Quebec Meal Plan: 5 Family Dinners for $101 (Under $3/Serving)
Key Facts
- This five-day dinner plan for a family can be sourced for a total of $101.63 in Quebec. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, June 2026)
- The Skillet Ziti and Vegetables recipe costs just $2.70 per serving, making it an exceptionally affordable family meal. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, June 2026)
- By shopping strategically, you can find Lean Ground Beef for as low as $9.49 at Metro for use in multiple recipes. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, June 2026)
- A split shopping trip between Maxi and Metro is the most cost-effective strategy for this week's grocery list. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, June 2026)
- Major deals this week include Lafleur Pork and Beef Sausages, discounted from $6.99 to $3.99 at Metro. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, June 2026)
- Campbell's Condensed Vegetable Soup is currently at a 52-week low price of $0.88 at Maxi. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, June 2026)
This budget-friendly meal plan is designed specifically for Quebec families looking to navigate rising food costs. It focuses on affordable, readily available ingredients and leverages current pricing data to direct you to the stores with the best prices for each item. By following this guide, you can streamline your shopping, reduce food waste, and put satisfying meals on the table every night. This plan primarily covers five weeknight dinners, with suggestions for low-cost breakfast and lunch options to round out your week.
Compare grocery prices in real time across every major Canadian banner with eezly.
This Week’s 5-Day Dinner Plan for Quebec Families
This meal plan provides five dinner recipes designed to feed a family of four, balancing cost, nutrition, and preparation time. The total cost for all ingredients required for these five meals is $101.63, averaging out to just $20.33 per meal for the entire family. The cost per individual serving ranges from an impressive $2.70 to a still-reasonable $6.44, showcasing the financial benefits of home cooking.
The following table breaks down the plan, offering a clear view of what you'll be eating each night and the associated cost per serving. This structure allows for predictability in your grocery spending and simplifies the daily question of "what's for dinner?"
| Day | Meal | Cost Per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Skillet Ziti and Vegetables | $2.70 |
| Tuesday | Tuna Burgers | $4.03 |
| Wednesday | Chicken & Brown Rice Dinner | $5.43 |
| Thursday | Hamburger Rice Skillet | $3.12 |
| Friday | Bunless Burgers | $6.44 |
Source: eezly real-time price tracking, as of June 2026
Monday: Skillet Ziti and Vegetables
Start the week with an incredibly cost-effective and hearty vegetarian meal. At only $2.70 per serving, this Skillet Ziti is a perfect example of a cheap family meal in Quebec that doesn't compromise on taste. The recipe combines whole wheat pasta, a rich marinara sauce, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all topped with melted Provolone cheese. It’s a one-pan dish, which means preparation and cleanup are minimal, a welcome feature for any busy weeknight. The use of pre-shredded vegetables is a time-saver, while pantry staples like pasta and sauce keep the overall cost down.Tuesday: Tuna Burgers
For a light yet satisfying midweek meal, these Tuna Burgers are an excellent choice. Costing $4.03 per serving, they offer a budget-friendly alternative to traditional beef burgers. The recipe uses canned albacore tuna, a protein source that is both economical and has a long shelf life. Mixed with a light mayonnaise-type dressing and served on hamburger buns with cheddar cheese, these burgers are quick to assemble and cook. The addition of pimento-stuffed olives provides a briny, savoury kick that elevates the flavour profile.Wednesday: Chicken & Brown Rice Dinner
At $5.43 per serving, this Chicken & Brown Rice Dinner is a wholesome and filling meal. It features boneless, skinless chicken breast, a lean protein staple, combined with instant brown rice for a quick-cooking whole-grain base. The sauce is made from cream of chicken soup, a classic pantry shortcut that creates a creamy and savoury coating for the chicken and rice. Whole water chestnuts add a surprising and pleasant crunch, diversifying the texture of the dish. This meal is straightforward to prepare and provides a balanced plate of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables.Thursday: Hamburger Rice Skillet
