Meijer Dairy-Free Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

Why these meals: The two chicken options anchoring this week are the Family Pack Chicken Thighs at $1.49/lb and the Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs at $1.99/lb, both outstanding values that keep two nights well under $4 in protein. Fresh from Meijer Brats at $3.99 for a full 19 oz. pack add a fun, different flavor profile for a third economical night, and Certified Angus Beef Ground Chuck at $5.29/lb gives you a hearty, satisfying fourth night for roughly $8 in protein. The single premium night goes to the Certified Angus Beef Top Round Steak or Roast at $7.99/lb - it is the most affordable of the steak and premium options on this flyer by a wide margin, and a top round sliced thin after a quick pan-sear stretches beautifully across four plates.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Pan-Seared Certified Angus Beef Top Round Steak with Sauteed Bell Peppers and Cabbage Slaw
Description: Thin-sliced top round steak is seasoned and seared hot in a skillet until browned, then rested and sliced against the grain for tender, flavorful bites. A quick sauteed bell pepper medley and a simple vinegar-dressed green cabbage slaw round out the plate with crunch and color.
Sale items used: Certified Angus Beef Top Round Steak or Roast, Locally Grown Green Bell Peppers, Locally Grown Green Cabbage
Prep time: 35 minutes
Serving note: Purchase 1.5 lbs of top round steak for 4 people. Use 3 green bell peppers and approximately 1 lb of green cabbage. Slice steak thin against the grain after a 5-minute rest for best texture.

Tuesday
Meal: Braised Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Thighs with Campari Tomatoes and Celery
Description: Bone-in chicken thighs are browned in a skillet then braised low and slow in a savory tomato and celery broth until the meat is cooked through and the sauce is rich and fragrant. Serve over rice or with Aunt Millie's Bread to soak up the juices.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Thighs, Campari Tomatoes, Locally Grown Celery Hearts, Aunt Millie's Bread
Prep time: 55 minutes
Serving note: Purchase 2 lbs of chicken thighs (roughly 2 thighs per person). Use the full 16 oz. container of Campari Tomatoes and 1 celery heart. One loaf of Aunt Millie's Bread serves 4 with plenty left over.
Recipes:
- Tomato Braised Chicken Thighs
- Braised Chicken Thighs with Celery and Carrot

Wednesday
Meal: Grilled Fresh from Meijer Brats with Green Bell Pepper and Cabbage
Description: Fresh from Meijer Brats are grilled over medium-high heat until cooked through with a snappy, browned casing, then served on Aunt Millie's Bread with sauteed green bell pepper strips and a pile of quick-wilted green cabbage. The combination of smoky sausage, sweet peppers, and tender cabbage makes a satisfying, naturally dairy-free plate.
Sale items used: Bell's Beer or Fresh from Meijer Brats, Locally Grown Green Bell Peppers, Locally Grown Green Cabbage, Aunt Millie's Bread
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: One 19 oz. pack of brats typically contains 5 links, giving each of 4 people at least one full link. Use 2 green bell peppers and approximately 0.75 lb of green cabbage. Slice bread into rolls or serve open-face.

Check the label: supermarket buns and rolls often contain milk or whey even when nothing on the front says so.

Thursday
Meal: Skillet-Browned Certified Angus Beef Ground Chuck Lettuce-Free Taco Bowls with Campari Tomatoes
Description: Ground chuck is browned in a skillet with taco-style spices, then spooned over a base of shredded green cabbage and topped with diced Campari Tomatoes for a fresh, crunchy, completely dairy-free bowl. The cabbage stands in beautifully for lettuce and adds satisfying texture without any extra cost.
Sale items used: Certified Angus Beef Ground Chuck, Campari Tomatoes, Locally Grown Green Cabbage
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Purchase 1.5 lbs of ground chuck for 4 people. Use the full 16 oz. container of Campari Tomatoes and approximately 0.75 lb of green cabbage shredded fine. Season ground beef with pantry cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt.

Friday
Meal: Oven-Baked Fresh from Meijer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs with BBQ Sauce and Grapes on the Side
Description: Boneless skinless chicken thighs are coated in Kraft BBQ Sauce and baked in the oven at 400 degrees until caramelized and cooked through, producing juicy, saucy chicken with a sticky glaze. A bowl of California Red Seedless Grapes on the side adds a sweet, refreshing contrast to the smoky-sweet chicken.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Kraft BBQ Sauce or Bullseye BBQ Sauce, California Red Seedless Grapes
Prep time: 40 minutes
Serving note: Purchase 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken thighs for 4 people (roughly 2 thighs per person). One 17.5-18 oz. bottle of BBQ sauce is more than sufficient to coat and glaze all thighs. Purchase 1 lb of California Red Seedless Grapes to share as a side.

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Certified Angus Beef Top Round Steak or Roast (1.5 lbs): $11.99
- Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Thighs (2 lbs): $2.98
- Campari Tomatoes (x2 containers): $5.98
- Locally Grown Celery Hearts (x1): $2.49
- Aunt Millie's Bread (x2 loaves): $3.98
- Bell's Beer or Fresh from Meijer Brats (x1 pack, 19 oz.): $3.99
- Locally Grown Green Bell Peppers (x5): $3.95
- Locally Grown Green Cabbage (2.5 lbs): $1.73
- Certified Angus Beef Ground Chuck (1.5 lbs): $7.94
- Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (2 lbs): $3.98
- Kraft BBQ Sauce or Bullseye BBQ Sauce (x1 bottle): $1.49
- California Red Seedless Grapes (1 lb): $1.99

Pantry staples needed:
- Olive oil or neutral cooking oil
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Paprika
- Apple cider vinegar (for cabbage slaw dressing)
- Sugar or honey (for slaw dressing, optional)
- Dried oregano or Italian seasoning (for braised chicken)
- Chicken broth or water (for braising liquid)
- Rice or tortilla chips (to serve with taco bowls, if desired)