Kroger Kid-Friendly Meal Plan
Switch dietary option for this week:
BUDGET RATIONALE
Why these meals: Chicken breast at $2.29/lb is the standout deal of the week and anchors two dinners without blowing the budget. Eckrich Smoked Sausage at $5.00 flat for a 23.3 oz package is a fantastic family value that kids love, and ground beef at $5.99/lb for a skillet pasta is a classic crowd-pleaser that stretches well. The Kroger Beef Shaved Steak at $5.99 each earns the one premium slot - two packages give you a hearty cheesesteak-style dinner for four at around $3.00 per person, which is the most reasonable of the pricier proteins on this flyer and far more manageable than salmon at $5.00 per person. Salmon was deliberately skipped because even on sale it would push the per-person total well above the ceiling. The Barilla Pasta at $1.39 and Kroger Steamer Vegetables at 2 for $3.00 add filling, budget-friendly bulk to several nights, keeping the full week comfortably within range.
5-DAY MEAL PLAN
Monday
Meal: Skillet Ground Beef and Pasta with Shredded Cheese
Description: Browned ground beef is cooked with Barilla pasta in a simple tomato-seasoned skillet sauce that kids can't resist. Sargento shredded cheese is melted over the top right before serving for a gooey, satisfying finish.
Sale items used: Kroger 80% Lean Ground Beef, Barilla Pasta (12-16 oz), Sargento Shredded Cheese (5-8 oz)
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: Use 1.5 lbs ground beef and 1 box (12-16 oz) Barilla Pasta; top with 1 package (5-8 oz) Sargento Shredded Cheese divided among 4 bowls.
Recipes:
- Easy Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet
- Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe
- Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Tuesday
Meal: Baked Chicken Breast with Steamer Vegetables and Sweet Corn
Description: Seasoned Heritage Farm Boneless Chicken Breast is baked in the oven until juicy and golden, served alongside microwaved Kroger Steamer Vegetables and boiled sweet corn on the cob. It is a simple, colorful plate that kids recognize and enjoy.
Sale items used: Heritage Farm Boneless Chicken Breast, Kroger Steamer Vegetables (10-12 oz), Kroger Sweet Corn (4 ct Package)
Prep time: 40 minutes
Serving note: Use 2 lbs chicken breast (approximately 4 portions); use 1 bag (10-12 oz) Kroger Steamer Vegetables and 4 ears of corn from the 4 ct package.
Recipes:
- Baked Chicken & Steamed Vegetables
Wednesday
Meal: Eckrich Smoked Sausage and Mac and Cheese Skillet
Description: Sliced Eckrich Smoked Sausage is pan-browned and stirred into prepared Kroger Deluxe Mac and Cheese for a hearty one-pan dinner kids go crazy for. A side of Kroger Steamer Vegetables rounds out the plate with minimal extra effort.
Sale items used: Eckrich Smoked Sausage (23.3 oz), Kroger Steamer Vegetables (10-12 oz) or Deluxe Mac & Cheese (12-14 oz)
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 package (23.3 oz) Eckrich Smoked Sausage sliced into coins; use 1 box Kroger Deluxe Mac & Cheese (12-14 oz) and 1 bag Kroger Steamer Vegetables (10-12 oz) - these are sold 2 for $3.00 so purchase 1 set of 2 items total.
Thursday
Meal: Pan-Seared Beef Shaved Steak Sandwiches on Artesano Buns
Description: Kroger Beef Shaved Steak is quickly pan-seared with a little butter and seasoning, then piled onto Artesano Buns with melted Sargento Shredded Cheese for an easy cheesesteak-style sandwich the whole family loves. Kids can top their own sandwiches for a fun, interactive dinner.
Sale items used: Kroger Beef Shaved Steak (14 oz, Select Varieties), Artesano Bread (20 oz) or Buns (8 ct), Sargento Shredded Cheese (5-8 oz)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: Use 2 packages (14 oz each) Kroger Beef Shaved Steak for 4 generous servings; use 1 package Artesano Buns (8 ct) and 1 package (5-8 oz) Sargento Shredded Cheese.
