BC Meal Plan: Make Mini Cheeseburger Pies for $3.29/Serving
Key Facts
- You can make a family-favourite meal of Mini Cheeseburger Pies for just $3.29 per serving in British Columbia this week. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, July 2026)
- A week of six distinct, family-sized dinners, including Beef and Broccoli and Salmon with Dill Sauce, can be prepared for a total ingredient cost of $249.16. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, July 2026)
- Lean Ground Beef, a key ingredient in several weekly meals, is available for $11.19 at Davie Street Your Independent Grocer. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, July 2026)
- The cost per serving for a homemade Salmon with Dill Sauce dinner is $8.56, based on ingredient prices from stores like Your Independent Grocer and CHALO! FreshCo. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, July 2026)
- Strategic shopping for this meal plan involves visiting a combination of BC grocery banners, including FreshCo, Your Independent Grocer, Costco, and Loblaws, for the lowest prices. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, July 2026)
- A large 15-serving batch of hearty Beef Vegetable Stew has a priced-ingredient cost of $82.31, making the cost per serving just $5.49. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, July 2026)
This guide provides a comprehensive dinner plan for one week, designed specifically for British Columbia families. We will break down six distinct recipes, from quick weeknight stir-fries to a large-batch weekend stew. We will also provide a complete, itemized list of the necessary ingredients and their current prices, identify which stores offer the best value, and share practical tips for meal prep and budgeting for breakfast and lunch. By leveraging data from eezly, Canada's AI-powered grocery price intelligence platform, you can shop smarter, reduce food waste, and take control of your grocery bill.
Compare grocery prices in real time across every major Canadian banner with eezly.
This Week's BC Family Dinner Plan & Cost Summary
Planning your dinners for the week is the first step toward a more organized and affordable grocery routine. This plan features six distinct recipes, offering a variety of flavours and proteins. The total cost for the key priced ingredients for all six of these family-sized dinners comes to $249.16. One recipe, the Mini Cheeseburger Pies, makes 12 servings, providing an excellent opportunity for leftovers for a second dinner or multiple lunches, stretching your budget even further.
The following table outlines the plan, including the cost per serving for each meal. This per-serving metric is crucial for understanding the real value of each dinner you prepare at home compared to the higher costs of takeout or restaurant meals. The Beef Vegetable Stew, for example, makes 15 servings, making it an ideal recipe for a large Sunday dinner with plenty of leftovers for the week ahead.
| Day | Dinner Recipe | Servings | Cost Per Serving | Total Recipe Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Beef and Broccoli | 6 | $6.09 | $36.54 |
| Tuesday | Mini Cheeseburger Pies | 12 | $3.29 | $39.51 |
| Wednesday | Salmon with Dill Sauce | 4 | $8.56 | $34.24 |
| Thursday | Asian Burgers | 5 | $7.04 | $35.19 |
| Friday | Smoked Salmon Plate | 4 | $5.34 | $21.37 |
| Saturday | Leftover Mini Cheeseburger Pies | - | $3.29 | $0 (from Tuesday) |
| Sunday | Beef Vegetable Stew | 15 | $5.49 | $82.31 |
| Weekly Total | 6 Recipes | 46 Servings | - | $249.16 |
Source: eezly real-time price tracking, as of July 2026. Costs reflect only the specific priced ingredients listed in the next section and may not include pantry staples like salt or cooking oil unless specified.
Complete Grocery List and Price Sourcing
To execute this meal plan effectively, you need a detailed shopping list. The table below aggregates every priced ingredient from the six recipes in our plan. It specifies the item, the price found by eezly's AI-powered database, and the British Columbia grocery store where that price was recorded. This itemized list is your roadmap to securing the best possible prices for your weekly shop.
