Real-Life Budgeting: Meal Planning Through IVF (Week 2)
If you’re new here — I’m a toddler mom and IVF warrior. We’re currently saving for another egg retrieval, and as you probably know… IVF isn’t exactly cheap. To take control where I can, I’ve been laser-focused on budgeting, especially at the grocery store. I also appreciate these simple meals right now, because I don’t have the brain power for anything super complicated.
This is Week 2 of my Budget Dinner Plan Series — a collection of real meals I’m making for our family of 3 (2 adults + 1 toddler), using pantry ingredients, freezer staples, and less than $100 a week. Each week includes 5 dinners that are affordable, simple, and toddler-approved. (If you’re looking for Week 1, click here!)
Let’s jump in!
Week 2: 5 More Budget-Friendly Dinners
Day 1: Chicken Fried Rice
Uses: Chicken, rice
Buy: Eggs, frozen mixed veggies, soy sauce
Easy Directions:
Cook and dice chicken. Scramble eggs in the same pan. Stir in cooked rice, veggies, and a splash of soy sauce. Done in 15 mins!
Day 2: One-Pot Pasta with Ground Beef
Uses: Ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce
Buy: Onion, Italian seasoning, cheese (optional)
Easy Directions:
Brown ground beef with onion and seasoning. Add pasta, sauce, and water. Simmer until pasta is tender.
Day 3: Chicken & Rice Bake with Broccoli
Uses: Chicken, rice
Buy: Cream of mushroom/chicken soup, frozen broccoli
Easy Directions:
Combine raw rice, soup, water, and broccoli in a dish. Lay chicken on top. Cover and bake at 375°F for 1 hour.
Day 4: Taco Night (or Taco Bowls)
Uses: Ground beef, rice
Buy: Taco seasoning, tortillas or corn chips, salsa, shredded cheese
Easy Directions:
Brown beef with taco seasoning. Serve in tortillas, over rice, or with chips. Add cheese, beans, or salsa as you like.
Day 5 Option 1: Pasta Primavera
(Meatless)
Uses: Pasta
Buy: Carrot, zucchini, onion, Parmesan
Sauté chopped veggies, add cooked pasta, toss with oil + Parmesan.
A great option if you’re out of meat but still want something satisfying.
– OR –
Day 5 Option 2: BBQ Meatball Bowls
(With Ground Beef)
Uses: Ground beef*, rice (*or frozen meatballs if you have them on hand)
Buy: BBQ sauce, breadcrumbs, egg, frozen corn
Make meatballs, bake, then toss with BBQ sauce. Serve over rice with corn.
Toddler Tips
- Taco night can be “DIY toddler style”: rice, beans, tortilla strips, and meat in little piles.
- Fried rice is usually a big win — especially with pineapple or scrambled egg.
- Keep fruit or yogurt on the side if your toddler’s having an “off night.”
Final Thoughts
This week felt solid — we stayed on budget, ate meals we actually enjoyed, and had enough leftovers to stretch into lunch. The meatball bowls were a surprise favorite!
If you’re in a season of financial mindfulness — whether it’s because of IVF, inflation, or just life — I hope this gives you some practical inspiration. You’re not alone in this.
Up Next:
[Week 3 Meal Plan: Chicken Parm Night & 4 More Favorites]