Friday
Meal: Oven-Baked Chicken Breast Strips with Sweet Corn and Strawberries
Description: Heritage Farm Boneless Chicken Breast is sliced into strips, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, and baked until crispy for a homemade chicken tender night kids will cheer for. Fresh sweet corn on the cob and a bowl of 2 lb Strawberries make it a festive, colorful Friday plate.
Sale items used: Heritage Farm Boneless Chicken Breast, Kroger Sweet Corn (4 ct Package), 2 lb Strawberries or 18 oz Blueberries
Prep time: 35 minutes
Serving note: Use 2 lbs chicken breast sliced into strips; use the remaining 4 ears from a second 4 ct Sweet Corn package; serve 2 lbs strawberries sliced for the table.
🛒 Shopping List
SHOPPING LIST
Buy on sale:
- Kroger 80% Lean Ground Beef (1.5 lbs): $8.99
- Barilla Pasta (12-16 oz, x1): $1.39
- Sargento Shredded Cheese (5-8 oz, x2 packages - 2 for $4.00 deal): $4.00
- Heritage Farm Boneless Chicken Breast (4 lbs total across Tuesday and Friday): $9.16
- Kroger Sweet Corn (4 ct Package, x2): $7.98
- Kroger Steamer Vegetables (10-12 oz) or Deluxe Mac & Cheese (12-14 oz) (2 for $3.00 - 1 Steamer Vegetables + 1 Deluxe Mac & Cheese): $3.00
- Eckrich Smoked Sausage (23.3 oz, x1): $5.00
- Kroger Beef Shaved Steak (14 oz, x2): $11.98
- Artesano Bread (20 oz) or Buns (8 ct, x1): $2.49
- 2 lb Strawberries or 18 oz Blueberries (x1): $5.99
Pantry staples needed:
- Olive oil or butter (for searing and baking)
- Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
- Dried Italian seasoning or oregano
- Breadcrumbs (for chicken strip coating)
- Canned diced tomatoes or tomato sauce (for Monday pasta skillet)
🏷️ All sale items this week
SALE ITEMS FOUND
Meats on sale:
- Heritage Farm Boneless Chicken Breast (or Bone-In Chicken Wings): $2.29/lb
- Kroger 80% Lean Ground Beef: $5.99/lb
- Kroger Beef Shaved Steak (14 oz, Select Varieties): $5.99 each
- Jumbo EZ Peel Shrimp (21-25 ct Raw, 2 lb bag): $6.99/lb (with Digital Coupon)
- Kroger 80% Lean Beef Patties (Frozen, 2 lb): $11.99
- Eckrich Smoked Sausage (23.3 oz, Select Varieties): $5.00
- Nathan's Beef Franks (11-12 oz, Select Varieties): $4.99
- Kroger Protein Bundle (Patties 8 ct + Bacon 16 oz): $15.99
- Fresh Atlantic Salmon Fillets (Farm-Raised): $9.99/lb
- Tri Tip Roast: $10.99/lb
- Perdue Chicken Breasts (Frozen, 18 oz): $10.00
Deli and prepared on sale:
- Home Chef St. Louis Style Ribs (Fully Cooked, 2 lb): $13.99
- Kroger Potato Salad or Macaroni Salad or Coleslaw (3 lb, Select Varieties): $7.00
- Kroger Single Serve Salad Bowls (5.5-6.7 oz, Select Varieties): 3 for $11.00
- Bitchin' Sauce (7-9 oz, Select Varieties): $4.49 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Guacamole (14 oz, Select Varieties, Made In-Store): $6.99
Produce on sale:
- Southern Yellow Peaches or Yellow Nectarines: $1.29/lb
- Kroger Seedless Grapes (3 lb Clamshell, Select Varieties): $5.99
- Raspberries or Blackberries (9 oz): $1.99 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Washington Red Cherries: $3.99/lb (with Digital Coupon)
- 2 lb Strawberries or 18 oz Blueberries: $5.99
- Kroger Sweet Corn (4 ct Package): $3.99
- Private Selection Cara Cara Navel Oranges (3 lb) or Kroger Navel Oranges (4 lb): $4.99
- Asparagus: $3.49/lb
- Guacamole (14 oz, Select Varieties, Made In-Store): $6.99
Dairy and eggs on sale:
- Chobani Greek Yogurt (4.5-5.3 oz, Select Varieties): 10 for $10.00 (with Digital Coupon)
