Kroger Kid-Friendly Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

Why these meals: This week's flyer is genuinely strong on economical proteins, with chicken thighs at $1.29/lb and pork loin at $1.99/lb anchoring two of the most filling dinners of the week. Beef franks at $3.49 a pack and Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage at $3.99 round out two more easy, kid-approved nights at very low cost. Shrimp at $7.99/lb is the clear premium item this week and earns the one splurge night - it is the only protein that pushes past $3.50 per serving, and kids tend to love it simply cooked with butter and served over rice. Ground chuck at $6.99 per 16 oz package was skipped because feeding four people requires two packages, pushing the cost to nearly $14 for just the protein, which is not competitive against the other options this week. The Prego pasta sauce at $1.59 and Zatarain's Rice Sides at 2 for $3.00 are standout supporting deals that stretch each dinner further without adding much to the total.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Baked Perdue Chicken Thighs with Kroger Sweet Corn
Description: Bone-in chicken thighs are seasoned with pantry spices and baked in the oven until the skin is golden and the meat is juicy all the way through - a classic, crowd-pleasing dinner kids always go back for seconds on. Fresh sweet corn is boiled alongside and served on the cob with butter, making this a simple two-component meal with zero fuss.
Sale items used: Perdue Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs (or Wings), Kroger Sweet Corn (4 ct)
Prep time: 15 minutes active, 40 minutes bake time
Serving note: Use 2 lbs of chicken thighs (roughly 4-5 thighs) for 4 people at $2.58. Use 1 pack of Kroger Sweet Corn (4 ct) so each person gets one ear. Total time is about 55 minutes; no make-ahead needed.
Recipes:
- Honey and Mustard Baked Chicken Thighs

Tuesday
Meal: Stovetop Prego Pasta Sauce with Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sausage over Rana Pasta
Description: Sliced Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage is browned in a skillet, then simmered with Prego pasta sauce for a hearty, slightly sweet tomato meat sauce kids devour. It is ladled over Rana fresh pasta, which cooks in just a few minutes and has a tender texture children love.
Sale items used: Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sausage (Select Varieties, 16 oz), Prego Pasta Sauce (Select Varieties, 23-24 oz), Rana Pasta (10 oz)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 package (16 oz) Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sausage, 1 jar (23-24 oz) Prego Pasta Sauce, and 1 package (10 oz) Rana Pasta. The Rana pasta is a smaller portion, so serve with Pillsbury Grands Biscuits on the side to fill out the meal for hungry kids.

Wednesday
Meal: Pan-Seared Boneless Pork Loin Slices with Zatarain's Rice Sides
Description: A section of boneless pork half loin is sliced into medallions about half an inch thick, then pan-seared in a skillet with a little butter and garlic until cooked through with a light golden crust - simple, mild, and very kid-friendly. Zatarain's Rice Sides cook up in one pot and soak up any pan juices beautifully for a complete, satisfying plate.
Sale items used: Boneless Pork Half Loin, Zatarain's Rice Sides (6.9 oz)
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Purchase and use 2 lbs of Boneless Pork Half Loin (ask the butcher to portion it or cut at home) at $3.98 for 4 people. Use 2 boxes of Zatarain's Rice Sides (purchased as the 2 for $3.00 deal) to ensure a generous serving for all four.

Thursday
Meal: Ball Park Beef Frank Hot Dogs on Kroger Bread with Kroger Steamable Vegetables
Description: Classic beef franks are pan-cooked on the stovetop until lightly browned, then tucked into sliced Kroger bread for a Friday-eve hot dog night that kids absolutely love. A bag of Kroger Steamable Vegetables is microwaved right in the bag for an easy, colorful side that rounds out the plate.
Sale items used: Ball Park Beef Franks (Select Varieties, 14-15 oz), Kroger Bread (Select Varieties, 20 oz), Kroger Steamable Vegetables (Frozen, 10-12 oz)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 package Ball Park Beef Franks (14-15 oz, approximately 8 franks) - each person gets 2 franks. Use 1 loaf Kroger Bread (slice as needed for buns). Use 1 bag Kroger Steamable Vegetables (10-12 oz) for 4 side servings.

Friday
Meal: Butter-Cooked Large Peeled & Deveined Shrimp over Zatarain's Rice Sides
Description: Large peeled and deveined shrimp are cooked quickly in a skillet with butter, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon until pink and tender - a fun, special Friday dinner that kids find exciting to eat. Served over fluffy Zatarain's Rice Sides, this meal comes together in under 20 minutes and feels like a treat without a lot of effort.
Sale items used: Large Peeled & Deveined Shrimp 31-40 ct (2 lb bag), Zatarain's Rice Sides (6.9 oz)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: Use 2 lbs of Large Peeled & Deveined Shrimp (the full 2 lb bag) at $15.98 for 4 people - this is the premium night. Use 2 boxes of Zatarain's Rice Sides (purchased as a separate 2 for $3.00 deal) for generous portions for all four.

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Perdue Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs (or Wings) (2 lbs): $2.58
- Kroger Sweet Corn (4 ct) (1 pack, purchased as part of 2 for $7.00 deal paired with Private Selection Gourmet Potatoes 1.5 lb bag): $3.50
- Private Selection Gourmet Potatoes (1.5 lb bag) (1 bag, purchased as part of 2 for $7.00 deal to complete the pair - use as a pantry side later in the week): $3.50
- Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sausage (Select Varieties, 16 oz) (x1): $3.99
- Prego Pasta Sauce (Select Varieties, 23-24 oz) (x1): $1.59
- Rana Pasta (10 oz) (x1): $3.99
- Pillsbury Grands Biscuits or Cinnamon Rolls (Select Varieties, 8 ct) (x1): $2.39
- Boneless Pork Half Loin (2 lbs): $3.98
- Zatarain's Rice Sides (6.9 oz) (x4 boxes, purchased as 2 sets of 2 for $3.00): $6.00
- Ball Park Beef Franks (Select Varieties, 14-15 oz) (x1): $3.49
- Kroger Bread (Select Varieties, 20 oz) (x1): $1.99
- Kroger Steamable Vegetables (Frozen, 10-12 oz) (x1 bag, purchased as part of 2 for $3.00 deal): $1.50
- Kroger Steamable Vegetables (Frozen, 10-12 oz) (x1 bag, second unit to complete the 2 for $3.00 deal): $1.50
- Large Peeled & Deveined Shrimp 31-40 ct (2 lb bag) (2 lbs): $15.98

Pantry staples needed:
- Butter
- Garlic (minced or cloves)
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Lemon (for shrimp)
- Ketchup and mustard (for hot dogs)
- Parmesan or shredded cheese (optional topping for pasta night)