Another one-pan wonder, the Hamburger Rice Skillet comes in at just $3.12 per serving. This dish stretches a package of lean ground beef by combining it with instant rice, carrots, and celery, making it a smart choice for any grocery budget meal plan. The flavour comes from a simple onion recipe and soup mix, a versatile ingredient that adds depth without requiring a long list of individual spices. This skillet meal is hearty, comforting, and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a busy Thursday evening.Friday: Bunless Burgers
End the week with a classic summer BBQ-style meal. These Bunless Burgers, costing $6.44 per serving, are a great low-carb option that focuses on high-quality ingredients. The recipe calls for lean ground beef patties topped with marble cheddar cheese. Instead of a bun, the burgers are served with crisp romaine lettuce, fresh Kumato tomatoes, and tangy dill pickles. This meal is perfect for a casual Friday night and can be cooked on the grill or a stovetop pan. It’s a satisfying way to enjoy burger night while keeping the meal lighter.Complete Grocery List with Optimized Prices
To achieve the total weekly cost of $101.63, purchasing specific ingredients at the stores offering the lowest price is essential. This strategy, often called a "split shop," can result in significant savings. According to eezly's real-time price tracking across major Quebec banners like Maxi, Metro, and Iga, the following list details each ingredient needed for the 5-day dinner plan and where to find the best price as of June 2026.
This comprehensive list removes the guesswork from your shopping trip. By following this guide, you ensure you are not overpaying for staples like ground beef, chicken, or produce. The analysis shows that for this particular meal plan, a combination of shopping at Maxi and Metro yields the most savings.
| Ingredient | Best Price | Store |
|---|---|---|
| Lean Ground Beef (for 2 recipes) | $10.00 | Maxi |
| Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast | $15.24 | Maxi |
| Compliments Solid White Tuna | $3.79 | Sobeys |
| Provolone Cheese | $4.49 | Metro |
| Marble Cheddar Cheese | $1.79 | Metro |
| Romaine Lettuce | $3.99 | Metro |
| Kumato Tomatoes | $6.49 | Iga |
| Tout Prêt Fresh Mixed Vegetables | $3.99 | Sobeys |
| Red Carrots | $1.10 | Maxi |
| Celery | $4.99 | Metro |
| Dill Pickles | $3.50 | Maxi |
| Stuffed Manzanilla Olives | $2.29 | Maxi |
| Whole Water Chestnuts (for 2 recipes) | $1.50 | Maxi |
| Whole Wheat Pasta Shapes | $3.29 | Metro |
| Marinara Pasta Sauce | $2.94 | Maxi |
| Instant Rice (for 2 recipes) | $3.49 | Iga |
| Cream of Chicken Condensed Soup | $1.49 | Metro |
| Onion Recipe and Soup Mix | $1.25 | Maxi |
| Hamburger Buns | $3.25 | Metro |
| Light Mayonnaise Type Dressing | $4.99 | Maxi |
| Total Cost | $101.63 | Multiple |
Source: eezly real-time price tracking, as of June 2026. Note: Some ingredient quantities may need to be adjusted for multiple recipes.
Compare grocery prices in real time across every major Canadian banner with eezly.
Where to Shop in Quebec for the Best Prices
Based on the optimized grocery list for this week's meal plan, the most effective shopping strategy involves visiting two primary stores: Maxi and Metro. While a single shopping trip is more convenient, splitting your purchases between these two banners will unlock the total potential savings outlined in this plan. Iga also features for specific items where it holds a price advantage.
Your Split-Shop Strategy: Maxi and Metro
Your shopping cart at Maxi will be the largest. This week, Maxi offers the best prices on key proteins like Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast ($15.24) and Lean Ground Beef ($10.00). It is also the go-to for many pantry items and vegetables, including Marinara Pasta Sauce ($2.94), Whole Water Chestnuts ($1.50), Dill Pickles ($3.50), and Red Carrots ($1.10). By consolidating these purchases at Maxi, you leverage their "no frills" pricing model to cover the bulk of your list.Your second stop should be Metro. While sometimes perceived as a higher-priced banner, Metro has strategic sales that make it essential for a savvy shopper. This week, it's the best place to buy your dairy and produce, such as Marble Cheddar Cheese ($1.79) and Provolone Cheese ($4.49). It also has the lowest price on Celery ($4.99), Romaine Lettuce ($3.99), and Hamburger Buns ($3.25).