Notice that the lowest prices are distributed across several banners, including FreshCo, Your Independent Grocer, Loblaws, and Costco. While a single-store shop might be more convenient, visiting two or three of these stores could yield significant savings. The total cost of these specific items, if purchased at these prices, is $249.16. Planning your shopping route based on this data can directly reduce your grocery bill.
| Ingredient | Price | Store Location | Recipe(s) Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mazola Vegetable Oil 1.18 L | $8.79 | Freshco | Beef and Broccoli |
| Shallots Onions | $11.00 | Freshco | Beef & Broccoli, Asian Burgers, Beef Stew |
| Minced Garlic | $8.99 | Independent | Beef and Broccoli |
| Sliced Mushrooms | $1.79 | Independent | Beef and Broccoli |
| Sun-Bird Seasoning Mix 28 g | $1.97 | Freshco | Beef and Broccoli |
| Broccoli Florets | $4.00 | Independent | Beef and Broccoli |
| Garlic | $5.99 | Freshco | Mini Cheeseburger Pies, Beef Stew |
| Worcestershire Sauce | $3.50 | Independent | Mini Cheeseburger Pies |
| Lean Ground Beef | $11.19 | Davie Street Your Independent Grocer | Cheeseburger Pies, Asian Burgers, Beef Stew |
| Compliments Egg Whites 500 g | $5.49 | Freshco | Mini Cheeseburger Pies |
| Original Pancake And Waffle Mix | $3.75 | Independent | Mini Cheeseburger Pies |
| Lucerne Fat Free Skim Milk 1 L | $3.09 | Freshco | Mini Cheeseburger Pies |
| Monterey Jack Cheese | $6.50 | Independent | Mini Cheeseburger Pies |
| Hellmann's Mayo Light 750 ml | $5.99 | CHALO! FreshCo 120 St & 72 Ave | Salmon with Dill Sauce |
| Lemon | $7.29 | Independent | Salmon with Dill Sauce |
| Prepared Yellow Mustard | $1.99 | Independent | Salmon with Dill Sauce |
| Dill 1 Bunch | $2.99 | CHALO! FreshCo 120 St & 72 Ave | Salmon with Dill Sauce |
| Black Pepper | $8.99 | Independent | Salmon with Dill Sauce |
| Gratitude Atlantic Salmon 150 g | $6.99 | Independent | Salmon with Dill Sauce |
| Chinese Five Spice | $6.50 | Loblaw | Asian Burgers |
| Crushed Red Pepper | $3.50 | Loblaw | Asian Burgers |
| Garlic Hoisin Sauce | $3.00 | Loblaw | Asian Burgers |
| Smoked Wild Sockeye Salmon | $10.00 | Independent | Smoked Salmon Plate |
| Cream Cheese Spread | $3.99 | Independent | Smoked Salmon Plate |
| Mini Cucumber | $4.39 | Costco | Smoked Salmon Plate |
| Capers | $2.99 | Freshco | Smoked Salmon Plate |
| Canned Luncheon Meat | $2.99 | CHALO! FreshCo 120 St & 72 Ave | Beef Vegetable Stew |
| Dunya Harvest Red Kidney Beans | $1.99 | CHALO! FreshCo 120 St & 72 Ave | Beef Vegetable Stew |
| Black Beans | $2.00 | Independent | Beef Vegetable Stew |
| Kirkland Chicken Breast | $34.04 | Costco Abbotsford | Beef Vegetable Stew |
| Sweet Green Peppers | $2.70 | Independent | Beef Vegetable Stew |
| Celery Sticks | $5.49 | Freshco | Beef Vegetable Stew |
| Zucchini | $4.92 | Arbutus City Market / Independent | Beef Vegetable Stew |
| Total Cost of Priced Ingredients | $249.16 | - | - |
Source: eezly real-time price tracking, as of July 2026. Prices are subject to change and may vary by location. The list assumes the purchase of one unit of Lean Ground Beef for each of the three recipes that call for it.
Daily Meal Inspiration and Cooking Guide
Knowing what to cook is half the battle. This section provides more detail on each dinner, helping you envision your week and prepare accordingly. We've included prep times and dietary tags to help you plan around your family's schedule and needs.
