Frugal Family Menu For The Publix Sale – 7 Meals That Won’t Break The Budget

Saving money is more important than EVER! I have received so many emails from you guys and heard from friends whose jobs and income have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. With all the uncertainly that we face at the moment, keeping our spending down is absolutely necessary!

I have always tried to show how important a weekly menu can be for budgeting. Right now, a menu is key for saving as well as planning. With everyone trying to limit the time out in public, the planning portion is absolutely critical. After all, quick runs to the store are not quite as simple as they were a few weeks ago.

So with all that in mind, I wanted to give you an example of a menu that will can help you plan and save money while serving up tasty meals that your family will love. An added perk…all of the meals are really simple to prepare.

While I don’t have the time to make and share recipes for all of these meals, I bet that you have a favorite version or can find something that appeals to your taste with a simple online search. I added some links to recipes that I have shared over the years as inspiration.

Below is the menu to go with the upcoming Publix Deals as part of the Publix Ad & Coupons Week Of 3/26 – 4/1 (3/25 to 3/31 For Some). While I some assume some pantry staples for prep, I thought that it would at least give you a starting point and way to help you see how planning out meals based on the sales could make life so much easier.

Tater Tot Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
Publix French Fried Potatoes, Hash Browns, Sweet Potato Fries, or Onion Rings, 16 to 32 oz, $2.50
Hebrew National Beef Franks or Beef Knockwurst, 9.43 to 12 oz, BOGO $5.99 (one pack)
Kraft Shredded Cheese or Chunk, 6 to 8 oz, or Kraft Taco Bell Shredded Cheese, 7 oz, BOGO $3.35 (one bag)
Canned or homemade chili – $3 (approx)
TOTAL – approx $10.18

Easy Meatball Pie 
Celentano Meatballs, Italian Style, Turkey, or Homestyle, 12 oz, BOGO $4.99 (one bag)
Kraft Shredded Cheese or Chunk, 6 to 8 oz, or Kraft Taco Bell Shredded Cheese, 7 oz, BOGO $3.35 (one bag)
Ragu Sauce, 14 to 24 oz jar, BOGO $2.04 (one jar)
Pie Crust–approx $3.50
TOTAL – $8.70 (cheaper with coupons)

Crockpot Chicken Tacos with Refried Beans
Publix Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, USDA Grade A, 97% Fat Free, Any Size Package, BOGO $4.99/lb (one lb)
Old El Paso Dinner Kit, BOGO $3.08 – $4.29
Rotel Diced Tomatoes, BOGO $1.03 +
Kraft Shredded Cheese or Chunk, 6 to 8 oz, or Kraft Taco Bell Shredded Cheese, 7 oz, BOGO $3.35 (one bag)
Old El Paso Refried Beans, BOGO $1.53
TOTAL – $7 

BBQ Grilled Chicken, Riced Veggies & Roasted Sweet Potatoes 
Publix Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs, Any Size Package, BOGO $1.99 – $2.19/lb (two lbs)
Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce, Gourmet Sauces, 28 oz, or Buffalo Wing Sauce, 22 oz, BOGO $3.49 (one bottle)
Green Giant Frozen Vegetables, 7 to 10 oz, BOGO $1.99
Roasted Sweet Potatoes, $0.99/lb
TOTAL – approx $7 (cheaper with coupons)

Easy Chicken Fried Rice 
Publix Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, USDA Grade A, 97% Fat Free, Any Size Package, BOGO $4.99/lb (one lb)
VeeTee Rice, 9.9 or 10.6 oz, BOGO $2.19 (two trays)
Peas & Carrots bag – approx $1.75
Nellie’s Free Range Eggs, Large, 12 ct, $2.99
TOTAL – $9.45 (cheaper with coupons)

Fish Sandwiches & Fries
SeaPak Shrimp & Seafood Co. Products, 8 to 23 oz (Excluding Value Size), BOGO $8.39 (two boxes –be sure to use your coupons!)
Ball Park Buns, Brat, Hot Dog, or Hamburger, 12 to 23 oz, BOGO $3.79 (one pack)
Publix French Fried Potatoes, Hash Browns, Sweet Potato Fries, or Onion Rings, 16 to 32 oz, $2.50
TOTAL – $12.79 ($10.79 after coupons)

Pizza Night
Palermo’s Primo Thin Pizza, Ultra Thin Crust, 13.35 to 16.55 oz, BOGO $7.19 (two pizzas)
TOTAL – $7.19 ($5.19 after coupons)

The total this week is around $62…which averages out to about $9 per meal. AND…the pricing is less when you add in coupons. Taking your coupons with you when you shop and you can bring the price down even more!

All meals are built to feed an average family of four making the total approx $2.25 per meal per person. Please remember that this does not include all ingredients—some pantry staples may be needed. Additionally some meals also include additional products that can be used in future meals. This list is simply something to help you with your menu planning!