Menu Plan Monday--Meats on a Budget

For the most part, meat is the most costly part of a meal. Sure enough, whenever you see a menu promising a shockingly low budget, it is very skimpy on the meat. While there are quite a few tasty vegetarian meals, my meat and potatoes loving husband would never allow a dinner void of some sort of charred animal flesh LOL. So, I have had to get creative on how to provide low cost meats and also to stretch the meats that we use.

First, scour the sale ads and look for those weekly specials on meats. Usually each store has one really good deal each week. Consider starting a price book and keep track of what the regular price of each type of meat is. Then when a great value comes, you will know it, and you can stock up until the next time it will be on sale.

Secondly, have a list of stand by meats that you know you can always find for a good deal. My list includes whole chickens, chicken leg quarters, ground beef, and pork shoulders. You can pretty much always find a good deal on these meats.

Last, although you will have your list of meats that you generally keep on hand, don't forget to think outside the box. Add an assortment of choices and always search through all the different options for meats that can add value and variety to your menus. Some things to consider: italian sausage, chorizo, carne asada, pork breakfast sausage, ham steaks, fish or shrimp, carnitas, or polish sausage.

Look for future posts about how to stretch those meat dollars to get the most value for your money.


Menu Plan for 5/3-5/9

Monday:
breakfast~cinnamon toast
lunch~chicken avocado soup
dinner~chorizo quesadillas

Tuesday:
breakfast~blueberry cream yogurt
lunch~leftovers
dinner~lemon pork chops, rice, mixed veggies

Wednesday:
breakfast~banana muffins
lunch~picnic of sandwiches, chips, oranges
dinner~chicken bruschetta casserole

Thursday:
breakfast~smoothies
lunch~pasta
dinner~salisbury steak

Friday:
breakfast~rice
lunch~baked potatoes
dinner~pizza

Saturday:
breakfast~huevos rancheros
lunch~chicken nuggets and fries
dinner~macaroni and cheese

Sunday:
breakfast~cereal
lunch~picnic of fried chicken, potato salad, fruit cocktail, coleslaw
dinner~fajitas


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