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!

Fry's Bargain Meals of the Week - 05/20-05/26/09 with Leftover Makeovers!

Thanks for coming by to check out this week’s Bargain Meals at Fry’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.

Be sure to check out the print ad when you visit your Fry’s store this week. There are some wonderful $1 deals this week including – 4 count Angel Soft toilet paper, Betty Crock brownie mixes, Colgate toothpaste and toothbrushes, Dial liquid hand soap, several deodorants and much more!



Meal #1 – Grilled chicken with chips and green salad

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Tyson Split Chicken Breast (Bone-in) – 88 cents per pound (first 4 packages)
Lay’s potato chips – $3.99 – buy one get one free
Dole premium classic salads - $1
Roma tomatoes - $1 per pound

Leftover makeover – Remove any leftover chicken from bones and reheat with BBQ sauce for quick sandwiches a second day! Both Cattlemen’s and Kraft BBQ sauces are on sale this week for only $1 a bottle!



Meal #2 – Grilled hamburgers and hot dogs with watermelon and corn on the cob

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Biggie patties – 5 lb. Bag of ground beef patties – $6.99
All Beef Franks – save 50% off regular prices
Farmer John meat franks - $1
Sara Lee hamburger or hot dog buns - $1.50
Nature’s Own hamburger and hot dog buns - $2
Personal size seedless watermelon - $1.99 each
Corn on the cob – 50 cents per ear

Leftover makeover – Slice up any leftover hot dogs and add a few cans of baked beans (Van Camp’s are $1 per can this week) for a quick, kid friendly lunch of “beans and weenies”.



Meal #3 – Your favorite chicken casserole!

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Tyson Split Chicken Breast (Bone-in) – 88 cents per pound (first 4 packages)


Thank you so much for stopping by this week! Check back next week for more great ideas using Fry’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!

Menu Plan Monday - week of 05/18 - 05/24/09

We are back on the meal planning wagon this week - and I'm so happy to have our plans set! This week, we have two activity days so we planned our meals accordingly. I'm also excited to try out a new recipe on Tuesday which I think will be a huge hit with my kids. I'm going to have one of my older kids (probably my 8 year old) help out with this one as it is assembling a lot of pre-cooked ingredients. I like allowing my children the opportunity to be in charge of meal time when I can to help their self-sufficiency. My 8 year old in particular LOVES to be in charge in the kitchen - and this will add a recipe to his personal food arsenal!

Monday - crock pot roast beef with carrots and baby red potatoes

Tuesday - Chicken in a Pan with a Tan with green salad and homemade honey wheat rolls

Wednesday - appointment day - BBQ beef sandwiches using leftover roast from Monday - we'll add fresh vegetables and a pasta salad

Thursday - evening activities - Crockpot Pork Chalupa with rice and green salad

Friday - kid favorite - tater tot casserole with steamed vegetables

Saturday - we've been invited to a party so no planning - we'll eat leftovers if plans change

Sunday - oven roasted turkey with mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables and homemade rolls

I'm excited to free up some freezer space by cooking a turkey this weekend! Thanks for stopping by! Stop by later in the week for new meal suggestions using current grocery ads! And, be sure to check out hundreds of other great menu plans for this week at Menu Plan Monday!

Safeway's Bargain Meals of the Week - sales cycle of 05/13 - 05/19/09 (with leftover makeovers)

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 Safeway’s advertised sales running this week (05/13 through 05/19/09).

Be sure to check out your store’s print ad as there are some great sale prices this week on cereal products (see bottom of front page). Another item I’m going to make sure I pick up this week are Nabisco Snak Saks – these are on sale for $1 per bag and they make the perfect on the go snack! We like the mini Oreos and Nutter Butters as well as the Animal Crackers and Teddy Grahams.


