Meijer Standard Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

Why these meals: The star of this week is the $0.99/lb chicken drumsticks - at under $2.50 to feed four people, they are one of the best protein deals you will find anywhere this summer, and they anchor Monday's dinner with bold flavor. Pork loin assorted chops at $1.99/lb and chicken breasts at $2.29/lb fill two more economical nights, keeping those meals well under $5 in protein cost each. Johnsonville Fresh Brats at $4.79 for a full package bring a fun, fast Friday cookout feel at a great price point. The Black Pearl Atlantic Salmon Burgers at $4.99 each earn the one premium night - two packages feed all four people for about $10, which is far more reasonable than the ribeye at nearly $28 for the same crowd, making salmon burgers the clear best-value premium pick on this flyer. The ribeye was deliberately skipped because even on sale it would push the weekly total well past the per-person target on its own. Frederik's by Meijer Gourmet Pasta at $2.99 and The Little Potato Company Creamer Potatoes at $4.99 round out the week with hearty, satisfying sides that stretch every protein further.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Creamer Potatoes and Baby-Cut Carrots
Description: Seasoned chicken drumsticks are baked at high heat until the skin is deeply golden and the meat is juicy and tender, roasting alongside halved creamer potatoes and baby-cut carrots for a complete one-pan dinner. The combination of smoky paprika, garlic, and a touch of olive oil makes this a crowd-pleasing weeknight meal that practically cooks itself.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Drumsticks All natural, The Little Potato Company Creamer Potatoes 3 lb. bag, Baby-Cut Carrots 1 lb. bag
Prep time: 15 minutes active, 45 minutes in oven (60 minutes total)
Serving note: Use 2.5 lbs of chicken drumsticks (roughly 8-10 pieces for 4 people), the full 3 lb. bag of creamer potatoes halved, and the full 1 lb. bag of baby-cut carrots. Roast everything on one large sheet pan at 425 degrees F.

Tuesday
Meal: Pan-Seared Pork Loin Assorted Chops with Sauteed Vidalia Onions
Description: Bone-in pork loin assorted chops are seasoned simply and seared in a hot skillet until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, then topped with sweet Vidalia onions that have been slowly sauteed until soft and caramelized. The natural sweetness of the Vidalia onions complements the savory pork beautifully, and the whole meal comes together in under 30 minutes.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Pork Loin Assorted Chops Bone in, Vidalia Onions 5 lb. bag
Prep time: 10 minutes active, 20 minutes cooking (30 minutes total)
Serving note: Use 2 lbs of pork loin assorted chops (roughly 4 chops for 4 people). Use approximately 1.5 lbs of Vidalia onions from the 5 lb. bag, sliced thin. The remaining onions from the bag will carry through the rest of the week.
Recipes:
- 10-Minute Pan-Fried Boneless Pork Chops - Craving Tasty

Wednesday
Meal: Frederik's Gourmet Pasta with Ground Beef and Heinz Ketchup-Tomato Pan Sauce
Description: Ground beef is browned and broken up in a skillet, then simmered with Heinz ketchup, garlic, Italian seasoning, and a splash of pasta water into a quick, rich tomato-meat sauce that coats every strand of Frederik's gourmet pasta. This is a hearty, deeply satisfying bowl of pasta that tastes like it took far longer than it actually did.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer 80% Lean Ground Beef 3 lb. pkg. or larger, Frederik's by Meijer Gourmet Pasta, Heinz Tomato Ketchup 38 oz.
Prep time: 10 minutes active, 25 minutes cooking (35 minutes total)
Serving note: Use 1.5 lbs of ground beef from the 3 lb. package (freeze the remaining 1.5 lbs). Use one 12-16 oz. package of Frederik's by Meijer Gourmet Pasta, cooked according to package directions. Use approximately 3 tablespoons of Heinz Tomato Ketchup as the sauce base alongside pantry tomato paste and seasonings.
Recipes:
- Beef Pasta Recipe in Tomato Sauce - Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe | Eatwell101

Thursday
Meal: Baked Chicken Breasts with Maille Mustard Glaze and Nectarine Salsa
Description: Boneless chicken breasts are coated in Maille mustard and baked until cooked through with a tangy, golden crust, then served alongside a fresh salsa made from diced California nectarines and thinly sliced Vidalia onion. The sweet-tart nectarine salsa cuts through the richness of the mustard glaze and makes this feel like a restaurant-quality summer dinner.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Breasts All natural, Maille Mustard 7.3-8 oz., California Yellow or White Nectarines, Vidalia Onions 5 lb. bag
Prep time: 15 minutes active, 25 minutes baking (40 minutes total)
Serving note: Use 2 lbs of chicken breasts (roughly 4 medium breasts for 4 people). Use about 3 tablespoons of Maille Mustard as the glaze. Use 4 nectarines (approximately 1.5 lbs) diced for the salsa, combined with a small amount of the remaining Vidalia onion, fresh lime juice, and cilantro from pantry.

Friday
Meal: Grilled Black Pearl Atlantic Salmon Burgers on Meijer Split Top Bread with Wholly Guacamole
Description: Black Pearl Atlantic Salmon Burgers are cooked on a grill or grill pan until heated through with lightly crisped edges, then stacked on toasted Meijer Split Top Bread and topped with a generous spoonful of Wholly Guacamole for a fresh, satisfying end-of-week dinner. The creamy guacamole and the savory salmon patty are a natural pairing that feels festive without any extra effort.
Sale items used: Black Pearl Atlantic Salmon Burgers 10 oz., Meijer Split Top White or Wheat Bread 22 oz., Wholly Guacamole 7.5 oz.
Prep time: 5 minutes active, 10 minutes cooking (15 minutes total)
Serving note: Use 2 packages of Black Pearl Atlantic Salmon Burgers (4 burgers total, one per person). Use 8 slices of Meijer Split Top Bread (2 slices per person, toasted). Use the full 7.5 oz. container of Wholly Guacamole divided among 4 burgers.

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Drumsticks All natural (2.5 lbs): $2.48
- The Little Potato Company Creamer Potatoes 3 lb. bag (x1): $4.99
- Baby-Cut Carrots 1 lb. bag (x1): $1.29
- Fresh from Meijer Pork Loin Assorted Chops Bone in (2 lbs): $3.98
- Vidalia Onions 5 lb. bag (x1): $4.99
- Fresh from Meijer 80% Lean Ground Beef 3 lb. pkg. or larger (3 lb. package, use 1.5 lbs this week): $14.97
- Frederik's by Meijer Gourmet Pasta (x1): $2.99
- Heinz Tomato Ketchup 38 oz. (x1): $3.99
- Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Breasts All natural (2 lbs): $4.58
- Maille Mustard 7.3-8 oz. (x1): $3.99
- California Yellow or White Nectarines (1.5 lbs): $2.99
- Black Pearl Atlantic Salmon Burgers 10 oz. (x2): $9.98
- Meijer Split Top White or Wheat Bread 22 oz. (x1): $1.89
- Wholly Guacamole 7.5 oz. (x1): $2.99

Pantry staples needed:
- Olive oil
- Garlic (fresh or powder)
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Tomato paste (small can)
- Lime juice or fresh limes
- Fresh cilantro
- Cooking spray or neutral oil for skillet