This is the best time to start stocking up and couponing because many jar/canned goods are a steal of a price right now! This week we have some great deals at Tops that we can feed our family an entire week of meals for only $40/week. If you are new to this series you can check out my previous posts- you never know a recipe there may inspire you or work better for you then the ones this week!
I hope after checking out this post you will see that meal planning can save so much money and to stop and think “How can I serve my family home cooked meals for less?!”
The other day grilled cheese sandwiches came to mind for dinner. For some reason when my husband is not home in time for dinner I tend to go for these basic meals. When I brought this up to him he said ” I LOVE GRILLED CHEESE!” I started to think well why can’t we serve grilled cheese for dinner.
Our meals do not have to be more than our budget and time allow.
So here’s what I got for us this week. Just a note I usually do my weekly grocery shopping trips and meal menu and this week this is our menu too!
GROCERY SHOPPING LIST
This is for an average of 4 servings per meal. These prices are valid at Tops12/6-12/12/15. Look for a new post next week with current sale prices! Check out the Tops Coupon Matchups here.
( It’s doubler week and this list can save you 50% 0ff your bill)
PRODUCE
1- Fresh Express Salad Kits- $2.50( Head of lettuce may be cheaper)
GROCERY
1- bag of Tops Rice $2 ( This will last you longer and it really is a pantry staple.)
2- Boxes of Ronzoni Pasta $0.88 ea. ( 1 penne, 1 spaghetti)
2- Tops Canned Peas-$0.50 ea. they have no salt added ones too
1- Tops Canned Spinach-$0.50 ea. they have no salt added ones too
2- Tops Canned Corn – $0.50 ea.they have no salt added ones too
2- Tops Canned Tomato Sauce– $0.50 ea.
1- Mission Tortillas $2
Use the $1/1 peelie coupon found on product and Dollar Doubler- FREE
1- Gold Medal Flour– use in ad super coupon $1.69
5- Packs of your choice berries- Buy 2 Get 3 Free $4.99 ea.
2- Kaiser Rolls BOGO $3.99 ea.
1- Aunt Jemima Frozen Waffles $2
1- Tops Instant Oatmeal $2 ( Toaster Strudels, Tops Cereal are also on sale for $2- buy what you like in this price range)
DAIRY
2- Packs of Tops Brick cheese $2 ea.
MEAT
2- Packs of Chicken Thighs $0.79/lb.- Average $3 each
TOTAL BEFORE SAVINGS: $42.41
You will receive 42 gas points for the $ amount you spend. ($1.26) You will receive another 10 points for the coupon. ($0.30)
COUPONS NEEDED
Tops in Ad Coupon for Gold Medal Flour
AND Your Mission Tortilla peelie.
Tops Dollar Doubler Found in Ad. Pay attention to your coupons that print out while you are checking out- I usually always go to self checkout. Three times we got a $4 off a $40 purchase coupon. If you get it you can use it- or you could be the lucky winner to win a $100 gift card! A person in front of me did the other day! WOW! I was excited with my $4 off !
TOTAL AFTER SALE, DISCOUNTS, COUPONS and Gas savings: $39.85
7 Day Meal Plan and Grocery List at a Glance
( We did the Chicken Nuggets deal this week for lunch- and always PBJs!)
Monday
- Breakfast:Waffles
- Dinner: Spaghetti with homemade garlic bread
Tuesday
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with fresh fruit
- Dinner: Seasoned Chicken Thighs with Yellow Rice- Rachel Ray Recipe- I totally changed this recipe. I didn’t use saffron- cooked my white rice ahead and just seasoned my chicken thighs how our family likes. I used my canned peas and just added them in the last two minutes of cooking so they don’t turn to mush.
Wednesday
- Breakfast: Homemade pancakes
- Dinner: Spinach Mac and Cheese– This is the recipe I use but I leave out the artichokes. I have made with and without both are good! Depends on my budget!
Thursday
- Breakfast: Oatmeal
- Dinner: Midwinter Minestrone Soup with Kaiser Rolls
Friday
- Breakfast: Waffles
- Dinner: Crispy Fried Chicken Thighs with corn and kaiser rolls
Saturday
- Breakfast:Smoothie
- Dinner: Homemade Pizza- Use your Tops sauce to season for your pizza sauce and shred your cheese
Sunday
- Breakfast: Cereal
- Dinner: Chicken Quesadillas- When looking at these recipes use what you have. You can get away with exactly what is on this list and I am sure that some of you have surprises in your pantry right now you could use! It’s important to live on a budget with groceries to use what you have and not have to get every single ingredient- improvise! You may just make your new favorite dish!
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