• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Home-Cooked Roots

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • 💛 Favorites
  • Fall Recipes
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • 💛 Favorites
    • Fall Recipes
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • ×
    Home » Meal Plans

    Weekly Vegan Meal Plan for Two under $60 (Week 1)

    Published: Dec 30, 2022 · Modified: Feb 27, 2023 by Nicolette · This post may contain affiliate links. By browsing this website, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of use.

    104 shares

    In this week’s Vegan meal Plan for Two, I spent just under $60 to purchase everything I’d need to cook 5 vegan dinners, plus supplement what we have for breakfast and snacks. Read on to see what I make, where I shopped and what I had to purchase.

    Collage of 4 recipes.

    [cp_popup display=”inline” style_id=”12968″ step_id = “1”][/cp_popup]

    Meal Planning FAQs

    Why weekly meal planning?

    Last year, in 2022, we spent much more on food than we would have liked. We could blame it on inflation, busy work schedules, moving, sickness, stress, etc., but the truth is we got lazy and unorganized. It was not a priority. Eating out when you’re tired and want a break is SO easy, but it adds up to hundreds, if not thousands of unnecessary spending every month.

    So this year I am sharing the amount I spend every week on groceries to help me stay on track and hopefully inspire you to do the same!

    What are you saving money for?

    Our 2023 goal is to keep our food expenses (including restaurants and coffee out!) under $500 a month.

    By the end of the month, if I am still under budget, I will stock up on our Vegan Pantry Staples at bulk prices to help us save even more money throughout the year.

    Our savings will go towards paying down our mortgage. We have a personal goal of being mortgage-free by 40! What would you do with that extra money back in your pocket this year?

    Does sticking to a grocery budget really make a difference?

    The short answer: OH MY GOODNESS, YES!

    The long answer: In 2016, I graduated from a private university with $70,000 in student loan debt. I didn’t realize just how much money I had borrowed until I graduated and received notice that my minimum payment would be over $1,000 a month (not including interest!).

    It felt like my options in life became non-existent because every penny I made had to go to debt and bills. I immediately started researching how to get out of debt FAST.

    The #1 thing that always came up was weekly meal planning and being frugal at the grocery store. We can’t easily change the amount we owe on fixed expenses like our rent, mortgage, car, etc, but we have a LOT of control over what we spend at the grocery store every week.

    To this day, I attribute my ability to pay off my $70,000 of student loan debt in just 27 months to shopping smart at the grocery store every week. It doesn’t feel like it, but small savings every week add up to a LOT OF MONEY over time.

    Even with rising grocery prices and inflation, the cheapest way to feed your family every week is by eating at home and meal planning intentionally.

    You’ll be surprised how much you can make a difference in your finances just by taking 30 minutes or so to plan ahead each week and shop smart.

    What is the Home-Cooked Roots Meal Planning Method?

    If you’re new, check out my post, Vegan Meal Planning for the Week Made Easy. In a nutshell, I follow this meal planning formula:

    Sunday – Slow Cooker
    Monday – Make Two and Freeze 1
    Tuesday – Something that takes 20 minutes or less to prep
    Wednesday – Slow Cooker
    Thursday – Leftovers
    Friday – Freezer Meal (something I previously made and froze)
    Saturday – Free Choice (cook, eat out, or leftovers)

    This gives me structure to help me plan quickly, but still gives me flexibility to make foods and flavors that sound good. We also always eat leftovers for lunch.

    Again, check out the Vegan Meal Planning for the Week Made Easy post for in-depth details to help you make this system work for you.

    How do I cut down my grocery bill?

    First, choose recipes based on what’s already in your pantry! The goal is to have your pantry list be longer than your grocery list. This means you meal plan by shopping your pantry, fridge, and freezer first to prevent food waste, save money, and shop with intention.

    Second, sign up for cash back apps like Ibotta. They regularly offer cash back on products you’re likely already purchasing every week. I earn about $50 cash back every month without even trying! Sign up with my code WVSUIJG to earn $10 cash back on your first receipt submission!

