Publix Vegetarian Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

Why these meals: Since you're shopping at Publix this week, we built dinners around the Bush's Best Chili Beans, which anchor Monday's stew and Wednesday's loaded squash wedges, and four cans come to $5.00. Fall Squash (4 lbs for $3.96) also appears on those same two nights, while Broccoli turns up twice, in Tuesday's baked macaroni and again in Friday's stir-fry. Tillamook Shredded Cheese and Mariani Premium Almonds add protein to Tuesday's baked macaroni, and Sargento Cheese Slices carry Thursday's pan-toasted sandwiches. Just make sure the chili beans you pick up are a variety with no meat, so every night stays vegetarian.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Chili Bean and Fall Squash Stew over Rice
Description: Cubed Fall Squash and fresh Tomatoes on the Vine simmer with Bush's Best Chili Beans, onion, and chili spices into a thick, hearty stew. It is ladled over steamed rice for a budget-friendly, protein-rich start to the week.
Sale items used: Bush's Best Chili Beans, Fall Squash, Tomatoes on the Vine
Prep time: 45 minutes
Serving note: 2 cans Bush's Best Chili Beans (choose a variety with no meat), 2 lbs Fall Squash, 1 lb Tomatoes on the Vine, plus 1.5 cups dry rice for 4 people.

Check the label: some baked beans are cooked with bacon or pork fat.

Recipes:
- Butternut Squash Chili - A Tasty Vegetarian Chili for All
- Butternut Squash and Kidney Bean Chili
- Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Chili

Tuesday
Meal: Baked Cheesy Broccoli Macaroni with Toasted Almond Crumb
Description: Elbow macaroni and broccoli florets are baked in a creamy sauce made with Tillamook Shredded Cheese. A crunchy topping of chopped Mariani Premium Almonds and breadcrumbs finishes it, with sliced cucumber on the side.
Sale items used: Broccoli, Tillamook Shredded Cheese, Mariani Premium Almonds, Hot House Cucumbers
Prep time: 50 minutes
Serving note: 1 of the 2 Broccoli, cut into florets, 1 pack Tillamook Shredded Cheese, 1 bag Mariani Premium Almonds (chopped for the topping), 1 Hot House Cucumber sliced, plus 12 oz dry macaroni for 4 people.
Recipes:
- Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese
- Baked Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese
- Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Wednesday
Meal: Roasted Fall Squash Wedges Topped with Chili Beans and Melted Tillamook Shredded Cheese
Description: Fall Squash wedges are roasted until tender and caramelized at the edges. They are then loaded with warmed Bush's Best Chili Beans and finished under the oven heat with Tillamook Shredded Cheese until bubbly.
Sale items used: Fall Squash, Bush's Best Chili Beans, Tillamook Shredded Cheese
Prep time: 55 minutes
Serving note: 2 lbs Fall Squash cut into wedges, 2 cans Bush's Best Chili Beans (choose a variety with no meat), 1 pack Tillamook Shredded Cheese for 4 people.

Check the label: some baked beans are cooked with bacon or pork fat.

Thursday
Meal: Pan-Toasted Cheese Slice and Tomato Sandwiches with Cucumber Salad
Description: Sandwich bread is buttered and pan-toasted with melted Sargento Cheese Slices and thick slices of Tomatoes on the Vine. A crisp, vinegar-dressed cucumber salad on the side balances the richness.
Sale items used: Sargento Cheese Slices, Tomatoes on the Vine, Hot House Cucumbers
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: 2 packs Sargento Cheese Slices (about 2 slices per sandwich, 2 sandwiches per person), 1 lb Tomatoes on the Vine, 2 Hot House Cucumbers, plus 16 slices sandwich bread for 4 people.
Recipes:
- Fresh Tomato, Cucumber & Cheese Sandwich (Easy 10‑Minute Lunch)
- Cucumber & Tomato Sandwich
- Tomato, Chevre, Cucumber Sandwich

Friday
Meal: Stir-Fried Broccoli and Almonds over Rice
Description: Broccoli florets are stir-fried in a hot pan with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, then tossed with toasted Mariani Premium Almonds. It is served over steamed rice for a quick, crunchy finish to the week.
Sale items used: Broccoli, Mariani Premium Almonds
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: 1 of the 2 Broccoli, cut into florets, 2 bags Mariani Premium Almonds, plus 1.5 cups dry rice for 4 people.
Recipes:
- Almond Broccoli Stir Fry
- Almond Broccoli Stir Fry
- Almond Vegetable Stir-Fry

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Bush's Best Chili Beans (x4 cans): $5.00
Check the label: some baked beans are cooked with bacon or pork fat.
- Fall Squash (4 lbs): $3.96
- Tomatoes on the Vine (2 lbs): $4.98
- Broccoli (x2): $6.00
- Hot House Cucumbers (x3): $5.00
- Tillamook Shredded Cheese (x2 packs): $7.00
- Sargento Cheese Slices (x2 packs): $8.00
- Mariani Premium Almonds (x3 bags): $10.00

Pantry staples needed:
- Long-grain rice
- Elbow macaroni
- Sandwich bread
- Breadcrumbs
- Butter
- Milk
- All-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Soy sauce
- Vinegar
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Salt
- Black pepper