Meal Planning Monday ~ Stretching Your Food Budget



          This week’s post is by Leah Kelley.

          I'm a big fan of stretching your food budget, especially when it comes to meat. It’s not often you find coupons for beef, pork and chicken (I do occasionally get some from Kroger), so it’s important to find other ways to save.  One great way to save on meat is to check out the “Manager’s Special” section of the meat case.  Often times these cut of meat are getting close to their expiration dates.  If I find something my family likes, I’ll either use that cut of meat immediately or freeze it for later use.  You can frequently save 50% or more on Manager Specials.

Another great way to save on protein is by literally stretching a cut of meat out over several meals.  Here’s a great way to do that with a pork loin.  Put one in the Crockpot with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder. Shred it up when it's done and put a third of it back in the crock pot with a bottle of barbeque sauce and make Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches. Throw the rest in Tupperware and you have pulled pork in the fridge or freezer ready to go for another two meals. I like making Carnitas with some of it and I'll put the rest on buns with a slice of Swiss cheese and mayo for a quick and hearty lunch.  

What's on the Kelley family Meal Plan this week?

Monday ~ Garlic Chicken ( I'll make a double batch so I can have something ready for the rest of the week) , spinach, and carrots ( I boil the carrots first, then sauté them in butter with a little bit of brown sugar)

Tuesday ~ Lobster Shrimp Ravioli Frozen Dinner from Buitoni ( I received a Free Coupon from a House Party I hosted)

Wednesday ~ Spaghetti with Garlic Chicken Sauce (I'll use leftover Garlic Chicken and put it in the spaghetti sauce) and a Caesar Salad

Thursday ~ Slow Cooker Ribs, mashed potatoes, and corn

Friday~ FFY (Fend For Yourself) night. I'll be at a Girls Night Out.

Saturday ~ Garlic Chicken Parmesan Subs and potato salad

Sunday ~ Grass Fed Beef Beer Burgers topped with Mushrooms and Blue Cheese, leftover potato salad, and Cucumber and Onion Salad