Albertson's Bargain Meal of the Week - 05/29/10

This week, I am looking forward to our shopping day so I can grab some great deals at Albertson’s. I plan to stock up on a few packages of their USDA Choice Beef Petite Sirloin Steaks. These steaks grill up beautifully!!! They are priced at $6.99 per pound - however, if you use the in-ad coupon, you can buy one package and get TWO free. That works our to only $2.33 per pound for yummy boneless sirloin steaks! I will happily stop in a few times during the sales cycle to add a few packages of beef to our freezer. This will make summer grilling easier in coming weeks!

Be sure to check out the print ad when you visit your Albertson’s store this week as the front page includes several in-ad coupons that may interest your family!

Grilled sirloin steaks with grilled corn on the cob and watermelon

Items to buy on sale for this meal:

USDA Choice Beef petite sirloin steaks - $2.33 per pound

(when you purchase three packages using in ad coupon for buy one, get TWO free)

Fresh corn on the cob - 6 for $1 (limit 12)

32 oz. bowl cut watermelon – $2.99

Leftover Makeover – slice up any leftover steak into strips and use as the base for beef fajitas (saute meat strips with a few bell peppers and sliced onions and serve on your favorite tortillas)

Thank you so much for stopping by this week! Check back next week for more great ideas using Albertson’s current grocery sales!

Albertson's Bargain Meals of the Week - sales cycle of 06/10 - 06/16/09 - with leftover makeovers and desserts

This week, I am looking forward to our shopping day so I can grab some great deals at Albertson’s. I personally prefer their boneless skinless chicken breast over the other stores because they are full breasts (heart shaped) which grill up wonderfully and then provide some extra meat for meals later in the week. This week, boneless skinless chicken is featured at only $1.67 per pound so I’m happy to be able to add a few packages to our freezer for summer grilling in later weeks.

Summer in Arizona means HEAT so we do a lot of grilling and add simple sides like fresh fruits or vegetables. This provides us with meals that pack a nutritious punch, even when none of us feel much like eating at all in the high heat.

Be sure to check out the print ad when you visit your Albertson’s store this week as the front page includes several in-ad coupons that may interest your family!

Meal #1 – Grilled chicken breasts with fresh vegetable tray and cantaloupe slices

Items to buy on sale for this meal:

Boneless skinless chicken breasts - $1.67 per pound

Fresh vegetable tray:

Mini carrots – 99 cents per one pound bag

Large red bell peppers – 88 cents each

Fresh bunch broccoli – 99 cents per pound

Cantaloupe – 50 cents per pound

Leftover Makeover – slice up any leftover chicken breast and use it to top salad later in the week (chicken Caesar salads) – or use slices as the base to chicken fettuccine Alfredo.

Meal #2 – Grilled sirloin steaks with green salad and watermelon

Items to buy on sale for this meal:

USDA Choice Beef petite sirloin steaks - $2.99 per pound

Fresh Express salad blends - $2.50 per bag

(check produce section to see if a salad you prefer is priced lower)

Grape tomatoes - $1.50 per dry pint

Check watermelon prices at your store – 12 ounce cut bowl available for $2.99

Leftover Makeover – slice up any leftover steak into strips and use as the base for beef fajitas (add a few bell peppers on sale this week for 88 cents each)

Great Desserts this Week:

Buy 4 Blue Bunny products and save $4 instantly – making final price $2 each

(includes containers of ice cream as well as novelty ice creams)

Fresh fruit parfaits:

Layer rinsed blueberries (on sale 2 for $3) with yogurt (on sale for 60 cents each for several varieties) for a yummy treat

Thank you so much for stopping by this week! Check back next week for more great ideas using Albertson’s current grocery sales!

Albertson's Bargain Meals of the Week - 05/20-05/26/09

Thanks for coming by to check out this week’s Bargain Meals at Albertson’s! I am excited to be part of Erin’s team providing money savings tips and suggestions for frugal meals each week! It’s grilling season so there are some terrific items to purchase for your grill time this week! The following sale items are valid 05/20 through 05/26/09.

As always, be sure to pick up a print ad when you visit your store and glance through the pages for deals that might work well for your individual family. This week, there are two terrific coupons on the front page of Albertson’s circular. The first is a coupon for $10 off of your $100 or more purchase. If you ask your cashier, they will often allow you to scan this coupon BEFORE any of your manufacturer’s coupons. This makes a great deal!!!

