This post is sponsored by Harris Teeter. As always, opinions are my own.
Other than the mortgage, food is far and away the biggest ongoing expense in my home (and probably yours too). Since feeding the family is non-negotiable, I have to find ways to save money when grocery shopping (without using coupons because I’m far too lazy for that. Sad, but true.) So without the use of coupons, I took on the challenge of shopping at Harris Teeter to create a five-day meal plan for a family of four for $50, and I nailed it! I came in under $50 – boo-yah! ($45.61, to be exact.)
I’ve never challenged myself to spend a total of less than $50 for five meals before; I honestly didn’t know it was possible. And here’s the thing: all five meals are complete dinners with at least one side dish. I’m so excited about this!
And look how well we ate, y’all. Good stuff, good stuff. Thanks, Harris Teeter!
Slow Cooker Pot Roast + Five-Day Meal Plan for Less than $50
The key is to shop the square. Harris Teeter’s private label products (HT Traders and HT Organics) have a red square logo, so keep your eye out for those when you’re shopping. They will save you so much money compared to the brand name products they sit next to on the shelf. Plus, they are just as good!
So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this five-day meal plan so you can see what I made and what I bought at Harris Teeter to make it happen.
Oh, and since most of us have an arsenal of spices and seasonings on hand all the time, I didn’t include them in the items I purchased. Since I came in under budget, there’s a little wiggle room there to account for individual pantry differences.
Day 1 – BBQ Chicken Stir Fry with Rice and Corn
Shop at Harris Teeter for: 2 chicken breasts, HT Traders BBQ sauce, optional 1-2 jalapenos, HT Traders frozen cut corn, HT Traders instant rice
Day 2 – Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwiches & Tomato Basil Soup
Shop at Harris Teeter for: HT Traders tomato and basil soup, french bread loaf from bakery, HT Traders mozzarella slices, fresh basil, 2 Roma tomatoes
Day 3 – Slow Cooker Pot Roast and Veggies
(recipe below)
Day 4 – Penne Pasta with Pepperoni-Marinara Sauce and Garlic Bread
Shop at Harris Teeter for: HT Traders tomato sauce, HT Traders Arrabbiata sauce, 1 box HT Traders penne rigate, HT Traders thin pepperoni
Day 5 – Pancakes with Bacon
Shop at Harris Teeter for: HT Traders shake & pour pancake mix, HT Traders bacon, HT Traders pancake syrup (if you don’t already have some)
To make the slow cooker pot roast with veggies, combine the two soups and all seasonings in the slow cooker.
Add the Harris Teeter Angus Beef Chuck Roast, onions, potatoes, celery and baby carrots.
Cover and simmer on low about 8 hours. Vegetables and pot roast will be fork tender when it’s ready.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast & Veggies
Ingredients
- 2 lb HT Reserve Angus beef chuck roast
- 1 14 oz can HT Traders beef broth
- 1 10.5 oz can HT Traders cream of mushroom soup
- 3 tbsp HT Traders Worchestershire sauce
- 3 garlic cloves diced
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground red pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 tsp sage
- 1/2 sweet onion chopped
- 2.5 lbs russet potatoes peeled and chopped
- 1 lb baby carrots
- 4 stalks celery sliced
Instructions
- In slow cooker, combine the two soups and all seasonings. Add chuck roast and vegetables. Cover and simmer on low about 8 hours.
To plan the meals, I started by choosing meat that was on sale and built a menu around that. (Harris Teeter’s meat is top-notch.) Also, their chicken breasts are always on sale for a great price. But where I really cut costs was in using the Harris Teeter private label products. I’m shocked at how many products I use on a daily basis that are available under the HT Traders line, and I’m floored at how much of a difference that made in saving me money.
As you can see, we didn’t have to eat skimpy meals in order to stay under budget. Our meals were hearty, filling and deliciously satisfying, and I’m so happy with the savings that I’m going to repeat this dinner plan on a regular basis.
