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Home » Recipes » Meal Plan December 3rd – December 10th

Meal Plan December 3rd – December 10th

Filed Under: Meal Plans December 2, 2023

It’s officially December! I feel like these are the forgotten weeks between Thanksgiving and serious crunch time leading up to the big day. It’s a time I like to eat a little thriftier and a little easier so I can really enjoy my days before things get too crazy.

For the remainder of 2023, I’m providing free weekly meal plans. Each plan follows the design of my “Stick to Your Budget Checklist” and includes 3 pantry friendly meal options (at least one of which is vegetarian), 3 budget conscious recipes, and assumes 1 leftovers day. There are also 2 breakfast options and a sweet treat to try! I hope you have a great Thanksgiving and enjoy these recipes!

crockpot split pea soup in a bowl

Monday: If you want to try meatless Monday, you can make this Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup Recipe ham free. However, if you have a leftover ham bone waiting for you in the freezer, this is the perfect time to use it! This recipe is great for that package of dried peas that might have been in the cabinet for a little too long (guilty!).

mini quesadilla

Tuesday: Mini chicken quesadillas are super fun for taco Tuesday! My kids just like how cute they are! Feel free to customize them and use any fillings you prefer!

Wednesday: I think we are far enough out from Thanksgiving to get back into the poultry game. These chicken leg quarters are so delicious and so inexpensive! It’s a great way to save during a time you’re spending more on other things.

chicken pot pie casserole in a bowl

Thursday: Any baking mix will do with this chicken pot pie, and you can use leftovers from the chicken leg quarters! Or, if you don’t have leftovers, use canned chicken, if you don’t have fresh!

ravioli bake in a bowl with a fork

Friday: I’m feeling like an easy ravioli bake this Friday night. Serve it with a salad on the side and maybe some garlic bread (homemade or from the freezer).

butternut squash mac n cheese in a casserole dish with a wooden spoon
kidney beans and turkey chili in a bowl with a gold spoon

Saturday or Sunday (choose one day for leftovers): I love to cook up a warm chili and some mac n cheese on a cold weekend day! Whether it’s Saturday or Sunday, both these recipes are the hearty meal you’re looking for!

crustless quiche with a slice taken out in a baking pan with a fork

For Breakfast: Quiche is one of the recipes that has saves us $100’s of dollars this year. By making breakfast ahead, and at home, we are prepared and don’t end up buying breakfast out.

cinnamon roll and apple pie filling casserole with frosting over it in a pan

For a sweeter breakfast option, try this recipe where you only need 2 ingredients! Apple pie filing meets cinnamon rolls and they become best friends! It’s too easy not to try!

For a Sweet Treat: If you try these browned butter pecan cookies, I guarantee they will be a new favorite in your house. They are everything delicious about a pecan sandy with all the texture of a delicious chocolate chip cookie!

I hope you have a wonderful week!

FOR MORE INEXPENSIVE FAMILY RECIPES CHECK OUT THESE VIDEOS:

  • 3 Delicious Pantry Friendly Meals
  • 105 Meals for $115 – Feeding My Family For a week
  • The Top 10 Secrets to saving big on food!

MORE WEEKNIGHT RECIPES TO TRY:

  • Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes
  • Cheesy Tortellini Bake(My Kids LOVE THIS!)
  • Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas! (These are SO EASY!)

Maria Ronan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Links on this site may include affiliate links to Amazon and its affiliate sites on which the owner of this website will make a referral commission. Thank you for supporting Meals With Maria! My videos and website are for entertainment purposes only. Any information related to food, food safety, cooking, recipes, etc. are my opinions only. Maria Ronan is not liable and/or responsible for any advice, services, or product you obtain through this video and website.

Tagged With: budget cooking, budget meals, cheap meals, December, meal plan, weeknight dinner

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Welcome to Meals with Maria! I’m Maria, a passionate home cook and mom on a mission to help you make everyday healthy meals simple, and holiday indulgence special. As a wife and mother of three boys, I know how important it is to balance nourishing your family with meals that are easy to prepare and budget-friendly — while still savoring the joy of holiday treats and meals out. Read More…

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