Meijer Kid-Friendly Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

Why these meals: This week's plan leans on kid-friendly classics that come together with minimal fuss, starting with baked BBQ chicken drumsticks on Monday and beef and cheese soft tacos on Tuesday for a fun, build-your-own dinner. Wednesday brings pan-seared bone-in pork chops with a quick homemade applesauce, using the same Honeycrisp apples from Monday in a whole new way. Thursday keeps things easy with meatball sub sandwiches, perfect for a low-effort night, and the week wraps up Friday with sliced strip steak and roasted tomatoes for a slightly special but still mild, familiar finish. You'll find the Fresh from Meijer chicken drumsticks at just $2.58 and the pork chops at $3.58, so this plan puts great value ingredients front and center while still feeling like a treat every night.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Description: Juicy oven-baked drumsticks brushed with a simple barbecue glaze, a classic kid favorite. Served with a light side of the week's fresh apples for a sweet crunch.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Drumsticks, Bulk Honeycrisp Apples
Prep time: 45 minutes
Serving note: 2 lbs chicken drumsticks (about 8 pieces) for 4 people; 1 lb Honeycrisp Apples sliced as a side.
Recipes:
- Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
- BEST Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
- Baked Chicken Drumsticks (Fall-off-the-Bone)

Tuesday
Meal: Beef and Cheese Soft Tacos
Description: Ground beef seasoned with a taco kit, spooned into soft tortillas with shredded cheese. A hands-on, build-your-own dinner kids love.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer 80% Lean Ground Beef, Old El Paso Dinner Kit (Soft Tortillas and Taco Seasoning)
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: 2 lbs ground beef and 1 Old El Paso Dinner Kit for 4 people; serve with shredded cheese from the fridge.
Recipes:
- Soft Beef Tacos Recipe
- 15 minutes soft tacos
- Crispy Beef and Cheese Tacos

Wednesday
Meal: Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Applesauce
Description: Bone-in pork chops seared until golden and served with warm cinnamon applesauce made from fresh apples. A comforting, mild-flavored dinner.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Pork Loin Assorted Chops Bone in, Bulk Honeycrisp Apples
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: 2 lbs bone-in pork chops (4 chops) for 4 people; use remaining apples (about 1/2 lb) simmered into a quick sauce.
Recipes:
- Pork Chops with Applesauce Recipe
- Pork Chops and Applesauce
- Easy Pork Chops and Applesauce (Classic Comfort Food)

Thursday
Meal: Meatball Sub Sandwiches
Description: Warm cooked meatballs tucked into soft buns with melted cheese, a simple sandwich night the whole family can build themselves. Pair with kettle chips for a fun crunch.
Sale items used: Cooked Perfect Meatballs, Aunt Millie's Bakehouse Buns
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: 1 pack Cooked Perfect Meatballs and 4 Aunt Millie's Bakehouse Buns for 4 people.
Recipes:
- Meatball Subs Recipe
- Meatball Sandwiches Recipe
- Best Italian Meatball Sub (Family Approved Sandwich Recipe)

Friday
Meal: Sliced Strip Steak with Roasted Tomatoes
Description: Thinly sliced New York strip steak pan-seared and served alongside warm roasted tomatoes, a special end-of-week dinner with familiar flavors. Kept mild and simple so kids can enjoy the beefy flavor without any spice.
Sale items used: Certified Angus Beef New York Strip Steak Boneless, Angel Sweet or Wild Wonders Tomatoes
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: 1 lb New York Strip Steak sliced thin for 4 people; roast 1 pack Angel Sweet Tomatoes as a side.
Recipes:
- Steak with Roasted Tomatoes & Potatoes
- Sliced Steak Sandwiches with Roasted Tomatoes
- Grilled Flank Steak with Roasted Tomatoes

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Drumsticks (2 lb): $2.58
- Fresh from Meijer 80% Lean Ground Beef (2 lb): $9.98
- Fresh from Meijer Pork Loin Assorted Chops Bone in (2 lb): $3.58
- Cooked Perfect Meatballs (1 pack): $6.49
- Certified Angus Beef New York Strip Steak Boneless (1 lb): $14.99
- Aunt Millie's Bakehouse Buns (1 pack): $2.99
- Old El Paso Dinner Kit (1 kit): $2.49
- Bulk Honeycrisp Apples (1 lb): $1.79
- Angel Sweet or Wild Wonders Tomatoes (1 pack): $4.99

Pantry staples needed:
- Barbecue sauce
- Shredded cheese
- Cinnamon
- Cooking oil
- Salt and pepper