Meal planning can help cut the cost of meals consumed and groceries purchased. Knowing how to make a frugal weekly meal plan makes the process an easier one. Frugal meals are essential in times of cuts in the family finances but may also be a way of life for individuals who are saving funds for a purpose, those whose only source of income is social security, or those who use food stamps to provide meals. Developing frugal weekly meal plans enables shopping to be done one time with no return trips to the store. By planning meals ahead of time, a family can maintain pantry stock which is purchased when staples are on sale, further decreasing the cost of the groceries.

To begin developing a weekly meal plan, list those dishes enjoyed by the family. After reviewing these meals, determine which are the lowest cost meals. These will become the start of a meal plan. Using these recipe ideas, determine what other meals could be made using similar ingredients. Buying bulk meats or vegetables may lower the cost of the overall product purchase. Cutting the amount of meat in a recipe can also reduce the grocery bill. When deciding on recipes to add to the week’s meal plan, consider the items on hand in the pantry or freezer and use those items to further reduce the amount of expenditures. Using this method of choosing meals, allows for using items which are stocked when on sale.

While using favorite meals can form the basis of the meal planning, some new frugal meals may be needed to add to the list of possible choices. Consider the cheap dinner ideas shown for the seven days listed below to add to your meal plan. Using these ideas for frugal dinners, develop a full weekly meal plan by adding a breakfast of choice and utilize dinner leftovers for lunches.

Ravioli Casserole – A simple method of making ravioli casserole is to use canned ravioli as the base of the casserole and top it with ½ pound browned ground beef and sliced cheese. Bake at 350 degrees until heated throughout.

Chicken and Pasta – Any pasta bought on sale can be used for this meal. Leftover chicken or pieces of canned chicken are used for the meat. Whatever is on hand for making a white sauce forms the rest of the meal. White sauce can be made from cream cheese and Parmesan or from a whipping cream with added cheeses and a thickener. If chicken drippings or broth are available, gravy can be used instead.

Ground beef can be incorporated in frugal meal plans in multiple ways and can often be planned for two meals as it is easily remade. Ground beef purchased in large quantity on sale can be browned and frozen for later use.

• Day 3 meal –Chili – Make enough chili for leftovers on Day 4. Serve with cornbread or over rice.
• Day 4 meal – Super Nachos – serve a bag of nacho or tortilla chips topped with left over chili. Add any available condiments and toppings like shredded cheese, nacho cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, or jalapenos.

Vegetable Quiche – A crustless quiche can be made using eggs, milk, cheese, and a combination of chopped raw vegetables. This quiche is low carb and can be served for dinner with leftovers used for brunch. A crusted pie version of quiche can be made using a store bought crust or one made from scratch.

When meal planning make use of one night a week as a seasonal meal night. For winter nights, prepare a frugal soup from leftovers, or a simple potato soup served with bread or sandwiches. In the summer, consider inexpensive fresh vegetables or grow your own. Also during summer months, take advantage of sales for barbecue season stocking up on hot dogs and planning meals including them as the main course.

Breakfast is an inexpensive meal to make but many times is skipped or substituted with fast food type items. Breakfast served for dinner one night a week is a good way to cut the menu costs. Eggs are an inexpensive protein and can be prepared in many ways. Pancakes are a low cost frugal breakfast item and can be prepared the traditional way or as an oven pancake. Oatmeal is filling as well as low cost.