Free Recipe Club

Easy Family Recipes

Quick. Easy. Delicious.

Join the Free Recipe Club
Sign Up
Home / Weekly Meal Plan

Weekly Meal Plan

If you are looking for inspiration to create a weekly meal plan, you are in the right place! 

Each week I share a meal plan that is packed with easy to make recipes, with variety, AND I try to repurpose leftovers from at least one meal each and every week to minimize time spent in the kitchen and maximize time spent enjoying life! 

A new meal plan comes out each Friday, so stay tuned or pin it here to save it!

Weekly Meal Plan - Ideas for dinner. Updated EVERY week!

Hi Friends!  Welcome to our weekly meal plan section of Easy Family Recipes.  I love sharing new recipe ideas each week and have a real passion for making cooking simple and enjoyable to do at home when you are a busy family.  If you aren’t signed up for my e-mail newsletter, make sure to do that asap so you can get new recipes and the new meal plan updated for each week!

You can click here to sign up or on the button below.

Hungry Email Club

Week 66 Meal Plan

Monday

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Turkey Tacos– Ground turkey lightens up taco night with ALL the flavor you would expect! Serve them in shells, tortillas, or keep it light with lettuce wraps.
  • Side Dish:
    • Black Beans
    • Salsa and Guacamole

Wednesday

Thursday

  • Main Dish:  Crock Pot Thai Chicken– One of my favorite meals! Serve it over a bed of rice with shredded cabbage on top. Drizzle with the sauce AND this Spicy Mayo and it is TO DIE FOR delicious!
  • Side Dish:

Friday

  • Main Dish: Monterey Chicken Quesadillas!Chop leftover Monterey chicken. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of a large tortilla. Place the tortilla in the skillet. Fill half of the tortilla with the chopped chicken and an extra sprinkle of cheese. Fold the tortilla over and cook until golden brown, then flip and repeat on the other side. Cut into triangles and serve with sour cream and salsa.
    • Side:
      • Mexican Rice
  • Dessert – No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies– My favorite!  Plus, no baking required!

Appetizer

  • LOADED Taco Dip – If you need a dish to bring to the big game… THIS.IS.IT.  This dip gets devoured in minutes with layers of beans, meat, and a special creamy taco layer!

Week 65 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup– The extra special method we use to make this soup not only adds tons of flavor to make it INSANELY delicious, but also, make it faster than ever to make! BONUS- The leftovers make great lunches all week long!
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Green Chile Chicken– This has been one of my most popular recipes for YEARS! There is a reason it gets all the 5 star reviews! As a bonus, it is low carb and gluten free!
  • Side Dish:
    • Rice, or cauliflower rice
    • Sautéed Peppers and onions

Wednesday

Thursday

  • Main Dish:  Italian Turkey Meatballs– If you need a meatball recipe that will make everyone happy, this is it! These are wonderfully classic and can be eat over pasta, on a sandwich, or just plain as is!  You can freeze any leftovers to use for an easy meal next week! Also, make sure to whip up a batch of my homemade Italian Seasoning to use in this recipe! I just shared the recipe for the first time this week!
  • Side Dish:

Friday

  • Main Dish: PIZZA NIGHT! Use this fun list of pizza topping ideas to let the kids come up with some fun ideas for new pizzas they want to try! Then make a family night out of putting together your creations.
    • Side:
      • Veggies and dip
  • Dessert – Double Chocolate Chip Cookies– If you are a chocolate lover, you need these in your life!!

Appetizer

  • Antipasto Salad – Everyone loves this salad packed full of meats, and the best small bites. Perfect for a quick bite before dinner, or to bring to a party or football game, there is never a bite left!

Week 64 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Italian Chicken and Peppers– This dish is the dinner trifecta- EASY – HEALTHY – DELICIOUS! Packed with veggies and full of flavor, but still able to get from fridge to oven in as little as 10 min!
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet– This dinner has everything delicious in just one skillet! The best way to use up that ground beef in your fridge, it is one that everyone asks for seconds of in our house.
  • Side Dish:
    • Chips and Salsa
    • Guacamole + Sour cream for toppping

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Cheesy Meatballs Parmesan–  You may have seen me making this on my Instagram stories this week! I forgot how quick, easy, and delicious this meal is. The kids love it every bit as much as the grown ups. **Save the leftovers for an easy meal on Friday!
  • Side Dish:
    • Pasta (or to lighten it up, use spaghetti squash or zoodles)
    • Oven Roasted Veggies – Can’t beat this recipe! So quick and simple!

Thursday

  • Main Dish:  Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Zoodles– This recipe is KILLER on flavor and can be made in 30 minutes. It is rich and creamy, but lightened up by using zoodles instead of pasta. If you have kiddos eating with you, you can easily do a combo of zoodles and pasta to suit everyone’s palette.
  • Side Dish:
    • Roasted Cauliflower

Friday

  • Main Dish: Meatball Subs- Use up the leftovers of your Meatballs parmesan with this family pleasing meal. Use sub rolls, or to make it super fun, I like to use one big loaf of french bread. Cut almost in half and then spread butter on each side. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Toast in the oven at 400˚F until edges start to brown and butter is melted and toasty. Pile on the meatballs and add extra cheese. Bake again until everything is heated and the cheese is melted. Cut into servings and eat immediately!
  • Dessert – Peanut Butter Swirl Bars– If you need a dessert, this is IT!  These bars are one of our all time favorites. Made from scratch, you will be surprised just how quick and easy they are to make.

Appetizer

  • Green Chile Dip – This has allllll my favorites in it! This creamy dip is loaded with green chiles and cheddar and baked to perfection for one of my favorite party table appetizers!

 

Week 63 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Ranch Chicken Bites– We are starting off the year with one of my favorite light and healthy meals! These Ranch Chicken Bites are gluten free, low carb, dairy free, high protein and low fat… and did I mention SO DELICIOUS?! The kids eat them like chicken nuggets with their favorite dipping sauce and I love to eat them over sautéed spinach or salad greens myself. 
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Cheesy Taco Skillet– Perfect for if you are going low carb, or just love delicious food! This cheesy taco skillet has all the delicious flavor of extra cheesy tacos — minus the carbs!
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Baked Chicken Cacciatore–  This veggie packed Italian Classic is made in just one dish! Instead of the traditional skillet version that takes careful attendance, this recipe is hands off and just as delicious!
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish:  Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with chicken– Use the leftovers from Monday to make this super delicious protein packed meal! Just make salad as directed and add leftover chicken bites to the top! If you are out of ranch chicken, just grab a rotisserie chicken from the store or grill up some chicken on the grill.
  • Side Dish:
    • Pita Chips

Friday

  • Main Dish: Loaded Cauliflower Soup- Perfect for a cold winter day, this soup is one of the most popular on my site! It has even converted those who don’t love cauliflower into believers! Low carb, super creamy, and loaded with all the good stuff, this will put smiles on everyone’s faces!
  • Dessert – Peanut Butter Energy Balls– This is a great way to get something healthy and something sweet in one! Packed with wholesome oats, peanut butter and honey. These are a great easy snack with a satisfying amount of sweet.

Appetizer

  • Layered Greek Dip – One of my all time favorites and super healthy to boot! This greek dip is a winner all around!