- Sargento Shredded Cheese (5-8 oz, Select Varieties): 2 for $4.00
- Kroger String Cheese (12 ct) or Pillsbury Toaster Strudel (6 ct): $2.29 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Simple Truth Almondmilk (59-64 fl oz) or Quaker Rice Crisps (2.6-3.52 oz): $1.99 each (with Digital Coupon)
Bakery and bread on sale:
- Classic Cake (6" or Angel Food Cake, 9-13 oz, Select Varieties): $5.00 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Artesano Bread (20 oz) or Buns (8 ct): $2.49 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Fresh Baked Cookies (12 ct, Select Varieties): $3.00
- Private Selection Fresh Baked Butter Croissants (Large 4 ct or Mini 12 ct): $5.00
- Dave's Killer Bread Organic Bread (20.5 oz) or Malt O Meal Cereal (30-37 oz): $4.99 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Nature's Own Honey Wheat Bread (20 oz, Select Varieties): $2.49
- Top Flight Wide or College Ruled Spiral Notebooks (70-Sheet): $0.99 each
Pantry on sale:
- Simple Truth Organic Salads (16 oz) or Private Selection Snacking Tomatoes (24 oz): $5.00
- Lay's Potato Chips (5-8 oz) or Cheetos (6.5-9 oz) or Sunchips (7 oz): 4 for $10.00 (with Card)
- Red Baron Pizza (14.87-23.45 oz, Select Varieties): 3 for $10.00
- Kroger Peanut Butter (16 oz) or Instant Oatmeal (8-12 ct): 3 for $5.00
- Barilla Pasta (12-16 oz) or Minute Rice Cups (4 ct): $1.39 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Cascadian Farm Organic Cereal (9.2-15 oz) or Kroger Orange Juice (64 fl oz): $2.99 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Oscar Mayer Uploaded Lunchables (13.95-14.7 oz, Select Varieties): $3.49 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Lance Sandwich Crackers (10 ct, Select Varieties): $3.79 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent (158.6-170 fl oz, Select Varieties): $9.99 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Keebler Sandwich Crackers (8 ct, Select Varieties): $1.99 each
- Cheez-It Family Size Crackers (17-21 oz) or Club Family Size Crackers (18.8 oz): $3.99 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Doritos (9-10.75 oz, Select Varieties): $2.99 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Green Mountain or McCafé K-Cups (8-10 ct, Select Varieties): $5.99 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Totino's Pizza Rolls (50 ct) or Pringles Snack Cups (12 ct): $3.99 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Kroger Coffee (20-29 oz Can, Select Varieties): $11.49 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Starbucks Coffee (10-12 oz Bag or K-Cups 10 ct): $9.99 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Rice-A-Roni or Pasta Roni (1.97-7.2 oz, Select Varieties): $0.99 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Post Cereal (10-16.6 oz) or Treetop Juice (64 fl oz): $1.99 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Hamburger Helper (4.8-7.6 oz) or Maruchan Ramen (6 ct): 3 for $5.00
- Betty Crocker Family Pack Fruit Snacks (40 ct) or Nature Valley Bars (18-36 ct): $7.99
- Kroger Drinking Water (24-Pack, 8 fl oz) or Juicy Juice (64 fl oz): 2 for $7.00
- Hellmann's Mayonnaise (11.5 fl oz) or Velveeta Family Size Shells & Cheese (24 oz): $3.99
- Kroger Salad Dressing (16 fl oz, Select Varieties): $2.29
- Kingsford or Match Light Charcoal (12-16 lb, Select Varieties): $11.99
- Hostess Donettes (9.5-10.75 oz) or Chobani Greek Yogurt Drink (7 fl oz): 2 for $4.00
