Meal planning

[estrellita]

I know, I know, I've probably asked this 10000 times, lol. Once again attempting the meal plan thing. Money is getting tighter and I haven't quite figured out why but I know food is a big part of it.

Give me your easiest, cheapest go to meals and whatever "hacks" you use to make meals easier during the week! Preferably meals that take 20 min or less, garlic and dairy free (though for a lot of things we can just edit recipes or make A something else), few ingredients. We don't usually have a ton of time on weekends since we tend to get busy on weekends but I want to start making time for meal prep on Sundays whenever possible. So the less prep the better but some is ok. Prefer not crock pot (though for prep might be ok, stuff just tends to overcook while we're gone).

Semi related, is there any website/app that watches for deals on food items? When we start A on other milk, we want to use Ripple milk but it's somewhat expensive. Wanted to watch for deals on stuff we would buy frequently like that.

[katespade]

Do you have a pressure cooker? If not, that might be something to keep an eye out for during Black Friday sales, because there are a TON of dump and go recipes that don't involve very many ingredients for those, that only take 20-30 minutes or so to cook.

[luv2rn4fun]

My tricks...

-I shop and plan according to the weekly ad. Chicken is on sale? I stock up (and freeze/defrost as needed) and plan meals that are chicken. I can rotate for variety if the freezer selection allows but some weeks we eat a lot of the same main meat.

-I also tend to grill a lot of meat that can then be used for dinners/DH’s lunches. Usually do this on Monday but you can do it on a Sunday...

-cheap/easy meals...black bean and corn enchilada casserole (A wouldn’t be able to eat this though), taco soup, chicken and dumplings in the instant pot, sandwiches with fruit, grilled chicken salad, pasta and sauce (meat, veggies, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes) in crockpot, tacos. My kids also eat a lot of chicken nuggets, quesadillas, hot dogs, peanut butter or grilled cheese sandwiches. I balance it with fruit and other healthier options.

Honestly, we hardly eat out and our food bill is $300-350/month. As for apps, I have started using the “just for you” app and Ibotta. It takes a little time but every little bit helps!

[luv2rn4fun]

Nov 5, 2018 17:34:27 GMT -5 katespade said:

Do you have a pressure cooker? If not, that might be something to keep an eye out for during Black Friday sales, because there are a TON of dump and go recipes that don't involve very many ingredients for those, that only take 20-30 minutes or so to cook.

All of this too! I bought mine last year on BF! I use it 1-2x/week and it’s a nice option to have (still use my crockpot too).

[estrellita]

Nov 5, 2018 17:34:27 GMT -5 katespade said:

Do you have a pressure cooker? If not, that might be something to keep an eye out for during Black Friday sales, because there are a TON of dump and go recipes that don't involve very many ingredients for those, that only take 20-30 minutes or so to cook.

We do but we've only used it once for hard boiled eggs, lol. They turned out well! I just never know what to make. I'm not a good cook at all! I need to check Pinterest for some simple recipes I can just dump in and let cook. The problem I've run into with instant pot recipes is that they may cook in 15 to 20 min but that doesn't include time for it to warm up or release pressure or whatever.

Can you put stuff in there frozen? Like frozen chicken breast and veggies?

[katespade]

Nov 5, 2018 20:14:23 GMT -5 estrellita said:

Nov 5, 2018 17:34:27 GMT -5 katespade said:

Do you have a pressure cooker? If not, that might be something to keep an eye out for during Black Friday sales, because there are a TON of dump and go recipes that don't involve very many ingredients for those, that only take 20-30 minutes or so to cook.

We do but we've only used it once for hard boiled eggs, lol. They turned out well! I just never know what to make. I'm not a good cook at all! I need to check Pinterest for some simple recipes I can just dump in and let cook. The problem I've run into with instant pot recipes is that they may cook in 15 to 20 min but that doesn't include time for it to warm up or release pressure or whatever.

Can you put stuff in there frozen? Like frozen chicken breast and veggies?

One of our favorites Instant Pot recipes is BBQ chicken, because it only has two ingredients: 1. Frozen chicken breast, and 2. BBQ sauce. We set the timer for 18 minutes and do a quick release once it's done, so the total cook time including warm up and release is probably 30-40 minutes or so. Once it's done, you just shred it, add a bit more BBQ sauce (optional), and then either serve it as is or in a bun. 

BBQ sauce is probably a no go for you because of garlic, but that's just an example.

[estrellita]

Nov 5, 2018 20:25:27 GMT -5 katespade said:

Nov 5, 2018 20:14:23 GMT -5 estrellita said:

We do but we've only used it once for hard boiled eggs, lol. They turned out well! I just never know what to make. I'm not a good cook at all! I need to check Pinterest for some simple recipes I can just dump in and let cook. The problem I've run into with instant pot recipes is that they may cook in 15 to 20 min but that doesn't include time for it to warm up or release pressure or whatever.

