Kroger Dairy-Free Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

Why these meals: Chicken breasts at $1.99/lb are the clear anchor of this week, appearing on two nights and keeping those meals under $4 in protein alone. The 2 lb ground beef and pork blend at $8.00 flat and pork ribs at $2.99/lb round out three more economical nights, all sitting well under $3 per serving. Shrimp at $6.99/lb comes in at roughly $2.62 per serving, which is actually cheaper than the fully cooked rotisserie-style chicken and far cheaper than the strip steaks, so it earns a spot as an economical night rather than the premium slot. The Boneless Strip Steaks at $11.99/lb are the only genuinely premium protein this week at about $6 per serving, and they take the single premium night. The strip steaks are skipped in favor of keeping the week balanced, and the Simple Truth Organic Ground Beef at $25.00 for 3 lbs ($8.33/lb) is skipped entirely since the 2 lb blend delivers similar protein at a much better value.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Pan-Seared Heritage Farm Boneless Chicken Breasts with Roasted Broccoli and Tomatoes
Description: Boneless chicken breasts are seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and herbs, then seared in a skillet until golden and cooked through, served alongside oven-roasted broccoli crowns and sliced Grainger County tomatoes. The bright, fresh tomatoes contrast the savory sear on the chicken and make this a colorful, satisfying weeknight plate.
Sale items used: Heritage Farm Boneless Chicken Breasts, Broccoli Crowns, Grainger County Tomatoes
Prep time: 35 minutes
Serving note: Use 2 lbs of Heritage Farm Boneless Chicken Breasts (about 0.5 lb per person), 1.5 lbs of Broccoli Crowns, and 1 lb of Grainger County Tomatoes for 4 people.
Recipes:
- Sheet-pan roast chicken with broccolini, onion & tomatoes

Tuesday
Meal: Skillet Ground Beef and Pork Blend Stuffed Tri-Color Peppers
Description: The 80% Lean Ground Beef and Pork Blend is browned with onion, garlic, and diced tomato, then spooned into halved tri-color peppers and baked in the oven until the peppers are tender and the filling is set. Ben's Original Ready Rice stirred into the filling adds body and makes each stuffed pepper half a complete, hearty serving.
Sale items used: Private Selection Angus 80% Lean Ground Beef and Pork Blend (2 lb), Kroger Tri-Color Peppers (6 ct), Ben's Original Ready Rice (with digital coupon), Simple Truth Organic Broth, Grainger County Tomatoes
Prep time: 50 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 package (2 lb) of the blend, 1 package of Kroger Tri-Color Peppers (6 ct, giving 12 halves for 4 people), 2 packages of Ben's Original Ready Rice, and 1 package of Simple Truth Organic Broth for moisture; use about 0.5 lb of Grainger County Tomatoes diced into the filling.
Recipes:
- Beef Stuffed Peppers Recipe (Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free)

Wednesday
Meal: Oven-Baked St. Louis Style Pork Ribs with Sweet Corn
Description: St. Louis Style Pork Ribs are rubbed with a smoky spice blend, wrapped in foil, and baked low and slow in the oven until the meat is tender and pulls cleanly from the bone, then finished uncovered for a caramelized crust. Kroger Sweet Corn is boiled alongside and served as a simple, sweet side that balances the savory ribs.
Sale items used: St. Louis Style Pork Ribs, Kroger Sweet Corn (4 ct), Frank's Red-Hot Sauce
Prep time: 20 minutes active; total time approximately 2.5 to 3 hours - start ribs by early afternoon or prep the rub the night before and refrigerate.
Serving note: Use 3 lbs of St. Louis Style Pork Ribs for 4 people, 1 package of Kroger Sweet Corn (4 ct, one ear per person), and Frank's Red-Hot Sauce as an optional table condiment.

Thursday
Meal: Sauteed Large Peeled and Deveined Shrimp with Avocado and Tomato over Ready Rice
Description: Raw Large Peeled and Deveined Shrimp are quickly sauteed in a hot skillet with garlic, olive oil, and Frank's Red-Hot Sauce until pink and just cooked through, then served over Ben's Original Ready Rice and topped with sliced avocado and fresh Grainger County tomatoes. The cool, creamy avocado and juicy tomato contrast the spiced shrimp for a bright, restaurant-style bowl that comes together in under 20 minutes.
Sale items used: Large Peeled & Deveined Shrimp (31-40 ct, Raw, 2 lb bag), Large Avocados, Grainger County Tomatoes, Ben's Original Ready Rice (with digital coupon), Frank's Red-Hot Sauce
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: Use 1.5 lbs of Large Peeled & Deveined Shrimp (from the 2 lb bag), 2 large avocados (1 package of 2 for $3.00), 0.5 lb of Grainger County Tomatoes, and 2 packages of Ben's Original Ready Rice for 4 people.

Friday
Meal: Seared Heritage Farm Boneless Chicken Breasts with Tri-Color Pepper and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Description: Boneless chicken breasts are sliced thin, seasoned, and seared in a very hot skillet in batches until browned, then combined with sliced tri-color peppers and broccoli florets tossed in a garlic and broth sauce for a fast, colorful stir-fry finish. Served over Ben's Original Ready Rice, this Friday meal has a completely different flavor profile and texture from Monday's whole seared breast, leaning on the peppers and broth sauce for a savory, saucy result.
Sale items used: Heritage Farm Boneless Chicken Breasts, Kroger Tri-Color Peppers (6 ct), Broccoli Crowns, Ben's Original Ready Rice (with digital coupon), Simple Truth Organic Broth
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: Use 2 lbs of Heritage Farm Boneless Chicken Breasts sliced thin, 1 package of Kroger Tri-Color Peppers (6 ct), 1 lb of Broccoli Crowns, 2 packages of Ben's Original Ready Rice, and 1 package of Simple Truth Organic Broth for the sauce base.
Recipes:
- Dairy-Free Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Heritage Farm Boneless Chicken Breasts (4 lbs total across Monday and Friday): $7.96
- St. Louis Style Pork Ribs (3 lbs): $8.97
- Private Selection Angus 80% Lean Ground Beef and Pork Blend (2 lb, x1 package): $8.00
- Large Peeled & Deveined Shrimp (31-40 ct, Raw, 2 lb bag, x1 bag): $13.98
- Kroger Tri-Color Peppers (6 ct, x2 packages - one for Tuesday, one for Friday): $12.00
- Broccoli Crowns (2.5 lbs total across Monday and Friday): $4.98
- Grainger County Tomatoes (2 lbs total across Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday): $4.98
- Large Avocados (2 for $3.00, x1 pack): $3.00
- Kroger Sweet Corn (4 ct, x1 package): $4.99
- Ben's Original Ready Rice (x6 packages at $1.49 each with digital coupon): $8.94
- Simple Truth Organic Broth (x2 packages at $1.99 each): $3.98
- Frank's Red-Hot Sauce (23 fl oz, x1): $4.99

Pantry staples needed:
- Olive oil
- Garlic (fresh or minced)
- Salt and black pepper
- Paprika and cumin (for rib rub)
- Onion (for Tuesday's filling)
- Dried oregano or Italian seasoning