Also, there is a great coupon for pork baby back ribs. The regular price is $6.99 per pound, but, you can buy one pound and get two pounds FREE with in ad coupon. That makes the final price only $2.33 per pound when you purchase three packages. The secret to saving the most with these type of coupons is to get your packages as close as possible to the same weight / price – the register will automatically charge you for the highest priced package and deduct the price of the two smaller priced packages.


Meal #1 – Baby back ribs with corn on the cob and fresh watermelon

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Pork baby back ribs - $6.99 per pound – buy one package, get two packages free with in ad coupon (front page)
Corn on the cob – 5 for $1 (limit 10)
Seedless watermelon – 50 cents per pound



Meal #2 – Grilled chicken breasts with green salad and chips

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Boneless skinless chicken breasts - $1.67 per pound
Fresh Express salad blends - $2.50 per bag
(check your store to see if other salads are lower priced for this meal)
Tomatoes on the Vine – 14 ounce package - $1.50
Lay’s potato chips – 10.5 to 12 oz. bag - $1.88 (limit 4)


Leftover Makeovers – Use any leftover grilled chicken as a topping for Caesar salad, as a base to chicken fajitas or in your favorite casserole!



Meal #3 – Grilled hamburgers and hot dogs with fresh vegetable tray

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Moran’s big patty – 5 lb. Bag of ground beef patties – buy one get one free – regular retail $12.95 (10 pounds total for this price!)
Bar S Jumbo meat franks – 59 cents (limit 4)
Nature’s Own hamburger and hot dog buns - $2
40 oz. fresh vegetable tray - $9.99
OR, choose your own favorite vegetables from the produce section to make a more affordable version yourself, with your personal favorite veggies!



Thank you so much for stopping by this week! Check back next week for more great ideas using Albertson’s current grocery sales!

Pork Picnic Roast at 99 cents per pound....

Last month, I went on a search to find some recipes that utilize bone-in pork picnic roast. This particular cut of meat has been on sale several times in the last month or two and I am still trying to find the time to try out some new recipes to maximize these great savings. This week, Albertson's is featuring Pork Picnic Roast for only 99 cents per pound. I still think it would be worth experimenting with this cut of meat. I love trying new recipes when I can obtain the main ingredients at a bargain price! Here is a re-post of some recipes I think may be a great fit for this pork roast.

• Pork Machaca - sounds easy and like a great starter for several meals (plus, I LOVE something that will utilize my crock pot while I can accomplish other household and school tasks with our family)
  
  
• Traditional Pork Tamales - I have not had the time to ever try making homemade tamales, but it is one thing I hope to learn in the not-too-distant future. This recipe calls for a large pork roast and may be a perfect use of this sale cut.
  
  
• Green Chili with Pork - this is another recipe that just sounds like an easy and delicious way to prepare pork. I love that green chilies are a tame enough chili to add some great flavor without being so hot that the kids in the family need to have a separate dinner. This is suggested as a filling for burritos or as a stew with a side of tortillas. Yum!
  
  
• Pulled Pork - I typically make my pulled pork sandwiches using my pressure cooker but am looking forward to trying this slow roasted version to see how they compare - the reviews merit a trial of this new recipe! Slow cooking should make the meat fall off the bone and be an easy way to separate the bones from this roast for a speedy preparation at dinner time.
  
  
• Crock Pot Pulled Pork - another recipe that sounds great for the crock pot. The carbonation of the soda in this recipe should result in a VERY tender meat! We use a small amount of carbonated beverage (usually either Pepsi or Sprite) when we cook beef roasts or brine a turkey so this should result in a similar, wonderful flavor!
  
  
• (Yet Another!) Crock Pot Pulled Pork - this recipe calls for a boneless pork roast but I think this bone-in roast would work just as well. This recipe intrigues me as it calls for apple cider vinegar and that is the key ingredient in my pressure cooker pulled pork recipe that makes everyone want more! I think the chipotle powder would also give an excellent flavor.
  
  

Thanks for checking out these meal suggestions for turning a thrifty cut of meat into a great meal! I will be sure to share personal reviews of any of the recipes above that I am able to try in the coming days - and would love to hear from you if you do the same! :)
Be sure to check back next week for more great ideas cooking with our current sales!

Albertson's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales cycle of 05/13 - 05/19/09

I am sorry to have missed posting some bargain meals for last week’s sales cycle. However, I am back this week and happy to be part of the Bargain Meals of the Week feature at $5 Dinners! Here are a few thrifty meal ideas for this week based upon Albertson’s advertised sales running this week (05/13 through 05/19/09).