    This Week’s Dinners

    Slow Cook Sunday:
    Vegan Lentil Soup

    This soup by Choosing Chia makes the perfect lazy weeknight dinner. It’s healthy, vegetarian and gluten-free!

    Get the recipe
    Two enchiladas topped with cilantro on plate with one cut in half

    Make 2 Monday:
    Jackfruit Enchiladas

    These Enchiladas are made with beer braised jackfruit that’s baked with salsa verde and top with all the best toppings!

    Get the recipe

    20 Minute Tuesday:
    Mongolian Beef Noodles

    You will instantly fall in love with these saucy noodles by Make it Dairy Free! So simple, yet loaded with flavor!

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cook Wednesday:
    Vegan Lasagna Soup

    This soup is a high-protein soup to warm you up in the colder months. It’s made with no-boil lasagna in one-pot. So Easy!

    Get the recipe
    Pot with plants design.

    If it’s Thursdays:
    if it’s in the fridge, it’s for dinner.

    This is leftovers day in our house. You can either eat leftovers from recipes earlier in the week or make yourself something with what we have.

    Freezer Friday:
    Creamy Tomato Soup

    Tonight I’m defrosting this previously made tomato soup and serving with grilled cheese!

    Get the recipe
    Pot with plants design that says Early Access Premium Recipe

    You Pick Saturday:
    Tofu Fried Rice


    This tofu fried rice is ready in less than 30 minutes and is the best veggie-packed skillet recipe.
    ⭐️ Premium recipe

    Get the recipe
    Collage of 4 recipes.

    Shop this meal plan

    Don’t have time to plan this week? Premium members can print and/or shop my made-for-you grocery list!
    *Freezer recipe not included

    Print and Shop

    My Weekly Spending Breakdown

    I purchased everything except the red lentils from Walmart Grocery Pickup. My small neighborhood Walmart didn’t have red lentils so I ordered a bulk bag on Amazon. For reference, I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. These groceries may cost more or less for you based on your area.

    I also ALWAYS check the Ibotta app for deals on what I need to purchase.

    What I Already Had:

    Produce (Fresh or Frozen)
    Peas
    Onion
    Garlic
    Ginger
    Kale (I’m using frozen)

    Pasta/Grains
    Fettuccine Noodles
    Lasagna sheets
    Corn tortillas

    Fridge/Freezer
    Soy sauce/Tamari
    Meatless crumbles
    Vegetable broth
    Vegan Worcestershire sauce
    Miso paste
    Sour cream
    Maple syrup
    Hoisin sauce
    Beer

    Shelf Stable
    Green lentils
    Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
    Corn
    Jackfruit
    Rice
    Sesame seeds
    Brown sugar
    Sesame oil
    Avocado Oil
    Cornstarch

    Spices
    Red Pepper flakes
    Black pepper
    Dried basil
    Dried oregano
    Garlic powder
    Onion powder
    Bay leaves
    herbs de Provence
    Chili powder
    Paprika
    Salt
    Turmeric

    What I Bought:

    For Dinners
    Organic green onions ($1.86)
    8 ounces cremini mushrooms ($2.28)
    4 lbs Red lentils ($14.95) **bulk item
    Tomato paste ($0.96)
    28 ounce can crushed tomatoes ($1.98)
    Carrots ($1.96)
    Celery ($0.98)
    Fire-roasted diced green chilies ($0.78)
    1 lb organic limes ($2.98)
    Salsa verde ($4.76)
    Vegan mozzarella shreds ($4.48)
    Organic extra firm tofu ($2.98)

    For Breakfast and Snacks
    2 bunches organic bananas ($3.40)
    32 ounces organic oats ($6.28) **bulk item
    5 lbs Navel oranges ($7.88)

    Total Spent: $58.51

    Back stock Purchases:

    4 (10-packs) Beyond Meat Burgers ($28.96)

    Eating Out:

    My husband ended up working a lot of unexpected overtime at work this week. He spent a total of $78.11 on food during these shifts. YIKES!

    If anyone has tips on how to save in these scenarios, please let me know!

