Thinking Ahead: Meal Planning

It isn't always fun being on a super strict budget.  In fact...it really stinks!  But a great friend gave me some smart advice.  He said..."What can you do today to make tomorrow more predictable?"  Genius!

So, one thing I can do is to plan out a two week menu plan and shop for everything I need, right when the paycheck comes in.  Then, no matter what craziness ensues, I'm not going to be worried about what my family will be eating.   Plus, by pre cooking a lot of it, dinner is super easy to throw together! 

I've been doing this for a few months and thought I would start sharing my menu and some recipes with you.  I plan 14 meals, but not necessarily the days I will make them.  It depends on what mood I'm in every day.  I've included links to most of the things on the menu.   I'm not a strict recipe follower...I'm more of a fly by the seat of my skillet girl!  But I will attempt to post my recipes and pictures throughout the week as I actually make each meal.

Here we go.....

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches
Clam Chowder
Curried Coconut Chicken
Thanksgiving Casserole with Chicken
Kalua Pork with Cilantro Lime Rice
Pulled Pork Tacos (Using leftover Kalua Pork)
Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Asian BBQ sauce (Using Leftover Kalua Pork)
Italian Meatloaf with Smashed Potatoes
Navajo Tacos
Broccoli Beef Stir Fry
Chili Dogs with Fries
Tuscan Brick Chicken with Roasted Vegetables
Tiny Spicy Chicken with Vegetable Lo Mein

Today, I will cook a pot of pinto beans in my pressure cooker. When they're done, I will divide them and make Chili with half of them for the Chili Dogs and Green Chili Beans with the other half, for the Navajo Tacos.

When I grocery shop tomorrow, I will buy a really big pork roast and slow cook it.  I will divide the meat into three parts, and freeze, to use for the Kalua Pork, Pulled Pork Sandwiches and Pork Tacos.  Cook once....use THREE times!  :)