Kroger Vegetarian Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

Why these meals: This is a genuinely strong week for a vegetarian budget because eggs are on sale for just $1.99 for 18 eggs, making the egg-based dinner the cheapest protein night of the week at well under $0.75 per person. The Kroger Cheese block at $5.49 for 32 oz is a fantastic deal and anchors two different meals without repeating the same format. Athenos Feta at $4.99 for a 5 oz package is the priciest protein per ounce on this flyer, so it earns the one premium-style night as a crumbled topping over a stuffed pepper dish where a little goes a long way. The Tri-Color Peppers at $6.00 for 6 peppers and the 2-for-$7.00 corn-or-potatoes deal are the standout produce values that shape the whole week, giving you colorful, filling vegetables at a very low cost per serving. The Prego Pasta Sauce at $1.59 and Rana Pasta at $3.99 make the pasta night one of the most economical dinners of the week, and the Zatarain's Rice Sides at 2 for $3.00 add a flavorful grain base to a third night for almost nothing.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Scrambled Egg and Kroger Cheese Stuffed Biscuits with Corn on the Side
Description: Fluffy Pillsbury Grands Biscuits are split and filled with soft scrambled eggs and melted Kroger Cheese for a hearty, satisfying dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes. Sweet corn on the cob rounds out the plate with a fresh, summery bite that balances the richness of the cheesy eggs.
Sale items used: Kroger Eggs (18 ct, Large, Grade A), Kroger Cheese (Select Varieties, 32 oz), Pillsbury Grands Biscuits or Cinnamon Rolls (8 ct), Kroger Sweet Corn (4 ct)
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: Use 8 eggs total (2 per person), roughly 6 oz of Kroger Cheese shredded from the block, 1 package of Pillsbury Grands Biscuits (8 biscuits, 2 per person), and 4 ears of sweet corn (1 per person) from 1 package of Kroger Sweet Corn (4 ct). The corn package is part of the 2-for-$7.00 deal so one additional item at the same price point is needed to complete the pair - see shopping list.

Tuesday
Meal: Rana Pasta with Prego Marinara and Melted Kroger Cheese
Description: Rana fresh pasta cooks in just a few minutes and is tossed with Prego Pasta Sauce and a generous layer of melted Kroger Cheese for a quick, comforting weeknight dinner. A side of Kroger Steamable Vegetables adds color and nutrition to the plate with almost no extra effort.
Sale items used: Rana Pasta (10 oz), Prego Pasta Sauce (Select Varieties, 23-24 oz), Kroger Cheese (Select Varieties, 32 oz), Kroger Steamable Vegetables (Frozen, 10-12 oz)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: Use 2 packages of Rana Pasta (10 oz each, 20 oz total) to feed 4 people as a main, 1 jar of Prego Pasta Sauce (23-24 oz), roughly 6 oz of Kroger Cheese from the block, and 1 package of Kroger Steamable Vegetables (10-12 oz). The Kroger Steamable Vegetables are part of the 2-for-$3.00 deal so two packages are purchased - the second is used on Thursday.

Wednesday
Meal: Baked Tri-Color Pepper and Egg Frittata with Gourmet Potatoes
Description: Kroger Tri-Color Peppers are sliced and layered into a baked egg frittata with Kroger Cheese, creating a colorful, protein-rich dinner that goes from skillet to oven in under 45 minutes. Private Selection Gourmet Potatoes are roasted alongside as a hearty, filling side that soaks up the flavors of the peppers.
Sale items used: Kroger Tri-Color Peppers (6 ct), Kroger Eggs (18 ct, Large, Grade A), Kroger Cheese (Select Varieties, 32 oz), Private Selection Gourmet Potatoes (1.5 lb bag)
Prep time: 45 minutes
Serving note: Use 3 tri-color peppers (half of the 6-ct package, saving the other 3 for Friday), 8 eggs total (2 per person), roughly 4 oz of Kroger Cheese from the block, and 1 bag of Private Selection Gourmet Potatoes (1.5 lb, the second item in the 2-for-$7.00 deal paired with Monday's corn). The frittata bakes at 375 degrees F for about 20 minutes after a 10-minute stovetop start.