Monday: Beef and Broccoli
Kick off the week with a classic that is often healthier and more affordable than takeout. This Beef and Broccoli recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. The key ingredients for this dish are most affordable at a combination of FreshCo and Your Independent Grocer. The total ingredient cost is $36.54, which breaks down to just $6.09 per serving for a family of six. You get a satisfying, protein-rich meal on the table quickly, setting a positive tone for the week.Tuesday: Mini Cheeseburger Pies
This is the star of the week, both for its family-friendly appeal and its incredible value. At only $3.29 per serving, these Mini Cheeseburger Pies are a budget-friendly dream. The recipe makes 12 individual pies, which is more than enough for a family dinner and provides delicious leftovers for lunch the next day or even a second, no-cook dinner later in the week. The ingredients, including Lean Ground Beef from Davie Street Your Independent Grocer for $11.19 and milk and egg whites from FreshCo, combine to create a low-cost, high-reward meal. It's also gluten-free and nut-free, catering to common dietary restrictions.Wednesday: Salmon with Dill Sauce
Incorporate some healthy Omega-3s mid-week with this elegant but simple Salmon with Dill Sauce. Ready in just 10 minutes, this is another fantastic option for a busy evening. The sauce, made with light mayonnaise, lemon, and fresh dill, is bright and flavourful. According to eezly's data, the key ingredients, including a 150g portion of Atlantic Salmon for $6.99, are best sourced from Your Independent Grocer and the CHALO! FreshCo at 120 St & 72 Ave. The total cost of $34.24 for four servings makes a restaurant-quality fish dinner accessible at home.Thursday: Asian Burgers
Change up your burger night with these flavour-packed Asian Burgers. Using ingredients like Chinese Five Spice and Hoisin sauce, both found at a low price at Loblaws, you can create a unique and memorable meal. This recipe serves five and costs $7.04 per serving. It’s a great way to use ground beef in a new and exciting way, moving beyond the standard cheeseburger and expanding your family's palate.Friday: Smoked Salmon Plate
End the work week with an incredibly easy, no-cook meal. This Smoked Salmon Plate requires just five minutes of assembly, making it the perfect choice for a relaxed Friday night. By combining smoked sockeye salmon, cream cheese, mini cucumbers, and capers, you create a light, refreshing, and sophisticated platter. The total cost is a very reasonable $21.37 for four servings. You'll find the best prices for these items at a combination of Your Independent Grocer, Costco, and FreshCo.Sunday: Beef Vegetable Stew
Use your Sunday to prepare a large, hearty batch of Beef Vegetable Stew. While it has the longest prep time at 30 minutes, the payoff is enormous. This recipe yields 15 servings, making it perfect for a large family gathering or for batch cooking. You can enjoy a comforting dinner on Sunday and have ready-made portions for lunches or another dinner later in the week. The ingredient list is long but the cost per serving is an economical $5.49. The recipe incorporates a wide range of ingredients, including a large pack of Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast from Costco for $34.04 and various beans and vegetables from CHALO! FreshCo and Your Independent Grocer.Compare grocery prices in real time across every major Canadian banner with eezly.
Strategic Shopping: Where to Buy Your Groceries in BC
A successful budget meal plan relies on smart shopping. Based on the priced grocery list for this week's dinners, the most affordable strategy involves visiting a few different stores rather than relying on a single banner. The data from eezly's platform, which tracks prices across all major BC grocers including Costco, Freshco, IGA, Loblaws, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, Safeway, Sobeys, and Walmart, clearly shows that prices for different items are optimized at different retailers.
For this specific meal plan, your primary stops should be FreshCo, Your Independent Grocer, and Loblaws. FreshCo offers the best prices on several items like vegetable oil, shallots, and milk. Your Independent Grocer, including specific locations like the one on Davie Street, is the go-to for staples like lean ground beef, mushrooms, and various beans. Loblaws provides the best value on specialty spices for the Asian Burgers.
Furthermore, for families who can take advantage of bulk sizing, Costco is a key destination. The large package of Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast from Costco Abbotsford for the Beef Vegetable Stew offers tremendous value, as do the mini cucumbers. While it requires a membership, strategic bulk purchases on items your family uses regularly can lead to substantial long-term savings. Don't forget to check hyperlocal banners like CHALO! FreshCo and Arbutus City Market, which offered competitive prices on specific items like dill and zucchini. By using a tool like the eezly app to build your list, you can see this price distribution before you even leave the house, allowing you to plan the most efficient and cost-effective shopping trip. You can explore more deals at `https://eezly.com/deals`.