Can you put stuff in there frozen? Like frozen chicken breast and veggies?

One of our favorites Instant Pot recipes is BBQ chicken, because it only has two ingredients: 1. Frozen chicken breast, and 2. BBQ sauce. We set the timer for 18 minutes and do a quick release once it's done, so the total cook time including warm up and release is probably 30-40 minutes or so. Once it's done, you just shred it, add a bit more BBQ sauce (optional), and then either serve it as is or in a bun. 

BBQ sauce is probably a no go for you because of garlic, but that's just an example.

Grr, that's too long for us still most days. If I leave work on time we still don't get home until maybe 5:45 and both kids are always starving by then. We could give them snacks but I'd rather just feed them dinner so they can play before bed and so we still have time for baths and everything. I really wish they'd let H change his schedule to get off earlier! That said though, the instant pot might be useful for days one of us is home, or weekends, or food prep for the week or something.

[tacokick]

Nov 5, 2018 21:45:23 GMT -5 estrellita said:

Nov 5, 2018 20:25:27 GMT -5 katespade said:

One of our favorites Instant Pot recipes is BBQ chicken, because it only has two ingredients: 1. Frozen chicken breast, and 2. BBQ sauce. We set the timer for 18 minutes and do a quick release once it's done, so the total cook time including warm up and release is probably 30-40 minutes or so. Once it's done, you just shred it, add a bit more BBQ sauce (optional), and then either serve it as is or in a bun. 

BBQ sauce is probably a no go for you because of garlic, but that's just an example.

Grr, that's too long for us still most days. If I leave work on time we still don't get home until maybe 5:45 and both kids are always starving by then. We could give them snacks but I'd rather just feed them dinner so they can play before bed and so we still have time for baths and everything. I really wish they'd let H change his schedule to get off earlier! That said though, the instant pot might be useful for days one of us is home, or weekends, or food prep for the week or something.

Just butting in to say for you, I’d use the slow cooker function so it would be done when you get home. You can seat meat (optional) in the Instant pot then slow cook it vs pressure cook it. It will switch to warm when it’s done vs overcooking.

[estrellita]

Nov 5, 2018 22:18:12 GMT -5 tacokick said:

Nov 5, 2018 21:45:23 GMT -5 estrellita said:

Grr, that's too long for us still most days. If I leave work on time we still don't get home until maybe 5:45 and both kids are always starving by then. We could give them snacks but I'd rather just feed them dinner so they can play before bed and so we still have time for baths and everything. I really wish they'd let H change his schedule to get off earlier! That said though, the instant pot might be useful for days one of us is home, or weekends, or food prep for the week or something.

Just butting in to say for you, I’d use the slow cooker function so it would be done when you get home. You can seat meat (optional) in the Instant pot then slow cook it vs pressure cook it. It will switch to warm when it’s done vs overcooking.

I could try but our crock pot switches to warm and still overcooks things while we're gone. We're usually gone 7:30-5:45 on a normal day so things end up in the crock pot for 10+ hours

[estrellita]

luv2rn4fun What's the just for you app? Is it only on iPhones? I can't seem to find it. Also I used to use Ibotta but haven't in a long time. I should start again!

[wineandcheese]

have you thought about a Wi-Fi crockpot? When I worked 12 hour shifts, I made a lot of freezer meals then put them in the crockpot frozen the morning before I left for work. I would set an alarm on my phone to remember to turn on the crockpot using the app so it would be ready when I got home and not over cooked.

[estrellita]

Nov 5, 2018 23:14:31 GMT -5 wineandcheese said:

have you thought about a Wi-Fi crockpot? When I worked 12 hour shifts, I made a lot of freezer meals then put them in the crockpot frozen the morning before I left for work. I would set an alarm on my phone to remember to turn on the crockpot using the app so it would be ready when I got home and not over cooked.

I don't think we can justify buying yet another crock pot 😂 we already have 3 I think? Lol. I think one of them might be programmable to start cooking later but I'll have to look again!

[tacokick]

Nov 5, 2018 22:22:53 GMT -5 estrellita said:

Nov 5, 2018 22:18:12 GMT -5 tacokick said:

Just butting in to say for you, I’d use the slow cooker function so it would be done when you get home. You can seat meat (optional) in the Instant pot then slow cook it vs pressure cook it. It will switch to warm when it’s done vs overcooking.

I could try but our crock pot switches to warm and still overcooks things while we're gone. We're usually gone 7:30-5:45 on a normal day so things end up in the crock pot for 10+ hours

I’ve had better luck in the instant pot than a traditional slow cooker. Might be worth a try!

