This week was a perfect example of how feeding a family of six is all about flexibility. Some meals were planned, some were repeat-and-reimagined leftovers, and a couple came courtesy of our favorite local spots. No extreme budgeting, no rigid rules – just realistic meals that fit into busy days, hungry kids, and the occasional “let’s just order pizza” moment. The biggest win? Turning one pot of chili into two meals (chili one night, chili cheese dogs the next – which might be the most enthusiastic kid response of the week). Add in a few oven-friendly dinners, a favorite from my cookbook, breakfast out, and pizza delivery, and that pretty much sums up how we ate. Here’s volume 4 of the family meal plan diaries.
Breakfasts:
We made the cutest snowman pancakes because – winter. Also, this sweet cream iced coffee for me. Sourdough berry muffins– they taste just like the bakery, didn’t have any leftovers to freeze! Also freezer waffles in between.
Dinners:
- Chili with corn bread – this was more of a Nick and I favorite. The kids loved the cornbread though. I had a Jiffy cornbread muffin package in the pantry to use, it only makes like 6 muffins.
- Chili cheese taco dogs – the kids LOVED this use of leftover chili, Ben especially, he had 2!
- Sheet pan chicken kabobs– I loved this. Nick said if it were between these and Gyros from the take out place, he’d pick these! I died at the compliment! These are truly delicious and worth putting on your menu plan.
- Baked rigatoni made with cottage cheese – this is one of those meals that the whole family eats, even the picky eaters. I love it so much and love that it has the added benefit of having protein/cottage cheese in it, and leftovers reheat really well.
- Apple BBQ cheddar sliders – this one, omg, it’s so good. It’s only 5 ingredients and happens to be from my cookbook! I serve it buffet style so the kids can each make their own burgers. I serve one bowl with burgers in it (I do 8 mini ones from 1 lb of ground beef) and individual bowls of apple and cheddar and then serve with Kings Hawaiian rolls. We’re getting to the point (Ben and Frankie are now eating 2 each) where we probably should start making a double batch of this!
Going out/takeout: This week we went to George Webbs for breakfast, the prices are diner prices, so affordable, total with tip was $48, for the 6 of us!! And we ordered pizza delivery, total plus tip was $80.
The Cost Breakdown
Groceries: $158 (Aldi)
Takeout/restaurants: $128 ($48 George Webbs, $80 pizza delivery -includes tips)
Total for the Week: $286
That includes all breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks for our family of six. We had ground beef in the freezer. Some weeks we spend more, some less – but this feels like a realistic, balanced grocery week that didn’t require overthinking or endless prep and included some going out/delivery. See the other meal plans here.
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