Meal #1 – Oven fried chicken with corn on the cob and chips
Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Bone-in whole fryers – 77 cents per pound
Sweet corn on the cob – 4 pack - $2.99
(watch for better prices on corn on the cob in coming weeks)
Lay’s or Doritos – 8.5-12.5 oz. bag - $1.88 (limit 4)

Check out how to cut up your whole chicken here (with photos) or here (video).



Meal #2 – Shake n Bake Pork Chops with roasted potatoes and green salad
Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Assorted pork chops, bone-in – 97 cents per pound
Red potatoes – 79 cents per pound
Fresh Express baby salad blends – 4.5-6 oz. bag - $2.50
(check your individual store as you may find
salad ingredients at a better price in store)



Meal #3 – Baked Salmon fillet with steamed vegetables and bread
Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Wild Sockeye Salmon OR Fresh Atlantic Salmon - $4.99 per pound
A bag of your favorite frozen vegetables for steaming
Loaf of fresh bakery bread


Thank you so much for stopping by this week! Check back next week for more great ideas using the Albertson’s current grocery sales. And, check back throughout this week for more ideas creating affordable meals with other store advertised specials!

Albertson's Bargain Meals of the Week - sales week of 04/29 - 05/05/09

I am excited to be part of the Bargain Meals of the Week feature at $5 Dinners! Check the site every week for terrific meal ideas that won’t break your budget! Contributors use the current store sales to put together thrifty meals for your family. Here are a few meal ideas for this week based upon Albertson’s advertised sales running this week (04/29 through 05/05/09).

Be sure to look at the Albertson’s store ad when you head into the store as they are also offering some great $1 items this week. If you are a couponer, there are also some terrific matches to save even more!

Another great buy at Albertson’s this week is their 8 count packages of Gatorade. You can buy two 8 count packages for $3.99 each and they will have $2 off coupons either attached to the bottles or available at register – giving you a great price of only $1.99 for 8 small Gatorades!


Meal #1 – BBQ Pork ribs with green salad and corn on the cob

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Bone-in pork spare ribs - $3.99 per pound – buy one pound, get two pounds free with in-ad coupon
Fresh Express salads – 9-12 ounce bag - $1
Sweet corn on the cob – 50 cents per ear



Meal #2 – Grilled chicken breasts with baked potatoes and steamed vegetables

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Boneless skinless chicken breasts - $1.67 per pound
Baking potatoes – 99 cents per pound
Birds Eye Steamfresh frozen vegetables – 12 ounce bag - $1



Meal #3 – Tacos with Spanish rice and refried beans

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Moran’s ground beef (85% lean) - $1.99 per pound
(rinse and drain your beef after browning to reduce fat content)
Old El Paso taco shells – 10-12 ct. - $1
Mission flour tortillas (soft taco size) – 8 ct. - $1
Rosarita refried beans – 15-16 ounce can - $1
Old El Paso Spanish rice mix – 7.6 ounce package - $1


Thank you so much for stopping by this week! Check back next week for more great ideas using the Albertson’s current grocery sales. And, check back throughout this week for more ideas creating affordable meals with other store advertised specials!

Albertson's Bargain Meals of the Week - 04/22 - 04/29/09 - lots of recipes included!!!

This week, Albertson’s is featuring some good prices on various cuts of meat. Check both the front and inside the ad for various types of beef and pork on sale.

Moran’s ground beef (96% lean) and ground beef patties are both featured on sale as buy one pound, get a second pound free. The best way to work this sale to your advantage is to find two packages as close to the same weight as possible. The register will charge you full price on the heavier package and reduce the total price of the second, lighter package. If your packages are the same weight, you will end up paying $2.50 per pound for this lean beef.

Boneless pork sirloin chops are featured as buy one pound, get TWO pounds free (with coupon from front page of the ad). The best way to use this sale is to get THREE packages as close to the same weight as possible. Getting three packages of the same weight would make this pork only $1.33 a pound – a great price!

I feel very fortunate to be included in the Bargain Meals of the Week feature at $5 Dinners! Check the site every week for terrific meal ideas using the current store sales! Here are a few meal ideas for this week based upon Albertson’s advertised sales running this week (04/22 through 04/28/09).