 

Week 62 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Creamy Mushroom Chicken– If you love mushrooms, then this recipe is for you!  It is packed with tender chicken baked with a flavor filled creamy mushroom filling.
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Taco Salad– This hearty dinner salad is a hit all around the table! If you have really picky eaters, you can serve it up in tortillas too.
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

Thursday

  • Main Dish:  Chicken & Mushroom Paninis– Use the leftovers from Monday to make these super delicious sandwiches! Chop leftover mushroom chicken and spoon the mixture between 2 slices of Italian bread. Add spinach and mozzarella cheese. Butter the outsides of the bread then cook in a skillet over medium heat until the bread is golden brown. Flip and repeat.
  • Side Dish:

Friday

  • Main Dish: Sun Dried Tomato Turkey Wraps– Perfect for Friday, these wraps are packed with all the good stuff! Serve them with a pasta salad that you can keep eating all weekend.
  • Dessert – Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies– This is my go-to recipe for chocolate chip cookies! It is a no-fail way to get them super thick and chewy!  

Appetizer

  • Buffalo Ranch Chicken Meatballs – If you are headed to a holiday party this week. Pull together a batch of these buffalo ranch chicken meatballs for the win!

 

Week 61 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – One Dish Greek Chicken– There are so many great flavors packed into one easy to make meal!  Serve it with pita bread and enjoy!
  • Side Dish:
    • Pita Bread
    • Greek Salad– this are one of the quickest sides I make and perfect for a side for these meatballs!

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Crockpot Southwest Chicken– This easy slow cooker recipe is loaded with veggies and southwest flavor for a super quick to prep dinner. You can serve it with rice, or use it to make tacos, enchiladas, burritos and more!
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

Thursday

  • Main Dish:  Southwest Chicken Nachos– The kids will totally think they won for this dinner, but really it is packed with more veggies than my kids normally eat in multiple meals! Top chips with leftover southwest chicken. Add cheese and bake at 425˚F for 10-15 minutes. Top nachos with pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream. Enjoy!
  • Side Dish:

Friday

  • Main Dish: Garlic Steak Bites– This easy recipe makes your Friday feel fancy but takes just minutes to make! If you love steak, this one’s for you.
  • Dessert – Peanut Butter Energy Balls– This yummy recipe is more of a snack than a dessert, but it is perfect to keep on hand when the schedule is busy and you need something easy to snack on when you are on the go!!

Appetizer

  • Layered Greek Dip – One of my all time favorites and perfect to serve with the Greek Chicken on Monday or for a holiday party or potluck… YUM!

 

Week 60 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs– This is such a DELICIOUS and easy dinner idea!  Throw it all in the slow cooker and let it do the had work. 
  • Side Dish:
    • Rice
    • Garlic Green Beans– this are one of the quickest sides I make and perfect for a side for these meatballs!

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Mexican Shredded Beef– This Mexican beef can be served as tacos, enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas or bowls. Packed with delicious Mexican flavors, it will make your favorite Mexican dishes as easy as it does delicious.
  • Side Dish:
    • Black Beans
    • Tortillas

Wednesday

Thursday

  • Main Dish:  Hawaiian Meatball Pizza– On a prepared pizza crust, spread a layer of BBQ sauce. Top with mozzarella or provolone cheese. Chop up the meatballs and sprinkle the meatballs and pineapple chunks over the top of the pizza. Cook as directed.
  • Side Dish:

Friday

Appetizer

  • Antipasto Salad – All of your favorite flavors of a charcuterie board thrown into a delicious salad… YUM!

Week 59 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Italian Beef & Rice Casserole– Baked in only ONE DISH in the oven, this casserole is loaded with the best Italian flavors. With lots of veggies, protein, and rice you have it all in just one dish!
  • Side Dish:
    • Garlic Bread– My FAVORITE recipe, pairs perfectly with this casserole!
    • Salad- Try a simple side salad with creamy Italian dressing

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Homemade Tacos– What is better for Taco Tuesday than classic tacos? This recipe uses ground turkey and seasonings to make the BEST taco meat you have ever had!
  • Side Dish:
    • Mexican Corn Salad – this quick and easy corn salad is one of our all time favorite sides!
    • Cilantro Lime Rice – Just like Chipotle! Loaded with flavor and perfect for serving with tacos!

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken– With a hint of sweet and a hint of savory, it is a hit with the whole family. I like to serve it on top of sautéed spinach for the gown ups and rice for the kids!
  • Side Dish:

THANKSGIVING

Friday

  • Main Dish: LEFTOVERS!- It’s the best leftover day of the year!  My favorite is to make a grilled turkey, cranberry and brie sandwich. Place turkey between two slices of sandwich bread, spread cranberry on one piece, then lay brie (or your fav cheese) over the turkey. Butter skillet generously and grill each side until golden brown.

Appetizer

 

Week 58 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Bacon– I can’t even tell you how DELICIOUS this is!!  It may not sound fancy, but the taste is going to knock your socks off!
  • Side Dish:
    • Roasted Veggies– These cook quickly in the oven and make a great healthy side option
    • Rolls- pick some up in the freezer section or make your own for an extra delicious treat!

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Salsa Chicken– This classic dish couldn’t be easier to make and it is OH SO TASTY!  I like to serve this the first night over a bed of rice.
  • Side Dish:
    • Steamed rice
    • Bell peppers and onions – cook them up in a skillet or you can use the instructions in the recipe to bake them right in with the chicken

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Crockpot Zesty Pulled Pork– This is a great recipe for a busy night because all the prep work is done earlier in the day! I like to pile these on top of my extra creamy garlic mashed potatoes and let each family member put some toppings on their plate.
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish:  Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole– Use leftovers from Tuesday, to make this family hit! Chop leftover Salsa Chicken and mix with prepared white rice or cauliflower rice. Stir in black beans and corn, and extra salsa if needed. Spread mixture in a casserole dish and top with cheese and bake until heated through.
  • Side Dish:

Friday

Appetizer

  • Antipasto Salad – All of your favorite flavors of a charcuterie board thrown into a delicious salad… YUM!

Week 57 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Crockpot Tuscan Chicken– This is my newest recipe and already getting rave reviews from readers!  Make it when you are super busy since it is so easy and the slow cooker does all the cooking!
  • Side Dish:
    • Roasted Asparagus– Cooks quickly in the oven and makes a great side
    • Mashed Potatoes– I like to serve the chicken right on top of potatoes to soak up all the juices!

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Cheesy Taco Skillet– It is like tacos but easier and even tastier! What I love most about this dish is that each person can pick their style, so one person can eat it in a taco shell, and the other as a bowl, just as easy!
  • Side Dish:
    • Guacamole, Salsa, Sour Cream
    • Lettuce wraps and tortillas

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Greek Chicken Bites– This is one of my go-to quick dinners. These little bites of chicken are perfectly seasoned and made in minutes. They kind of remind me of Chick-fil-a’s grilled chicken nuggets, so you know it is going to be a winner with the whole family! (Use my Honey Mustard Sauce if you want some CFA quality dipping sauce too!)
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish:  Tuscan Chicken Pasta– Use leftovers from Monday’s Crockpot Tuscan Chicken, to make this family hit!  I start with a pan of this Easy Alfredo Sauce, then stir in the leftover Tuscan Chicken and toss with pasta. There is not a bite left on anyone’s plates after this meal!
  • Side Dish:

Friday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Cobb Salad (or wrap!)- For this meal you can use leftover Greek Chicken if you have it, or if not you can use any shredded chicken or even rotisserie chicken from the store. This loaded meal sized salad will keep even those that need a hearty dinner full! If you have eaters that don’t want salad as a main course, just throw a big scoop of the salad in a large tortilla, roll it up and call it a wrap.
    • Side:
      • Squash Casserole– You don’t have to have any side with this Cobb salad, but this is a hearty one that is super yummy, so if you have the time, I highly recommend it!
  • Dessert – White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies– These are THICK-CHEWY-SOFT delicious little gifts from heaven!  One of the tastiest homemade cookies out there!