Thursday
Meal: Zatarain's Rice Bowl with Feta-Topped Tri-Color Peppers and Steamable Vegetables
Description: Two packages of Zatarain's Rice Sides are prepared and served as a base topped with sauteed strips of Kroger Tri-Color Peppers and Athenos Feta Cheese crumbled generously over the top. Kroger Steamable Vegetables are stirred in for extra bulk and nutrition, making this a colorful, filling bowl dinner.
Sale items used: Zatarain's Rice Sides (6.9 oz), Kroger Tri-Color Peppers (6 ct), Athenos Feta Cheese (Select Varieties, 5-5 oz, In the Deli), Kroger Steamable Vegetables (Frozen, 10-12 oz)
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use 2 packages of Zatarain's Rice Sides (2-for-$3.00, both packages used together to yield enough for 4 people), the remaining 3 tri-color peppers from the 6-ct package purchased Monday, the full 5 oz package of Athenos Feta Cheese crumbled over the top (about 1.25 oz per person), and the second package of Kroger Steamable Vegetables from Tuesday's 2-for-$3.00 purchase.
Recipes:
- Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Za'atar

Friday
Meal: Kroger Bread Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Blueberry and Strawberry Fruit Salad
Description: Thick slices of Kroger Bread are buttered and pan-griddled with generous layers of Kroger Cheese inside until golden and melted through, making a satisfying end-of-week dinner that is fast and crowd-pleasing. A bright fruit salad of fresh blueberries and strawberries served alongside adds a sweet, refreshing contrast to the savory sandwiches.
Sale items used: Kroger Bread (Select Varieties, 20 oz), Kroger Cheese (Select Varieties, 32 oz), 18 oz Blueberries, Strawberries (16 oz)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 loaf of Kroger Bread (20 oz, roughly 3 slices per sandwich, 2 sandwiches per person means 8 sandwiches total using about 16 slices), roughly 8 oz of Kroger Cheese from the block for the sandwiches, 1 container of 18 oz Blueberries, and 1 container of Strawberries (16 oz). The cheese block purchased at the start of the week (32 oz) is used across Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday in measured portions totaling approximately 24 oz, leaving the remainder for pantry use.

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Kroger Eggs (18 ct, Large, Grade A) x1 carton (with digital coupon): $1.99
- Kroger Cheese (Select Varieties, 32 oz) x1 block (with digital coupon): $5.49
- Pillsbury Grands Biscuits or Cinnamon Rolls (8 ct) x1 package: $2.39
- Kroger Sweet Corn (4 ct) x1 package (part of 2-for-$7.00 deal, paired with Gourmet Potatoes): $3.50
- Private Selection Gourmet Potatoes (1.5 lb bag) x1 bag (part of 2-for-$7.00 deal, paired with Sweet Corn): $3.50
- Rana Pasta (10 oz) x2 packages: $7.98
- Prego Pasta Sauce (Select Varieties, 23-24 oz) x1 jar: $1.59
- Kroger Steamable Vegetables (Frozen, 10-12 oz) x2 packages (2-for-$3.00): $3.00
- Kroger Tri-Color Peppers (6 ct) x1 package: $6.00
- Zatarain's Rice Sides (6.9 oz) x2 packages (2-for-$3.00): $3.00
- Athenos Feta Cheese (Select Varieties, 5-5 oz, In the Deli) x1 package: $4.99
- Kroger Bread (Select Varieties, 20 oz) x1 loaf: $1.99
- 18 oz Blueberries x1 container: $3.99
- Strawberries (16 oz) x1 container: $2.99

Pantry staples needed:
- Butter (for biscuits, frittata, and grilled cheese)
- Olive oil or cooking oil (for sauteing peppers and potatoes)
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder or fresh garlic
- Italian seasoning or dried oregano (for pasta and frittata)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for pasta)