Publix Kid-Friendly Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

Why these meals: This week's plan leans on familiar, kid-friendly flavors, starting Monday with Mini Beef Meatloaf Muffins so every kid gets their own little portion. The Publix Semi-Boneless Half Ham (2 lbs for $5.18) anchors two nights, Tuesday's Ham and Cheese Quesadillas and Friday's Baked Ham, Broccoli, and Cheese Pasta, and the Tillamook Shredded Cheese 2 for $7.00 deal covers those same two dinners. Be sure to grab both packs in the Broccoli 2 for $6.00 deal, since one goes into Thursday's Honey Garlic Skillet Shrimp and the other into Friday's pasta. Wednesday's Sheet-Pan Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Granny Smith Apples and Fall Squash rounds out the week with something sweet and cozy.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Mini Beef Meatloaf Muffins with Sliced Tomatoes
Description: Lean Ground Beef is mixed with breadcrumbs, egg, and a ketchup glaze, then baked in a muffin tin so every kid gets their own mini meatloaf. Sliced Tomatoes on the Vine and creamy mashed potatoes round out the plate.
Sale items used: Lean Ground Beef, Tomatoes on the Vine
Prep time: 40 minutes
Serving note: 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (makes about 12 muffins, 3 per person) and 1 lb Tomatoes on the Vine (about 3 medium tomatoes, sliced). Bake at 375 degrees F for about 22 minutes.
Recipes:
- Muffin Pan Mini Meatloaf Recipe
- Mini Meatloaf Muffins
- Best Mini Meatloaf Recipe (Mini Muffin Tin Meatloaves)

Tuesday
Meal: Ham and Cheese Quesadillas with Grapes
Description: Diced Publix Semi-Boneless Half Ham and Tillamook Shredded Cheese are folded into flour tortillas and toasted in a skillet until the cheese melts. Serve with a bowl of cold Red or White Seedless Grapes for a fun, hands-on dinner.
Sale items used: Publix Semi-Boneless Half Ham, Tillamook Shredded Cheese, Red or White Seedless Grapes
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: 1 lb Publix Semi-Boneless Half Ham (diced), 1 pack Tillamook Shredded Cheese, and 1 lb Red or White Seedless Grapes. Use 8 large flour tortillas (2 per person), folded in half and cut into wedges.
Recipes:
- Ham and Cheese Quesadillas Recipe
- Ham and Cheese Quesadillas - Pati Jinich
- Ham and Cheese Quesadilla - Barefeet in the Kitchen

Wednesday
Meal: Sheet-Pan Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Granny Smith Apples and Fall Squash
Description: Publix Extra Lean Pork Loin Tenderloin is roasted on one sheet pan with Granny Smith apple wedges and cubes of Fall Squash, all lightly glazed with butter and brown sugar. The squash and apples turn sweet and soft, and the tenderloin is sliced into tender rounds.
Sale items used: Publix Extra Lean Pork Loin Tenderloin, Granny Smith Apples, Fall Squash
Prep time: 45 minutes
Serving note: 1.5 lbs Publix Extra Lean Pork Loin Tenderloin, 1.5 lbs Granny Smith Apples (about 3 apples), and 2 lbs Fall Squash. Roast at 425 degrees F until the pork reaches 145 degrees F, about 25 minutes. Start the squash 10 minutes ahead of the pork and slice the pork across the grain.
Recipes:
- Sheet-Pan Pork Tenderloin & Apples - ShopRite
- Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Apples & Squash Recipe - Wyse Guide
- Harvest Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Apple and Butternut Squash

Thursday
Meal: Honey Garlic Skillet Shrimp with Broccoli over Rice
Description: White Shrimp are sauteed in a skillet with butter, honey, and a little garlic powder for a sweet, mild glaze kids tend to love. Steamed Broccoli florets and fluffy white rice make it a complete meal.
Sale items used: White Shrimp, Broccoli
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: 1 lb White Shrimp (peel and devein at home if not already prepared) and 1 pack of the Broccoli 2 for $6.00 deal (the second pack is used Friday). Cook about 1.5 cups dry white rice. Shrimp need only 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Recipes:
- Honey Garlic Shrimp - The Cozy Cook
- Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
- 15-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp

Friday
Meal: Baked Ham, Broccoli, and Cheese Pasta
Description: Diced Publix Semi-Boneless Half Ham and small Broccoli florets are tossed with pasta in a creamy cheese sauce made with Tillamook Shredded Cheese. It is baked until bubbly and golden on top for a cozy, familiar casserole.
Sale items used: Publix Semi-Boneless Half Ham, Broccoli, Tillamook Shredded Cheese
Prep time: 45 minutes
Serving note: 1 lb Publix Semi-Boneless Half Ham (diced), the second pack of Broccoli, and 1 pack Tillamook Shredded Cheese (half stirred into the sauce, half sprinkled on top). Use 12 oz dry penne. Bake at 375 degrees F for about 20 minutes.
Recipes:
- Cheesy Ham & Broccoli Pasta Bake
- Broccoli Cheddar Ham Pasta Casserole
- Easy Ham & Broccoli Pasta Bake - Lost in Food

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Lean Ground Beef (1 lb): $6.99
- Publix Semi-Boneless Half Ham (2 lbs): $5.18
- Publix Extra Lean Pork Loin Tenderloin (1.5 lbs): $7.49
- White Shrimp (1 lb): $7.99
- Tomatoes on the Vine (1 lb): $2.49
- Granny Smith Apples (1.5 lbs): $2.69
- Fall Squash (2 lbs): $1.98
- Broccoli (2 packs, 2 for $6.00): $6.00
- Red or White Seedless Grapes (1 lb): $2.99
- Tillamook Shredded Cheese (2 packs, 2 for $7.00): $7.00

Pantry staples needed:
- Plain breadcrumbs, 1 egg, and ketchup (Monday)
- Instant mashed potatoes (Monday)
- Flour tortillas, 8 large (Tuesday)
- Butter, brown sugar, salt, and pepper (Wednesday and Friday)
- Honey, garlic powder, and long-grain white rice (Thursday)
- Penne pasta (12 oz), milk, and all-purpose flour (Friday)
- Cooking oil