Meal #1 – Meatloaf with steamed broccoli and mashed potatoes

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Moran’s 96% lean ground beef - $4.99 per pound – buy one pound, get one pound free
Gourmet baby potatoes – red, white or gold – 1.5 pound bag - $2.99
Fresh bunch broccoli – 99 cents per pound



Meal #2 – Shake n Bake pork chops with parsley potatoes and fresh vegetable tray

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Boneless pork chops – $3.99 per pound – buy one pound, get TWO pounds free with coupon on front page of ad

Gourmet baby potatoes – red, white or gold – 1.5 pound bag - $2.99

For fresh vegetable tray:
Gourmet mini carrots – 1 lb. Bag - $1.50
Large red bell peppers - $1 each
Fresh bunch broccoli – 99 cents per pound



Meal #3 – Grilled hamburgers, garden salad and sliced watermelon

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Moran’s ground beef patties (96% lean) - $4.99 per pound – buy one pound, get one pound free
Fresh Express garden salad – 12 ounces - $1.50 per bag
Earthbound Organic Romaine or Italian Lettuce – 10 ounce bag - $1.99
Large Hot House tomatoes – $1.49 cents per pound
Mini seedless watermelon - $2.50



Other Pork Recipes:
Pork Chalupa
Sweet and Sour Pork
Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches

Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes



Other Ground Beef Recipes:
Meatballs (with sauces)
Tacos (or Tostados)
Beefy Nachos
Homemade Chili
Tater Tot Casserole
Sloppy Joe’s



Thank you so much for stopping by this week! Check back next week for more great ideas using the Albertson’s current grocery sales. And, check back throughout this week for more ideas creating affordable meals with other store advertised specials!

Albertson's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales week of 04/15 - 04/21/09 - includes leftover makeovers and recipes

Check out great bargain meals every week at $5 Dinners!
Here are a few meal ideas for this week based upon Albertson’s advertised sales running this week (04/15 through 04/21/09).


Meal #1 – Whole roasted chicken, steamed carrots and green salad

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Whole chicken fryers – 77 cents per pound
Fresh carrots – 2 pound bag – 88 cents
Fresh Express Salad blends - $1.88 per bag


Leftover make-over – debone chicken and use it in place of cooked chicken in your favorite recipe. Consider using it for turkey pot pie, crock pot enchiladas or chicken and broccoli casserole!



Meal #2 – Stacked meal in the crock pot – Boneless London Broil, corn on the cob and baked potatoes

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
USDA Choice Boneless Beef London Broil - $1.87 per pound
Sweet corn on the cob – 20 cents per ear
Russet potatoes – 88 cents per pound


Leftover make-over – Shred up any leftover roast beef and add some of your favorite BBQ sauce for easy BBQ beef sandwiches! Or, use leftover shredded roast for tacos or burritos by adding a can of green chilies and some salsa for a great filling!

Thanks for checking in to see some of favorite meals using ingredients on sale this week at Albertson’s stores. Check out $5 Dinners for more great bargain meal suggestions - and stop by again next week for more thrifty menu ideas!

Fry's Bargain Meals coming later tonight

Just a mini update - expect meals for Fry's ad late this evening! And, I will also do my best to add a few more recipe links to my many meal suggestions for Albertson's this week! Just ran out of time on the blog for now. :)

Have a great evening and check back late tonight or tomorrow for those updates!

Bargain Meals of the Week for Albertson's - 04/08 - 04/14/09 - LOTS this week!

I feel fortunate to be included in the Bargain Meal of the Week feature at $5 Dinners! Check out their site for great bargain meal suggestions each and every week. Here are a few menus to try this week based upon Albertson’s advertised sales running this week (04/08 through 04/14/09).

In our family, we have a lot of “familiar” meals that we use throughout each month. These are the starting point of our meal plans – the things I know my family will eat again and again. I will often try one or two new recipes a week based on the weekly sales or recipes that I find appealing and want to sample. You may, as a result, see some repeats in our menus. But, that is why I always try to offer at least two meal suggestions for each store – to help you find at least one bargain meal your family might enjoy from our selections!

This week, Albertson’s has some WONDERFUL meat sales. Their boneless skinless chicken breast and boneless whole pork loin are each $1.57 per pound. This is a definite stock up price and I know I will be trying to make room to stash a few packages of each in my freezer this week. You can ask the butcher at your store to cut the pork loin for you and they will cut it into chops or roast for you free of charge!

