This week has a very Italian menu, aside from the fajitas. It tends to happen on occasion since I am married to an Italian. Lots of tomatoes, bell peppers, and pasta! My husband is in food heaven. This is my weekly meal plan on $60 or less! (my average prices do not include common spices, butter, oil, etc)
Monday
White Beans with Spinach and Sausage (@$8)
- Cannellini Beans $1.78 (2 cans)
- Baby Spinach $1.99 ( Trader Joe’s)
- Kielbasa $2.50
- Diced Tomatoes $0.73(can)
- Ciabatta $0.99 (½ Loaf, Trader Joe’s)
This a light yet hearty dish. I wasn’t sure about the tomatoes since I do not really like them but I enjoyed the way everything came together. (recipe) Chicken or seafood could be substitute for a different flavor or the sausage could be omitted for a vegetarian dish (just use vegetable broth). Crusty buttered bread was the amazing finishing touch.
Tuesday
Beef Fajitas(@$13)
- Stir fry Beef $6.22
- Onion $0.54 (Vidalia)
- Bell Pepper $1.00 (3 peppers, Special Kroger)
- Tortillas $1.25 (½ package)
- Shredded Cheese $0.83 (⅓ package)
- Lime $0.79
- Avocado $1.69
- Sour Cream $0.60 (⅓ container)
I use this recipe often. This time I changed it up and used stir fry beef that I had in the freezer. I cooked the vegetables according to the recipe and added the meat during the last 10 minutes. I did not marinate my meat but just cooked with seasoning like I do with the chicken. It came out well really tasty. Just make sure the pieces of beef are small enough to easily bite in a fajita.
Wednesday
Steak Pizzaiola (@$9.50)
- Beef Round Steak $5.23 (Special, Kroger)
- Pasta $1.00 (Annie’s Butter Parmesan Spirals)
- Crushed Tomatoes $0.73 (can)
- Bell Peppers $0.66 (1 red and 1 yellow, Special Kroger)
- Onion $0.54 (Vidalia)
- Pepperoncini $0.45 (olive bar, Kroger)
- Ciabatta $0.98 (½ Loaf, Trader Joe’s)
I came across this meal while searching for ways to use inexpensive cuts of beef. The cooking method made for a super tender dish and tons of flavor. I added a little more seasoning than recommended and used Italian Seasoning instead of just Oregano. Yum!
Friday
Sausage Stuffed Peppers (@$13)
- Italian Sausage $5.98 (2 packages)
- Bell Peppers $2.00 (6 peppers, Special Kroger)
- Pasta Sauce $1.59 (jarred, Kroger)
- Shredded Cheese $2.49 (mozzarella)
- Pasta $1.00 (Annie’s Butter Parmesan Spirals)
I think this is one of my husband’s most requested dishes. (here) I do not put in rice in my peppers, just meat. I use a mix of regular Italian sausage and sweet Italian sausage. If you like spicy, definitely use the spicy sausage. I usually have a little sausage leftover, so you could either make more peppers for leftovers or I use it in scrambled eggs for breakfast.
Saturday
Skillet Pesto Chicken (@$9)
- Chicken Breast $4.72 (2.99lb, Fresh Market)
- Pesto $0.99 (¼ jar)
- Heavy Cream $1.24
- Parmesan Cheese $0.82 (¼ package)
- Baby Carrots $0.99 (can)\
This dish is so creamy and yummy. Since we have eaten a lot of pasta this week, I decided to use veggies today. And always add extra cheese, you can never have too much! I always seem to forget to take pictures on Saturdays since we are always running around and dinner seems to be a rushed event. I will try to be better about that.
5 meals for around $55.
My bonus for you this week is Pound Cake! I got this recipe from my Great Grandmother many many years ago. Easiest cake recipe ever.
2 sticks softened butter, 2 cups sugar. 2 cups flour. 6 eggs. 1 teaspoon vanilla. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Add vanilla. Add flour 1/2 cup at a time until well mixed. Add to oiled and floured pan. Bake at 350 for one hour.
If you want something absolutely amazing, slice the cake and butter both sides. Place on hot cast iron skillet and brown both sides. Top with homemade whipped cream.