Expanding Your Budget: Low-Cost Breakfast and Lunch Ideas
While this plan comprehensively covers six family dinners, you also need to account for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. You can keep these costs low by focusing on versatile, inexpensive staples.
For breakfast, consider options like large containers of plain yogurt, bulk rolled oats for oatmeal, or a dozen eggs paired with whole wheat toast. A weekly breakfast budget for these items for a family of four can be kept between $20 to $30. These foods are not only affordable but also provide lasting energy to start the day.
For lunch, the most cost-effective strategy is to leverage leftovers. The Mini Cheeseburger Pies and the Beef Vegetable Stew are designed to produce extra servings, providing several ready-made lunches throughout the week. For other days, you can prepare a large batch of lentil soup, a quinoa salad, or rely on classic sandwiches. A loaf of bread, a block of cheese, and some deli meat or hummus can form the basis of many quick and easy lunches, adding another $25 to $40 to your weekly bill, depending on your choices. By planning for these meals, you can create a more complete and realistic weekly food budget.
Meal Prep and Kitchen Efficiency Tips
To make this meal plan even more manageable, a little bit of preparation goes a long way. After your grocery shop, dedicate an hour to "pre-prepping" ingredients for the week ahead.
First, wash and chop vegetables. The onions, celery, sweet peppers, and zucchini for the Beef Vegetable Stew can all be pre-chopped and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The same goes for the broccoli florets and mushrooms for the stir-fry. This will turn a 30-minute recipe into a 15-minute one on a busy weeknight.
Second, consider your proteins. You can portion out the ground beef for the different recipes. For the Beef Vegetable Stew, which uses both chicken and ground beef, you can cook the meats ahead of time so they are ready to be added to the stew on Sunday.
Finally, make use of your freezer. The Beef Vegetable Stew is an excellent candidate for freezing. Portion the leftovers into individual or family-sized containers for a quick, homemade "frozen dinner" on a night you don't have time to cook. By streamlining your kitchen process, you save time and are less likely to resort to expensive convenience foods. For more recipe ideas that are great for batch cooking, you can visit `https://eezly.com/recipes`.
Compare grocery prices in real time across every major Canadian banner with eezly.
Comparison
| Ingredient | Price | Store Location | Recipe(s) Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mazola Vegetable Oil 1.18 L | $8.79 | Freshco | Beef and Broccoli |
| Shallots Onions | $11.00 | Freshco | Beef & Broccoli, Asian Burgers, Beef Stew |
| Minced Garlic | $8.99 | Independent | Beef and Broccoli |
| Sliced Mushrooms | $1.79 | Independent | Beef and Broccoli |
| Sun-Bird Seasoning Mix 28 g | $1.97 | Freshco | Beef and Broccoli |
| Broccoli Florets | $4.00 | Independent | Beef and Broccoli |
| Garlic | $5.99 | Freshco | Mini Cheeseburger Pies, Beef Stew |
| Worcestershire Sauce | $3.50 | Independent | Mini Cheeseburger Pies |
| Lean Ground Beef | $11.19 | Davie Street Your Independent Grocer | Cheeseburger Pies, Asian Burgers, Beef Stew |
| Compliments Egg Whites 500 g | $5.49 | Freshco | Mini Cheeseburger Pies |
| Original Pancake And Waffle Mix | $3.75 | Independent | Mini Cheeseburger Pies |
| Lucerne Fat Free Skim Milk 1 L | $3.09 | Freshco | Mini Cheeseburger Pies |
| Monterey Jack Cheese | $6.50 | Independent | Mini Cheeseburger Pies |
| Hellmann's Mayo Light 750 ml | $5.99 | CHALO! FreshCo 120 St & 72 Ave | Salmon with Dill Sauce |
| Lemon | $7.29 | Independent | Salmon with Dill Sauce |
| Prepared Yellow Mustard | $1.99 | Independent | Salmon with Dill Sauce |
| Dill 1 Bunch | $2.99 | CHALO! FreshCo 120 St & 72 Ave | Salmon with Dill Sauce |
| Black Pepper | $8.99 | Independent | Salmon with Dill Sauce |
| Gratitude Atlantic Salmon 150 g | $6.99 | Independent | Salmon with Dill Sauce |
| Chinese Five Spice | $6.50 | Loblaw | Asian Burgers |