Meal #1 – Chicken and Stuffing with steamed vegetables

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Boneless skinless chicken breast – $1.57 per pound
Stove Top stuffing mix – 6-ounce box - $1.25
PictSweet frozen vegetables – 67 cents per bag (limit 4)

Meal #2 - Beef Roast with carrots and potatoes

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
USDA Choice Beef Bottom Round Roast - $1.87 per pound
Gourmet mini carrots – 1 pound bag - $1.50
Premium Russet baking potatoes – 99 cents per pound


Meal #3 – Sweet and Sour Pork with rice and steamed vegetables

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Pork Loin roast – $1.57 per pound
Dole pineapple chunks – 20 ounce can - $1
PictSweet frozen vegetables – 67 cents per bag (limit 4)


Meal #4 – Ham with homemade scalloped potatoes and steamed vegetables

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Hormel Spiral cut ham, bone-in – $1.27 per pound
Premium Russet baking potatoes – 99 cents per pound
PictSweet frozen vegetables – 67 cents per bag (limit 4)


Meal #5 – Grilled T-bone steaks with sautéed mushrooms, baked potatoes and green salad

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
USDA Choice T-bone steaks – $3.97 per pound
Premium Russet baking potatoes – 99 cents per pound
Mushrooms, sliced or whole – 6-8 ounce package - $1.99
Fresh Express bagged salads – 9-12 ounces - $2

Thanks for stopping by to see our meal suggestions based on what is on sale this week at Alberston’s stores. Check out $5 Dinners for more great bargain meal suggestions - and stop by again next week for more thrifty menu ideas!

Quick Update - Pork Recipes for Albertson's Sale

I had the time to search a little and found a few recipes online that sound like a wonderful way to use some of the bone-in pork picnic roast on sale at Albertson's this week. I felt that, at only 99 cents per pound, it was worth experimenting with this cut of meat. Now, if it were a cut of fish on sale for $8 a pound, I'd leave it alone! :) I'd love to hear if anyone has any great tried and true recipes using bone-in pork!

Pork Machaca - sounds easy and like a great starter for several meals (plus, I LOVE something that will utilize my crock pot while I can accomplish other household and school tasks with our family)

Traditional Pork Tamales - I have not had the time to ever try making homemade tamales, but it is one thing I hope to learn in the not-too-distant future. This recipe calls for a large pork roast and may be a perfect use of this sale cut.

Green Chili with Pork - this is another recipe that just sounds like an easy and delicious way to prepare pork. I love that green chilies are a tame enough chili to add some great flavor without being so hot that the kids in the family need to have a separate dinner. This is suggested as a filling for burritos or as a stew with a side of tortillas. Yum!

Pulled Pork - I typically make my pulled pork sandwiches using my pressure cooker but am looking forward to trying this slow roasted version to see how they compare - the reviews merit a trial of this new recipe! Slow cooking should make the meat fall off the bone and be an easy way to separate the bones from this roast for a speedy preparation at dinner time.

Crock Pot Pulled Pork - another recipe that sounds great for the crock pot. The carbonation of the soda in this recipe should result in a VERY tender meat! We use a small amount of carbonated beverage (usually either Pepsi or Sprite) when we cook beef roasts or brine a turkey so this should result in a similar, wonderful flavor!

(Yet Another!) Crock Pot Pulled Pork - this recipe calls for a boneless pork roast but I think this bone-in roast would work just as well. This recipe intrigues me as it calls for apple cider vinegar and that is the key ingredient in my pressure cooker pulled pork recipe that makes everyone want more! I think the chipotle powder would also give an excellent flavor.

Thanks for checking out these meal suggestions for turning a thrifty cut of meat into a great meal! I will be sure to share personal reviews of any of the recipes above that I am able to try in the coming days - and would love to hear from you if you do the same! :)

Be sure to check back next week for more great ideas cooking with our current sales!

Albertson's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales week of 04/04 - 04/07/09

Here are some menus to try based upon Albertson’s advertised sales running this week (04/01 through 04/07/09). Check the weekly circular for some great 10 for $10 deals this week as well. Remember, you can mix and match these items – you do not need to buy 10 of the same item to take advantage of the great savings offered.


If you are on the look-out for a good movie deal, there is a coupon in the current Albertson’s ad for $5 off when you buy any 2 DVDs priced at $9.99 or above. This could work out to a great deal for an affordable Easter basket addition! Check your local store for individual titles and pricing. (Disney Favorites are shown in ad for $14.99 each and the new releases, Marley and Me or Slumdog Millionaire, for $16.99 each)


Bone in pork picnic roast is also 99 cents per pound. Sounds like a great price but I’m not familiar with any recipes using this cut. I will be sure to post any suggestions I find for this particular cut of meat if I have the opportunity to explore that option more. These ideas will hopefully help you to start your thrifty meal plans for this week!

