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If your evenings feel rushed and you’re tired of wondering what’s for dinner, this easy weekly meal plan is here to help. Every recipe is simple, family-tested, and designed to get a reliable meal on the table without extra stress and is less than $75 in groceries!
We focused on meals that use affordable ingredients so you can stretch your grocery budget while still feeding your family well. Even better, many of these recipes can be repurposed into another meal, so nothing goes to waste and leftovers actually work for you.
From quick skillet dinners to comforting classics and even a sweet treat, this plan keeps things realistic for busy schedules while still giving you variety throughout the week. If you missed any of our Weekly Meal Plans, check out Easy Meal Plan – You only need $72 in groceries!, Meal Plan 99 or Meal Plan 97.
Why This Meal Plan Works
- Leftover-friendly options to stretch meals even further
- Budget-friendly ingredients you can find anywhere
- Quick and easy meals for busy weeknights
- Family-tested recipes everyone will actually eat
Print Shopping List
Make your grocery trip easier by using this week’s meal plan shopping list. Before you head to the store, take a quick look through your pantry—you may already have several of the ingredients needed for these recipes.
Monday – Chicken Cutlets
Need an easy dinner that still feels a little special? Chicken Cutlets always come through. Serve them with our best mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a winner!
Estimated Cost: $12.67, $2.11 per Servings
Tuesday – Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Skillet
If you’re stuck in a dinner rut, Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Skillet is a seriously delicious way to shake things up tonight.
Estimated Cost: $16.50, $2.75 per Servings
Wednesday – Chipped Beef
If you grew up with Chipped Beef on the table, you already know how comforting it is. One bite and it’s like a warm throwback to simple, satisfying meals.
Estimated Cost: $16.08, $2.68 per Servings
Thursday – Instant Pot Boneless Pork Chops
You know those nights when dinner needs to happen fast? Instant Pot Boneless Pork Chops step in, and suddenly the whole evening feels a lot easier.
Estimated Cost: $15.62, $2.60 per Servings
Friday – Baked Salmon
Baked Salmon is one of those dinners that looks impressive on the plate but is surprisingly easy to pull off.
Estimated Cost: $13.28, $3.32 per Servings
Breakfast – Easy Breakfast Casserole with Bacon
Wake up the whole house with the smell of Easy Breakfast Casserole with Bacon — cheesy, hearty, and way too good to wait for a fork.
Estimated Cost: $10.28, $1.47 per Servings
Dessert – Cinnamon Roll Cake
Cinnamon Roll Cake makes mornings feel extra cozy, no fancy skills required, just sweet, gooey goodness. Perfect for sharing… or not.
Estimated Cost: $6.29, $0.52 per Servings
Make weeknight dinners easier with our Lazy Day Cooking Club. Just spend a few minutes prepping in the morning, let the slow cooker handle the rest, and come home to a warm, ready-to-serve meal.
Easy Leftover Ideas to Stretch Your Week
One of the best ways to save time and money is to plan for leftovers. Here are a few simple ways to make these meals go further:
- Chicken Cutlets – Slice and use for wraps, salads, or sandwiches the next day
- Tuscan Chicken and Orzo – Reheat for lunch or add extra broth for a quick soup.
- Chipped Beef – Serve over toast again or spoon over baked potatoes.
- Pork Chops – Slice for rice bowls or make this Easy Pork Fried Rice Recipe.
- Baked Salmon – Flake into salads or mix with jasmine rice for an easy bowl meal. We even like to make these Fish Tacos Recipe.
FAQs
Planning your meals for the week helps you avoid last-minute takeout and reduces impulse purchases at the store. By using overlapping ingredients and planning for leftovers, you can stretch your grocery budget even further.
Yes! Several of these recipes can be prepped in advance. The breakfast casserole can be assembled the night before, and meals like Tuscan Chicken and Orzo or pork chops can have ingredients prepped ahead to save time on busy nights.
Absolutely. This meal plan is flexible—swap proteins like chicken thighs for chicken breasts, use frozen vegetables instead of fresh, or choose store brands to help keep costs down.
Easy Side Dish Recipes
Easy Side Dishes
Easy Homemade French Fries
Easy Side Dishes
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
Quick Bread
How to Make Sourdough Bread
Easy Side Dishes
Parmesan Roasted Zucchini
This weekly meal plan is all about making life a little easier—simple meals, affordable ingredients, and less stress at dinnertime. With a little planning, you can feed your family well all week without overspending or overthinking it.
Be sure to save this plan, and don’t forget to use those leftovers to make your meals stretch even further.
See How We Calculate Recipe Cost (cost per serving explained).