[luv2rn4fun]

Nov 5, 2018 22:25:33 GMT -5 estrellita said:

luv2rn4fun What's the just for you app? Is it only on iPhones? I can't seem to find it. Also I used to use Ibotta but haven't in a long time. I should start again!

I would think they have a version for android but not sure (I have an iPhone). It’s for Albertsons, Vons, Pavillions, Safeway. They have better deals than what you can get without using it. Sometimes they even have something like $3 off $10 meat purchase or $1 off produce. I was able to buy Mac and cheese for $0.49/box. Speaking of...I usually buy store brand vs name brand to save money as well.

Ibotta oftentimes gives $0.25 for bread and $0.50 just for uploading a receipt. I don’t buy a lot of the things they have offers for but I did just do a recent Target and Amazon online purchase through them. I started less than a month ago and have over $6 so far.

[suzv]

I cook mostly vegetarian due to some mental food issues I have with meat lately. Our food budget is still very high though but its mainly due to me not checking to see what we already have in our pantry before shopping. I've been trying to do better with that.

I do a lot of sweet potato/black bean combos in tacos, casseroles, chili, etc. We will also have pasta 1-2 times a week. I made a homemade broccoli mac and cheese last week that gave us lunch and dinner leftovers for two days.

I get a lot of recipes from the Budget Bytes website. I also use the Ibotta app and have earned $81 since July by redeeming grocery receipts and shopping through their app for Amazon, Target, and Gap.

[Blue Moon]

I do a lot of what luv2rn4fun suggested re: grilling meat on Sunday to keep on hand. Add to salads, stir frys, sandwiches, quesadillas throughout the week.

I also try to get a full meal prepped on Sunday so that on Monday all I need to do to just reheat for 20 mins or so.

We eat a lot of sheet pan meals-- protein, potatoes, and veggies all chopped, tossed in olive oil and seasonings. Cooked on one pan in the oven for 30-40 mins.

Also try to do double-duty. If I'm making rice for instance, I'll double the recipe and reheat the second portion later in the week. Same with things like mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes, etc.

[wineandcheese]

Nov 6, 2018 7:19:01 GMT -5 estrellita said:

Nov 5, 2018 23:14:31 GMT -5 wineandcheese said:

have you thought about a Wi-Fi crockpot? When I worked 12 hour shifts, I made a lot of freezer meals then put them in the crockpot frozen the morning before I left for work. I would set an alarm on my phone to remember to turn on the crockpot using the app so it would be ready when I got home and not over cooked.

I don't think we can justify buying yet another crock pot 😂 we already have 3 I think? Lol. I think one of them might be programmable to start cooking later but I'll have to look again!

There’s always room for another crockpot! I have 6 😂

[estrellita]

Nov 6, 2018 8:59:31 GMT -5 luv2rn4fun said:

Nov 5, 2018 22:25:33 GMT -5 estrellita said:

luv2rn4fun What's the just for you app? Is it only on iPhones? I can't seem to find it. Also I used to use Ibotta but haven't in a long time. I should start again!

I would think they have a version for android but not sure (I have an iPhone). It’s for Albertsons, Vons, Pavillions, Safeway. They have better deals than what you can get without using it. Sometimes they even have something like $3 off $10 meat purchase or $1 off produce. I was able to buy Mac and cheese for $0.49/box. Speaking of...I usually buy store brand vs name brand to save money as well.

Ibotta oftentimes gives $0.25 for bread and $0.50 just for uploading a receipt. I don’t buy a lot of the things they have offers for but I did just do a recent Target and Amazon online purchase through them. I started less than a month ago and have over $6 so far.

Oh gotcha. We don't have any of those stores here, lol. I did download Ibotta again though. And we do usually buy store brand everything unless there's a deal on name brand or it's something we just strongly prefer in the name brand (not too many things).

[luv2rn4fun]

Nov 6, 2018 11:53:13 GMT -5 estrellita said:

Nov 6, 2018 8:59:31 GMT -5 luv2rn4fun said:

I would think they have a version for android but not sure (I have an iPhone). It’s for Albertsons, Vons, Pavillions, Safeway. They have better deals than what you can get without using it. Sometimes they even have something like $3 off $10 meat purchase or $1 off produce. I was able to buy Mac and cheese for $0.49/box. Speaking of...I usually buy store brand vs name brand to save money as well.

Ibotta oftentimes gives $0.25 for bread and $0.50 just for uploading a receipt. I don’t buy a lot of the things they have offers for but I did just do a recent Target and Amazon online purchase through them. I started less than a month ago and have over $6 so far.

Oh gotcha. We don't have any of those stores here, lol. I did download Ibotta again though. And we do usually buy store brand everything unless there's a deal on name brand or it's something we just strongly prefer in the name brand (not too many things).