Meal #1 – Shake N Bake style pork chops with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Bone-in assorted pork loin chops - 97 cents per pound
Betty Crocker pouch or boxed instant potatoes - $1
Green Giant frozen vegetables - $1

Meal #2 – BBQ – hamburgers (or steaks), pasta salad and green salad

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Moran’s beef patties – sold in package of 10 patties - $10
OR USDA Choice Rib Eye steaks - $4.77 per pound
Suddenly Salad boxed pasta salad - $1
Fresh romaine, green or red leaf lettuce – 99 cents
Roma salad tomatoes - $1 per pound

Meal #3 – Breakfast for Dinner

Items to buy on sale for this meal:

Albertson's Large AA eggs – one dozen - $1
Albertson's boxed cold cereals – assorted varieties, up to 18 ounces - $1
Farmer John or Brown N Serve sausage links - $1
Sara Lee Soft and Smooth sandwich bread - $1
Bakery Fresh cinnamon rolls – 4 pack - $1


Meal #4 – Easy Spaghetti with Meat Sauce with green salad and French bread

Items to buy on sale for this meal:

Albertson's pasta – 16 ounce - $1
Hunt’s spaghetti sauce – 26-26.5 ounce can - $1
Fresh romaine, green or red leaf lettuce – 99 cents
Roma salad tomatoes - $1 per pound
Loaf of French bread – normally $1 - $1.50
For meat in sauce – pick up a bag of Moran’s beef patties (10 patties for $10), defrost and cook until browned, breaking up patty into ground beef as it browns in pan (an easy way to stretch the on-sale ground beef this week)

Thanks for stopping by to see our meal suggestions based on what is on sale this week at Phoenix and Tucson metro area Albertson’s stores. Check out $5 Dinners for more great bargain meal suggestions - and please be sure to stop by again next week for more thrifty menu ideas!

Albertson's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales cycle 03/18 - 03/24/09

This week, Albertson's has a great deal on a few items that are regulars on your shopping list. Gallons of Albertson's milk are 2 for $3 (limit 2) and Oroweat bread is $1.88 per package in great, healthy varieties. Jimmy Dean bacon is also on sale for buy one package at $4.49, get two free (with in ad coupon) - 3 packages of bacon for $4.49. I wouldn't recommend bacon every day, but it, at this price, it would make a nice addition to a weekend breakfast, for sure!

Here are some meal ideas based on some of the cuts of meat on sale this week at Albertson's!

Meal #1 - London Broil (roast style) with green salad and steamed carrots

Items on sale for this meal:

Boneless London Broil - $1.88 per pound

Fresh Express salad blends - buy one get one free (with in ad coupon on back page) - 2/$2.99

Meal #2 - London Broil (steak style) with mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli

Items on sale for this meal:
Boneless London Broil - $1.88 per pound

Bunch Broccoli - 77 cents per pound

Meal #3 - Shake n Bake pork chops with baked potatoes and cooked greens

Items on sale for this meal:
Boneless Pork Sirloin Chops - $1.99 per pound

Fresh greens (collard, mustard, turnip or kale) - 88 cents per pound

Jimmy Dean bacon - buy one, get two free - 3/$4.49 (with in ad coupon)

use this as part of the above greens recipe

While at Albertson's, you may also want to pick up a 4 pound box of fresh strawberries for only $4.77. The boxes at my local store looked and taste wonderful!!! It would be a great snack, breakfast item, or start of strawberry shortcake for dessert. You may even be brave enough to try some homemade jam to preserve the sweetness a bit longer.

Have a wonderful week and please be sure to check back next week for more meal ideas based on our current store ads.

Safeway's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales cycle 03/09 - 03/17/09

Check out this week's Safeway ad for some great deals on items for your Saint Patrick's Day feast!

Meal #1 -St. Patrick's Day Meal!!!!
Corned Beef and cabbage

Items to purchase on sale this week for this meal:
Corned Beef Brisket (point cut) - $1.29 per pound
Fresh green cabbage - 25 cents per pound


Meal #2 - Beef Roast / Steak with red potatoes and steamed broccoli

Items to purchase on sale this week for this meal:
Rancher's Reserve Boneless Cross Rib Steak - $1.99 per pound
Red potatoes - 5 pounds - $2.99

Organic broccoli - $1.29 per pound

Please be sure to check back next week for more dinner ideas using our local grocer's sales! And, for other bargain meal ideas, check out the Bargain Meal of the Week section of $5dinners every week.