Appetizer

  • Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels – This are always a hit at a party or potluck! They are easy finger food, but hearty enough to fill you up!

 

Week 56 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Italian Turkey Meatballs– So many readers have been telling me how much they love this recipe lately! These are surprisingly easy to make from scratch and hit it out of the park on taste
  • Side Dish:
    • Spaghetti- cook up some spaghetti and douse it with your favorite sauce. Then plop these meatballs right on top!
    • Oven roasted Veggies– These are quick and easy and PERFECT for this meal!

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Tex-Mex Chicken Fajitas– One of the foods I love most! I like to eat my fajitas with all the toppings over a salad, but you can make them traditionally in a tortilla too!
  • Side Dish:
    • Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, Sour Cream
    • Tortillas

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Cheesy Lasagna Skillet– This lasagna is a one and done recipe! Everything cooks quickly in a skillet, then you can choose how to serve it.  Both traditionally with pasta, or with something light and healthy like spaghetti squash or zoodles.
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish:  Meatball Subs– Use leftovers from Monday to make one of my kids favorite dinners!  I like to make these extra yummy by making garlic bread first. Then we use the garlic bread to make the meatball subs by placing meatballs, marinara and cheese on it and baking until perfection.
  • Side Dish:

Friday

  • Main Dish: Easy BAKED Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce – Pizza night is one of our go-to’s on Friday. I love using leftovers to make it easy. Buy a store bought crust then chop up the sausage and peppers from Wednesday and spread over the crust with the sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over top and add crushed red pepper flakes if you like spice. Bake as directed on the crust.
  • Dessert – Caramel Snickerdoodles– These are the ULTIMATE fall cookie!  They have the warm flavor of cinnamon and the irresistible gooey caramel middle! 

Appetizer

  • Crockpot Party Meatballs – This party classic never sees leftovers!! You can make it as is, or try one of the 5 variations listed to give it a fun new twist!

Week 55 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Caesar Chicken Bake– This recipe is so simple and so dang tasty! My kids even love it as much as the grown ups do!
  • Side Dish:
    • Side salad- you can go with more caesar dressing or my favorite is balsamic vinaigrette!
    • Italian Tortellini– the cold pasta salad makes a great compliment to the meal and also extras pack well for lunches throughout the week.

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Sizzling Steak Fajitas– You can make fajitas that are just like the restaurant- sizzle and all, and the cook in less than 10 minutes! This does not feel like busy weeknight food!
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Italian Sausage and Peppers– You can serve this on hoagie rolls, or keep it light and just eat it in a bowl! I usually do a little of both with rolls or garlic bread for the kids and spinach for me (talk about adulting ha!) Save the leftovers for a fun Friday dinner.
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish:  Creamy Tomato Soup– Made in your slow cooker, this soup is my favorite fall meal! We fight over the leftovers of this in our house.
  • Side Dish:
    • Grilled Cheese 
    • Veggies and ranch – add some extra veggies and your favorite dipper- we love homemade ranch dressing

Friday

  • Main Dish: Italian Sausage Pizza – Pizza night is one of our go-to’s on Friday. I love using leftovers to make it easy. Buy a store bought crust then chop up the sausage and peppers from Wednesday and spread over the crust with the sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over top and add crushed red pepper flakes if you like spice. Bake as directed on the crust.
    • Side:
      • Antipasto Salad– This hearty salad is filled with meats, cheeses, peppers, olives and all the good stuff!
  • Dessert – Caramel Snickerdoodles– These are the ULTIMATE fall cookie!  They have the warm flavor of cinnamon and the irresistible gooey caramel middle! 

Appetizer

  • Marinated Mozzarella Balls – This is a fun appetizer that can be prepared solo or part of a cheese board. It always gets the most compliments of anything when I make it and is insanely simple!!

Week 54 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Crock Pot Pulled Pork– This recipe has a simple but DELICIOUS twist on classic pulled pork with this special ingredient!
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

  • Main Dish:  Buffalo Chicken in the Crockpot– Perfect for piling in a sandwich, or keep it lighter by making a bowl and serving over rice, quinoa, or lettuce.
  • Side Dish:
    • Oven Roasted Asparagus 
    • Veggies and Blue Cheese dressing – Cut up carrots, celery, tomatoes, or any veggie you love. Pair it with blue cheese or ranch

Friday

  • Main Dish: Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup– This dish is a Fall favorite!  You can make a fun meal by preparing the soup, then making a bunch of topping options and letting everyone dress their own bowl. It is the perfect meal for family or a crowd.
    • Side:
  • Dessert – Cornflake cookies– If you have never made cookies with cornflakes, you are missing out. WARNING: These are super addictive!

Appetizer

Layered Greek Dip– I absolutely love this dish. It is the perfect combo of delicious and healthy!

 

Week 53 Meal Plan

Monday

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: 10 minute Sizzling Steak Fajitas– It is had to believe that these fajitas cook to perfection in just 10 minutes! This Tex-Mex fave has become a regular on our meal rotation with its combo of easy, healthy and delicious!
  • Side Dish:
    • Refried Beans
    • Guacamole

Wednesday

Thursday

  • Main Dish:  Fajita Quesadillas– Use up leftovers from Tuesday to make quick and easy Fajita Quesadillas!  You can just chop up any leftover meat and veggies into small bite sized pieces and place them inside a tortilla with mexican blend cheese. Fold it over and grill in a buttered skillet over medium heat until each side is golden brown.
  • Side Dish:
    • Mexican Corn Salad – Quick and fresh!!
    • Chips and Homemade Salsa – Easy and the homemade salsa can be made ahead of time for busy nights!

Friday

  • Main Dish: Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup– Use your slow cooker to make a big batch of delicious soup! This Chicken and Wild Rice is one of my favorites. It is packed with veggies, rice, tender chicken and perfectly seasoned.
    • Side:
      • Crusty bread (like a baguette)
  • Dessert – Best EVER Peanut Butter Cookies– These consistently have 5 star raving reviews.  They really are that good!

Appetizer

Marinated Mozzarella Balls- If you find yourself wanting something to much on, or need something to bring to a party, this Marinated Mozzarella is SO GOOD and so simple! No cooking required!

 

Week 52 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Supreme Pizza Chicken Casserole– If your kids love pizza then this dinner is sure to be a hit!  Tender shredded chicken is piled high with all the best pizza flavors!
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Cheesy Taco Skillet– Tacos the EASY way!  This one skillet meal is packed with cheesy goodness. Eat it low carb, or like traditional tacos.
  • Side Dish:
    • Spanish Rice
    • Chips and easy salsa (this recipe is so easy and will knock your socks off!)

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

  • Main Dish: Nachos– Use leftovers from the Taco Skillet to make a big batch of sheet pan nachos. Just spread tortilla chips over a cookie sheet. Add taco meat, corn, pinto beans, and cover with cheese. Bake at 425 until everything is heated through and the cheese is melted, about 8-12 minutes.
    • Side:
      • Sour cream, guac, salsa
  • Dessert – Chocolate No Bake Cookies– We can never get enough of these delicious no bake cookies!  The combo of peanut butter, oatmeal and chocolate is the best there is! Super quick and easy to make, this no fail recipe has you covered!

 

Week 51 Meal Plan

Monday

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Avocado Smothered Chicken– If you have ever had the avocado egg rolls at The Cheesecake Factory, this is those flavors transformed into a healthy(er) dinner!
  • Side Dish:
    • Black Beans
    • Chips and homemade salsa (this recipe is so easy and will knock your socks off!)