Meal #1 – Crock pot beef roast with potatoes and carrots

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Rancher’s Reserve Beef 7 Bone Chuck Steak - $1.47 per pound


Leftover Makeover – shred up any leftover roast and serve with BBQ on buns for easy sandwiches a second night! Add a bag of Doritos for $1.77 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday only sale price)



Meal #2 – Grilled steaks with corn on the cob and baked potatoes

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Rancher’s Reserve Beef Top Sirloin Steak, boneless – $3.47 per pound
Corn on the cob – 50 cents per ear

Leftover Makeover – cut up any leftover pieces of steak and use for beef fajitas


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

Fry's Bargain Meals of the Week - sales cycle for 04/15 - 04/21/09 - includes recipes and leftover makeover ideas

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


Meal #1 – Grilled chicken breasts (or oven roasted) with carrot, cauliflower and broccoli vegetable medley

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Boneless skinless chicken breasts – $1.67 per pound
Fresh cauliflower and broccoli – 77 cents per pound

Kroger mini carrots - 1 lb. bag - $1

(An easy way to change your steamed vegetables into a great side dish is to mix one can of cream of mushroom soup with your steamed vegetables. Mix together and the heat from the cooked vegetables will allow you to mix together the vegetables and sauce easily. And, it adds a great flavor!)

Leftover make-over – Dice leftover chicken and use it on top of salad greens for a great main course salad! Or, consider using leftover diced chicken in crock pot enchiladas or chicken and broccoli casserole!



Meal #2 – Homemade chicken strips with French fries and fresh vegetable tray

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Boneless skinless chicken breasts – $1.67 per pound

For fresh vegetable tray:
Kroger mini carrots – 1 lb. Bag - $1
Fresh celery - $1
Red or yellow bell peppers - $1 each
Fresh cauliflower and broccoli – 77 cents per pound

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

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!

Safeway's Bargain Meal of the Week for 04/15 - 04/21/09 - including leftover makeovers, recipes and dessert idea!

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


Meal #1 – Roasted turkey breast with mashed potatoes, gravy and steamed carrots

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Honeysuckle White whole turkey breast – 99 cents per pound

Leftover make-over – chop up leftover turkey 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 – Crock pot beef roast with vegetables

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Rancher’s Reserve Beef 7 Bone Chuck Roast - $1.47 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!



Meal #3 – Shake n Bake Pork Chops with your favorite steamed vegetables

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Boneless Pork Top Loin Chops - $1.97 per pound

Leftover make-over – Dice up any leftover boneless pork chops and toss with your favorite lettuce, cheese and other salad toppings for a great at-home salad entree!



Dessert Idea – strawberry shortcake

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Strawberries – one pound container – 88 cents


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

Safeway's Bargain Meals of the Week - and leftover tips - sales week of 04/01 - 04/07/09

You can check out Safeway's online grocery circular for some great bargain products. Here are a few menu suggestions for this week based upon Safeway’s advertised sales. Each meal also has a tip to use up any leftovers! Enjoy!

Meal #1 – Crock pot BBQ pork ribs served over rice or noodles with a side of raw or steamed baby carrots

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Bone-in Pork Country Style Ribs – 98 cents per pound
Eating Right baby peeled carrots – 2 pound bag - $1.48

Leftover Suggestions:

Original recipe poster suggested using the sauce leftover from these ribs as a topping for pasta a second night. You can also shred any leftover pork to use as barbeque sandwich filling - or as a starter for burrito, taco or enchilada filling.

Meal #2 - Beef Roast with carrots and potatoes

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Rancher’s Reserve Beef London Broil - $1.98 per pound
Eating Right baby peeled carrots – 2 pound bag - $1.48

Leftover Suggestions :

Roast beef is one of the best leftovers! You can slice it thin and serve with gravy over toast for open faced roast beef sandwiches (don't forget the mashed potatoes if you choose this route - yummy!).

You can add barbeque sauce for quick and easy sandwiches (on toast or hamburger buns). You can also spice it up a bit and use it as topping for shredded beef nachos or tostadas! Or, my family loves to use shredded roast beef for filling burritos and tacos as well.

