Meijer Kid-Friendly Meal Plan

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Skillet Pasta with Ground Chuck and Classico Pasta Sauce
Description: Brown seasoned ground chuck in a skillet, stir in Classico pasta sauce, and toss with cooked pasta for a hearty, kid-approved dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan from the pantry for a simple finishing touch kids will love.
Sale items used: Certified Angus Beef Ground Chuck ($5.29/lb), Classico Pasta Sauce ($1.99 for 15-24 oz.)
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use approximately 0.75 lb of ground chuck for 2 people (about $3.97 worth); one 15-24 oz. jar of Classico sauce is plenty for 2 servings with pasta from the pantry.
Recipes:
- Easy Pasta Skillet
- Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Tuesday
Meal: Baked Bone-In Chicken Thighs with BBQ Sauce and Green Bell Peppers
Description: Bone-in chicken thighs are brushed with sweet BBQ sauce and baked alongside sliced green bell peppers until golden, juicy, and caramelized - a classic combo kids always go back for seconds on. The hands-off oven time makes this an easy weeknight win.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Chicken Thighs ($1.49/lb), Kraft BBQ Sauce or Bullseye BBQ Sauce ($1.49 for 17.5-18 oz.), Locally Grown Green Bell Peppers ($0.79 each)
Prep time: 10 minutes active, 40 minutes total (including bake time)
Serving note: Use approximately 1.5 lbs of bone-in chicken thighs (about 3-4 thighs) for 2 people at roughly $2.24; use 1 green bell pepper sliced into strips; one bottle of BBQ sauce will last the week - this counts as one of the flavor item allowances.
Recipes:
- Best Damn Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

Wednesday
Meal: Grilled Fresh from Meijer Brats on Aunt Millie's Bread with Campari Tomatoes
Description: Juicy brats are grilled or pan-cooked until nicely browned, then nestled into soft Aunt Millie's bread slices with sliced Campari tomatoes for a fun, handheld dinner kids love. Keep toppings simple - ketchup and mustard from the pantry are all they need.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Brats ($3.99 for 19 oz.), Aunt Millie's Bread ($1.99 for 22 oz.), Campari Tomatoes ($2.99 for 16 oz.)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: One 19 oz. pack of brats contains approximately 5 links - use 2 links per person (4 total) for a satisfying serving; use 4 slices of Aunt Millie's bread; slice a handful of Campari tomatoes from the container and save the rest for snacking.
Recipes:
- Grilled Bratwurst

Thursday
Meal: Pan-Cooked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs with Green Cabbage Slaw and Duke's Mayonnaise
Description: Boneless skinless chicken thighs are seasoned simply and pan-cooked until golden, then served alongside a creamy, mild cabbage slaw made with Duke's mayo that even picky eaters enjoy. The slaw comes together in minutes and adds a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm chicken.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs ($1.99/lb), Locally Grown Green Cabbage ($0.69/lb), Duke's Mayonnaise ($3.99 for 30 oz.)
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use approximately 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken thighs for 2 people (about $1.99 worth); buy approximately 0.5 lb of green cabbage (about $0.35 worth) for the slaw - this is a family pack so freeze the remainder for later; Duke's mayo counts as one of the flavor item allowances.
Recipes:
- Simple Cabbage and Chicken Thigh Skillet
- One-Pan Chicken Thighs with Sautéed Cabbage and Potatoes

Friday
Meal: Oven-Cooked Smithfield Pork Loin Filet with Meijer Family Size Ready to Heat Mashed Potatoes
Description: The Smithfield pork loin filet is seasoned and roasted in the oven until tender and juicy, then sliced and served alongside creamy ready-to-heat mashed potatoes for a comforting, no-fuss Friday dinner. Kids love the mild, slightly sweet flavor of pork loin paired with buttery mashed potatoes.
Sale items used: Smithfield Pork Loin Filet or Tenderloin ($5.99 for 19.2-27.2 oz.), Meijer Family Size Ready to Heat Mashed Potatoes or Mac & Cheese ($3.69 for 28-32 oz.)
Prep time: 10 minutes active, 50 minutes total (including roast time)
Serving note: One package of Smithfield pork loin filet (19.2-27.2 oz.) is ideal for 2 people with leftovers; one 28-32 oz. container of Meijer mashed potatoes serves 2 generously; pop the pork in the oven early and heat the mashed potatoes in the last 5 minutes.

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Certified Angus Beef Ground Chuck (0.75 lb): $3.97
- Classico Pasta Sauce (x1 jar): $1.99
- Fresh from Meijer Chicken Thighs (1.5 lbs): $2.24
- Kraft BBQ Sauce (x1 bottle): $1.49
- Locally Grown Green Bell Peppers (x1): $0.79
- Fresh from Meijer Brats (x1 pack, 19 oz.): $3.99
- Aunt Millie's Bread (x1 loaf): $1.99
- Campari Tomatoes (x1 container, 16 oz.): $2.99
- Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (1 lb used): $1.99
- Locally Grown Green Cabbage (0.5 lb): $0.35
- Duke's Mayonnaise (x1 jar, 30 oz.): $3.99
- Smithfield Pork Loin Filet (x1 package): $5.99
- Meijer Family Size Ready to Heat Mashed Potatoes (x1 container): $3.69

Pantry staples needed:
- Pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil or cooking oil
- Parmesan cheese (optional topping for pasta)
- Ketchup and mustard (for brats)
- Apple cider vinegar (for slaw dressing)
- Sugar (for slaw dressing)
- Dried Italian seasoning or onion powder (for pork and chicken)