Harris Teeter rocks!
Cherri Megasko says
We just moved away from Virginia and that was the first place I’ve ever lived that had Harris Teeters. My husband and I both really liked their stores – and it’s always nice to save money!
Kiwi says
Food can be so expensive these days. So thanks for the affordable dinner options for $50 score!
Dogvills says
I can’t believe you can make those dishes without spending much! My only regret? We don’t have a Harris Teeter in our area. Anyway, I will still try these recipes. I may come close to $50 but it is the delicious, hearty meals that my family will enjoy that is important for me.
Amanda says
I absolutely love using my slow cooker in the Fall and Winter because a cozy, warm meal during the cold months is so soothing. I’ve never tried to make a pot roast before…thanks for the inspiration!
Anosa says
What a great way to prepare food easily and cheap. I love this so I can save more but still eating a good food. Its just for a lesser expense.
Rose Cottrill says
Slow cooker is the best thing you can have in the kitchen. YOu can make delicious food without staying in the kitchen most of the time.
Kita Bryant says
Wow, that’s not a bad deal for $50! My kids would love all of these meals too. That’s a plus.
Jen Temcio says
5 home cooked, healthy meals for under $50 is superb. Most everyone I know is on a tight budget and your meal suggestions are good for single people or families.
gingermommy says
That soup and sandwich looks like it would make the perfect lunch! Yummy!
Nancy at Whispered Inspirations says
These all look delicious! I love the slow cooker pot roast. I am going to have to try this recipe soon.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
Slow cookers can save so much work and energy. I love meal planning, it saves lots of money and stress.
Marysa says
I haven’t used my slow cooker in ages, and these are great ideas. I’ll have to save this recipe for our busy nights where I barely have enough time to get dinner on the table!
Allison says
There’s nothing quite like a great pot roast once the weather gets chilly. Love this meal plan and especially love things like the instant rice your suggested for busy nights.
Our Family World says
Thanks for sharing these meal ideas. I love how you can get creative, spend less and have a hearty meal for the family. Pot roast will be the on the top of my list!
Annemarie LeBlanc says
Oh wow. That is a true money saver. I have to find out if we have a Harris Teeter near us. I will take your word for it, because I know you have tried them already. Those 5 recipes are fantastic! Cheap yes, but full of flavor and healthy goodness!
Sarah says
Yum! This pot roast recipe looks amazing. I love a good roast during the fall. I’m also super impressed with your meal planning skills!
Sara Welch says
I end up throwing a roast in the crock pot just about once a week. Not only is it easy to do but it’s delicious and takes no real cooking on my part.
Heather says
When you know how to shop the sales, you can do some serious saving. Love how far you stretched your budget and still had amazing meals!
Crystal says
Pot roast reminds me so much of my childhood. We were definitely a meat and potato kind of family. Your recipe would even impress my mom.
Rachel Ferrucci says
Now that I’m very hungry, I don’t know which I want first. You’re lucky to have a Harris Teeter near you, we don’t have any but would love of they came to CT
Chelley Martinka says
Sounds like the perfect week of meals for the family! I need to find a Harris Teeter- under $50 is unbeatable!
Joyce Brewer says
We have a growing boy who loves meat. My usual go-to crockpot meal is white chicken chili. I need to make a pot roast for him!
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says
5 meals for $50? I am sold. I would love to try this! I think it’s something that the whole family can definitely benefit from. I love that the meals are all so filling and yummy.
Brianne says
Wow all of these meals look delicious! I am so checking Harris Teeter out!
AnnMarie John says
That’s a pretty cool challenge especially if you really want to save money! I’ve been making sure that I stick to my budget when planning meals and grocery shopping. I think this is something that I’d love to try!
Carol Cassara says
I love the ideas that you have here! It’s really possible to save money and still eat healthy and hearty meals. Those recipes made me real hungry!
Cheryl says
I recently bought an instapot and I’m looking for great slow cooker recipes!