It is very cost effective to make a large roast and plan for one or more of these leftover remakes later in the week. You can even reuse your beef gravy as part of the sauce with many of these options!

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

Safeway's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales cycle of 03/25 - 03/31/09

This week, Safeway is repeating their Buy 10, Save $5 promotion that appeared in last week's ad. Check out their online ad or in-store circular for some great deals. Items include in this promotion are indicated in shopping lists below.

Meal #1 - Oven fried Swai fillets with tossed green salad and oven glazed carrots

(My local butcher informed me that Swai is a Vietnamese catfish so this recipe calls for catfish but should easily work for the Swai fillets. We cooked some Swai fillets on the grill a few weeks ago and found it a bit salty but felt that may have been due to our particular seasoning so I'm looking forward to trying this recipe soon.)

Items to buy on sale for this meal:

Swai fillet - $3.99 per pound

Fresh Express garden salad - $1.25 (or 75 cents when you purchase 10 of the Buy 10, Save $5 promo items)

2 lb. bag baby carrots - $2.50 (or $2.00 when you purchase 10 promo items)

Meal #2 - Beef Roast with carrots and potatoes

(you can choose to cook the vegetables with the roast or substitute other favorite vegetables and cook them separately.)

Items to buy on sale for this meal:

Rancher's Reserve Beef Chuck 7 Bone Roast - $1.59 per pound

2 lb. bag baby carrots - $2.50 (or $2.00 when you purchase 10 promo items)

Meal #3 - BBQ beef sandwiches with your favorite chips and salad

(My favorite way to make BBQ sandwiches is to serve roast one night, then shred the remaining roast leftovers and serve them with BBQ sauce on our favorite bread or rolls as sandwiches a day or two later - two great meals for the price of one cut of meat! Plus, it reinvents your leftovers so your family is more likely to enjoy them a second time.)

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Rancher's Reserve Beef Chuck 7 Bone Roast - $1.59 per pound

Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce - $1.25 (or 75 cents when you purchase 10 promo items)

Sara Lee bread or rolls (check to see if rolls are included in store sale) - $2.00

Fritos and Cheetos are each $2.00 per bag (or $1.50 cents when you purchase 10 promo items)

Fresh Express garden salad - $1.25 (or 75 cents when you purchase 10 promo items)

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

Fry's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales cycle of 03/25 - 03/31/09

This week, Fry's has a terrific buy on whole chickens - only 57 cents per pound! You can buy 4 whole chickens at this price and store a few in your freezer for upcoming weeks. If you have room, you may even consider a second trip to Fry's during the sale cycle to really stock up at this price. I'm

providing a few meal options this week using this bargain priced poultry!

Meal #1 - roasted whole chicken with vegetables (consider roasted carrots using baby carrots that are on sale for $1 per bag)

After Meal #1, take a few minutes to completely de-bone your chicken. Get every single piece of chicken off of the bones and stash it in the fridge for the next two meals. Also save the chicken bones as we will use them for Meal #3! Reusing the leftovers from one meal by using them as the basis for another meal is a great way to stretch your grocery dollars. Plus, it helps minimize complaints from family members about eating leftovers!

Meal #2 - chicken enchiladas with seasoned rice and green salad

Use the remaining leftover chicken PLUS the chicken bones from day one to make a great homemade chicken stock for Meal #3.

Meal #3 - chicken and rice soup with homemade rolls

Use the chicken bones to make homemade chicken stock in your crock pot. Then use this as the chicken broth in your soup (if using recipe above - which is very, very, very yummy - use cooked chicken in place of chicken breasts and broth in place of water and chicken bouillon cubes).

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy this leftover's remake meal plan for the week. Check out more great bargain meals at $5 Dinners and please be sure to stop by again next week for more thrifty meals cooking with weekly sales!