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Cajun Butter Steak Bites– If you love steak, you NEED this recipe in your life! This tender, juicy steak cooks in a skillet in only 10 minutes and is so packed with flavor, you won’t believe it wasn’t from a fine dining steakhouse!
  • Side Dish:
    • Oven Roasted Vegetables– This recipe is super simple and bakes to perfection! I can’t tell you how good this side dish is!
    • Garlic Cheese Bread– top off this to-die-for meal with garlic cheese bread for pure heaven!

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Loaded Greek Wraps– Use leftovers from Monday to do Mediterranean style burritos!  Each person can personalize their own for a fun interactive meal.
  • Side Dish:

Friday

  • Main Dish: Big Mac Skillet– It is all the best comfort food flavors made at home! This one is a winner all around the dinner table.
    • Side:
      • Veggies and Ranch Dip
  • Dessert – Soft Sugar Cookies– These cookies are the PERFECT weekend treat! They continually get rave reviews from readers. If you want to make them even better, smother them with a thick layer of my homemade buttercream frosting!

 

Week 50 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken– This is an easy dinner favorite! I like to serve it as bowls on a bed of rice, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots with a drizzle of spicy asian sauce and extra teriyaki.
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Salsa Fresca Chicken– With only one dish and a few ingredients, this Mexican inspired dinner always leaves clean plates!
  • Side Dish:
    • Black Beans
    • Tortillas

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole– Super quick and easy! This recipe can be piled high on crusty rolls, or served low carb on a bed of shredded lettuce or cauli rice. Save the leftovers for a meal on Friday!
  • Side Dish:
    • Roasted Veggies– This recipe is super simple and bakes to perfection! I can’t tell you how good this side dish is!
    • Smashed potatoes– or if you are feeling lazy, just do potato chips!

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup– This is one of the MOST POPULAR recipes on my site!  It is rich, creamy, and has all of your favorite loaded baked potato flavors!
  • Side Dish:
    • Garlic Bread – Best ever recipe!!
    • Strawberry Spinach Salad – one of my favorite little restaurants from where I grew up used to serve this salad with soup. I have loved it ever since!

Friday

  • Main Dish: Philly Cheesesteak Pizza– Use leftovers from Wednesday. Take a prepared pizza crust and brush with a light layer of olive oil and garlic. Add shredded mozzarella cheese, then dollop spoonfuls of the Philly Cheesesteak Casserole over the top. Add additional veggies if desired. Cook per pizza crust instructions (usually 425˚F for about 12-18 minutes.)
  • Dessert – Peanut Butter Swirl Bars– This one pan recipe is so easy to make and really delicious!! Make sure to make 2 pans if you have teens around!

Week 49 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Creamy BBQ Chicken– This easy twist on the classic always leaves clean plates at our house!
  • Side Dish:
    • Corn Bread
    • Salad with Ranch

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Mexican Salsa Chicken– This is one of our favorite Mexican Chicken dishes! You can serve it in tortillas Taco Tuesday style, or over rice.
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Steak Fried Rice– Quicker than even going for take out, this Steak Fried Rice has all the best flavors of your favorite Asian joint!
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

Friday

  • Main Dish: Honey BBQ Meatballs– These make the best EASY Friday dinner!  Just pop them in the Crock Pot and serve them up when you are ready to eat. You can make it a sit down dinner, or just a night of grazing.
    • Side:
      • Baked Potatoes 
      • Steamed Broccoli
    • Dessert – Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies– this recipe is a Classic! It is perfect to make up a batch over the weekend when you have time, then pop the cookie dough balls in the freezer and bake whenever you get a craving for a warm from the oven cookie!!

Week 48 Meal Plan

Monday

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Southwest Chicken Casserole– One dish and TONS of flavor! Eat it with Mexican rice, cauliflower rice, or just on it’s own with a fork and knife!
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Crock Pot Chicken Chili– The crock pot makes this award winning chili too easy! … or I have an Instant Pot version too!
  • Side Dish:
    • Mexican Cornbread– This is our go-to recipe!
    • Sour Cream, chopped cilantro, fresh avocado

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Southwest Chicken Nachos– Use the leftovers from the southwest chicken to make these loaded southwest nachos. If you don’t have leftovers, just follow this recipe as directed.
    Nachos may sound iffy for a healthy dinner, but my kids eat so many more veggies than on a normal night when I load them in nachos!
  • Side Dish:

Friday

Week 47 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: Baked Meatballs Parmesan– This recipe is new this week and people are going NUTS over it already.  Easy and delicious!  Save the leftovers for later this week!
  • Side Dish:
    • Pasta or Zoodles
    • Steamed broccoli

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: One Pan Chicken Fajitas– One of my most loved recipes of all time. These are so simple and a go-to for when we need an easy tex-mex meal!
  • Side Dish:
    • Tortillas
    • Salsa, Guac & Sour cream

Wednesday

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Meatball Subs- Take those leftover meatballs and make them into sandwiches for a quick and easy crowd pleaser. Just pile them onto a sub roll, top with cheese, and toast to perfection!
  • Side Dish:

Friday

  • Main Dish: Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Baked Potatoes– Yo can let everyone load up their baked potato just how they like it! Use buffalo chicken from a crock pot or buy a rotisserie chicken at the store to make Friday easy!
    • Side:
      • Carrots & Celery with Ranch dip– Use these, or pick your favorite veggies to dip!
      • Black Beans
    • Dessert – White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies– this treat is super soft, flavorfully loaded with nuts and chocolate and  absolutely delicious!

Week 46 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: PERFECT Baked Chicken Tenders– This super quick recipe is one of our favorite comfort foods made lighter and perfect for a busy weeknight!
  • Side Dish:
    • Rotini Pasta Salad- This is a great dish for Monday because it saves well and leftovers can be eaten throughout the week!
    • Steamed broccoli

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Mexican Chicken– Cook this on the grill, the oven or even the crock pot!  You can serve it chopped, in tortillas, over rice or in a lettuce wrap. You decide!
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Beef & Broccoli– Try this easier than take out version!
  • Side Dish:
    • Rice- make white or brown

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Fettuccini Alfredo- Make this classic fave as is, or add sliced chicken or steak to take it up a notch
  • Side Dish:

Friday

Week 45 Meal Plan

Monday

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Baked Chicken Tostadas– This taco Tuesday will be a little more flat. In the best way of course!  This is one of my kids most requested meals! If you don’t have shredded chicken on hand, grab a rotisserie chicken at the store for a quick meal.
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken– Let the crock pot do the work tonight, then make sure there are leftovers to make a super easy meal on Friday!
  • Side Dish:
    • Rice or Quinoa
    • Garlic Green Beans – ONLY 5 Ingredients! These are super easy and packed with flavor!

Thursday

Friday

  • Main Dish: Buffalo Chicken Roll Ups– Use the leftover buffalo chicken from Wednesday and make these quick and easy tortilla roll ups.  These are quick and easy and even great when you are on the go!  Add in bacon, or veggies to bulk it up for a heartier meal.

Week 44 Meal Plan

Monday

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Pork Carnitas– You can makes these into tacos, eat them in a bowl or as a low carb lettuce wrap.
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Crockpot Caesar Chicken– ONLY 3 INGREDIENTS for the win!! I love to serve this chicken in romaine leaves with parmesan sprinkles on top kind of like lettuce wraps. You can add other caesar toppings if you want like croutons, hard boiled egg, cherry tomatoes, bacon etc.
  • Side Dish:
    • Tomato Mozzarella Salad– This is salad is a perfect compliment to the Caesar lettuce wraps.
    • Homemade Croutons– If you really want to go all out, make some homemade croutons. It is so easy and EXTRA delicious!

