Meijer Low-Carb Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

Protein ranking (most economical to most expensive per serving for 4 people):
- Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Drumsticks All natural: $0.99/lb - 2 lbs feeds 4 generously = approx. $1.98 for 4 people ($0.50/serving)
- Fresh from Meijer Whole Pork Shoulder Butt Roast Bone in: $1.79/lb - 3 lbs (bone-in) feeds 4 = approx. $5.37 for 4 people ($1.34/serving)
- Fresh from Meijer Pork Loin Assorted Chops Bone in: $1.99/lb - 2 lbs feeds 4 = approx. $3.98 for 4 people ($1.00/serving) - NOTE: ranked after pork shoulder due to lower yield per lb on bone-in chops vs. shoulder roast value overall, but per raw lb this is $1.99 vs. $1.79; chops are listed here at $3.98 for 4 people ($1.00/serving)
- Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Breasts All natural: $2.29/lb - 2 lbs feeds 4 = approx. $4.58 for 4 people ($1.15/serving)
- Fresh from Meijer 80% Lean Ground Beef 3 lb. pkg. or larger: $4.99/lb - 1.5 lbs feeds 4 = approx. $7.49 for 4 people ($1.87/serving)
- Eckrich Sausage Links 13-14 oz.: $2.29 each - 2 packages feeds 4 = $4.58 for 4 people ($1.15/serving) - ranked alongside chicken breasts
- Johnsonville Fresh Brats 19 oz.: $4.79 each - 1 package (approx. 5-6 brats) feeds 4 = $4.79 for 4 people ($1.20/serving)
- Black Pearl Atlantic Salmon Burgers 10 oz.: $4.99 each - 2 packages (8 burgers) feeds 4 = $9.98 for 4 people ($2.50/serving)
- Certified Angus Beef Boneless Ribeye Steak: $13.99/lb - 2 lbs feeds 4 = approx. $27.98 for 4 people ($7.00/serving)

Corrected ranking (strict per-serving order, low to high):
- Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Drumsticks All natural: $0.99/lb - 2 lbs for 4 people = $1.98 ($0.50/serving)
- Fresh from Meijer Pork Loin Assorted Chops Bone in: $1.99/lb - 2 lbs for 4 people = $3.98 ($1.00/serving)
- Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Breasts All natural: $2.29/lb - 2 lbs for 4 people = $4.58 ($1.15/serving)
- Eckrich Sausage Links 13-14 oz.: $2.29 each - 2 packages for 4 people = $4.58 ($1.15/serving)
- Johnsonville Fresh Brats 19 oz.: $4.79 each - 1 package for 4 people = $4.79 ($1.20/serving)
- Fresh from Meijer 80% Lean Ground Beef 3 lb. pkg. or larger: $4.99/lb - 1.5 lbs for 4 people = $7.49 ($1.87/serving)
- Black Pearl Atlantic Salmon Burgers 10 oz.: $4.99 each - 2 packages for 4 people = $9.98 ($2.50/serving)
- Certified Angus Beef Boneless Ribeye Steak: $13.99/lb - 2 lbs for 4 people = $27.98 ($7.00/serving) - skipped entirely as it would blow the weekly budget ceiling on a single night