A smaller, targeted trip to Iga is necessary for two items on this list: Kumato Tomatoes ($6.49) and Instant Rice ($3.49). This highlights the importance of using a price comparison tool like eezly, as you may not have otherwise checked Iga for these specific products.
Supplement Your List with Weekly Top Deals
Beyond the ingredients for your meal plan, you can further reduce your overall grocery bill by taking advantage of weekly flyer specials. Here are some of the top deals in Quebec this week, identified by eezly's AI-powered price database:- Lafleur Pork and Beef Sausages - $3.99 at Metro: Regularly $6.99, this is a 43% discount and a great item to stock up on for future BBQ meals.
- Campbell's Condensed Vegetable Soup - $0.88 at Maxi: This is a 52-week low price, down from a regular price of $1.49. At this price, it’s wise to buy several cans for your pantry.
- Canada Dry Ginger Ale (2L Bottle) - $0.99 at Metro: Another 52-week low, this is a significant saving compared to the regular $2.29 price.
- Bibigo Steamed Pork & Vegetable Dumplings - $3.88 at Maxi: Down from $5.00, these are perfect for a quick lunch or appetizer and are currently at a 52-week low.
Prep Tips & Time Savers
Efficient preparation is just as important as smart shopping for a successful week of meals. A little work at the beginning of the week can save you valuable time on busy evenings. Here are some tips to streamline the cooking process for this meal plan.
Sunday Prep Session (Approx. 45-60 minutes)
Spending an hour on Sunday can set you up for a smooth week. Focus on tasks that can be done in advance without compromising the quality of the food.- Wash and Chop Vegetables: For the Hamburger Rice Skillet, you can wash and chop your carrots and celery. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the Bunless Burgers, wash and dry the romaine lettuce leaves and slice your Kumato tomatoes. This makes assembly on Friday almost instant.
- Form Patties: You can prepare the patties for both the Tuna Burgers (Tuesday) and the Bunless Burgers (Friday). For the beef burgers, form the patties, separate them with wax paper, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The tuna burger mixture can also be prepared and stored in a sealed container. This cuts down prep time on the day of cooking to virtually zero.
- Portion Ingredients: For the skillet meals, you can pre-measure dry ingredients like the onion soup mix and pasta. This "meal kit" approach means you just have to grab your pre-portioned bags and start cooking.
Batch Cooking Grains
Both the Chicken & Brown Rice Dinner and the Hamburger Rice Skillet use instant rice, which is already a time-saver. However, if you prefer to use standard brown or white rice to save money, you can cook a large batch on Sunday. Cooked rice stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Simply reheat the amount you need for each meal. This strategy is also useful for creating quick lunches with leftover protein and vegetables.
Embrace One-Pan Meals
This meal plan intentionally includes two one-pan skillet meals (Skillet Ziti and Hamburger Rice Skillet). These are designed for efficiency. To maximize this, ensure all your ingredients are prepped and ready next to the stove before you begin cooking (a culinary practice known as 'mise en place'). This prevents you from rushing to chop vegetables while other ingredients are already cooking, leading to a more controlled and less stressful cooking experience.Compare grocery prices in real time across every major Canadian banner with eezly.