- Kroger Steamer Vegetables (10-12 oz) or Deluxe Mac & Cheese (12-14 oz): 2 for $3.00
- Kellogg's Giant Size Cereal (19.2-29.5 oz, Select Varieties): 3 for $10.00 (with Card)
- General Mills Giant Size Cereal (20-29 oz, Select Varieties): $4.49 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Kettle Brand Party Size Potato Chips (11.25-13 oz, Select Varieties): $4.99
- Kroger Peanut Butter (16 oz, Select Varieties) [Online Deal Days]: $0.99 each (with Pickup & Delivery Digital Coupon)
- Sparkling Ice (17 fl oz), Bai Beverage (18 fl oz), Snapple (16 fl oz), Maruchan Yakisoba (3.99-4.23 oz), Knorr Sides (4-5.7 oz), Nissin Ramen or Chow Mein (2.54-4 oz), Chef Boyardee (7.25-15 oz), Dole Pineapple (8 oz), Ranch Style Beans (15 oz), Van Camp's Pork and Beans (15 oz), Kellogg's Mega Size Rice Krispies Treats (2.2 oz), Frito-Lay Minis (1.6-2.3 oz): 10 for $10.00
- Outshine Fruit Bars (6 ct) or Smucker's Uncrustables (4 ct): $3.49 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Kroger Cheese (32 oz, Select Varieties): $5.49 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Land O'Frost Premium Lunch Meat (9-16 oz, Select Varieties): $4.99 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks (6-10 ct, Select Varieties): $1.49 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Kinder's Sauce (14.2-16.1 oz, Select Varieties): $2.49 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Kind Breakfast Bars (6 ct) or Granola (9-11 oz): $3.49 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Barebells Protein Bar (1.94 oz, Select Varieties): $2.79
- Clif ZBars (10-12 ct) or Aloha Protein Bars (5 ct): $9.99
- Larabar (1.06-1.7 oz) or Core Water (30.40 fl oz): 10 for $10.00
- Kettle Brand Potato Chips (6-7.5 oz, Select Varieties): $3.49
- Big K (2 Liter, Select Varieties): 10 for $10.00
- Nerds or Spree Candy (7.14-12 oz, Select Varieties): $3.99
- Sour Patch Kids Candy (3.5-8 oz, Select Varieties): $2.49
- Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares (5-5.32 oz, Select Varieties): $6.99
- Haribo Gummi Candy (8 oz, Select Varieties): 2 for $4.00
- Lifesavers Mints (2.75-6.25 oz, Select Varieties): $2.99
- Nerds or Trolli Candy (18.5-28.8 oz, Select Varieties): $7.99
- Skittles Pop'd Candy (5.5 oz, Select Varieties): $5.99
Frozen on sale:
- Kroger Ice Cream (48 fl oz) or Frozen Dairy Dessert Sandwiches (12-16 ct): $1.99 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream (14 fl oz or Bars 3 ct) or Edy's (48 fl oz): $2.99 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Breyer's Ice Cream (48 fl oz, Select Varieties): $3.99 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Nestle Drumstick Cones (8-20 ct) or Kroger Party Pail Ice Cream (128 fl oz): $6.99
- Totino's Pizza Rolls (130 ct, Select Varieties): $10.99
- Tyson Frozen Chicken (23-29 oz, Select Varieties): $5.99 each (with Digital Coupon)
- Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sandwiches (8-20 ct, Select Varieties): $10.99
- Home Chef Fried Chicken (4-Piece or 5-Piece Drumsticks): $5.00
🛒 Estimated Shopping Cost
Based on sale prices for items in this plan
$59.98
for 4 people · $14.99 per person
📍 Disclaimer: Prices and availability are based on the Kroger weekly sales flyer for the week of July 22, 2026. Flyers are sourced from store websites and weekly flyer aggregator sites. Actual prices may vary by location. Always verify prices at your local store. We are not affiliated with Kroger.