I feed a lot of people in a week. There are 5 of us, plus we have a hockey billet living here currently, plus girlfriends, plus teenage friends, etc, etc. I currently prepare meals for 6-8 people most nights. That requires a plan. I’ve tried to “wing it”…it’s a disaster…of epic proportions. I am a firm believer in meal plans. They save money, time, frustration and it helps you eat better. Unless you don’t mind your teenagers eating a handful of granola bars, or another bowl of cereal for dinner again…you need a plan. Welcome to Meal Plan Monday!

I spend about 30 minutes making a meal plan for the week. This time of year I rely on the grocery store flyers, my calendar, and my recipe “binder” which is quickly being replaced by my Pinterest page as I try to add more and more of my favourites there for safe keeping. Your weekly flyer is crucial if you are trying to feed a large family, and trying to keep a handle on the ever rising grocery costs. Every week there are new items on sale and when you are planning you should be looking at the meat/fish and produce and start from there. If chicken thighs are on sale this week…I am making at least one meal with chicken thighs. Got it? It’s easy…and life changing. Trust me.

This week is another busy one in my house. There’s hockey, basketball, volleyball, work schedules, meetings, etc. A slow cooker meal that I can prepare in the morning, a big pot of soup that will provide leftovers, and a comfort meal for chilly November days are coming up.

This is what I bought this week at the Atlantic Superstore.

The chicken thighs, ground beef, and potatoes are all featured prominently on the front page, meaning they are at a good price this week. That starts the foundation of my plan.

I also shop at No Frills and Sobeys and of course buy a lot of my produce at the local markets when available.

This week’s meal plan includes:

Chicken with Wine Stew (slow cooker)

Sweet and Sour Meatballs and Rice

Vegetable Beef and Rice Soup

Grocery List:

Lean Ground Beef- 2 large packages * Medium ground beef is on the front of the flyer, but they had lean on for the same price
Chicken Thighs – 2 packages
1 pkg Bacon
1 bag of long grain brown rice
1 large bag of frozen peas
1 pkg fresh mushrooms
celery
green onions
beef broth concentrate
large bag of potatoes

Items I had at home:

bread crumbs
brown sugar
flour
vinegar
soy sauce
ketchup
4 carrots
2 onions
1 red pepper
4 garlic cloves
lemon juice
chicken stock
spices: salt, pepper, rosemary, bay leaf, Italian herb seasoning

Chicken with Wine Stew recipe – Canadian Living

I’ve been making this recipe for years. It’s from Canadian Living and is delicious served with mashed potatoes that you can pour the sauce over. I am also making green peas as a side, and we’ll have some homemade spiced cranberry sauce. Yum!

In large nonstick skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown chicken, in batches. Next fry bacon until crisp. Transfer to 18- to 24-cup (4.5 to 6 L) slow-cooker. Add onions, garlic, wine, chicken stock, bay leaf, herbs de Provence and salt. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or until meat and vegetables are tender.

Source: Chicken with Wine Stew recipe – Canadian Living

A few variations from the recipe…It is cheaper to buy chicken thighs with the skin on and only takes a few minutes to take off. I also do not brown my meat ahead of time. This is a personal choice, but I don’t find it necessary. I also don’t always use wine, if I don’t have any open I just add more chicken stock. Don’t like mushrooms, just leave them out. If you don’t have Italian herb seasoning, just use a combination of oregano, basil and thyme.

I will be sharing the Sweet and Sour Meatballs and Vegetable Beef and Rice Soup this week. Meanwhile, make a meal plan, go get your groceries and feel the relief that you’re not going to be staring into the fridge at 5:00pm wondering what the heck you’re going to feed everyone. Meal planning…it’s a game changer. Trust me.

Need more meal plan ideas? Check out OrgJunkie