Albertson's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales cycle 03/11 - 03/17/09

This week's Albertson's weekly ad features some great products for only $1 each! Be sure to look over the ad before going or while in-store to maximize your personal savings! These sale prices are posted for the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas this week.

Meal #1 - Roasted whole chicken with vegetables and French bread

Items to Purchase on Sale this week for this Meal
Sanderson Farms whole roasting chicken - $1 per pound
Red potatoes - 99 cents per pound

1 bag of carrots - 2 pounds - 99 cents
French bread - $1 per loaf (look for hot and ready loaves near check out stands!)


Meal #2 - Homemade chicken nuggets with green salad and french fries

Items to Purchase on Sale this week for this Meal
Boneless skinless chicken breast tenders - $1.67 per pound **

Fresh Express bagged salad mix - $1 for 12 ounce bag

Wishbone salad dressings - $1 for 7-16 ounce bottle

** This is a great price to stock up on boneless skinless chicken breast and tenders! **

Please be sure to check back next week for more great meal ideas. Other menu suggestions based upon this week's sales can be found at $5 Dinners!

Albertson's items on sale in Friday's paper (03/06/09)

If you live in the Phoenix metro area, you may have noticed that today's Arizona Republic has a full page advertisement for Albertson's! It can be found on page C14 of the Arizona Republic. Some of the highlights include...

Half gallons of Albertson's milk - 75 cents (limit 4)
Moran's lean ground beef - 93% lean - $1.99 per pound
Sanderson Farms Split Chicken Breasts, bone-in - 87 cents per pound


Erin at $5dinners has a great how-to piece on what she does with bone-in chicken breasts and how she overcame being a Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Snob! Check it out for great step by step instructions and photos of how to make the most of the 87 cents a pound chicken breasts this week!

Some recipes that could utilize this chicken include....

• Chicken and Broccoli Casserole (broccoli is also on sale at Albertson's for 69 cents per pound)
• Crock Pot Creamy Enchiladas
• Chicken in a Haystack

There is also a coupon for $10 off your purchase of $100 or more through 03/10/09. It may be worth your while to buy an Arizona Republic today if you know that you will be spending more than $100 on groceries at Albertson's between now and the 10th. Your 75 cent purchase of the paper would net you a $10 off coupon!

Albertson's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales cycle 03/04 - 03/10/09

This week's Albertson's weekly ad features some terrific 10 for $10 items. Take a peek at your ad to see if there are any items that you'd like to add to your pantry stock for future weeks. These sale prices are posted for the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas this week.

Meal #1 - Grilled sirloin steaks with steamed vegetables (consider asparagus, broccoli or baby carrots) and baked russet potatoes

Items to Purchase on Sale this week for this Meal
Petite Sirloin Steaks - $6.99 per pound - buy 1 lb., get 2 lbs. free (which breaks down to only $2.33 per pound!)*

Asparagus - 97 cents per pound

Broccoli bunches - 69 cents per pound

Baby carrots - 16 ounce package - $1

Russet baking potatoes - $1 per pound

* The secret to maximizing the buy one, get two free value is to find three packages as close to the same weight as possible. You will pay the tag price on the highest item and the other two will ring up as free at checkout. Also, there is no limit on the amount you can purchase at this price so you may want to put an extra package or two in your freezer if you have space.

Meal #2 - Pasta with green salad and bread

Items to Purchase on Sale this week for this Meal
American Beauty pasta - 16 ounce package - $1

Hunt's spaghetti sauce - 26-26.5 ounce can - $1

green leaf or romaine lettuce - $1

Hot house tomatoes - 97 cents per pound

You can add sausage to your sauce for $1 (Farmland ground sausage - 16 ounce roll - found in freezer section next to frozen ground beef patties)

You may also want to pick up a baguette from the bakery for $1 - make it into garlic bread or serve sliced with butter!

Meal #3 - an easy hot Breakfast (or Breakfast for Dinner) option

sausage, eggs and toast with milk

Items to Purchase on Sale this week for this Meal
Farmland ground sausage - 16 ounce roll (found in freezer section next to frozen ground beef patties) - $1

Albertson's large grade AA eggs - 1 dozen - $1

Albertson's sandwich bread - 24 ounce - $1

Albertson's half gallons of milk - $1

Meal #4 - an easy Lunch option

sandwiches with baby carrots

Items to Purchase on Sale this week for this Meal
Albertson's sandwich bread - 24 ounce - $1
Starkist tuna pouch - 2.6 ounce - $1

Baby carrots - 16 ounce package - $1

Please be sure to check back next week for more great meal ideas. Other menu suggestions based upon this week's sales can be found at $5 Dinners!

