This menu is designed to ease the burden of menu planning and list making. The 6 linked recipes feed a family of 4 – 6 with leftovers that can be used for lunch and one additional meal during the week. Six meals are included in the plan leaving one night for what I refer to as CORN or Clean Out the Refrigerator Night. These meals do not have to be prepared in any particular order, simply arrange them as best fits your schedule.
The shopping list does not include basic pantry items such as flour and sugar, but does include all the spices, as most families keep spices based on their regional and ethnic traditions. Don't be scared to substitute and remember many of the dry goods and cheeses will not have to be purchased every week. The shopping list is after the jump, copy and paste it into a new notepad file, delete the items you have on hand and add the items you need for breakfast and lunches. If you are fairly new to cooking, your grocery bill will drop once your pantry is stocked with basic spices and dry goods.
1. Turkey cutlets with onions, peppers, and mushrooms, steamed broccoli, roast potatoes.
If turkey cutlets aren't available substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts. To roast potatoes, cut into 1" cubes and place in a bowl. Toss with a TBSP of olive oil and garlic powder. Spread in a single layer on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400F for 20 – 30 minutes. Leftovers translate into fabulous homefries for breakfast.
2. Pot roast with onions, carrots, and celery, rice, and gravy. This meal works well with a crockpot, leaving only the rice and gravy to be prepared near dinner time. If you are completely intimidated by the idea of making gravy, consider using a jar or packet, but don't forget to add it to the shopping list.
3. Ground beef and cabbage skillet and green beans
4. Black bean burritos, fried green corn, refried beans with cheese 
5. Linguini with clam sauce, tossed salad, garlic bread
6. Sub sandwich night, raw vegetables with ranch for dipping, optional chips for a treat Grab a loaf or two of Italian bread, slice nearly through the middle to open the loaf, and load it with your favorite cold cuts and cheese. Add lettuce and tomatoes, if you're family is adventurous take hints from your favorite sub shop and add peppers, cucumbers or sprouts. Slice into individual portions and allow each person to add their own condiments (or if everyone is of similar taste, you can do this before slicing).
7. C. O. R. N. Enjoy your night off from cooking.
Heather Solos can also be found at her site Home Ec 101.
Dairy Case and Products
Butter
Cheese to top refried beans
Sliced cheese for sub sandwiches
Sour Cream (Optional for burritos)
Dry Goods
Black beans
2 cans Canned clams (They are usually near the canned tuna)
Linguini
One or two loaves of Italian or French bread for subs
Parmesan Cheese
Potato chips (Completely optional, but a treat for Sub night)
Refried beans
Rice 15oz can tomato sauce
6oz can tomato paste
White wine, dry – you can substitute chicken broth
Freezer
Broccoli
Corn
Garlic Bread
Green Beans
Meat
Beef chuck roast
Ground beef or turkey
Turkey cutlets
Cold cuts
Produce
Bell peppers
Cabbage
Carrots
Celery
Garlic
Green onions
Lettuce for sub sandwich & salad
Lime
Mushrooms
Onions
Parsley
Potatoes
Tomatoes
Spices and Condiments
Bay leaves
Beef base or bouillon – I recommend Better Than Bouillon Beef Base
Chicken base or bouillon – I recommend Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base
Cayenne (optional)
Garlic powder
Hot sauce, such as Tabasco (optional)
Oregano
Thyme
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