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Italian Stuffed Peppers– Great for a mid-week dinner. You can prepare these peppers ahead of time if needed and refrigerate until you are ready to bake.
  • Side Dish:
    •  Baked Asparagus – This can bake right along side the peppers in the oven. (note, it will take less time, so just put it in toward the end of the cook time).
    • Garlic Bread – This recipe makes THE BEST garlic bread EVER!!

Friday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Caesar Pesto Pasta Salad– Use the leftovers from Wednesday for this delicious and super simple weekend dinner. Mix chopped romaine lettuce with freshly cooked and cooled pasta (I like bowtie best!) Add in the leftover chicken, cherry tomatoes and parmesan cheese.  Toss with equal parts caesar dressing and prepared pesto. Enjoy!
    • Side: Breadsticks
    • Dessert – Peanut Butter Pretzel Brownies– These are super easy and made from a box, but the look and taste every bit of a gourmet treat!!

 

Week 43 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: Honey BBQ Meatballs– These are super easy (with ingredients you can count on one hand,) and have alllll the right flavors for a family friendly meal.
  • Side Dish:
    • Rice
    • Broccoli Salad– Making it homemade is surprisingly easy, and even more surprisingly crazy delicious!!

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Baked Chicken Fajitas– It doesn’t get any easier than this! All of your favorite fajita flavors are packed into just one dish!
  • Side Dish:
    • Black Beans
    • Mexican Cauliflower Rice- This is pretty yummy for some “super healthy” stuff. If you don’t want to use cauliflower, you can make regular Mexican, or white, rice. You can also mix half and half for kids!

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Cajun Chicken Pasta– This recipe always gets RAVE reviews!  It is easy enough for a week night or fancy enough for guests!
  • Side Dish:
    • Garlic Bread – This recipe makes THE BEST garlic bread EVER!!
    • Sautéed Spinach– You can either make this on the side for a little extra green, or mix it right into the pasta.

Thursday

  • Main Dish: BBQ Meatball Pizza- This uses leftovers from Monday! Get a premade (or make it from scratch) pizza dough, spread it on a pan. Spread it with your favorite BBQ sauce then chop up the remain meatballs and sprinkle them over the pizza.  Top with colby jack cheese and thinly sliced red onions, and bake as directed.
  • Side Dish:
    •  Side Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette– This is the simplest side to pair with the meal and the flavor complement extremely well.

Friday

  • Main Dish: Chicken & Chorizo Sheet Pan Dinner– This one dish wonder has a little of everything for a filling and complete dinner on just one cookei sheet, and is perfect for a lazy Friday night.
    • Dessert – Soft& Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies– Readers regularly tell me this this the best Peanut Butter Cookie they have ever had! Let me know what you think too!

Week 42 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: Low Carb Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken– Whether you are eating low carb or not, this dish is DELICIOUS!!  Bonus, it really only takes a few minutes to make. 
  • Side Dish:
    • Zoodles – Buy them premade at the store in the produce or frozen section, or make them from scratch. I like to sauté them in olive oil, salt and pepper.
    • Roasted Broccoli– You can bake this right beside the chicken to make life even easier!

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Lasagna Stuffed Peppers– These are a great way to get lots of veggies in. If your kiddos won’t eat peppers (no judging here!) you can keep the meat separate for them and spoon it onto pasta or even make a little sandwich with it.
  • Side Dish:
    • Side Salad with Balsamic Dressing
    • Pasta (try something like rotini or penne) tossed with olive oil and garlic salt.

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Salsa Chicken– There isn’t an easier middle of the week meal!  This salsa chicken can be from the fridge to the oven in as little as 5 minutes and you can even make extra so you can use the leftovers for an easy dinner on Friday!
  • Side Dish:
    • Rice- You can use simple white rice, or if you want to jazz it up, you can do a Mexican rice.
    • Cheesy Ranch Beans– You can serve this as a dip or just a side dish!

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Steak Fried Rice – I have had this dish on my mind lately so I grabbed this recipe to try!
  • Side Dish:
    • Asian Spicy Mayo– I LOVE to drizzle this sauce over fried rice. It seriously takes it to the next level!!
    • Fortune Cookies- Okay… not quite a side, but pick some up at the store for a fun “take out” style meal at home and some laughs with the family as you read them.

Friday

  • Main Dish: Use the leftover Salsa Chicken from Wednesday and make some Baked Tostadas! If you don’t have leftovers, you can grab a rotisserie chicken and use the recipe as directed.
  • Side Dish:
    • Mexican Corn Salad
    • Dessert – Favorite Snickerdoodles – I don’t have many Mexican dessert recipes, but these snickerdoodles hit the spot because the remind me of the flavor of churros. You can freeze the extras and pop them out whenever your sweet tooth hits!

Week 41 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Alfredo– This is surprisingly easy to make and tastes 100% restaurant quality! Plus I love making a big meal at the beginning of the week so we can use leftovers as needed.
  • Side Dish:
    • Side Salad with Creamy Italian Dressing (you will feel like you are at Olive Garden with this yummy dressing!)
    • Garlic Bread– If you haven’t tried it yet, you are missing out!

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Asian Glazed Meatballs– These homemade meatballs are SO tasty and a great way to switch up the flavors from the norm. Serve them easy peasy over rice tonight and save the leftovers for a makeover on Friday!
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Cobb Salad– Perfect for a quick and easy no-cook dinner that is still going to fill everybody up. You can use extra chicken (even the greek from yesterday would work) or grab a rotisserie chicken at the store.
  • Side Dish:

Friday

Week 40 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: Honey Garlic Chicken– The perfect quick and easy ONE SKILLET meal to start off the week. This is the perfect combo of sweet and savory!
  • Side Dish:
    • Steamed Broccoli
    • Garlic Bread – You seriously have to try this garlic bread… it is TO DIE FOR!!

Tuesday

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Crock Pot Creamy BBQ Chicken Sandwiches – This slow cooker recipe always gets rave reviews. Such a fun twist on a classic. Buy some good quality buns and pile the BBQ chicken on high with lettuce, tomato, and onion as desired. Save the leftovers for Friday’s dinner.
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

Friday

  • Main Dish: BBQ Chicken Power Bowls– Use leftover BBQ Chicken from Wednesday to make this fun Friday Dinner. I recommend chopping up a bunch of topping options and placing them out to let everyone make their own bowl just how they like it! Since this is more of an all in one meal, I included a delicious dessert for Friday instead of a side!
  • Dessert:

Week 39 Meal Plan

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Perfect Grilled Chicken– This is a classic and, oh so good, recipe for grilled chicken that turns out tender and juicy every time!! Save the leftovers and we will use them for an easy Friday dinner!
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

Friday

  • Main Dish: Loaded Baked Nachos– Use the leftovers from Wednesday to make Friday EASY!
  • Side Dish:
    • Guacamole
    • Sour Cream and Salsa from yesterday!

