We're settling in to fall and trying to prepare for our first baby due at the beginning of October. So, meal planning has been on my mind. I want to make it as easy as possible for my husband and family to go to the store and prepare meals while I am completely obsessed with getting to know the baby and figuring out what he needs and when he needs it!
I've put together a list of meals that we love. Admittedly, there is something about the beginning of fall that makes me go a little soup crazy. I really don't know what it is. As a result, many of the recipes here are for soup. These aren't some broth only appetizer type soups though. These recipes are husband approved, hearty, and perfect for dinner. (You will also have PLENTY of leftovers! While there are only 6 recipes here, we can typically make this meal plan last almost 2 weeks.)
This is the first of two meal plans I am going to share with you guys. This one has recipes compiled from many different sources. While I typically make changes to each one when I make it, I've decided just to note a few of the major changes and link to the source site for ease of use.
Enjoy!
Meal Plan #1
Italian "Drunken" Noodles: This simple pasta dish is beautiful. The bell peppers provide color and plenty of nutrients to keep cold and flu season at bay. Feel free to substitute the orange bell pepper (the most expensive of the bunch) with a green bell pepper to save money. I also use large rigatoni noodles instead of the pappardelle to cut the cost down even further.
Quinoa Chili: While this chili is vegetarian, it does not lack in the protein department! Quinoa is one of a few plant-based complete proteins. There are also two kinds of beans in here to provide iron and protein as well. So don't you go thinking this is some wimpy girly chili - it is delicious and hearty enough to satisfy a male appetite.
Roasted Cauliflower and White Cheddar Soup with baked potatoes: We have half a sack of potatoes left over from last week's meal plan so we are supplementing this soup with those! You could easily pair this with a panini or just some crusty bread if you need a little something extra.
Simple Red Beans & Rice Soup: This is one of my favorite simple soup recipes. It is very easy and delicious. We typically increase the rice a little to make it more stew-like and my husband loves it with some andouille sausage thrown in. Make sure to rinse the beans very well and choose low sodium chicken broth to reduce the sodium content of this soup.
Penne a la Betsy: I'll start by saying that I make quite a few alterations to this recipe (hello, unneeded butter with your olive oil to saute onions!). I typically cut down on the fat quite a bit by only using olive oil to saute the onions, which I use half of the onions called for, and by using half & half instead of heavy cream. I also I make it meat free or substitute the shrimp for grilled chicken to save money.
One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese: While the title of this dish is misleading, it in no way resembles a mac and cheese, it is delicious and hearty. This comes across more of a mix between chili and goulash than anything else. The recipe easily doubles for a crowd or to have on hand if there is a big winter storm coming. This meal will keep you feeling comfy and cozy in any weather.
Grocery List
| Measurement | Item | Price |
| 5 lb. Bag | Yellow Onions | $2.48 |
| 1 | Red Bell Pepper | $0.88 |
| 1 | Yellow Bell Pepper | $0.98 |
| 2 | Green Bell Pepper | $1.36 |
| 1 Head | Garlic | $0.48 |
| 1 Bunch | Cilantro | $0.89 |
| 1 | Lime | $0.28 |
| 1 Head | Cauliflower | $4.17 |
| 16 oz. | Rigatoni | $0.93 |
| 12 oz. | Penne | $0.68 |
| 10 oz. | Elbow Macaroni | $0.57 |
| 8 oz. | Quinoa | $1.44 |
| 4 oz. | Rice | $0.48 |
| (7) 14.5oz Cans | Chicken Broth | $4.62 |
| (3) 14.5oz Cans | Diced Tomatoes | $1.74 |
| 28oz. Can | Diced Tomatoes | $0.98 |
| 15oz. Can | Tomato Sauce | $0.58 |
| 8oz. Can | Tomato Sauce | $0.27 |
| 15oz. Can | White Beans | $0.68 |
| (6) 15oz. Cans | Kidney Beans | $4.08 |
| 15oz. Can | Black Beans | $0.68 |
| 7oz Can | Green Chilis | $1.36 |
| 1 lb. | Italian Sausage | $3.28 |
| 8 oz. | Ground Beef | $2.45 |
| 1 lb. | Sharp Cheddar | $6.54 |
| Pint | Half & Half | $1.29 |
| 1 bag | Frozen Corn | $0.99 |
| 1 Bottle | Chardonnay | $4.00 |
| Total: | $49.16 |
Pantry Items
1/2 C Milk
Olive Oil
Chili Powder
Cumin
Italian Seasoning
Cocoa Powder
Paprika
Coriander
Sugar
Salt
Pepper
Thyme
Rosemary
Basil
Cajun Seasoning
*If you are missing any of these dry spices, check out your local grocery store in the bulk bins to see if they have what you need. You will save a ton of money buying your spices in bulk rather than buying a new jar every time you need a refill.
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