Frugal Food & Meal Planning, All Posts
$50 Weekly Meal Plan: Budget-Friendly Meal Prep Ideas
May
Hello, if you’re looking to stretch your grocery budget while still enjoying tasty, wholesome meals, you’re in the right place. I’m thrilled to share my $50 Weekly Meal Plan with you. As someone who loves finding smart ways to save money and live intentionally, I’ve crafted this plan to keep your wallet happy and your family fed. For just $50, you’ll get a full week of breakfast, lunch, and dinner ideas, plus a shopping list, easy recipes, and some time-saving prep tips. Let’s dive into this budget-friendly adventure together and see how cheap grocery shopping can transform into delicious family meals!
Why This $50 Meal Plan Is a Total Win
Picture this: a week of meals that save you money, cut down on stress, and still taste amazing. That’s what this $50 meal plan delivers. Planning ahead means no more last-minute takeout splurges or wasted groceries. You’ll use every ingredient wisely, turning simple staples into family meals everyone will love. Plus, with a few meal prep ideas, you’ll have more time to kick back and enjoy your day. It’s practical, frugal, and oh-so-doable. Ready to make the most of your $50? Let’s go!
Your $50 Shopping List
First things first, let’s talk groceries. I’ve put together a list of affordable, versatile ingredients that’ll carry you through the week. These staples are perfect for cheap grocery shopping and can be found at most stores. Here’s what you’ll need:
Item | Quantity | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
Eggs | 1 dozen | $2.00 |
Rice | 2 lbs | $2.00 |
Pasta | 1 lb | $1.00 |
Canned black beans | 2 cans | $1.50 |
Canned tomatoes | 2 cans | $2.00 |
Frozen mixed veggies | 1 large bag | $3.00 |
Chicken breasts | 2 lbs | $6.00 |
Ground turkey | 1 lb | $3.50 |
Potatoes | 5 lbs | $3.00 |
Carrots | 1 lb | $1.00 |
Onions | 3 | $1.50 |
Garlic | 1 bulb | $0.50 |
Bread | 1 loaf | $1.50 |
Peanut butter | 1 jar | $2.50 |
Oats | 1 lb | $1.50 |
Milk | 1 gallon | $3.00 |
Cheese | 1 block | $2.50 |
Bananas | 1 bunch | $1.50 |
Apples | 1 bag | $2.50 |
Butter | 1 stick | $1.00 |
Olive oil | Small bottle | $3.00 |
Spices (salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder) | – | $2.00 |
Total Estimated Cost: $49.50
Prep Tip: Peek into your pantry before you shop. You might already have salt, pepper, or oil, which could shave a few bucks off your total!
Your 7-Day $50 Meal Plan
Now, let’s map out the week. This plan balances variety and savings, with meals that are easy to whip up and perfect for busy days. Check out the table below for your daily lineup:
Day | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|---|
Monday | Oatmeal with bananas | Peanut butter sandwich | Chicken and rice |
Tuesday | Scrambled eggs | Leftover chicken salad | Turkey chili |
Wednesday | Toast with butter | Turkey chili leftovers | Pasta with tomato sauce |
Thursday | Oatmeal with apples | Grilled cheese | Bean and rice burritos |
Friday | Scrambled eggs | Leftover burrito bowl | Baked chicken and veggies |
Saturday | Pancakes | Egg salad sandwich | Turkey and veggie stir-fry |
Sunday | Oatmeal with bananas | Leftover stir-fry | Cheesy potato casserole |
Prep Tip: Leftovers are the secret sauce here. Cook once, eat twice, and watch your time and money stretch further!
Daily Recipes and Prep Tips
Time to roll up our sleeves and cook! These recipes are simple, tasty, and designed to make your $50 meal plan a breeze. I’ve sprinkled in some meal prep ideas to keep things smooth all week long.
Monday
Breakfast: Oatmeal with Bananas
Boil 1 cup oats with 2 cups water. Slice a banana on top for natural sweetness.
Prep Tip: Cook extra oats today and reheat them later in the week.
Lunch: Peanut Butter Sandwich
Spread peanut butter on two slices of bread. Add banana slices if you’re feeling fancy.
Prep Tip: Make this the night before for a quick lunch on the go.