Week 38 Meal Plan

Monday

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Tacos with Mexican Chicken – You can grill, bake, or make this chicken in a skillet. Whatever is easiest for you!
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Asian Meatballs– These meatballs are so easy and SO DELICIOUS!  If you have extras you can use them for lunches, meal prep, or freeze for another night.
  • Side Dish:
    • Jasmine Rice
    • Steamed Broccoli

Thursday

Friday

Week 37 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta – This recipe is getting RAVE reviews from readers and friends! 
  • Side Dish:
    • Side Salad
    • Garlic Bread

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

  • Main Dish: One Dish Cowboy Chicken– This is a one dish wonder, packed with protein and veggies! You can even prep it in the morning and put it in the oven when you get home.
  • Side Dish:

Friday

  • Main Dish: Easy Meatball Subs- Use the leftovers from Wednesday to make Friday EASY!
    1. Split 6 inch sub rolls, and put butter, salt and garlic powder. Broil the rolls until the butter is melted and the edged are golden brown. 
    2. Place the meatballs on the sub roll (usually 3-4). Spoon your favorite marinara over the top to cover the meatballs. Then sprinkle mozzarella over the top.
    3. Place the subs back on the cookie sheet, and bake at 375˚F for 15-25 minutes or until the meatballs are heated through and the cheese is melted.
  • Side Dish:

Week 36 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: Fettuccini Alfredo (The EASY Way!) – Serve this alfredo sauce over classic pasta or zoodles for a low carb option! It is super family friendly and really delicious!
  • Side Dish:
    • Steamed Broccoli
    • Garlic Bread

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Cilantro Lime Chicken– One of our favorite grilling recipes, this one is perfect for adding tons of delicious flavor to chicken breast.
  • Side Dish:
    • Mexican Cornbread
    • Black beans

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

  • Main Dish: Loaded Greek Wraps– This is the BEST way to use up leftovers of the greek chicken we made Wednesday, not to mention, one of our family’s favorite dinners! So many great flavors are packed into this meal!
  • Side Dish:

Week 35 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken– This easy crock pot recipe can be served on rice or your favorite grain as a bowl, topping a salad, on buns as a sandwich, as wraps in lettuce or flat bread, or on baked potatoes. Whatever works for you this week! Save the leftovers for Wednesday!
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Verde Tacos – This 3 ingredient chicken has tons of flavor and is perfect for taco Tuesday. You can serve it in lettuce wraps to keep it light and healthy, or as traditional tacos for a delicious family meal.
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Buffalo Chicken French Bread Pizzas – Use up Monday’s leftovers with this family favorite!  You can have it from the fridge to the table in about 20 minutes using leftovers!
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Cheesy Lasagna Skillet– This easy lasagna skips the noodles and gives you all the meaty cheese flavor made fast, in just one skillet! You can serve it up in bowls, or on top of pasta for the full lasagna flavor!
  • Side Dish:

Friday

Week 34 Meal Plan

Monday

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Tacos– This recipe has been one of my most popular with readers for years! Save the leftovers for Friday!
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Cheesy Lasagna Skillet – This is awesome because you can serve it so many different ways. WIth pasta, or without for low carb. With potatoes, over spinach or in a bowl with a side salad.
  • Side Dish:
    • Pasta

Friday

  • Main Dish: Loaded Chicken Nachos– Make these with your leftover chicken from Tuesday. This is one of our FAVORITE go-to easy meals! If you follow me on Instagram, you will see me making these frequently on my stories. We love them because they are packed with tons of wholesome veggies and whole foods. Yes there are chips and cheese, but there is no way I could get all of these great power foods into my kiddos in one meal otherwise!
  • Side Dish:

BONUS- Peanut Butter Bars! These are a dessert recipe you can make quickly and everyone just loves them!  Since they bake in one pan you don’t have the long drawn out process of getting cookies in and out of the oven every ten minutes, you just throw them in and cut them up when they are ready!

Week 33 Meal Plan

Monday

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Jalapeño Popper Chicken & Rice – Love this easy one dish casserole with all our favorite flavors!
  • Side Dish:
    • Black Beans
    • Corn Bread – this is my FAVORITE corn bread recipe! So easy and so delicious!

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Grilled Ranch Chicken– This tender, juicy chicken marinade makes perfectly grilled chicken! Save the leftovers to reuse on Friday!
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

Friday

BONUS- It seems like this is the time of year when we start heading out to neighborhood barbecues and get togethers with friends. These Cookies N Cream Parfaits are the perfect dessert to take! They are so easy to make and you can do a large one or use small disposable clear cups to make smaller ones. You don’t even have to turn on the oven!

Week 32 Meal Plan

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Ranch Chicken– This is one of our go-to meals, especially on busy days! It is quick, easy, healthy, and the kids AND adults love it equally! (Save the leftovers for Friday!)

Thursday

Friday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Bacon Ranch Subs– Make these with the leftovers from Wednesday night’s dinner.  And if you don’t have any leftovers, pick up a rotisserie chicken to use instead. This makes Friday night dinner EASY & DELICIOUS!
  • Side Dish:
    • Chips
    • Veggies and ranch

BONUS- If you are as much as a chocolate lover as me, you HAVE to try these double chocolate chip cookies!  They are SO thick, fudgy and delicious!

Week 31 Meal Plan

  • Monday: Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken– This super simple meal is perfect for Monday because you can get it on the table fast, the leftovers are super versatile, to make easy lunches and dinners throughout the rest of the week. For today, you can serve this on toasted buns with your choice of cheese (blue or cheddar are my favs) lettuce and tomato. If you want to keep it lighter, use a lettuce wrap or stuff it in an avocado. For the side, I like to keep the theme and do carrot and celery sticks with ranch or gorgonzola dressing. If you want a starch, add some smashed potatoes or potato chips.
  • Tuesday:Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps– Light and healthy, these are super delicious! You can offer the kids tortillas for theirs if they aren’t into lettuce, but we love it! You can serve these with a side of chips and salsa, or for a healthy option, do some pepper nachos, with mini peppers, split and sprinkled with cheese, then baked for 10 minutes. Drizzle salsa/sour cream/guacamole on top to finish it off.
  • Wednesday: Bruschetta Chicken– I love this Italian inspired dinner because it is fresh, simple, and can be made in just one dish! I love to pair it with some crusty bread (with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping) and a nice green salad.
  • Thursday: Buffalo Chicken Pizza- Take the leftover buffalo chicken and pick up a pizza crust at the store. Spread the crust with ranch dressing, sprinkle with mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Add dollops of the Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken from Monday. Top with thinly sliced onion and blue cheese  if desired. Bake as directed. When it is done garnish with sliced green onions, and an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce.

  • Friday: Garlic Steak Bites– These are a family favorite and the BEST way to start the weekend! Serve this super easy dinner with a Wedge Salad, and a baked potato.
  • BONUS: Cajun Chicken Dip– If you haven’t tried this dip, find an excuse to have some friends over asap so you can indulge in this delicious appetizer! It is filled with flavor and super filling so it is also perfect for a potluck or neighborhood barbecue!

Week 30 Meal Plan

  • Monday: Cheesy Lasagna Skillet– This meal is PRIMO for getting all of the flavors of lasagna put together quickly for a crazy weeknight! There are tons of serving options depending on how your family likes to eat. You can serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, for a traditional meal, or spaghetti squash, zoodles or roasted cauliflower for a super easy low carb option. Serve this with a side salad and piece of garlic bread and you are in heaven!

  • Tuesday: Fajita Chicken Skewers– If the weather is warming up you can make these yummy fajita skewers on the grill outside, or if not, just pop them in a grill pan or George Forman inside. Save the leftovers (or even make a couple of extras!) because these make one of my favorite leftover meals.  Serve these Fajita Skewers with cilantro lime rice and black beans and some mexican cornbread!

  • Wednesday: Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hashbrowns– Breakfast for dinner is perfect for getting through hump day and on to the end of the week. You can even prep this breakfast casserole the night before and and just pop it in the oven when dinner gets close. You can serve this simply with some fruit on the side, and then divide up the leftovers for easy breakfasts from the fridge or freezer for the rest of the week.

  • Thursday: Fajita Burrito Bowls– Take the leftovers from Tuesday for a make your own burrito bowl fun family dinner! You can make them super healthy with the cauliflower rice in the link, or just serve them with traditional rice, beans and all of the toppings. Serve with a side of chips and this super easy and SUPER delicious homemade salsa!