| Crushed Red Pepper | $3.50 | Loblaw | Asian Burgers |
| Garlic Hoisin Sauce | $3.00 | Loblaw | Asian Burgers |
| Smoked Wild Sockeye Salmon | $10.00 | Independent | Smoked Salmon Plate |
| Cream Cheese Spread | $3.99 | Independent | Smoked Salmon Plate |
| Mini Cucumber | $4.39 | Costco | Smoked Salmon Plate |
| Capers | $2.99 | Freshco | Smoked Salmon Plate |
| Canned Luncheon Meat | $2.99 | CHALO! FreshCo 120 St & 72 Ave | Beef Vegetable Stew |
| Dunya Harvest Red Kidney Beans | $1.99 | CHALO! FreshCo 120 St & 72 Ave | Beef Vegetable Stew |
| Black Beans | $2.00 | Independent | Beef Vegetable Stew |
| Kirkland Chicken Breast | $34.04 | Costco Abbotsford | Beef Vegetable Stew |
| Sweet Green Peppers | $2.70 | Independent | Beef Vegetable Stew |
| Celery Sticks | $5.49 | Freshco | Beef Vegetable Stew |
| Zucchini | $4.92 | Arbutus City Market / Independent | Beef Vegetable Stew |
| Total Cost of Priced Ingredients | $249.16 | - | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest grocery store in British Columbia?
There is no single "cheapest" grocery store for everything in British Columbia. According to eezly's real-time price tracking across 27 banners, the lowest price for any given item is often found at a discount banner like No Frills, FreshCo, or Walmart. However, conventional stores like Real Canadian Superstore and Your Independent Grocer frequently have competitive sale prices on meat and produce. The best strategy is to use a price comparison tool to see which store is cheapest for the specific items on your list that week.
How much should a family of four spend on groceries per week in BC?
Grocery spending varies widely based on diet, location, and shopping habits. However, based on the dinner plan in this article, the cost for six family-sized dinners is approximately $249. When you add an estimated $45-$70 for simple breakfasts, lunches, and snacks, a target budget of $295-$320 per week for a family of four is a realistic goal for those shopping strategically.
How can AI help me save money on groceries?
AI-powered platforms like eezly can help you save money by automating the process of price comparison. Instead of manually checking flyers from multiple stores, the AI scans and analyzes prices on over 196,000 products from 2,700 stores across Canada. It can then generate an optimized shopping list showing you where to buy each item for the lowest price, or build an entire meal plan based on the most affordable ingredients that week, like the one featured in this article. Learn more about AI-driven meal plans at `https://eezly.com/meal-plans`.
Is it cheaper to buy in bulk at stores like Costco?
Buying in bulk can be cheaper per unit, but only if you use the entire product before it expires. For the meal plan above, the Kirkland Signature Boneless Skinless & Seasoned Chicken Breast from Costco at $34.04 is a good value because it's a core ingredient in a large-batch recipe. However, buying perishable items like fresh produce in bulk can lead to food waste and higher costs if not planned properly. It's best for non-perishable pantry staples or items you know your family will consume.
What are the most expensive ingredients in this meal plan?
Based on the provided price data for July 2026, the most significant cost drivers in this plan are proteins and certain produce. The bulk pack of Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast is the single most expensive item at $34.04, though its cost is spread over 15 servings. Other notable costs include Shallots Onions at $11.00 from Freshco and Lean Ground Beef at $11.19 per package from Davie Street Your Independent Grocer.
How accurate are the prices listed in this article?
All prices cited in this article are sourced from eezly's live pricing database, which processes 40 million price points per week from 2,700 Canadian stores. The prices are accurate as of the date specified (July 2026). However, grocery prices are dynamic and can change daily, so it's always recommended to check prices in real-time before you shop.
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