Why these meals: Chicken drumsticks at $0.99/lb are the standout deal of the week and anchor one of the most satisfying dinners at just $1.98 for all four of you. Pork loin assorted chops at $1.99/lb and ground beef at $4.99/lb for a 3-lb package give you two more hearty, filling nights at very reasonable cost. Johnsonville Fresh Brats at $4.79 for a 19 oz. package round out a fun, flavorful weeknight with bell peppers and onions for almost nothing extra. The Black Pearl Atlantic Salmon Burgers at $4.99 per 10 oz. package are the most premium protein chosen this week - two packages give you four salmon burgers at $9.98 total, which is genuinely the best premium value on this flyer compared to ribeye at nearly $28 for four servings. The ribeye was deliberately skipped because even on sale at $13.99/lb it would have consumed most of the week's entire budget in a single night. Romaine hearts, bell peppers, avocados, mushrooms, and cucumbers all hit the flyer this week at strong prices and keep the vegetable side of every plate interesting and low-carb without adding much to the total.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Pan-Seared Pork Loin Assorted Chops with Sauteed Bell Peppers and Mushrooms
Description: Bone-in pork loin chops are seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper then seared in a hot skillet until golden and cooked through, resting to stay juicy. Sliced bell peppers and mushrooms are sauteed in the same pan with a splash of Swanson broth to pick up the fond, creating a savory pan sauce served alongside.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Pork Loin Assorted Chops Bone in ($1.99/lb), Red, Yellow, Orange or Aloha Bell Pepper ($1 each when you buy 7 or more), True Goodness Organic Whole or Sliced White Mushrooms 8 oz ($2/$5), Swanson Broth 14.5 oz ($1 each when you buy 7 or more)
Prep time: 35 minutes
Serving note: Purchase 2 lbs of pork loin assorted chops (approximately 4 chops). Buy 7 bell peppers to hit the $1 each price (use 2 for this meal, remainder used later in the week). Buy 2 packages of True Goodness Organic Whole or Sliced White Mushrooms at $2/$5 (use 1 package tonight, 1 package later in the week). Buy 7 Swanson Broth cans to hit the $1 each price (use 1 can tonight, remainder used through the week or stored).
Recipes:
- Pork Chops with Fresh Mushrooms, Tomatoes and Bell Pepper Recipe
- Pork Chops with Super Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Tuesday
Meal: Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Romaine Salad and Avocado
Description: Chicken drumsticks are coated in olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper then baked at 425 degrees until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through. Chopped romaine hearts are tossed with sliced cucumber, diced avocado, and Wish-Bone dressing for a cool, creamy salad alongside.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Drumsticks All natural ($0.99/lb), Romaine Hearts 3 pk ($2/$5), Extra Large Avocado ($1 each when you buy 7 or more), Seedless Mini Cucumbers 1 lb. bag ($1 each when you buy 7 or more), Wish-Bone or Western Dressings 15 oz ($2/$4)
Prep time: 50 minutes
Serving note: Purchase 2 lbs of chicken drumsticks (approximately 8 drumsticks, 2 per person). Buy 2 packages of Romaine Hearts at $2/$5 (use 1 package tonight, 1 package later in the week). Buy 7 avocados to hit the $1 each price (use 2 tonight, remainder used through the week). Buy 7 seedless mini cucumber bags to hit the $1 each price (use 1 bag tonight, remainder used through the week or shared). Buy 2 bottles of Wish-Bone or Western Dressings at $2/$4 (use 1 tonight, 1 available for the week).
Recipes:
- Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Keto Chicken Salad with Bacon and Avocado

Wednesday
Meal: Skillet Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry with Shredded Cheese
Description: Ground beef is browned in a large skillet with diced Vidalia onion, sliced bell peppers, and Red Gold diced tomatoes, seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and garlic for a hearty low-carb skillet dinner. Kraft shredded cheese is melted over the top just before serving, and the dish is spooned into bowls or served over a bed of chopped romaine.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer 80% Lean Ground Beef 3 lb. pkg. or larger ($4.99/lb), Red, Yellow, Orange or Aloha Bell Pepper ($1 each when you buy 7 or more), Vidalia Onions 5 lb. bag ($4.99 each), Red Gold Tomatoes 14.5-15 oz ($1 each when you buy 7 or more), Kraft Shredded or Chunk Cheese 7-8 oz ($2/$5), Romaine Hearts 3 pk ($2/$5)
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: Purchase a 3 lb. package of 80% lean ground beef (use 1.5 lbs tonight, store remaining 1.5 lbs in the refrigerator for use within 1-2 days or freeze). Use 2 bell peppers from the 7 purchased on Monday. Use the Vidalia onions bag purchased this week (use roughly one-quarter of the bag tonight). Buy 7 Red Gold Tomatoes cans to hit the $1 each price (use 1 can tonight). Buy 2 packages of Kraft Shredded Cheese at $2/$5 (use 1 package tonight, 1 package later in the week). Use the second package of Romaine Hearts from Tuesday's purchase.
Recipes:
- Low Carb Unstuffed Peppers Stir Fry Bowls
- Ground Beef Stir Fry - One-Pan, 20-Minute Meal
- Ground Beef Stir Fry

