stew pot and spread pizza sauce with my little one, I hope to find myself quietly thankful: for a full pantry and freezer, a church family with which to share meals and community, and the daily bread that points me back to the One who provides all things. Happy stewarding, friends.