    Total Spent this Month:


    Groceries: $58.51
    Back stock: $28.96
    Eating Out: $78.11

    Total: $165.58

    See you next week for next week’s meal plan! Comment below with what you’re cooking this week!

    More Meal Planning Resources You May Find Helpful

    [cp_popup display=”inline” style_id=”12968″ step_id = “1”][/cp_popup]

    • 4 photos of recipes that would pair well with pumpkin soup with overlay text that says '47 Cozy Recipes to serve with Pumpkin Soup.'
      What to Serve with Pumpkin Soup (47 Ideas!)
    • Collage of 4 images of recipes using plant-based protein powder.
      37 Plant-Based Protein Powder Recipes 
    • Caraway cookware set in standing storage.
      Is Caraway Cookware Worth the Cost in 2023? An Honest Review
    • Vegan BBQ Sauce brands.
      Top 15 Vegan BBQ Sauce Brands
    • Freezer Inventory Printables
      Free Printable Freezer Inventory Sheets
    • Bowl of green lentils with spoon.
      How to Cook Lentils in Rice Cooker

    More Meal Plans

    • Collage of 4 dinner recipes.
      Weekly Vegan Meal Plan for 2 under $55
    • Collage of 4 dinner recipes.
      Weekly Vegan Meal Plan for 2 under $25 (Week 3)
    • Collage of 4 dinner recipes.
      Weekly Vegan Meal Plan for Two under $50 (Week 2)
    104 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Add a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Nicolette in kitchen leaning on kitchen island.

    Hey! I'm Nicolette. Here you'll find a collection of plant-based recipes that are quick to make, use affordable ingredients, and fit into a busy lifestyle.

    More about me →

    Newest Posts

    • Easy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
    • Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup (Vegetarian)
    • Bowl of taco soup garnished with sour cream, cheese and cilantro.
      Healthy Crockpot Taco Soup
    • Lentil Sloppy Joes
    • Two assembled sandwiches on a cutting board with extra cilantro lime sauce.
      Easy Vegan Tortas
    • Two jars of chia pudding with coconut whip and cinnamon sticks.
      Pumpkin Chia Pudding

    Healthy Vegan Soups

    • Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup (meatless)
    • Vegan Leek and Potato Soup
    • Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup with Roasted Red Peppers
    • Large pot of pumpkin soup with ladle.
      Vegan Cauliflower and Pumpkin Soup Recipe (Easy!) 
    • Chowder in white bowls.
      The Best Vegan Corn Chowder
    • Pot of mushroom soup with ladle of soup in gray ladle.
      Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup (Gluten, Oil Free)

    Instant Pot Favorites

    • Bowl of refried black beans.
      Easy Refried Black Beans from Scratch (Instant Pot!)
    • Bowl of vegan beef stew with wine and crusty bread.
      Vegan Beef Stew
    • Collage of 4 Instant Pot recipes that use lentils with text graphic that says 30+ Instant Pot Lentil Recipes.
      30+ Vegan Instant Pot Lentil Recipes
    • Instant Pot Lentil Tacos
    • Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice (Vegetarian)
    • Instant Pot Quinoa

    Quick and Easy Vegan Appetizers

    • Collage of 4 BBQ recipes for vegans.
      43 Vegan BBQ Recipes
    • Frozen Air Fryer Onion Rings
    • Bowl of crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts with a spoon.
      Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
    • Sweet potato wedges garnished with herbs.
      Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
    • Collage of 4 Silken Tofu recipes with text that says "39 Ways to Use Silken Tofu."
      39 Silken Tofu Recipes
    • Collage of vegetarian pigs in a blanket, vegan cheese ball, vegan spinach artichoke dip and stuffed mushrooms to showcase 31+ Vegan appetizers recipes.
      31+ Easy Vegan Appetizers for a Crowd

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Read Our Terms

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Statement

    Keep In Touch

    • Subscribe
    • Follow on Instagram
    • Follow on Facebook
    • Follow on Pinterest

    About

    • Contact me
    • About

    As an Amazon Associate and ShopStyle Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Home-Cooked Roots, LLC

    ”Copyright© 2023 · homecookedroots.com ·