  • Friday: Loaded Potato Soup– This is the perfect meatless meal! You can make it in the Instant Pot (first link) or make Potato Soup in the crock pot. Both have great results! This meal is delicious and hearty, but if you need a little extra something you could add a side salad or some crusty bread.
  • BONUS- STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH POPPY SEED DRESSING– Long name, but this salad is just too good to not mention! It is perfect to prep for lunches, and if you add grilled meat it becomes even heartier! It is also a huge hit if you are going to a brunch, potluck, or BBQ over the weekend and need to bring a dish to share. I just love making this salad all through the spring and summer!

Week 29 Meal Plan

  • Tuesday: Chicken Ranch Tacos– Taco Tuesday never tasted so good as with this flavor combo!  Serve the tacos with black beans and rice for a super filling meal!

  • Wednesday: Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs– This easy crock pot meal is perfect for hump day! It is the perfect combo of sweet and savory.  I like to serve these over rice, and if you want a little something extra you can make some stir dried veggies.

  • Thursday: Cajun Chicken Stuffed Avocados- Take the leftovers from Monday (or even cook up another skillet!) and chop the chicken into very small pieces.  You can then mix it with the peppers and green onions from the dish and pile it right inside a ripe avocado half, hot or cold.  If you like it creamy, mix about 1 cup of chicken with 1 tbsp mayonnaise then stuff the avocado with it.

  • Friday: Burgers & Broccoli Cauliflower Salad– Depending on the weather you can grill burgers, or just do them in a pan on the stove.  Serve them with this delicious broccoli cauliflower salad. It is so tasty, healthy and gives you that crunch you crave with a burger! If you need another side, baked beans or cut up watermelon are always some of my go-to’s for burger night.
  • BONUS- Steakhouse Worthy Wedge Salad– This salad is so easy to make just like you would order at your favorite steakhouse!  The secret is the homemade gorgonzola dressing. It sounds fancy but is really easy as can be!

Week 28 Meal Plan

  • Monday: Classic Chicken Salad– Perfect for Monday because it stores well and can be used for lunches all week, make a batch of this chicken salad and serve it on top of salad green or as a sandwich for dinner. Pair it with this cucumber tomato salad and a potato or grain and you have a light but super filling dinner (that doubles as lunches prepped for the week!)

  • Tuesday: Taco Zucchini Boats– These are one of my favorite Mexican dinners. I love them because they have all the flavor of a taco but are packed with extra veggies and waistline friendly.  If your kiddos aren’t into the extra veggies you can still throw theirs in a taco shell (and chop up some zucchini in there with it if you are sneaky like me!)

  • Wednesday: Garlic Steak Skillet– This week’s new recipe, and perfect for mid-week because it is just so simple and quick to get on the table.  We love to serve these steakhouse style with mashed potatoes and a side salad.

  • Thursday: Baked Asian Chicken– This Baked Asian Chicken is a nice dish to change up the flavors for the week.  You can serve it with jasmine rice and steamed broccoli.

  • Friday: Garlic Steak Wraps- Use the leftover garlic steak to make wraps for an easy and delicious end of the week meal. Buy flat bread or large tortillas (I especially like lavash bread found in the deli section) then add steak, lettuce, tomato, other veggies such as, shredded carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, etc. Drizzle with your favorite dressing and wrap up.  You can serve this simply with chips or make a quinoa or pasta salad to go along with it.
  • BONUS- Pesto Spinach Breakfast Casserole – This is a recipe I made a long time ago, but still one of my favorites and I am making it again for breakfast this weekend!  It is light but still has tons of flavor. If you have leftovers it will reheat well both from the fridge or freezer.

Week 27 Meal Plan

I know the weather is still record lows in many places but we had a very warm weekend here!  I am feeling my soup and warm, cozy, winter food days waning, so this week I am loading up on all of those to make sure I get my fill before our days are filled with sunshine and warm weather again! We have an extra day off this week on Monday, so I am going to fill that day with a little extra meal prep to make the rest of the week even more smooth!

  • Monday: Loaded Baked Potato Soup – This is one of my most popular recipes, and not only is is super easy, but also extra delicious!  You can make this in your crock pot and then serve it with simple and classic toppings like sour cream, cheddar, bacon and chives. Or you can get a bit more adventurous and make it even heartier by topping it with buffalo chicken, chili, or broccoli florets.

  • Tuesday: Cheesy Taco Skillet – This one dish skillet is the perfect easy Taco Tuesday mash-up. I am already getting so many messages from readers telling me how much they enjoyed it.  One of their favorite things, and mine, is that it is the ultimate flex-meal. This means you can make it in minutes then serve it flexibly to meet everyone’s dietary needs and preferences.  So for example, I ate mine in a bowl while my kids had theirs in a tortilla and my husband ate his with chips.  It is one meal but could be eaten 3 different ways without any extra effort!  You can serve this with a side of black beans and rice.

  • Wednesday: Crock pot Creamy BBQ Chicken– Breaking out the crock pot again for this simple meal! I suggest using it for sandwiches (or lettuce wraps for a lighter option) tonight with a side of this classic cucumber tomato salad.  We will do another meal with the leftovers on Friday!

  • Thursday: Cowboy Chicken– This dish has all the deliciousness of Cowboy Caviar piled high atop tender chicken breast.  This one dish meal is perfect mid-week, and goes well with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, zoodles, or just a simple bed of rice.

  • Friday: BBQ Chicken Stuffed Baked Potatoes– This is the perfect easy meal to help use up leftovers from Wednesday. It is hearty and filling and also a lot of fun for the family to all get to pick their own toppings to make their BBQ stuffed potatoes their way! Serve this with a simple side salad with ranch or balsamic dressing.
  • BONUS- I have been thinking about these Peanut Butter Swirl Bars all week long!  If you haven’t tried them yet, they are SO EASY to make and just take everyday pantry kind of ingredients.  If you have a few extra minutes this week, these are well worth your time!

Week 26 Meal Plan

I don’t know how the year is going for you guys, but for us, sports just started back up, and with three kids, we are busy and time is flying! I always try to make my recipes easy, but with crazy evening schedules, I have placed a renewed effort on creating meals that can be prepped ahead, and can be ready when we run in the door after or between things for the kids. This week reflects that with several “too easy to taste this good” kinda dinners!

  • Monday: Crockpot Honey BBQ Meatballs– This recipe is great because it is kid friendly, takes all of two minutes to prep, and can be started whenever you have the time and cook until you are ready! It makes enough to feed a hungry family and the leftovers make some killer extra meals! My favorite way to serve these is with garlic cheesy bread and broccoli or whatever vegetable I have on hand. You can also serve with or on a starch like rice or mashed potatoes.

  • Wednesday:BBQ Meatball Pizza- Take those leftovers from Monday, and give them a new life.  Buy a store bought pizza crust (I love the pizza dough balls in particular!) Spread a layer of BBQ sauce on the crust, then chop the meatballs and sprinkle them over sauce.  Top with cheese and finely sliced red onions (optional) and bake as directed on pizza crust. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve!

  • Thursday: VALENTINES DAY! Garlic Chicken Skillet– Guys, it does not get any easier or more flavorful than this!  There are just a couple of ingredients and maybe 5 minutes of prep to get this meal going, then, it cooks in like 6 minutes.  This is a go to for us on even the busiest of weeknights! However, I picked this especially for Valentine’s because even though it is super easy, it gives off that fancy feel! Serve this garlic chicken with sautéed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a side salad and wild rice.

