Meijer Kid-Friendly Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

Why these meals: The four everyday nights lean on the most economical proteins on this flyer: bone-in chicken thighs at $1.49/lb, ground chuck for a classic pasta night, Fresh from Meijer Brats for a fun backyard-style dinner, and boneless skinless chicken thighs for a simple skillet meal. Those four nights average well under $2.50 per person in protein alone, which leaves room for one premium night. The Smithfield Pork Loin Filet or Tenderloin at $5.99 for the whole package is actually a surprisingly affordable flat-price deal that feeds all four people for under $6, making it the best value among the mid-tier proteins and a natural fit for the "something a little special" Friday slot. The salmon was skipped entirely because two packages would cost nearly $18 for just the protein, and the T-Bone at $12.99/lb would push a single night's protein cost past $25 for four people. Sticking with chicken thighs, ground chuck, and brats as the weekday workhorses keeps the total comfortably within reach for a family of four.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Skillet Pasta with Ground Chuck and Classico Pasta Sauce
Description: Seasoned ground chuck is browned in a skillet, then simmered together with Classico pasta sauce and tossed with cooked pasta for a hearty, familiar one-pan dinner kids love. Topped with Kraft Singles melted right on top for a gooey, cheesy finish that makes the whole family happy.
Sale items used: Certified Angus Beef Ground Chuck, Classico Pasta Sauce or Creamy Alfredo Pasta Sauce, Kraft Singles
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: Use 1.5 lbs ground chuck, 1 jar (24 oz.) Classico pasta sauce, and 4 Kraft Singles slices melted over the top; serve over 12 oz. dry pasta cooked from 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 coated in Kraft BBQ Sauce and baked until golden and sticky, with sliced green bell peppers roasted alongside in the same pan. The sweet, tangy glaze and tender chicken make this a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner that kids will ask for again.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Thighs, Kraft BBQ Sauce or Bullseye BBQ Sauce, Locally Grown Green Bell Peppers
Prep time: 50 minutes
Serving note: Use 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs (about 4 thighs), 1 bottle (18 oz.) BBQ sauce, and 2 green bell peppers sliced; serve with pantry rice or bread.
Recipes:
- Best Damn Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

Wednesday
Meal: Grilled Fresh from Meijer Brats on Aunt Millie's Bread with Campari Tomatoes
Description: Fresh from Meijer Brats are grilled or cooked in a skillet until browned and cooked through, then nestled into slices of Aunt Millie's Bread with sliced Campari tomatoes for a simple, satisfying dinner. Kids love building their own brat sandwiches with their favorite toppings from the pantry.
Sale items used: Bell's Beer or Fresh from Meijer Brats, Aunt Millie's Bread, Campari Tomatoes
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 package (19 oz.) brats (typically 5 links, one per person with one extra to share), 1 loaf Aunt Millie's Bread, and 1 package (16 oz.) Campari tomatoes sliced; set out mustard and ketchup from pantry.
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 and cooked in a skillet until juicy and golden, then served alongside a simple shredded green cabbage slaw dressed with Duke's Mayonnaise. The creamy, crunchy slaw balances the savory chicken and makes a colorful, kid-approved plate.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Locally Grown Green Cabbage, Duke's Mayonnaise
Prep time: 35 minutes
Serving note: Use 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, approximately 1 lb green cabbage shredded (about half a small head), and 3 tablespoons Duke's Mayonnaise for the slaw dressing; serve with pantry rolls or crackers.
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 cooked through and sliced into tender medallions, then served alongside warm ready-to-heat mashed potatoes for a satisfying end-of-week dinner. This simple, comforting combination is easy for kids to enjoy and feels like a special Friday meal without any fuss.
Sale items used: Smithfield Pork Loin Filet or Tenderloin, Meijer Family Size Ready to Heat Mashed Potatoes or Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 45 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 package (19.2-27.2 oz.) Smithfield Pork Loin Filet and 1 container (28-32 oz.) Meijer Family Size Ready to Heat Mashed Potatoes; slice pork into 4 equal portions after resting; total oven time is about 35-40 minutes at 400 degrees F.

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Certified Angus Beef Ground Chuck (1.5 lbs): $7.94
- Classico Pasta Sauce or Creamy Alfredo Pasta Sauce (x1 jar): $1.99
- Kraft Singles (x1 package): $4.49
- Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Thighs (2 lbs): $2.98
- Kraft BBQ Sauce or Bullseye BBQ Sauce (x1 bottle): $1.49
- Locally Grown Green Bell Peppers (x2): $1.58
- Bell's Beer or Fresh from Meijer Brats (x1 package): $3.99
- Aunt Millie's Bread (x1 loaf): $1.99
- Campari Tomatoes (x1 package): $2.99
- Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (2 lbs): $3.98
- Locally Grown Green Cabbage (1 lb): $0.69
- Duke's Mayonnaise (x1 jar): $3.99
- Smithfield Pork Loin Filet or Tenderloin (x1 package): $5.99
- Meijer Family Size Ready to Heat Mashed Potatoes or Mac & Cheese (x1 container): $3.69

Pantry staples needed:
- Dry pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
- Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Ketchup and mustard (for brat night)
- Pantry rolls or crackers (for Thursday)
- Dried Italian seasoning or paprika