Meijer Gluten-Free Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

Why these meals: The two bone-in chicken options and the Smithfield Pork Loin Filet are the real workhorses of this week - they are all priced well under $2 per serving and anchor four of the five nights comfortably. The Family Pack Chicken Thighs at $1.49/lb are an exceptional deal and show up twice in different preparations to keep things interesting without repeating the same meal. The Smithfield Pork Loin Filet at a flat $5.99 for a package that comfortably feeds four is one of the best values on the entire flyer and gets its own night. Gluten-free pantry staples like rice and potatoes fill out every plate without adding much cost, and the Classico Pasta Sauce at $1.99 pulls double duty as a flavor base for the ground beef night using rice pasta from the pantry.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Skillet-Browned Ground Chuck and Bell Pepper Rice Bowl with Campari Tomatoes
Description: Seasoned ground chuck is browned in a skillet with diced green bell peppers and garlic, then spooned over steamed white rice and topped with halved Campari tomatoes for a fresh, hearty weeknight bowl. The combination of savory beef, sweet peppers, and bright tomatoes makes this a satisfying one-skillet dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes.
Sale items used: Certified Angus Beef Ground Chuck, Locally Grown Green Bell Peppers, Campari Tomatoes
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: Use 1.5 lbs ground chuck, 3 green bell peppers, and half the 16 oz. container of Campari tomatoes for 4 people. Serve over 2 cups dry white rice (pantry). Reserve remaining Campari tomatoes for another use.
Recipes:
- Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Rice Bowls (Gluten-Free)
- Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
- Quick Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls

Tuesday
Meal: Braised Family Pack Chicken Thighs with Cabbage and Celery Hearts
Description: Bone-in chicken thighs are seared until golden, then braised low and slow in a seasoned broth with sliced green cabbage and celery hearts until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through and juicy. This is a simple, warming one-pot meal with a light, savory broth that pairs well with boiled potatoes on the side.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Thighs, Locally Grown Green Cabbage, Locally Grown Celery Hearts
Prep time: 55 minutes
Serving note: Use 2.5 lbs chicken thighs (roughly 6-7 pieces), 1 lb green cabbage (about half a small head), and 1 celery heart for 4 people. Serve with boiled potatoes (pantry staple).
Recipes:
- Crispy Braised Chicken Thighs with Cabbage and Bacon

Wednesday
Meal: Pan-Seared Smithfield Pork Loin Filet with Kraft BBQ Sauce and Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
Description: The pork loin filet is sliced into medallions, pan-seared until golden on each side, and finished with a brush of Kraft BBQ sauce for a sticky, caramelized glaze. Serve alongside the ready-to-heat mashed potatoes warmed on the stovetop and topped with a dollop of Meijer Sour Cream for a complete, comforting plate.
Sale items used: Smithfield Pork Loin Filet or Tenderloin, Kraft BBQ Sauce or Bullseye BBQ Sauce, Meijer Family Size Ready to Heat Mashed Potatoes (mashed potatoes variety), Meijer Sour Cream
Prep time: 35 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 package Smithfield Pork Loin Filet or Tenderloin (19.2-27.2 oz.), 1 bottle Kraft BBQ Sauce or Bullseye BBQ Sauce, 1 container Meijer Ready to Heat Mashed Potatoes (28-32 oz.), and 1 container Meijer Sour Cream (24 oz.) for 4 people. Verify the mashed potatoes package label is the mashed potatoes variety, not mac and cheese.

Thursday
Meal: Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs with Classico Tomato Sauce over Rice
Description: Boneless skinless chicken thighs are seasoned, baked in the oven until cooked through, then nestled into warmed Classico Pasta Sauce and served over white rice for a gluten-free Italian-inspired dinner. The sauce soaks into the rice and coats the tender chicken for a rich, satisfying plate that requires minimal hands-on effort.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Classico Pasta Sauce or Creamy Alfredo Pasta Sauce
Prep time: 45 minutes
Serving note: Use 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs and 1 jar (15-24 oz.) Classico Pasta Sauce for 4 people. Serve over 2 cups dry white rice (pantry). Preheat oven to 400 degrees F; bake thighs 30-35 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, then spoon sauce over top and return to oven for 5 minutes.
Recipes:
- Baked Chicken Thighs in Tomato Sauce
- Easy Baked Chicken and Rice (Gluten Free)

Friday
Meal: Oven-Roasted Whole Chicken with Green Bell Pepper and Cabbage
Description: A whole chicken is rubbed with butter and seasoning, then roasted in the oven until the skin is golden and crispy and the meat is cooked through, served alongside roasted green bell pepper strips and braised green cabbage wedges cooked in the pan drippings. This is a classic, crowd-pleasing Friday dinner that fills the kitchen with great aroma and gives everyone a generous portion.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Whole Chicken, Locally Grown Green Bell Peppers, Locally Grown Green Cabbage, Challenge Butter Sticks or Cubes
Prep time: 90 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 whole chicken (approximately 4 lbs), 2 green bell peppers, about 1 lb green cabbage, and 2 tablespoons butter from 1 package Challenge Butter for 4 people. Timing note - roast at 425 degrees F for approximately 75-80 minutes (about 18-20 minutes per pound); start the chicken by 5:30 PM for a 7 PM dinner. Remaining butter keeps refrigerated for other uses.
Recipes:
- Oven Roasted Whole Chicken with Cabbage

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Certified Angus Beef Ground Chuck (1.5 lbs): $7.94
- Locally Grown Green Bell Peppers (5 total - 3 for Monday, 2 for Friday): $3.95
- Campari Tomatoes (1 package, 16 oz.): $2.99
- Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Thighs (2.5 lbs): $3.73
- Locally Grown Green Cabbage (2 lbs total - 1 lb for Tuesday, 1 lb for Friday): $1.38
- Locally Grown Celery Hearts (1 each): $2.49
- Smithfield Pork Loin Filet or Tenderloin (1 package, 19.2-27.2 oz.): $5.99
- Kraft BBQ Sauce or Bullseye BBQ Sauce (1 bottle, 17.5-18 oz.): $1.49
- Meijer Family Size Ready to Heat Mashed Potatoes (1 container, 28-32 oz.): $3.69
- Meijer Sour Cream (1 container, 24 oz.): $2.49
- Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (2 lbs): $3.98
- Classico Pasta Sauce or Creamy Alfredo Pasta Sauce (1 jar, 15-24 oz.): $1.99
- Fresh from Meijer Whole Chicken (1 bird, approximately 4 lbs): $5.56
- Challenge Butter Sticks or Cubes (1 package, 16 oz.): $3.99

Pantry staples needed:
- White rice (for Monday and Thursday)
- Garlic
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil or neutral cooking oil
- Chicken broth or water (for Tuesday braise)
- Dried herbs (thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning)
- Potatoes (for Tuesday side, optional)
- Onion powder or onion