Dinner: Chicken and Rice
Cook 1 cup rice. In a pan, heat a splash of olive oil, sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, then add 1 lb diced chicken. Cook until done, mix with rice.
Prep Tip: Double the chicken and save half for Tuesday’s lunch.
Tuesday
Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs
Beat 2 eggs with a splash of milk, salt, and pepper. Cook in a buttered pan until fluffy.
Prep Tip: Scramble a few extra eggs for Saturday’s lunch.
Lunch: Leftover Chicken Salad
Chop leftover chicken and mix with diced carrots, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of spices.
Prep Tip: Toss in any stray veggies you have lying around.
Dinner: Turkey Chili
In a pot, brown 1 lb ground turkey with 1 chopped onion. Add 1 can tomatoes, 1 can beans, and spices. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Prep Tip: Make a big batch for Wednesday’s lunch.
Wednesday
Breakfast: Toast with Butter
Toast 2 slices of bread and spread with butter. Simple and satisfying!
Prep Tip: Use older bread to keep costs down.
Lunch: Turkey Chili Leftovers
Reheat yesterday’s chili. So good it’s worth having twice!
Prep Tip: Pair with a scoop of rice if you’ve got some left.
Dinner: Pasta with Tomato Sauce
Boil 1/2 lb pasta. Heat 1 can tomatoes with garlic and spices, then toss with pasta.
Prep Tip: Cook extra pasta for a quick Thursday lunch base.
Thursday
Breakfast: Oatmeal with Apples
Reheat oats and top with chopped apples for a cozy start.
Prep Tip: Dice apples ahead of time and store in the fridge.
Lunch: Grilled Cheese
Butter two bread slices, add cheese, and cook until golden and melty.
Prep Tip: Dip in leftover tomato sauce if you’ve got some.
Dinner: Bean and Rice Burritos
Warm tortillas, stuff with cooked rice, beans, and a sprinkle of cheese. Roll up and dig in.
Prep Tip: Save extras for Friday’s lunch bowl.
Friday
Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs
Repeat Tuesday’s eggs for a protein-packed morning.
Prep Tip: Add leftover veggies for a fun twist.
Lunch: Leftover Burrito Bowl
Spoon leftover burrito filling over rice. Easy and filling!
Prep Tip: Top with a bit of cheese for extra yum.
Dinner: Baked Chicken and Veggies
Toss 1 lb chicken and chopped veggies with olive oil and spices. Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes.
Prep Tip: Use up any carrots or potatoes you’ve got left.
Saturday
Breakfast: Pancakes
Mix 1 cup flour, 1 egg, 1 cup milk, and a pinch of salt. Cook on a buttered skillet.
Prep Tip: Freeze extras for a treat later.
Lunch: Egg Salad Sandwich
Chop hard-boiled eggs, mix with olive oil and spices, and spread on bread.
Prep Tip: Boil eggs early in the week for this.
Dinner: Turkey and Veggie Stir-Fry
Sauté leftover turkey with frozen veggies and a splash of soy sauce if you have it. Serve over rice.
Prep Tip: Clear out any remaining veggies here.
Sunday
Breakfast: Oatmeal with Bananas
Reheat oats and add banana slices. A classic to finish the week!
Prep Tip: Use up those last bananas before they’re too ripe.
Lunch: Leftover Stir-Fry
Reheat and enjoy the last of your stir-fry.
Prep Tip: Add a fried egg if you’re feeling extra.
Dinner: Cheesy Potato Casserole
Thinly slice potatoes, layer with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
Prep Tip: Finish off your cheese and potatoes here.
Wrap-Up: Rock Your $50 Meal Plan
There you go, ladies! A full $50 meal plan that proves you don’t need a big budget to enjoy great family meals. With smart cheap grocery shopping and a handful of meal prep ideas, you’ve got a week of deliciousness locked in. I love how flexible this plan is, so tweak it to fit your crew’s tastes or whatever’s in your pantry. Frugal living is all about making the most of what you’ve got, right?
Give this a try and let me know how it goes! Drop your favorite budget tips or recipes below. I’d love to swap ideas and cheer each other on. Here’s to eating well and saving big!
Read more:
Best Frugal Budgeting Tips That Help You Save More Money Annually
