So this week was super busy with the holiday (yes, I am little ahead of my blogs in real life). Between pool time, Renaissance Faire, shorter work week and then playing catch up we had a jam packed week but regardless of that we still needed to eat. Weeks like this are when it is easy to fall into the take out trap. Most of these meals can be prepared in the time it takes to place and pick up a takeout order. The oven fajitas are my favorite for that. Chop veggies and chicken, toss with spice, throw in the oven and walk away for 40 minutes and do whatever else needs to be done.
Shopping List for week of May 29
This is my week.
(my average prices do not include spices, butter, oil, etc)
Monday
Breakfast Casserole (@$7)
- Breakfast Sausage $2.79
- Eggs $1.09 (6 eggs, managers special because some were broken)
- Shredded Cheese $1.41 (¾ bag)
- Canned Biscuits $1.47
This is great because it can be made at any point during the day and refrigerated until needed. You can use precooked sausage if you really want to cut down on prep time but that does cost a little more. Basic recipe here. You can also add veggies or bacon.
Tuesday
Oven Fajitas (@$12.50)
- Chicken $7.08 (2.99 lb, Fresh Market)
- Bell Peppers $2.38
- Onions $0.55
- Cheese $0.47 (¼ , leftover from yesterday)
- Sour Cream $0.44 (¼ )
- Lime $0.29
- Tortillas $1.25 (½ )
Recipe. This is by far one of favorite easy dinner night recipes. If I know it is a busy day, sometimes I prep the veggies and chicken in the morning and just refrigerate until time for dinner. If you need something more filling, you can add a side if rice & beans for only a few dollars. I tend to make a little more than needed since the chicken reheats really well for lunches. To save time this week, I cooked the chicken I need for tomorrow at the same time.
Wednesday
Posole (@$14)
- Chicken $4.44 (2.99 lb. Fresh Market)
- Hominy $1.38 (2 cans)
- Poblano $0.42
- Onion $0.55
- Diced Green Chiles $1.78 (2 cans)
- Chicken Stock $2.68 (6 Cups)
- Avocado $1.29
- Lime $0.29
- Cotija Cheese $1.19 (¼ )
For years, this has been one of my favorite things to get at this little restaurant when they have it as the sopa especial. I wanted to learn how to make it since leisurely dinners are rare with a toddler. I found a similar recipe and made a few changes. I only use two cans of diced green chiles. I buy mine from Trader Joe’s and they have tons of flavor. Three makes it a little too much for my daughter. I use a dash more cumin and I omit the radishes since I have not found a use for them once I buy a whole bag. (no one eats them but me anyway). Also note that I added chicken stock to the list of purchased ingredients. I do not usually as that is something I always have on hand but this recipe called for 6 cups so that can be a substantial amount if needing to purchase that much.
Friday
Korean BBQ Rice Bowl (@$10)
- Beef $5.23 (managers special, eye of round steak)
- Spinach $0.98 (½ )
- Carrots $0.50 (¼ )
- Rice $0.94
- Mushrooms $0.98 (½ )
- Korean BBQ Sauce $0.99 (part of large bottle from the farmers market)
This was my version of a favorite Korean BBQ Bowl from Takorea. I enjoyed how everything turned out but it was a lot of different things cooking all at once and a temperamental toddler made it a little difficult. Steamed rice, Korean BBQ marinated and seared steak (sliced), wilted spinach, sauteed matchstick carrots with ginger, bbq mushrooms. I did not top with egg this time because I forgot. This is a basic recipe to follow. I don’t add the kimchi to mine but my husband and roommates do.
Leftovers for my husband
Saturday
Philly Sloppy Joes (@$9)
- Ground Beef $4.08 (2.99 lb, Fresh Market)
- Bell Pepper $0.79
- Onion $0.55
- Sliced Provolone $0.94 (½ )
- Buns $0.49
- Fries $1.99
This is one of my husband’s favorite quick meals. I found this recipe while looking for different ways to use ground beef. As usual, I make a few changes. I buy Kroger brands steak seasoning, so much cheaper and more potent. I use about 1 ½ Tablespoons of the stuff in my version.
5 meals for around $53.
My goal for next week is to incorporate more veggies as per request from one of the roommates. We eat a lot of fruit and veggies throughout the day but need to add more to dinner. I was a little cheaper overall in my grocery shopping this week, closer to $130 which was nice.
