Here’s the $75 Weekly Menu Plan for Week 9 (February 26, 2024 – March 3, 2024) As winter comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to shake things up in the kitchen with new flavors and hearty, satisfying meals.
This week’s $75 meal plan for Week 9 is packed with comfort foods, fresh veggies, and a touch of indulgence. From a savory chicken casserole to sweet potato skillet dishes, this week offers variety and balanced nutrition without breaking the bank.
We’ve also incorporated more exciting snacks and meal options to keep things interesting throughout the week.
Let’s jump into this unique meal plan, designed for both ease and affordability.
Weekly Grocery List (Walmart Prices)
Proteins:
- Whole Chicken (3 lbs) – $6.00
- Ground Turkey (1 lb) – $4.00 (sale)
- Bacon (12 oz) – $4.98
- Eggs (1 dozen) – $2.24
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (8 oz) – $2.00 (sale)
Dairy:
- Milk (1 gallon) – $3.00
- Plain Greek Yogurt (32 oz) – $3.00
Produce:
- Bananas (6 count) – $1.00
- Apples (3 lbs) – $4.00
- Romaine Lettuce (1 head) – $1.68
- Bell Peppers (2 count) – $2.00
- Onions (2 large) – $1.56
- Sweet Potatoes (3 lbs) – $3.00
- Broccoli (1 head) – $1.69
- Carrots (2 lbs) – $1.96
- Tomatoes (4 count) – $2.50
- Spinach (1 bag) – $2.00
- Garlic (1 bulb) – $0.50
Pantry:
- Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread (1 loaf) – $2.00
- Pasta (1 lb) – $1.00
- Brown Rice (2 lbs) – $2.00
- Canned Black Beans (15 oz) – $0.72
- Canned Diced Tomatoes (two 15 oz cans) – $1.44
- Chicken Broth (32 oz) – $1.22
- Olive Oil (16 oz) – $3.48
- Tortillas (10 count) – $2.00
Snacks/Extras:
- Popcorn kernels (16 oz) – $1.98
- Nut and raisin trail mix (12 oz) – $3.00
- Crackers (10 oz) – $2.88
- Tortilla chips (12 oz) – $2.48
Total Estimated Cost: $71.31
$75 Weekly Menu Plan Week 9 (February 26, 2024 – March 3, 2024):
Monday, February 26:
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with bananas and honey 🍌
- Lunch: Turkey wraps with lettuce, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese 🌯
- Dinner: Roasted whole chicken with garlic and rosemary, served with sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli 🐔
- 1 whole chicken (3 lbs) ($6.00)
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (from 3 lbs) ($1.50)
- 1 head broccoli, chopped ($1.69)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (from 1 bulb) ($0.13)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (from pantry)
- Salt, pepper, and rosemary (from pantry)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Rub the whole chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and rosemary.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan and surround it with diced sweet potatoes. Drizzle with more olive oil.
- Roast for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- During the last 15 minutes, steam the broccoli on the stovetop.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving with sweet potatoes and broccoli.
Tuesday, February 27:
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with toast 🍞
- Lunch: Leftover roast chicken salad with lettuce and diced apples 🥗
- Dinner: Turkey and black bean tacos with tortillas, salsa, and cheddar cheese 🌮
- 1 lb ground turkey ($4.00)
- 1 can black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz) ($0.72)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (from 8 oz) ($1.00)
- 6 tortillas (from 10 count) ($1.20)
- 1/2 cup salsa (optional, from pantry)
Instructions:
- Cook the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
- Add the drained black beans and cook until heated through.
- Warm the tortillas in a pan or microwave.
- Fill each tortilla with turkey, black beans, shredded cheese, and salsa (if desired).
Wednesday, February 28:
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt parfait with granola and raisins 🥣
- Lunch: Leftover turkey tacos 🌮
- Dinner: Bacon and spinach pasta with diced tomatoes 🍝
- 8 oz pasta (from 1 lb) ($0.50)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped (from 12 oz) ($1.66)
- 1 bag spinach ($2.00)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz) ($0.72)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (from pantry)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté spinach in olive oil until wilted. Add diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the tomato-spinach mixture and bacon. Serve hot.
Thursday, February 29:
- Breakfast: Pancakes with banana slices and a drizzle of honey 🍯
- Lunch: Chicken quesadillas with cheese, spinach, and leftover chicken 🥪
- Dinner: Sweet potato and turkey skillet with onions and garlic 🍲
- 1 lb ground turkey ($4.00)
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (from 3 lbs) ($1.50)
- 1 onion, diced (from 2 large) ($0.78)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (from 1 bulb) ($0.13)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (from pantry)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add the ground turkey and cook until browned.
- Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, cover, and cook until tender (about 15 minutes).
- Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.
Friday, March 1:
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and toast 🍳
- Lunch: Leftover turkey and sweet potato skillet 🥗
- Dinner: Spaghetti with olive oil, garlic, and roasted broccoli 🍝
- 8 oz pasta (from 1 lb) ($0.50)
- 1 head broccoli, chopped ($1.69)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (from 1 bulb) ($0.13)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (from pantry)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss chopped broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
- In a pan, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Toss the cooked pasta in the garlic oil and serve with roasted broccoli.
Saturday, March 2:
- Breakfast: Bacon and egg breakfast sandwiches on toast or English Muffins 🥪
- Lunch: Grilled cheese sandwiches with fresh tomato slices 🍅
- Dinner: Chicken and rice casserole with cheddar cheese and broccoli 🥘
- Leftover roast chicken (about 2 cups, shredded)
- 1 cup brown rice (from 2 lbs) ($0.50)
- 1 head broccoli, chopped ($1.69)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (from 8 oz) ($1.00)
- 1 cup chicken broth (from 32 oz) ($0.61)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cook the brown rice according to package instructions.
- In a baking dish, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, and chicken broth.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Sunday, March 3:
- Breakfast: Pancakes with apples and cinnamon 🥞
- Lunch: Leftover chicken and rice casserole 🍲
- Dinner: Vegetable soup with black beans, carrots, and spinach 🍲
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz) ($0.72)
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced (from 2 lbs) ($0.50)
- 1 bag spinach ($2.00)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz) ($0.72)
- 2 cups chicken broth (from 32 oz) ($0.61)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, sliced carrots, diced tomatoes, and black beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes until the carrots are tender.
- Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted (about 2 minutes). Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.
New Snack Ideas:
- Nut and Raisin Trail Mix: Mix nuts, dried fruit, and raisins for a sweet and savory snack.
- Cheddar and Crackers: Serve shredded cheddar with crackers for an easy, portable snack.
- Popcorn with Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over freshly popped popcorn for a sweet treat.
- Apple Slices with Peanut Butter: A classic combo of crisp apples and smooth peanut butter.
As we wrap up Week 9, you’ve enjoyed a variety of delicious, budget-friendly meals using wholesome ingredients like chicken, turkey, fresh veggies, and pantry staples. The meals this week provided a mix of comforting classics like Roasted Chicken and Sweet Potatoes, convenient options like Turkey Tacos, and nutrient-packed dishes like the Vegetable Soup with Black Beans and Spinach.
With a balance of proteins, vegetables, and grains, the week was designed to minimize food waste by utilizing leftovers creatively in dishes such as Chicken and Rice Casserole and Quesadillas. This thoughtful menu ensures you can eat well while staying within budget, making meal planning easier and more enjoyable. Enjoy the rest of the week and get ready for more satisfying meals ahead!
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