Every 2 weeks I create what I call a “Meal Plan”. I go through all my recipe sources, cookbooks, personal lists, pinterest and my app Copy Me That and pick 8-10 meals for next 2 weeks. Yes, I realize that there are more than 8-10 nights in 2 weeks however we eat leftovers some nights, maybe my husband and I will have date night another and then there is also a night for Pizza so 8-10 usually gets us through 2 weeks. Also we don’t schedule dinners for certain nights ahead of time because with 3 kids under 3 our lives are pretty crazy and you never know what’s going to happen day to day.
Here are the dinners I picked this time. If you click on a dinner below it will take you to the recipe.
Creamy Garlic Chicken and Mushroom
Jalapeño Chicken & Rice Casserole
Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Mustard Cheese Sauce
When I made my trip to Aldi I spent under $100 and got more than what is on this list, HOWEVER I didn’t buy any of the meat. My husband and I just purchased a 1/4 cow from a local farmer and we get our chicken in 40lb batches from Zaycon Fresh (HIGHLY RECOMMEND) *Click here for info about Zaycon* Obviously this total would have been more with the meat, I’m guessing around $40 more if you figure on the high side.
Below is the shopping list for all the meals I have listed: I also listed what you needed just in case you had enough already in your pantry
Print one here: PRINTABLE SHOPPING LIST
Bakery & Bread
1 cup whole wheat panko bread crumbs
Loaf of crusty bread
Baking
2 tablespoons flour 1 Tablespoon flour
2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Canned & Packaged
1 Can Refried Beans
2 large sour dill pickles
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 10 Ounce Can Tomato Sauce
2 (32oz) containers of Beef Broth
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (12 fluid ounces) Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Milk
9 hard taco shells 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 (28-ounces) can crushed tomatoes
2 (14.5 oz) cans petite diced tomatoes
Cheese
3/4 pound (about 2 1/2 cups) sharp yellow cheddar cheese, shredded
Cream Cheese
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
3/4 pound fresh mozzarella
4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into bite sized cubes (you can use 4 string cheeses)
1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 1/2 c. shredded pepperjack
Condiments & Oils
2 heaping tablespoons spicy brown mustard, such as Guldens
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
Olive Oil
1 c. Favorite Salsa
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
Dairy & Eggs
6 tablespoons butter
½ cup heavy cream
5 eggs
2 cups milk
Deli
Pepperoni
Herbs & Spices
1/2 tsp dried basil
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Fresh Cilantro
1 tbsp. ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Fresh Parsley
Salt
Pepper
5 teaspoons of Italian Seasoning
3 sprigs of fresh thyme, leaves removed
Meat
1 1/2 Pounds Beef Stew Meat
1 1/2 cups cooked, chopped chicken breast meat
3 pounds ground beef meat
1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, or breasts
6 skinless boneless chicken breasts
Pasta & Grain
1 pound pasta curls (recommended: campagnelle by Barilla; short fusilli or cavatappi twists may be substituted)
White Rice
Produce
1 16 Ounce Bag Baby Carrots
3 large carrots
3 celery stalks
12 crimini mushrooms (baby portabellos)
15 cloves garlic (minced) I just buy the jar
1 Tablespoon fresh lime juice (I use closer to 1.5 Tbsp)
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
5 onions
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
2 green bell pepper
1 red bell pepper
1 can green chilis
1 tablespoon diced jalapeños
1 Pound Potatoes
2 medium to large zucchini
Snacks
1 bag of salted pretzels, any shape
My family and I have ate all of these receipes except for the Instant Pot Beef Stew. That’s a new one and I’m hoping it’s awesome. I have been trying to use my Instant Pot at least once a week. So far after my failed attempt at Spaghetti everything has been awesome. Here is the one I have which is finally back in stock!
Let me know if you have any questions!! ENJOY!
~Julie
