Meijer Low-Carb Meal Plan

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Pan-Seared Certified Angus Beef Ground Chuck Skillet with Bell Peppers and Campari Tomatoes
Description: Seasoned ground chuck is browned in a hot skillet until caramelized, then tossed with diced green bell pepper and halved Campari tomatoes for a quick, satisfying low-carb skillet dinner. The tomatoes break down into a light, savory pan sauce that coats the beef beautifully with no starchy fillers needed.
Sale items used: Certified Angus Beef Ground Chuck ($5.29/lb), Locally Grown Green Bell Peppers ($0.79 each), Campari Tomatoes ($2.99 for 16 oz.)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: Use approximately 0.5 lb of ground chuck (estimated cost $2.65), 1 green bell pepper, and about 4 oz of Campari tomatoes from the 16 oz container (remainder used Thursday). The Campari tomatoes package will carry over to Thursday's meal, making it a smart two-meal purchase.

Tuesday
Meal: Oven-Braised Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Thighs with Celery and Cabbage
Description: Bone-in chicken thighs are seasoned and seared, then slow-braised in the oven with sliced celery hearts and wedges of green cabbage until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender. The braising liquid becomes a rich, naturally low-carb pan jus that soaks into the cabbage for a deeply comforting one-pan meal.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Thighs ($1.49/lb), Locally Grown Celery Hearts ($2.49 each), Locally Grown Green Cabbage ($0.69/lb)
Prep time: 15 minutes prep, 55 minutes oven time
Serving note: Purchase approximately 0.75 lb of chicken thighs from the family pack (estimated cost $1.12), use 2 to 3 stalks from 1 celery heart, and about 0.5 lb of cabbage (estimated cost $0.35). The celery heart and cabbage head will have plenty left over for Wednesday and Friday. Total active time is about 15 minutes; put the braise in the oven and relax while it cooks.

Wednesday
Meal: Grilled Fresh from Meijer Brats with Sauteed Cabbage and Bell Pepper
Description: One or two fresh brats are grilled or pan-seared until golden and cooked through, then served alongside a quick saute of shredded green cabbage and sliced green bell pepper cooked in butter. This is a hearty, naturally low-carb plate that skips the bun entirely and lets the smoky brat flavor shine.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Brats ($3.99 for 19 oz.), Locally Grown Green Cabbage ($0.69/lb, using remainder from Tuesday), Locally Grown Green Bell Peppers ($0.79 each), Challenge Butter Sticks ($3.99 for 16 oz.)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: The 19 oz. brat package contains approximately 5 links; use 2 links for this meal and refrigerate or freeze the rest for later in the week or beyond. Use about 0.5 lb of the remaining cabbage from Tuesday and 1 green bell pepper. Use 1 tablespoon of butter from the 16 oz. package, which will last the household well beyond this week.

Thursday
Meal: Skillet-Seared Smithfield Pork Loin Filet Slices with Campari Tomato Pan Sauce
Description: Thick slices of Smithfield pork loin filet are seared in a hot skillet until golden, then a quick pan sauce is built with the remaining Campari tomatoes, butter, and garlic for a restaurant-quality low-carb dinner. The tomatoes melt into a bright, slightly acidic sauce that balances the richness of the pork perfectly.
Sale items used: Smithfield Pork Loin Filet or Tenderloin ($5.99 for 19.2-27.2 oz.), Campari Tomatoes ($2.99 for 16 oz., using remainder from Monday), Challenge Butter Sticks ($3.99 for 16 oz., using remainder from Wednesday)
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: The Smithfield package yields multiple meals; slice off approximately 6 to 8 oz. for tonight and refrigerate or freeze the rest. Use the remaining Campari tomatoes (approximately 12 oz.) from Monday's purchase to build the pan sauce. No additional purchases are needed today beyond what was already bought.
Recipes:
- Low Carb Pork Picatta Recipe

Friday
Meal: Bacon-Topped Broiled Fresh from Meijer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs with Shredded Cabbage Slaw
Description: Boneless skinless chicken thighs are seasoned, broiled until juicy and charred at the edges, then topped with crispy Smithfield bacon for a bold, protein-packed finish. A simple shredded cabbage slaw dressed with Duke's mayonnaise and a splash of vinegar serves as the cool, creamy low-carb side.
Sale items used: Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs ($1.99/lb), Smithfield Bacon ($3.99 for 12 oz.), Locally Grown Green Cabbage ($0.69/lb, using remainder from Tuesday and Wednesday), Duke's Mayonnaise ($3.99 for 30 oz.)
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use approximately 0.5 lb of boneless skinless chicken thighs (estimated cost $1.00), 2 to 3 strips of bacon from the 12 oz. package, and about 0.5 lb of the remaining cabbage head for the slaw. The Duke's mayonnaise 30 oz. jar is a large-format pantry item that will last well beyond this week; it qualifies here because it is the primary dressing for the slaw and costs under $4.00, making it a practical low-carb staple worth buying on sale.
Recipes:
- Chicken Bacon Cabbage Skillet

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Certified Angus Beef Ground Chuck (0.5 lb): $2.65
- Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Thighs (0.75 lb): $1.12
- Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (0.5 lb): $1.00
- Smithfield Pork Loin Filet or Tenderloin (1 package): $5.99
- Smithfield Bacon (1 package, 12 oz.): $3.99
- Fresh from Meijer Brats (1 package, 19 oz.): $3.99
- Locally Grown Green Bell Peppers (x2): $1.58
- Campari Tomatoes (1 package, 16 oz.): $2.99
- Locally Grown Celery Hearts (x1): $2.49
- Locally Grown Green Cabbage (1.5 lb): $1.04
- Challenge Butter Sticks (1 package, 16 oz.): $3.99
- Duke's Mayonnaise (1 jar, 30 oz.): $3.99

Pantry staples needed:
- Olive oil or avocado oil for searing
- Garlic (fresh or minced)
- Salt and black pepper
- Paprika or your preferred seasoning blend
- Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar (for the slaw dressing)
- Onion powder
- Red pepper flakes (optional)