Check to see if your local stores have a similar app. I bet they do.

[estrellita]

Nov 6, 2018 12:50:52 GMT -5 luv2rn4fun said:

Nov 6, 2018 11:53:13 GMT -5 estrellita said:

Oh gotcha. We don't have any of those stores here, lol. I did download Ibotta again though. And we do usually buy store brand everything unless there's a deal on name brand or it's something we just strongly prefer in the name brand (not too many things).

Check to see if your local stores have a similar app. I bet they do.

Our local grocery chain has a deals app but it's so hard to navigate. I'll have to see if they've improved it. We do enter our phone number when we shop there because it'll automatically take coupons off and we get gas rewards for buying certain items.

Otherwise we shop at Target and I use Cartwheel a lot. BUT we don't have a Super Target so half the stuff I find on there isn't in the store. Grr. There's not that many other places in town that are convenient - Byerly's gets expensive and Aldi is way across town and we rarely go that direction. I generally avoid Walmart but they do have a decent selection. That's pretty out of the way for us too though.

[ewall]

Nov 5, 2018 21:45:23 GMT -5 estrellita said:

Nov 5, 2018 20:25:27 GMT -5 katespade said:

One of our favorites Instant Pot recipes is BBQ chicken, because it only has two ingredients: 1. Frozen chicken breast, and 2. BBQ sauce. We set the timer for 18 minutes and do a quick release once it's done, so the total cook time including warm up and release is probably 30-40 minutes or so. Once it's done, you just shred it, add a bit more BBQ sauce (optional), and then either serve it as is or in a bun. 

BBQ sauce is probably a no go for you because of garlic, but that's just an example.

Grr, that's too long for us still most days. If I leave work on time we still don't get home until maybe 5:45 and both kids are always starving by then. We could give them snacks but I'd rather just feed them dinner so they can play before bed and so we still have time for baths and everything. I really wish they'd let H change his schedule to get off earlier! That said though, the instant pot might be useful for days one of us is home, or weekends, or food prep for the week or something.

Could you skip carpool one day per week? One person does pick up, the other heads home for dinner prep. So your week looks like:
S - meal
M - leftovers from S
T - early person home cooks
W - leftovers from T
T - quick and easy
F - quick and easy

By quick and easy, something like egg, toast, fruit/breakfast for dinner. Soup and sandwiches. Frozen dinner items. Hot dogs, etc.

I agree, Instant Pot takes too long unless someone is getting home earlyish.

For leftover meals, double batch taco beef or chicken (DIY a big thing of your own taco seasoning w/o garlic to have on hand). Chili and cornbread (box mix made with almond milk and Smart Balance.) Sheet pan meals, prep night before, toss in oven when you get in, add rice on side:

www.allrecipes.com/recipe/218486/moms-beef-shish-kabobs/

dinnerthendessert.com/sheet-pan-korean-chicken-and-vegetables/

[ewall]

We do a snack as soon as we get home. Keeps everyone sane until dinnertime

[estrellita]

ewall We possibly could, H does work at home sometimes so we could do it then or we could pick a day where I come straight home. I get off at 445 and he gets off at 515 so that would give me time. Prepping the ingredients the night before on a pan or something is a good idea!

[bk1]

I second ewall's idea. 


I try to make my most time consuming meals on Sunday when DH is home to help watch the kids. I also try and cook and plan for leftovers the next day when possible so I don't have to cook every single night. 


I would also look into freezer cooking. I will make a double batch of things sometime and add the extra to the freezer so I can pull it back out in a week or two, thaw in the fridge, and just need to warm it up when we are ready. Right now I have a batch of stew in the freezer for just that purpose. I also keep homemade burritos in the freezer at all times for a quick meal. We we run out I make a big batch of taco meat and use it for dinner that night and make the rest into burritos for the freezer. 


On days when your H works from home could be a great day for crockpot meals. That way you don't have to worry about the overcooking part and you should have leftovers from whatever you make. 


As far as organizing/planning - I have a dry erase board with the days of the week on one of my cabinets which is where I write out what we are eating all week long. It helps me to stay on track and not be scrambling at the last minute. I also will write off to the side meals that sound good but we aren't having that week so I have ideas for the following week. 

[bk1]

Quick meals:

breakfast for dinner - pancakes/toast, eggs, bacon, fruit (I bake my bacon in the oven and then you can throw it back in the pan after you cook eggs to rewarm it)
shrimp fried rice - if I'm making rice for something I double it and we will eat this the next day
pasta + sauce 
sheet pan meals

[estrellita]

bk1 problem with freezer meals is we don't eat them.. I made some with my mom before A was born and some are still in the freezer 😔 I'm so mad at myself for that.. they're probably no good now. Ugh. But maybe if I put it on a schedule like that I'd use them?