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Budget-Friendly Weekly Meal Plan with 7 Easy Dinners Under 75 Dollars

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A practical and affordable weekly meal plan featuring seven easy, tasty dinners that come together quickly and keep your grocery budget under $75.

Ingredients

  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 3 pounds / 1.4 kg)
  • Dry lentils (1 cup / 200 g)
  • Eggs (1 dozen)
  • Canned black beans (2 cans, 15 oz / 425 g each)
  • Ground turkey (1 pound / 450 g)
  • Yellow onions (3 medium)
  • Garlic cloves (1 bulb)
  • Carrots (4 medium)
  • Bell peppers (2, any color)
  • Frozen corn (1 cup / 150 g)
  • Spinach or kale (5 oz / 150 g bag)
  • Russet potatoes (3 medium)
  • Olive oil or vegetable oil (about ½ cup / 120 ml)
  • Tomato paste (1 small can, 6 oz / 170 g)
  • Chicken or vegetable broth (4 cups / 950 ml)
  • Canned diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz / 411 g)
  • Dried Italian herbs or mixed seasoning (1 tablespoon)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Chili powder or smoked paprika (optional, 1 teaspoon)
  • Rice (1.5 cups / 300 g)
  • All-purpose flour (for thickening sauces, if needed)
  • Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional, 1 cup / 100 g)
  • Plain yogurt or sour cream (optional, for topping)
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Plan your shopping by reviewing your pantry and making a list of missing ingredients. Allocate about 30 minutes for grocery shopping.
  2. Wash, peel, and chop onions, carrots, and bell peppers. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for quick access (about 20 minutes).
  3. Prepare rice according to package instructions using 1.5 cups rice and 3 cups water. Cook for 15-20 minutes, fluff with a fork, and set aside.
  4. Rinse 1 cup dry lentils and add to 3 cups boiling water or broth. Cook for 20-25 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain excess liquid if needed.
  5. Season chicken thighs or ground turkey with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Brown in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes per side or until cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
  6. In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant (about 3 minutes). Add carrots, bell peppers, tomato paste, canned diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Let simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
  7. Add browned proteins back to the skillet along with cooked lentils or beans. Stir well and let everything meld together for an additional 5-10 minutes over low heat. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  8. Optionally, sprinkle shredded cheese on top or add a dollop of yogurt or sour cream when serving for extra creaminess.

Notes

Use gluten-free flour to make the plan gluten-free. Batch cook grains and proteins early in the week to save time. Season at multiple stages for deeper flavor. Avoid burning tomato paste by monitoring heat. Leftovers store well in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. Reheat gently with added broth or water if dry.

Nutrition

Keywords: budget-friendly, weekly meal plan, easy dinners, affordable meals, quick recipes, family-friendly, meal prep

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/budget-friendly-weekly-meal-plan-with-7-easy-dinners-under-75-dollars/