If you are looking to save money or for a new challenge, try the Eat at Home Challenge. I recently saw a meme that is funny but so relatable. It said something along the lines of "Growing up means: My mom was right, there is food at home."  One of the categories that can easily ruin your budget is eating out. I am not against it. I am all for moderate, eat out when there's absolutely no way or you have no  energy or time to cook, and eating out on special occasions only. 

Here's an easy meal plan for at least two weeks (with a free printable). These are  12 meals with some breakfast and snack ideas. Some things to remember:

• The shopping list will only include the items that we currently do not have. If an ingredient is not on the list, we have the ingredients in my pantry. Shop your pantry first.
• We eat leftovers for lunch. We are a busy family and do not have the time to cook lunch from scratch every day. Sometimes, we make sandwiches and quesadillas or a simple charcuterie board for lunch.
• Sometimes we eat out as well.
• You can prep a lot of the food so you can save time. For example, you can brown/cook all your meat and cut your veggies ahead of time.
• I shop at Aldi.
• Some recipes I will share can be made from scratch but do not feel guilty if time doesn't allow you to do so.

• Ground Turkey Chili and Tatertots
• Homemade Pizza
• Mexican Bowls
• Greek Bowls
• Ham and Bean Soup 
• Split Spea Soup
• Tuna Sandwich and chips
• Brinner - Pancakes and Bacon
• Nachos
• Kielbasa Pasta
• Alfredo Chicken

Breakfast Ideas: Bagels, oatmeal, homemade muffins, pancakes and sausages, homemade waffles

Snack Ideas:  fruits and yogurt, crackers with deli meat and cheese, fruit and cottage cheese, apple slices, and peanut butter.

Shopping List

PRODUCE:

tomatoes, cucumber, celery, red onion, carrots, celery, garlic, lettuce, fruits, salad mix (spinach and arugula)

OTHER ITEMS:

Brioche Sandwich Bread, Bagels, Chips, Nacho Chips, Diced Tomato (2), Tomato Sauce (2), Pasta, Pasta Sauce (red and alfredo), turkey pepperoni,  tuna (3), flour, pancake mix (store-bought or make your own), crackers, northern beans, split pea, peanut butter. olives, a small jar of nacho cheese.

MEAT:

Bacon, Chicken Breast (divided into several recipes), ground turkey (2 lbs), Kielbasa, ground beef, and deli meat.

REFRIGERATED AND FREEZER AREA/DAIRY:

yogurt, shredded cheese, almond milk, butter, cream cheese, yogurt, frozen blueberries, and tater tots.

From my pantry and my fridge:

I already have seasonings and herbs, chocolate chips, dressing for salad, cooking oil, and condiments for sandwiches. I also have the ham bone and ham meat that I  froze from New Year's celebration. If you do not have it, you can also use ham hocks.

Prep Ahead:

When I got home from shopping, I started cooking all my meats and separated them into ziplocks. I cooked the chicken for the Mexican and Greek bowls, nachos, chili, and Alfredo Pasta. 

Recipes:

Turkey Chili Recipe (served with Tatertots)

Homemade Pizza Dough (Freezer Friendly) and I used this for my pizza sauce, Homemade Marinara Sauce

Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup

Mexican Bowls - I diced and cooked the chicken breast seasoned with paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stack the cooked chicken in a bowl with your desired toppings. We love rice, lettuce, beans, cheese, salsa or fresh tomatoes.

Greek Bowls- I diced and cooked the chicken breast seasoned with Italian seasoning, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, a dash of cinnamon, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Stack the cooked chicken in a bowl with salad mix, olives, diced red onions, and tomatoes. Optional: top with feta cheese

Simple Greek Salad Dressing

Alfredo Pasta-  I diced and cooked the chicken breast seasoned with Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Once the chicken is cooked, mix the jar of Alfredo sauce. Serve with your preferred pasta.