How I Stretched $100 into a 2 weeks of Meal Preps (Without It Getting Boring)

thoughtfully planned and balanced meals for my brother that you can copy! [VIDEOS INCLUDED]

just a few of the meals featured

I’d be lying if I said this was easy, but with a little creativity and a free evening, it worked out amazing.

This is a long post, but fun fact, did you know you could make substack read it for you and listen to posts like an audiobook?

🚨press the little play button in the top right corner

---

Meal prepping doesn’t have to break the bank, and it’s one of the best ways to save time and eat well throughout the week. Recently, I prepped 16 meals + 8 breakfast burritos for my brother with just $100, and while grocery prices can vary, I think I was able to make the most of it by choosing affordable proteins and veggies, while keeping the meals balanced and full of flavor.

The Proteins: Maximizing Value

When it comes to meal prepping, protein is typically the most expensive ingredient, so I chose a variety of options to keep costs down without skimping on quality. For this batch, I used chicken thighs, ground turkey, turkey pepperoni, ground beef, and chicken andouille. Strategically choosing 3 raw meats and 2 fully cooked easy to heat meats.

By mixing these up, I was able to create a variety of meals, from hearty chili to wraps and bowls, ensuring things didn’t feel repetitive. If you’re on a budget, buying these proteins in bulk or looking for sales can help you save even more to make even more.

The Plan: How I Structured the 16 Meals

I planned out the meals so that each protein could be used in a few different ways.

The key here is versatility! With a few proteins prepped, I could quickly throw together different meals by just adding fresh veggies, sides, and some simple seasonings. This helps avoid food fatigue while keeping things fresh.

The Menu Breakdown

• 2x Loaded Beef Enchiladas
• 2x Loaded Chili Pot Pie with Cornbread Topping
• 2x Chicken Teriyaki Bowls
• 2x Korean Turkey Rice Bowls
• 2x Sweet Potato & Chicken Sausage Hash Bowls
• 2x Frozen Loaded Turkey Pan Pizzas
• 4x Pasta Jambalaya
• 8 Breakfast Burritos

---

Let’s get into what you’re actually here for -

First up, the Grocery List:

(Organized by category for easier shopping)

Proteins:

• 1 dozen eggs

• 1 pack chicken andouille sausage

• 1 pack turkey pepperoni

• 2 to 3 lbs chicken thighs

• 2 lbs ground turkey

• 2 to 2.5 lbs ground beef

Dairy & Refrigerated:

• 16 oz nonfat plain Greek yogurt

• ¼ cup light sour cream

• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese

• 2 cups shredded Italian cheese

Pantry & Dry Goods:

• 2 cups self-rising flour (or DIY self-rising flour)

• 8.5 oz box Jiffy cornbread mix

• 8 burrito tortillas

• 10 small tortillas (flour or corn for enchiladas)

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice

• 1 lb dried fusilli pasta

• 4 cups chicken broth

• ¼ cup tomato paste

• ¼ cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• Small jar pizza marinara

Canned Goods:

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans

• 1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce

• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel

• 1 (15.5 oz) can Bush’s Chili Magic

• 1 (14.5 oz) can stewed tomatoes

Produce:

• 2 large sweet potatoes

• 3 tricolor bell peppers (can substitute frozen holy trinity mix or frozen peppers)

• 2 lbs broccoli

• 1 (6 oz) bag spinach

• Green onions (for garnish)

• Parsley (for garnish)

Seasonings & Condiments:

• All-purpose seasoning of your choice

• Everything bagel seasoning (or all-purpose seasoning)

• Italian seasoning

• Salt

• Pepper

• Garlic powder

• Olive oil

Favorite Korean sauce OR 1 tbsp gochujang + 1 tsp soy sauce + 1 tsp sesame oil

---

🥳 And now the full prep list + detailed instructions:

I wrote out every step so you should have no problem replicated, but as usual, if you have any questions at all, comment and I’ll answer!