Meijer Kid-Friendly Meal Plan

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Pan-Cooked Chicken Thighs with Creamer Potatoes and Bell Peppers
Description: Juicy chicken thighs are pan-seared until golden and cooked through, then served alongside tender little creamer potatoes and sweet sauteed bell pepper strips. This colorful, simple plate is a total crowd-pleaser for kids who love familiar, savory flavors.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Thighs ($1.49/lb), The Little Potato Company Creamer Potatoes 1.5 lb. bag BOGO, Red/Yellow/Orange Bell Pepper ($1 when you buy 7 or more)
Prep time: 35 minutes
Serving note: Use 2 chicken thighs (approx. 0.5 lb); half the 1.5 lb bag of creamer potatoes (save the rest for Thursday); 1 bell pepper sliced. The BOGO creamer potato deal gives you two bags - use half of one bag tonight and reserve the other half bag for Thursday.

Tuesday
Meal: Baked Pork Loin Chops with Buttered Egg Noodle Pasta and Vidalia Onion
Description: A tender boneless pork loin chop is seasoned simply and baked until juicy, then served with buttery egg noodle pasta and sweet caramelized Vidalia onion on the side. Kids love the mild, buttery flavors and the soft noodle texture makes it extra fun to eat.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Pork Loin Chops Boneless (final price $3.99/lb), Creamette Pasta 12-16 oz. ($1 when you buy 7 or more), Bulk Vidalia Onions ($1.29/lb)
Prep time: 40 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 boneless pork loin chop (approx. 0.5 lb, estimated cost $2.00); cook about 2 oz dry egg noodle pasta (from a 12 oz box you will use again Wednesday); use a quarter of a Vidalia onion (approx. 0.25 lb, estimated cost $0.33). The Creamette pasta is purchased as part of a 7-unit buy - see shopping list notes.

Wednesday
Meal: Cheesy Chicken Tenderloin and Pasta Bake
Description: Chicken tenderloins are baked in a simple creamy tomato sauce with pasta and topped with melty shredded cheese for a gooey, kid-approved casserole. It comes together quickly and uses pantry-friendly ingredients that make cleanup a breeze.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Boneless Chicken Tenderloins ($3.99/lb), Kraft Shredded Cheese 7-8 oz. (2 for $5), Creamette Pasta 12-16 oz. ($1 when you buy 7 or more), Campbell's Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup 10.5 oz. ($1 when you buy 7 or more)
Prep time: 45 minutes
Serving note: Use 3-4 tenderloins (approx. 0.5 lb); cook about 2 oz dry pasta (from the same box started Tuesday); use half a can of cream of chicken soup thinned with a splash of water; top with a generous handful of shredded cheese from the 2-for-$5 bag. Make-ahead tip: assemble the bake in the morning and refrigerate, then bake at 375F for 25 minutes when ready.

Thursday
Meal: Oven-Roasted Smithfield Pork Loin Filet with Creamer Potatoes and Bolthouse Carrot Sides
Description: A pre-seasoned Smithfield pork loin filet roasts in the oven until tender and flavorful, served with the remaining creamer potatoes roasted alongside and a serving of Bolthouse carrot sides for a complete, colorful plate. This is an easy hands-off dinner that kids enjoy because the pork is juicy and mild.
Sale items used: Smithfield Pork Loin Filet or Tenderloin 19.2-27.2 oz. ($6.99 each), The Little Potato Company Creamer Potatoes (remaining from Monday BOGO), Bolthouse Carrot Sides 10-14 oz. ($2.49 each)
Prep time: 15 minutes active, 45 minutes roasting
Serving note: The Smithfield filet is a full package at $6.99 - roast the whole piece and refrigerate leftovers for lunches; use the remaining half bag of creamer potatoes from Monday; use half the Bolthouse carrot sides package and save the rest for snacking. Make-ahead tip: slice leftover pork and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Friday
Meal: Smashed Beef Burger Patties on Aunt Millie's Buns with Kraft Shredded Cheese
Description: Holten's smashed burger patties are cooked in a hot skillet until crispy-edged and juicy, then stacked on a soft Aunt Millie's bun and topped with melty shredded cheddar. Kids absolutely love the crispy edges and gooey cheese on these fun smash-style burgers.
Sale items used: Holten's Smashed Burgers or Sliders 24-32 oz. Frozen ($9.99 per package), Aunt Millie's Stadium Buns 6-8 ct./14-15 oz. (2 for $5), Kraft Shredded Cheese 7-8 oz. (2 for $5, same bag from Wednesday)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: Use 2 smashed burger patties from the frozen package (save remaining patties for future meals); use 2 buns from the Aunt Millie's pack; top each burger with a small handful of shredded cheese from the bag opened Wednesday. The full frozen burger package and bun pack will have plenty of leftovers for additional meals.
Recipes:
- Smash Burger Recipe

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Thighs (0.5 lb for Monday, plus 0.5 lb for Wednesday tenderloins bought separately - see next line): $0.75
- Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Boneless Chicken Tenderloins (0.5 lb): $2.00
- Fresh from Meijer Pork Loin Chops Boneless (0.5 lb at final price $3.99/lb): $2.00
- Smithfield Pork Loin Filet 19.2-27.2 oz. (1 package): $6.99
- Holten's Smashed Burgers 24-32 oz. Frozen (1 package): $9.99
- The Little Potato Company Creamer Potatoes 1.5 lb. bag BOGO (buy 1 get 1 free, pay for 1 bag): $3.99
- Red/Yellow/Orange Bell Pepper (1 pepper at $1 each when buying 7 - purchased as part of a 7-unit mix with other $1 items): $1.00
- Bulk Vidalia Onions (0.5 lb): $0.65
- Bolthouse Carrot Sides 10-14 oz. (1 package): $2.49
- Creamette Pasta 12-16 oz. (1 box, purchased as part of 7-unit $1 deal - remaining units filled with Campbell's soup and other $1 items below): $1.00
- Campbell's Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup 10.5 oz. (1 can, part of 7-unit $1 deal): $1.00
- Kraft Shredded Cheese 7-8 oz. (2 bags at 2 for $5): $5.00
- Aunt Millie's Stadium Buns 6-8 ct. (2 packs at 2 for $5): $5.00

Pantry staples needed:
- Butter (for pasta and potatoes)
- Olive oil or cooking oil (for pan-cooking chicken and roasting)
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika (for seasoning chicken and pork)
- Ketchup or mustard (for burgers)