Albertson's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales flyer for 02/25 - 03/03/09

This week, stop by $5dinners for great meal ideas for all of your favorite grocery stores. There are great menu suggestions on how to stretch your grocery budget and feed your family well all at the same time!

At Phoenix area Albertson's this week, the only sale item that really caught my eye was their boneless skinless chicken breast for $1.67 per pound. This is a terrific price for boneless skinless chicken breasts - definitely a stock up price if you have freezer space!

Albertson's is my favorite store for boneless skinless chicken breast as their chicken breasts are butterfly cuts. Basically, each chicken breast looks like a large heart. It is a great piece of chicken to put on the barbeque grill - so yummy and flavorful!

A few suggestions for using this week's sale chicken....

Menu #1 - chicken breast on the grill with grilled or fresh vegetables

Menu #2 - chicken stir fry over rice

(grab a bag or two of stir fry frozen vegetables which are also on sale this week - $1.50 per bag)

Menu #3 - chicken and broccoli casserole

(you can actually make the grilled chicken for meal one and use any leftover pieces of chicken for this yummy casserole a second night!)

Thanks for checking in with my bargain meals of the week! Please be sure to check back next week for more great meal ideas to simplify your meal planning for the week and maximize your grocery dollars!

Albertson's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales cycle 2/18 - 2/25/09

Here are a few menus that popped into mind while I was reviewing the Albertson's weekly ad for the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas this week.

Meal #1 - sweet and sour pork served over rice

Items to Purchase on Sale this week for this Meal

Pork Loin Roast - sold whole in bag (but butcher will cut and re-wrap for you free) - $1.88 per pound *

(for this particular recipe, ask butcher to cut at least a portion of the roast into chops - you can then cube the steaks more easily for the sweet and sour recipe)

large red or yellow bell pepper - $1.50 each

Meal #2 - beef roast with steamed broccoli

Items to Purchase on Sale this week for this Meal

Beef Bottom Round Roast - $1.88 per pound

Fresh Broccoli - 77 cents per pound

Meal #3 - an easy Breakfast (or Breakfast for Dinner) option - breakfast sandwiches and fruit

Items to Purchase on Sale this week for this Meal

Grands Biscuits - $1 (final price as part of a buy 10, save $5 promo)

Albertson's brand 18 count eggs - $1.50

Tyson bacon - 16 ounce package - $3.50

Seedless red grapes - 77 cents per pound

* consider buying an extra pork loin and adding it to your freezer for future meals if you have a bit of freezer space

Recipes have now been added. Click on the title of each suggested item to see the full recipe on our sister blog, One Thrifty Mamma Recipes!

And, please be sure to check back next week for more great meal ideas. Other menu suggestions based upon this week's sales can be found at $5 Dinners!

BONUS Bargain Meals of the Week - Albertson's - sales cycle 02/11 - 02/17/09

Erin over at $5 Dinners was kind enough to allow me to post bargain meals of the week for two of my local grocery stores - Fry's and Safeway. But, we also have a few others stores in our local area. And, as I was making my own personal shopping lists this week, I noticed a few quick and easy meal combinations at another local grocer - Albertson's! This post may not be as thorough as my other two stores, but I felt someone else out there might still appreciate the few quick meals my mind noticed while perusing this ad.

Meal #1 - spaghetti and meatballs or meat sauce, green salad and french bread

Items on sale this week to make this a quick and easy meal:

Moran's ground beef, 73% lean - 98 cents per lb., sold in 5 lb. chub

Albertson's brand or American Beauty assorted pastas - 88 cents

Hunt's spaghetti sauce, 26 ounces - 88 cents

Fresh Express garden salad, 12 ounce size - 88 cents
Hot House tomatoes, $1 per pound

french bread not in ad but usually .99 to $1.49 a loaf

Meal #2 - tacos, quesadillas, salsa and guacamole

Items on sale this week to make this a quick and easy meal:

Moran's ground beef, 73% lean - 98 cents per lb., sold in 5 lb. chub

Fresh Express lettuce shreds, $1 per bag

Hot House tomatoes, $1 per pound

Haas avocados, $1 each

Jalapenos, $1 per pound

If you need a recipe for quesadillas, check out The Pioneer Woman's suggestion for a Make Your Own Quesadilla Party.

And, check out her recipes for Pico de Gallo and Guacamole here.

Or, a Mexican Layer Dip.

Yummmmmm!