Welcome to Week 2 of the cheap eats meal plan! This week is packed with easy, satisfying meals that keep your budget in check without cutting corners on flavor. We’re building on the pantry staples you’ve already stocked, so your grocery list focuses mostly on fresh and perishable ingredients.
This plan is meant to work with your real life. You don’t have to follow it in a strict order or make every single recipe. Want to swap a meal out? Eat leftovers for a night or two? Absolutely. Nothing breaks if you don’t stick to it perfectly. You can mix and match as needed.
We’ve also got a free customization tool in beta. You can adjust serving sizes, switch out recipes, and generate a new shopping list based on your changes. It’s still in testing, but it works.
And don’t forget: every recipe has a video tutorial on our website to walk you through each step. Whether you’re new to cooking or just want to see what to expect, we’ve got you covered.
Menu Quick Look
Be sure to check out the full plan guide, pantry staples, and menus for the other weeks. You can always adjust the plan to fit your preferences and substitute your favorite recipes.
Quick Tip
Cabbage is one of our favorite budget-friendly buys. For us, the cost was $0.96 per pound. Beyond that, it’s extremely versatile, taking on the flavor of whichever seasonings you choose (for our recipe, bacon and brown sugar). It’s also super filling and good for you, too!
Grocery Haul
This week’s haul leans heavily into fresh veggies, protein, and dairy. Since your pantry is already stocked, you won’t be re-buying staples like spices, flour, or oil.
You’ll find plenty of ways to repurpose ingredients across meals—like shredded lettuce and cheese for multiple recipes—to reduce waste and keep your grocery bill low.
Download the Week 2 Shopping List PDF for an easy, grab-and-go version of the list.
Receipt
Total Spent: $130.25
Total Servings: 44
Average Cost Per Serving: $2.96
This week stays right on target with affordable, family-friendly dinners. As always, prices reflect a typical grocery store trip—no sale hunting or bulk buying required. Your totals may vary slightly depending on your location, but this should keep you close.
Budget Saver
Buying in bulk isn’t required, but there are ways to stretch ingredients to keep costs down:
If rotisserie chickens are still on sale, grab one and use the meat for the taco salad or pasta salad to save time and money.
If your store sells sausage links in larger packs, freeze the extras for later weeks.
Buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself—it’s often cheaper and lasts longer.
The Recipes
Right above, you’ll see a snapshot of all seven dinners with a visual guide to serving sizes. We know it helps to actually see what a portion looks like, so we laid it all out.
There’s also a quick video walkthrough that shows the finished meals and gives you a better idea of what to expect throughout the week.
Now let’s look at each dinner:
Monday
We love a one-pot meal! Forget the jarred pasta sauce, and make this instead. Our homemade meat sauce combines simple pantry ingredients, and it’s one of the easiest dinners you can make. Serve with a side of roasted broccoli to keep things simple.
One Pot Spaghetti
One-Pot Spaghetti that tastes like it simmered all day. Quick, delicious, and made with affordable ingredients to keep your budget in check.
Tuesday
A taco salad that’s bright and fresh, and comes together in just 30 minutes! This is one of those salads that’s easy to make ahead, too. Just prep the veggies and toss together, throw it in the fridge, and cook your chicken before serving.
Chicken Taco Salad with Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette
We’ve taken a classic taco salad and made a lighter version with a quick and easy cilantro-lime vinaigrette.
Wednesday
This easy sheet pan meal is an affordable and tasty way to make a quick meal that isn’t the same old chicken dinner. Plus, it’s loaded with delicious, roasted veggies. No need to make any sides—this is a whole meal by itself.
Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
Our sheet pan sausage and veggie recipe has all the smoky flavors with a simple seasoning mix and minimal prep for an easy one-pan meal.
Thursday
Cabbage is one of the most affordable vegetables you can buy. If you don’t love cabbage, this recipe will make you a believer! Bacon and brown sugar add flavor and caramelization, making it a dish even your kids will love. To round out your meal, we like to serve it over mashed potatoes.
Easy Fried Cabbage
With caramelized cabbage and smoky bacon, our Easy Fried Cabbage is comfort food in a bowl. And it’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Friday
These baked nuggets are a better-for-you option that won’t break the bank. Made with real, white chicken breast meat, a flavorful spice blend, and our secret ingredient: parmesan cheese. We like to make it a meal with mac and cheese (below) and a side of frozen veggies or peas.
The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets
These nuggets are made with real chicken breast meat and baked, so you don’t get all of that excess oil—they really are the best ever!
It only takes 15 minutes to make this deliciously creamy mac and cheese. This process is so simple, you won’t want to go back to the boxed stuff.
Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Skip the box and make the good stuff! This Mac and Cheese is easy to make on the stovetop and it’s ready in just 15 minutes.
Saturday
Pasta salads are just too convenient. Throw it together, throw it in the fridge, and you have a meal ready whenever you need it. Just make sure to store your bacon separately so it doesn’t get soggy.
Cilantro Ranch Pasta Salad
Cilantro Ranch Pasta Salad is light, refreshing, and totally delicious. It is so easy to make ahead and eat throughout the week.
Sunday
Use up that ground beef with this easy taco casserole! Ground beef is a great protein that you can dress up with your favorite spices. We made our own taco seasoning blend, which is both delicious and cost-effective.
Tasty Taco Casserole
Tasty Taco Casseroles take all of your favorite taco flavors and puts them into an easy to make casserole!
Make It Work for You
Life happens, and this plan makes room for it. You don’t need to cook seven nights a week. Skip a recipe, stretch leftovers, or repeat a family favorite. It won’t throw anything off.
If you want to tweak things, our customization tool in beta is here to help. It lets you adjust servings, swap recipes, and get an updated shopping list in just a few clicks. Still in beta, but ready to use.
Budget Tips & Notes
Cabbage: One head of green cabbage goes a long way. Use the leftovers in salads, stir fry, or even soups.
Rotisserie Chicken: A great shortcut for the taco salad and pasta salad. Use leftovers across two meals.
Sausage: Buy in bulk or from the meat counter to match the amount you need. Freeze extras for later.
Cheese: Blocks are usually cheaper than pre-shredded, and they melt better too.