Why We’re Meal Planning on a Budget (and Maybe You Are Too)
If you’re new here — hi! I’m a stay-at-home toddler mom, and my husband and I have been on a years-long journey with IVF. It’s been emotional, exhausting, and expensive. So right now, every dollar counts.
We’ve had to get really intentional with where our money goes, and one of the biggest ways we’ve cut back is with our weekly dinner budget. I challenged myself to start feeding our little family of three — two adults and one hungry toddler — on $100 or less a week. Spoiler: it’s totally possible with a little planning and a few smart pantry staples!
This is Week 1 of my Budget Dinner Plan Series, where I’ll be sharing exactly what we’re eating, how I’m stretching ingredients across multiple meals, and how I’m saving time and stress in the kitchen.
Week 1: 5 Budget Dinners Under $100
I started this week by taking stock of what we already had in the freezer and pantry. Here’s what I found:
- Ground chuck (1 lb packs)
- Chicken breast (1 lb packs)
- Ground sausage
- Rice, pasta, tomato sauce, Rotel
- Stove Top stuffing, cream of chicken soup
- Canned green beans, frozen peas
- Hawaiian BBQ sauce
So instead of building a grocery list first, I built meals around what we already had. Then I filled in the gaps with a few affordable extras. Here’s what we made:
Day 1: Chicken & Stuffing Bake
Comfort food using pantry staples –
- Diced chicken breast
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Prepared Stove Top stuffing
- Optional: shredded cheddar on top
Bake at 350°F for 25 mins. Serve with canned green beans.
Day 2: Ground Beef & Rice Skillet with Rotel
Tex-Mex inspired, toddler approved –
- Brown ground beef
- Stir in cooked rice, Rotel, a splash of tomato sauce, and taco seasoning
- Top with shredded cheese if you have it
Serve with tortilla chips or just in a bowl.
Day 3: Sausage Pasta Skillet
A one-pot wonder –
- Brown ground sausage
- Add cooked pasta and tomato sauce
- Optional: toss in spinach, bell peppers, or peas
Easy, hearty, and reheats well!
Day 4: Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Bowls
Sweet + savory = dinner win
- Cook diced chicken, toss with Hawaiian BBQ sauce
- Serve over rice with pineapple tidbits and bell pepper (fresh or sautéed)
Fun takeout vibes on a budget!
Day 5: Hamburger Patty Plates
Simple and satisfying –
- Form hamburger patties from ground beef
- Season and pan-fry or bake
- Serve with green beans and peas, plus mashed potatoes or rice if needed
A classic “meat and sides” night with no stress.
Toddler Notes
If you’ve got a picky eater like mine, here’s how I served things:
- Chicken & stuffing “deconstructed” (chicken, peas, stuffing in little piles)
- Taco bowls served with chips for dipping
- Meatballs cut into tiny bites, BBQ sauce on the side
- Always a side of fruit or applesauce to keep her interested!
Final Thoughts
Meal planning like this has been such a gift. When you’re going through IVF, or just trying to hold things together emotionally and financially, one less decision can make a big difference. These meals didn’t just help us stay under budget — they make meal times easier and more enjoyable.
If you’re in a similar season, I see you. And I hope this post gives you a little relief and a lot of inspiration.
Up Next:
[Week 2 Budget Meal Plan: 5 More Dinners for Under $100]