Amy Desrosiers says
We love pot roast in this house. I think my kids would love your meal plan! Sounds like what my mom used to make in rotation when I was a kid.
reesa says
I am loving this meal plan! I need to bring this to the store with me. I am going to give this pot roast a try too!
Jenn Mitchell says
Feeding a family on a budget is so important. I love that you have shared meal ideas that stay within one!
TColeman says
I love these dinner ideas. To know that they are under $50 is so reassuring!
Meagan says
I love a good crock pot meal. I will have to try your recipe.
Pam says
I can’t believe all that was under $50. Sounds like Harris Teeter has some really good deals.
Lisa says
This time of year we love to use our slow cooker. I love a good pot roast. Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe!
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
I meal plan and usually come in just a littler higher than $50 for five meals. But I don’t buy on sale items either. I meal plan to what we want to eat. Now I love pot roast in the slow cooker, and will stretch that as far as I can.
Kelly Hutchinson says
I could eat pot roast every single day! I love it so much! I miss Harris Teeter! We don’t have them where we live now. Boo!
Pam says
My husband could eat pot roast every day too. It’s definitely a common meal plan item in our house.
Brandy says
I never stick with a meal plan. Ever. I am going to give this a try and see if I can finally stick with it – even if it’s just one week. That pot roast looks delicious!
Anita Anderson says
Wow, 5 meals for under $50 seems like not enough but when you meal plan everything is possible. My hubby looked over my shoulder and loves the BBQ meal.
Heather says
That’s pretty impressive! Can you imagine the cost if you had eaten five meals out. It pays to eat at home.
Heather Johnson says
I am all for making meals on a budget! What a great meal idea that my family would love and that would save me so much money on groceries!
Candy says
It is great come in under budget. I live my slow cooker and will be adding your meals to the make list
Doria says
Wow, what budget-friendly meal ideas! I’m a big fan of slow cookers, especially in the colder months. I’m going to have to try some of these meal ideas!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
This is so great! A $10 a day breakdown is so awesome! I love the idea of being able to eat well for not a lot of money.
Jeni Hawkins says
Holy cow – I’m hungry now! Those pictures are gorgeous and made my mouth water. I was wondering what to cook for dinner tonight – and I think it’s going to be pot roast now!
Tomi C says
We don’t have a Harris Teeter nearby because I would love to advantage of those “shop the square” deals. Slow cooker pot roast is a fave crock pot recipe of mine.
Jeanette says
That pot roast looks absolutely delicious! I am always trying to meal plan and I usually fail at getting a full weeks worth of meals. This will definitely help me get ideas.
Anita says
I love crockpot receipes. They are my go to meals during the week. Who can go wrong with post roast!
Neely Moldovan says
I have been waiting for cooler weather to make something like this and this weekend when it dips into the 30s is the perfect time!
Jaime says
I’ve been trying to figure out how to cut our grocery bill even more. This is a fantastic menu (and the prices!!) The pot roast looks amazing and you better believe I’ll be making this soon. Our weather has finally changed, and the slow cooker is being put to great use.
Alli Smith says
I love all of these meals! I often make slow cooker pot roast when the entire family comes over. It’s easy and inexpensive. Plus, it’s always a hit with the family.
Amber Myers says
Yum, I’ve made slow cooker pot roast for years. My daughter and I love it but my husband and son say it’s gross. Maybe I’ll try this recipe and see if I can get them to like it!
Robin rue says
I just brought my crock pot back out of hibernation and this sound like a great meal to kick off the cool weather meal season. My family will love it.
Mardene Carr says
This is way cool. I think we all need to challenge ourselves sometimes to spend less, not just on preparing meals. Good post!
Ashley Owens says
Slow cooker pot roast has always been one of my favorites. It is easy to make and ends up so delicious. My kids love it too which is a bonus.
Julie Cohn says
Your dinner ideas, especially that pot roast are making me hungry,. Five days for under $50? Incredible! I wish we had Harris Teeter on the west coast.