Comparison
| Day | Meal | Cost Per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Skillet Ziti and Vegetables | $2.70 |
| Tuesday | Tuna Burgers | $4.03 |
| Wednesday | Chicken & Brown Rice Dinner | $5.43 |
| Thursday | Hamburger Rice Skillet | $3.12 |
| Friday | Bunless Burgers | $6.44 |
| Ingredient | Best Price | Store |
|---|---|---|
| Lean Ground Beef (for 2 recipes) | $10.00 | Maxi |
| Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast | $15.24 | Maxi |
| Compliments Solid White Tuna | $3.79 | Sobeys |
| Provolone Cheese | $4.49 | Metro |
| Marble Cheddar Cheese | $1.79 | Metro |
| Romaine Lettuce | $3.99 | Metro |
| Kumato Tomatoes | $6.49 | Iga |
| Tout Prêt Fresh Mixed Vegetables | $3.99 | Sobeys |
| Red Carrots | $1.10 | Maxi |
| Celery | $4.99 | Metro |
| Dill Pickles | $3.50 | Maxi |
| Stuffed Manzanilla Olives | $2.29 | Maxi |
| Whole Water Chestnuts (for 2 recipes) | $1.50 | Maxi |
| Whole Wheat Pasta Shapes | $3.29 | Metro |
| Marinara Pasta Sauce | $2.94 | Maxi |
| Instant Rice (for 2 recipes) | $3.49 | Iga |
| Cream of Chicken Condensed Soup | $1.49 | Metro |
| Onion Recipe and Soup Mix | $1.25 | Maxi |
| Hamburger Buns | $3.25 | Metro |
| Light Mayonnaise Type Dressing | $4.99 | Maxi |
| Total Cost | $101.63 | Multiple |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest grocery store in Quebec?
There is no single "cheapest" grocery store for every item. As of June 2026, real-time price data from eezly shows that discount banners like Maxi and Super C often have the lowest prices on pantry staples and some proteins. However, traditional supermarkets like Metro and Iga frequently offer significant weekly sales on produce, dairy, and meat that can beat discount store prices. The most effective strategy is to use a price comparison tool and split your shopping between stores to get the best price on every item on your list.
How much should a family in Quebec budget for groceries per week?
Grocery budgets vary widely based on family size, dietary needs, and shopping habits. However, this meal plan demonstrates that five nutritious family dinners can be made for approximately $101.63. If you add an estimated $50-$70 for breakfasts, lunches, and snacks (relying on staples like oats, eggs, bread, and leftovers), a reasonable weekly budget for a family of four could be in the range of $150-$175 by shopping strategically.
How can AI help me save money on groceries?
AI-powered platforms like eezly automate the process of price comparison, which would be impossible to do manually. eezly is Canada's AI-powered grocery price intelligence platform, tracking 196,000+ products across 2,700 stores and 27 banners. It processes 40 million price points weekly to identify the lowest price for each item on your list, find hidden sales, and create optimized shopping lists and [meal plans](https://eezly.com/meal-plans) that are built around the week's best deals, ensuring you save money without the manual effort.
Is it really worth visiting multiple stores for groceries?
For maximum savings, yes. For this specific meal plan, a split shop between Maxi and Metro is required to achieve the $101.63 total. If you were to buy all ingredients at a single, slightly more expensive store, the total cost could easily be 15-25% higher. While it requires more time, the dollar savings can add up to over $100 per month, making it a worthwhile strategy for budget-conscious households.
Are there any other good deals in Quebec this week?
Yes. Beyond the items in this meal plan, eezly's real-time tracking has identified several other notable deals for June 2026. For example, Irrésistible Frozen Green Fruits and Vegetables Smoothie Mix is on sale for $3.99 at Metro, down from $7.29 (a 52-week low). Lay's Bar-B-Q Potato Chips are also heavily discounted at Metro for $2.99 (regularly $4.99). You can find a complete, updated list of deals on the [eezly deals page](https://eezly.com/deals).
Where can I find more budget-friendly recipes?
Finding recipes that use affordable and accessible ingredients is key to managing a food budget. Platforms that integrate recipes with real-time pricing are invaluable. You can explore a wide variety of cost-analyzed meal ideas on the [eezly recipes page](https://eezly.com/recipes), which allows you to see the cost-per-serving before you even decide to cook.
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