Are you looking to drastically cut down on your grocery bills without sacrificing delicious meals for your family? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This meal plan is designed for a family of five, showing you how to save big while still preparing tasty, balanced meals that everyone will love. We’re a family living in California, which means grocery prices can be high if you’re not careful. But with careful planning, it’s possible to stay within a $800 monthly budget for food and household essentials.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how we manage our grocery spending, share a full breakdown of what we ate in January, and provide tips on how to stock up strategically when prices are low. By the end, you’ll see how it’s possible to enjoy great meals without overspending.
Why a $800 Grocery Budget Works for Us
For our family of five, which includes me, my husband, and our three kids (aged 10, 8, and almost 5), our grocery budget also covers household necessities. That means it’s not just food—we include things like toilet paper, cleaning products, and toiletries in that $800. By lumping all these items together, I save time trying to separate food from other expenses. It simplifies everything!
We often have months where we don’t use the entire budget, and whatever’s left over goes into a fund for bulk stocking up on pantry items or essentials when they’re on sale. Having a stocked pantry is key to sticking to the budget.
Plus, we use cash-back apps like Fetch Rewards and Ibotta, which allow us to scan our receipts and earn money back. On average, we earn about $100 every couple of months, which is a great bonus to the savings.
A Look at Our January Meal Plan
January was a busy month for us, but I made sure to keep track of every dinner we had. Out of the 31 days, I cooked on 27 of them! Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of our favorite meals from the month. Not only are these recipes budget-friendly, but they’re also quick, easy, and a hit with the kids. Here’s a quick overview of what we ate, along with links to any recipes we used.
| Date | Meal |
|---|---|
| January 1 | Nachos (leftovers from our NYE taco bar) |
| January 2 | Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes and corn |
| January 3 | Homemade pizza |
| January 4 | BLTs with fries |
| January 5 | Chicken fried rice with frozen potstickers and broccoli |
| January 6 | Baked ravioli with salad and breadsticks |
| January 7 | Honey BBQ chicken bites with mashed potatoes and green beans |
| January 8 | Eat out night! |
| January 9 | Korean beef with rice and green beans |
| January 10 | Homemade pizza |
| January 11 | BLT wraps with chips and fruit salad |
| January 12 | Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes |
| January 13 | Chicken carbonara |
| January 14 | Leftover chicken carbonara |
| January 15 | Air fryer beef taquitos with beans and Mexican rice |
| January 16 | Leftover taquitos with beans and rice |
| January 17 | Homemade pizza |
| January 18 | Snacky dinner (random leftovers like fruits, veggies, and meats) |
| January 19 | Pierogie casserole with fruit salad |
| January 20 | Chicken fried rice with potstickers and veggies (repeat) |
| January 21 | Rigatoni meatball soup with garlic rolls |
| January 22 | Brown sugar Italian chicken with mashed potatoes and veggies |
| January 23 | Chicken in a biscuit |
| January 24 | Homemade pizza |
| January 25 | Homemade hamburgers with air fryer french fries |
| January 26 | Chef salads for adults, grilled cheese for the kids |
| January 27 | Italian beef and rice skillet with French bread |
| January 28 | Eat out night! |
| January 29 | Bruschetta chicken casserole with salad |
| January 30 | Chinese pineapple chicken with rice and broccoli |
| January 31 | Homemade pizza |
Our Favorite Budget-Friendly Meals
Now, let’s dive into some of the standout meals from this month. These recipes were quick, simple, and loved by everyone. You’ll find they make great use of pantry staples and are perfect for feeding a hungry family on a budget.
1. Salisbury Steak with Mashed Potatoes & Corn
This homemade Salisbury steak is both easy and affordable. Pairing it with mashed potatoes and a side of corn makes it a hearty meal that’s perfect for a cold winter night.
2. Chicken Fried Rice with Frozen Potstickers
For nights when takeout seems tempting, this chicken fried rice is a great alternative. It’s cheaper, healthier, and takes less time than waiting for delivery.
3. Honey BBQ Chicken Bites
These baked chicken bites, coated in a delicious honey BBQ sauce, were a hit with the kids. They’re great for picky eaters and only take a few ingredients to whip up.
4. Korean Beef
This meal was a lifesaver on busy nights. Made in just 15 minutes, it’s a flavorful and budget-friendly dish that pairs perfectly with rice and a side of veggies.
5. Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
A fun twist on traditional sloppy joes, these Philly cheesesteak versions were an instant favorite. They’re easy to make and taste amazing with a side of fries or chips.
6. Rigatoni Meatball Soup
Perfect for cold winter nights, this rigatoni meatball soup is hearty and comforting. It’s also great for feeding a crowd or saving leftovers for the next day.
7. Brown Sugar Italian Chicken
This 3-ingredient recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. With just chicken, brown sugar, and Italian dressing mix, you can have dinner ready in no time.
Stocking Up and Smart Grocery Shopping
One of the best ways to stick to a grocery budget is by stocking up on pantry staples when they’re on sale. Throughout the month, I make sure to grab items like pasta, canned goods, and rice when I see them at a rock-bottom price. This not only ensures we have enough food to last but also prevents us from overspending when we’re out of something.
It’s also important to take advantage of cash-back apps like Fetch Rewards and Ibotta. By scanning my receipts, I earn cash back on groceries, household items, and toiletries. Over the course of a few months, I typically earn around $100, which I can use for extra savings or to treat the family to a fun meal out.
Tips for Successful Meal Planning
- Plan Around Sales: Before heading to the grocery store, check weekly sales and plan your meals accordingly. If chicken is on sale, plan for chicken-based meals that week.
- Cook in Bulk: When possible, cook extra food and save the leftovers for later in the week. Meals like soups, casseroles, and pasta dishes are great for reheating.
- Stick to Your Budget: Keep an eye on your spending each week to ensure you’re sticking to your $800 monthly budget. If you have money left over, save it for stocking up on essentials.
- Involve the Family: Get the kids involved in meal planning and preparation. Not only does this make dinner time more fun, but it also teaches them valuable life skills.
Conclusion
With careful planning and smart shopping, it’s possible to feed a family of five on a budget without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Our January 2020 meal plan is a testament to that. From quick and easy dinners to hearty winter meals, we managed to stay within our $800 budget while still enjoying a variety of delicious dishes. Whether you’re looking to save money or just need some fresh meal ideas, this plan is a great place to start.