Thursday
Meal: Grilled Johnsonville Fresh Brats with Sauteed Bell Peppers and Onions
Description: Johnsonville Fresh Brats are grilled or cooked in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, served without buns to keep carbs low. Sliced bell peppers and Vidalia onions are sauteed in olive oil until softened and lightly caramelized, piled alongside the brats with a side of True Goodness Organic Mustard for dipping.
Sale items used: Johnsonville Fresh Brats 19 oz ($4.79 each), Red, Yellow, Orange or Aloha Bell Pepper ($1 each when you buy 7 or more), Vidalia Onions 5 lb. bag ($4.99 each), True Goodness Organic Mustard 9 oz ($2.29 each)
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Purchase 1 package of Johnsonville Fresh Brats 19 oz (typically 5 brats; 4 people get 1 brat each with 1 extra to split). Use 2 bell peppers from the 7 purchased on Monday. Use Vidalia onions from the bag purchased this week (use roughly one-quarter of the bag tonight). Purchase 1 bottle of True Goodness Organic Mustard.
Recipes:
- Bratwurst with Peppers and Onions {Keto-Friendly and Gluten-Free}
- Grilled Brats with Peppers and Onions

Friday
Meal: Pan-Cooked Black Pearl Atlantic Salmon Burgers over Romaine with Avocado and Cucumber
Description: Black Pearl Atlantic Salmon Burgers are cooked in a skillet over medium heat until golden on both sides and heated through, then served patty-style over a bed of chopped romaine with sliced avocado, cucumber, and a drizzle of Hellmann's Mayonnaise thinned with lemon juice as a quick aioli. The combination of the rich salmon patty, creamy avocado, and crisp romaine makes a satisfying low-carb plate that comes together in under 20 minutes.
Sale items used: Black Pearl Atlantic Salmon Burgers 10 oz ($4.99 each), Romaine Hearts 3 pk ($2/$5), Extra Large Avocado ($1 each when you buy 7 or more), Seedless Mini Cucumbers 1 lb. bag ($1 each when you buy 7 or more), Hellmann's Mayonnaise 30 oz ($3.99 each)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: Purchase 2 packages of Black Pearl Atlantic Salmon Burgers 10 oz (each package contains 2 burgers at 5 oz each, giving 4 burgers total, 1 per person). Use the second package of Romaine Hearts from the 2-pack purchased on Tuesday. Use 2 avocados from the 7 purchased on Tuesday. Use 1 cucumber bag from the 7 purchased on Tuesday. Purchase 1 bottle of Hellmann's Mayonnaise 30 oz.
Recipes:
- Keto Salmon Cakes With Mustard Dill Sauce
- Salmon Avocado Salad - Low Carb (Keto)

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Fresh from Meijer Pork Loin Assorted Chops Bone in (2 lbs): $3.98
- Red, Yellow, Orange or Aloha Bell Pepper (7 peppers at $1 each): $7.00
- True Goodness Organic Whole or Sliced White Mushrooms 8 oz (x2 packages at $2/$5): $5.00
- Swanson Broth 14.5 oz (7 cans at $1 each): $7.00
- Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Drumsticks All natural (2 lbs): $1.98
- Romaine Hearts 3 pk (x2 packages at $2/$5): $5.00
- Extra Large Avocado (7 avocados at $1 each): $7.00
- Seedless Mini Cucumbers 1 lb. bag (7 bags at $1 each): $7.00
- Wish-Bone or Western Dressings 15 oz (x2 bottles at $2/$4): $4.00
- Fresh from Meijer 80% Lean Ground Beef 3 lb. pkg. or larger (3 lb. package at $4.99/lb): $14.97
- Vidalia Onions 5 lb. bag (x1 bag): $4.99
- Red Gold Tomatoes 14.5-15 oz (7 cans at $1 each): $7.00
- Kraft Shredded or Chunk Cheese 7-8 oz (x2 packages at $2/$5): $5.00
- Johnsonville Fresh Brats 19 oz (x1 package): $4.79
- True Goodness Organic Mustard 9 oz (x1 bottle): $2.29
- Black Pearl Atlantic Salmon Burgers 10 oz (x2 packages at $4.99 each): $9.98
- Hellmann's Mayonnaise 30 oz (x1 bottle): $3.99

Pantry staples needed:
- Olive oil
- Garlic (fresh or powder)
- Salt and black pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Lemon juice (fresh or bottled)