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Home › Resources › Meal Plans

5 Dinner Meal Plans – One Grocery Bag

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by Lindsay Cotter Updated: Aug 29, 2025

Gluten-Free
This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure policy).
A grid of 6 photos of a 5 dinners from 1 bag of groceries meal plan

Know what to make for dinner tonight? We have the solution, with 5 dinner meal plans all made from ONE grocery bag full of ingredients. From stuffed peppers to Mexican quinoa, and wraps and soup. All of these meals are wholesome, delicious, and gluten free!

A photo of groceries for 5 dinners . this for later

Hey friends! So today I have something different. A special weekly gluten-free meal plan that just might help you stay on budget while on a gluten-free diet! Yes, 5 meals from 1 bag of groceries!

budget-friendly Dinner meal plans!

You see, we live less than half mile from the grocery store. If the weather is nice, I will walk over to get groceries. But I had to plan wisely if I did! Why? Because I couldn’t carry home more than one (very full) bag of groceries. What I came to realize is that yes, if you do PLAN wisely, you can squeeze in 5 meals by using the same ingredient in more than one meal. I know, shocking. Haha!

My quest to get fresh air and exercise (walking to the store) turned into an accidental budget friendly meal plan! And that my friends, is how this post came about. Now, you don’t have to walk to the store to get this one bag of groceries (gluten free groceries) for dinners, but it wouldn’t hurt. Extra Vitamin D anyone?

What to make for dinner tonight?

I get it… If your daily routine keeps you running non-stop, it can be hard to figure out your dinner ideas for tonight. More difficult than planning the meal, though, is finding the time to shop for the ingredients, am I right?

Well, my friend, I have really great news for you because I’m here to help you! I’ll show you what to make for dinner tonight, tomorrow night, and the rest of the work week too! Plus, I have a grocery list of ingredients for you, so you will know how to quickly shop for everything you need.

One bag of groceries = one week of gluten-free dinners!

Some people think that shopping for groceries is therapeutic, and others? Well, not so much. If you are the type of person who likes to get everything in one trip, these dinner meal plans will be right up your alley

Grocery List

Pick up these items and bring them home in ONE bag. Then you’ll be on your way to making the dinner ideas for tonight!

  • Avocado
  • 2 Small onions
  • Garlic bulb
  • 2 Bell peppers
  • 2–3 jalapeño peppers
  • Zucchini
  • Cauliflower
  • Spinach & Lettuce leaves (Romaine, collard, etc.)
  • Fresh herbs: cilantro, basil, & parsley
  • Green onion (scallion)
  • Lemons and limes
  • Eggs
  • Shredded cheese
  • Ground turkey or beef
  • Fresh or frozen corn
  • Quinoa and/or rice
  • Organic stock or vegetable broth
  • Tomato sauce + paste
  • 1 can of tomatoes (regular or with green chilies)
  • Canned coconut milk
  • Tamari sauce (gluten-free soy sauce)
  • Hot sauce or salsa

Other Pantry Staples to have handy

  • Spices – cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, dried herbs, favorite seasoning or spice mix.
  • Olive oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Butter or plant based butter

5 Cotter Crunch Dinner Meal Plans

Choose from vegetarian, vegan, low-carb, and simple gluten-Free meal ideas! Print them off so you can tackle this week with ease!

egg casserole with utensils on table

Tex-Mex Egg & Cauliflower Casserole

Full of veggies and flavor, this Tex-Mex Egg & Cauliflower Casserole is ready in minutes and perfect for meal prep! Dairy Free Option.

Ingredients:
large eggs
cauliflower
cheese
taco seasoning
zucchini
enchilada sauce or hot sauce
spices
cilantro, to garnish

Get the Recipe
A spoon in a gluten free unstuffed bell pepper skillet topped with melted cheese.

Unstuffed Peppers (Quick and Easy)

Enjoy all the flavor and nutrients of stuffed peppers with half the work thanks to this easy, gluten-free unstuffed peppers skillet recipe!

Ingredients:
bell pepper
ground beef or turkey
cooked quinoa
tomato sauce + paste
onion and garlic
tamari sauce (gluten-free soy sauce)
parsley or fresh herb of choice
spinach or leafy greens of choice
spices

Get the Recipe
soup in bowls

Roasted Corn Vegan Soup {Blender Recipe}

This spicy vegan corn soup is made with roasted corn kernels and creamy coconut milk for an easy meal that can be made in the blender!

Ingredients:
corn
olive oil
light coconut milk
basil & garlic
chili sauce or hot sauce
paprika
sea salt & pepper or peppercorns
optional toppings, such as jalapenos

Get the Recipe
close up image of Mexican avocado egg salad wraps in collard greens

Mexican Avocado Egg Salad Wraps

Mexican Avocado Egg Salad Wraps are loaded with vitamins, nutrients, and flavor for a healthy recipe that’s quick to make and perfect for meal prep!

Ingredients:
large eggs
cilantro
green chiles (feel free to sub for salsa!)
green onions or red onions
lettuce leaves
avocado
spices
jalapeno
lime

Get the Recipe
overhead image of one skillet mexican quinoa skillet toped with avocado with a hand dipping a spoon in the cneter

One Skillet Mexican Quinoa

This Mexican quinoa recipe is made in ONE skillet for an easy, nourishing, vegetarian meal perfect for easy weeknight dinners!

Ingredients:
quinoa
corn
bell peppers
cilantro
canned tomatoes
onion
cheese
optional toppings, like cilantro, jalapeno, and avocado

Get the Recipe
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Categories: Gluten-Free, Main Dishes, Meal Plans, Recipe Round Ups Tags: meal plans

A grid of 6 photos of a 5 dinners from 1 bag of groceries meal plan
overhead image of a savory quinoa breakfast bowl with quinoa, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, avocado, and a fried egg

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Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

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A grid of 6 photos of a 5 dinners from 1 bag of groceries meal plan
Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

  • About
  • Studio
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
A grid of 6 photos of a 5 dinners from 1 bag of groceries meal plan

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A grid of 6 photos of a 5 dinners from 1 bag of groceries meal plan
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