Printable Shopping Checklist: 5 Meals for $50
Serves: 4–6
Total Items: 21
Estimated Cost: ~$50
Proteins
- Chicken Breasts (Frozen, 3 lb) — $8.94 Swap: canned chicken
- Ground Beef & Pork Blend (1 lb) — $3.97 Swap: lentils or TVP
- Ham Steaks (2-pack, 14 oz) — $3.97 Swap: deli ham
Dairy & Eggs
- Cage-Free Eggs (12 count) — $1.97
- American Cheese Singles (16 oz) — $2.48 Swap: cheddar slices
- Shredded Mozzarella (8 oz) — $1.97
Pantry Staples
- All-Purpose Baking Mix (20 oz) — 2 @ $1.98 = $3.96
- Cream of Celery Soup (10.5 oz) — 2 @ $0.70 = $1.40 Swap: cream of mushroom
- Pizza Sauce (23.9 oz) — $1.88
- Pasta Sauce (24 oz) — $1.67
- Rotini Pasta (16 oz) — $0.98
Frozen Goods
- Frozen Egg Noodles (24 oz) — $4.62
- Mirepoix Mix (10 oz) — $1.46 Swap: fresh carrots/onion/celery
- Mixed Vegetables (12 oz) — $0.98
Bread
- Italian Bread Loaf (14 oz) — $1.47
Produce & Salad
- Iceberg Lettuce — $2.57
- Grape Tomatoes (10 oz) — $2.44
Extras
- Seasoned Croutons (5 oz) — $1.36
- Ranch Dressing (16 fl oz) — $1.97
- Garlic (optional pantry item)
Notes & Swaps
Prices based on Great Value brand at Walmart, October 2025. Your local prices may vary.
Forkonomics 