  • Friday: Power bowl bar- Today we are getting all the leftovers out of the fridge and having fun too!  Make your favorite grain. I like to do quinoa, jasmine rice, brown rice, or even something with a little flavor like cilantro lime rice. Then you can get out all of the leftover meats from the week (garlic chicken, green chile chicken, any extra bbq meatballs etc) heat them up.  Add toppings options such as beans, corn, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, bell pepper, cucumber, avocado, etc. and let everyone go to town and customize their own bowls. You can top them with oil and vinegar, or any dressings you might have in the fridge.  I always recommend my creamy Italian dressing and balsamic vinaigrette.
  • BONUS- With Valentine’s day next week, if you have sweets on the mind, here are some of my favorite sweet baked treats: Peanut Butter Swirl Bars, Cookies & Cream Parfait, Double Chocolate Chip Cookies, Sugar Cookies with Frosting, and Chocolate No Bake Cookies.

Week 25 Meal Plan

Can you even believe it is February?! 2019 is proving to be our most busy year yet, so I definitely feel your pain on getting dinner on the table each and every night. This week was a cold one, even here in Florida, so I added soup for one night, and made sure to include a some newer recipes you may not have tried yet, as well as a couple of oldies but goodies!

  • Monday: Skillet Ranch Chicken– This is probably my #1 go to recipe when I need a quick and easy meal. This recipe can literally go from the fridge to the table in as little as 15 minutes if you are on it! Plus, it has that chicken nugget vibe going on so the kids love it, but it is not breaded, or fried, so it is super healthy and packed with flavor for the adult eaters! I like to serve this dish with a variety of things depending on how much time I have. It pairs well with everything from a simple salad (try the new balsamic dressing I just posted! SO GOOD!) to mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies! Save the leftovers for Thursday!

  • Tuesday: Chicken Fajita Soup– I LOVE this soup! It is another super healthy recipe packed with lean protein and veggies, but doesn’t taste “healthy” since the soup is extra velvety and it is so packed with flavor!  My favorite way to serve this is with a spoonful of sour cream stirred in. We also like to have tortilla chips with it, although it would also be good with tortillas (flour or corn) to dip!

  • Wednesday: Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops from Lil Luna- This is a simple crowd pleaser from my friend Kristyn! These would pair well with smashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or broccoli salad!

  • Thursday: BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad- Use the leftovers from Monday to make this salad, so good that even kids devour it! Chop romaine or iceberg lettuce, then add corn, black beans, tomatoes (or pico de gallo), chopped cilantro, and lots of the ranch chicken from Monday. Drizzle the salad with ranch dressing and BBQ sauce and toss until everything is well mixed and coated with dressing. Crunch tortilla chips for the top. This hearty salad is a meal in itself. You shouldn’t need any extra sides! Enjoy!

  • Friday: Loaded Greek Wraps– You can make these with chicken or falafel for a meatless option. Trader Joes sells falafel mix as well as frozen pre-made falafel. You can also look for it in your local grocer but it can be hit or miss depending on the store. We love to do these as a “make your own” bar and let the kids get involved in the meal.  It is also great for company since these are customizable to the max, and the assembling makes kind of a fun activity!  We like to serve these with pita chips and hummus or air fryer french fries with salt, pepper and crumbled feta.
  • BONUS- Cajun Chicken Dip– Okay people, if you are watching football this weekend. This dip is where it is AT! It is so good and so easy to whip up.  The challenge here my friends, is just not eating the whole dish all by yourself!  No tips on that because I haven’t yet masted that myself. You can use tortilla chips, pita chips, veggies, baguettes, pita bread, or plantains to dip, so there are lots of options!

Week 24 Meal Plan

Who can believe it is already the end of January?!  I don’t know where the month went, but I have a feeling that this year is going to be just as busy as the last one for us, so these simple meals are a must to get dinner on the table. I am doubling down with meal prep, leftover recipes, and simple flavors that make life easy! This week’s meal plan is packed with all of them!

  • Monday: Crock Pot BBQ Chicken – This isn’t your average crock pot BBQ Chicken. It is rich, tangy, creamy and DELICIOUS! Plus making a big slow cooker full of this BBQ Chicken is perfect for using throughout the week. For Monday, keep life simple and serve these as sandwiches with smashed potatoes and a this killer (but so easy) Broccoli Salad with Bacon. You can pack the Broccoli Salad up for lunches throughout the week if you have leftovers!

  • Tuesday: Baked Chicken Fajitas– This classic is light, healthy, packed with flavor and perfect for a busy Taco Tuesday dinner! You can serve this with tortillas and traditional fajita toppings, or if you want to go lighter, I recommend doing a burrito bowl style dinner with cauliflower rice, pico de gallo, guacamole, lettuce, and of course the chicken fajitas!

  • Wednesday: Philly Cheesesteak Soup from The Cookie Rookie- Becky has the best soup recipes, and this one seems perfect for a mid-week winter day! You can serve it in a bread bowl as she recommends, or just do it in a regular bowl with a side salad to keep it lighter.

  • Thursday: BBQ Chicken Enchiladas– This is one of my favorite dinners!  It is an unusual combo, but so incredibly delicious! You can finish off the  leftovers from Monday to make it up and have your fridge cleared out for grocery shopping this weekend. WIN!

  • Friday: Chicken & Chorizo Sheet Pan Dinner– This is a quick, easy and healthy recipe I featured on Instagram today.  It is perfect for Friday because it is quick to put together and can be scaled easily to feed a crowd if one shows up! You can serve this with garlic bread and a side salad with this easy homemade balsamic dressing for an amazingly filling meal.
  • BONUS-  With many of us concentrating on our healthy in the new year and with spring right around the corner, my favorite tip for eating healthy is making homemade salad dressing!  If you have never tried it, it is SO EASY.  The best part though is that homemade dressings are so incredibly delicious and make eating salad something you look forward to doing!  I like to keep 2-3 flavors in the fridge at any time so it encourages me to eat salad for lunch and it makes it super quick and easy to serve salad as a side with dinner.  Even my kids will gobble down salad with the right dressing! Here are a couple of my favorite recipes for you to try out:

Week 23 Meal Plan

With the cold snap coming through this week, I am really in the mood for warm and comforting food!  This week’s plan has one of my all time favorite soups along with a classic crock pot meal and a recipe we had last week, but my husband requested AGAIN this week!  Of course I have a couple of recipes that can be repurposed to make life easy on your most hectic nights too!

  • Monday: Slow Cooker Thai Chicken – I like to serve this over rice (or cauliflower rice for a lighter option) and drizzle teriyaki glaze and this spicy asian mayo over the top. If you really want to dress it up, you can top it with some finely chopped cabbage and crushed peanuts too!

  • Tuesday: Loaded Cauliflower Soup– One of my goals for the year is to incorporate more meatless meals. This is one of my favorite soups because even though it is meatless, it is so good, and so filling, that you don’t feel that you are missing anything! And if you have some in your family that don’t believe in meatless, you can add just about as much bacon on top as will make them happy 🙂 You can also find this Cauliflower Soup in a crock pot recipe here!

  • Wednesday: Honey Mustard Chicken– This is the dinner we had last week and it was so good, we are having it again this week!  I shared it with you in my email, but if you missed it, here is the recap: THIS IS THE BEST CHICKEN EVER! Ok?  Really though, even my kids were picking the bits out of the bottom of the pan because they enjoyed it so much.  I plan to serve this with Mashed Potatoes and Sautéed Green Beans.

  • Thursday: Italian Meatballs (with spaghetti or spaghetti squash!) – This recipe from my friend Lisa, is the perfect way to round out the week.  I would pair this with a salad with my Homemade Italian Dressing (Have I mentioned how addicted to this stuff I am?!)

  • Friday: Honey Mustard Chicken Wraps- Take that leftover chicken from Wednesday and chop it up! Grab an oversized tortilla or some Lavash bread and layer on a drizzle of honey mustard, slices of the leftover chicken with toppings, chopped lettuce, and cherry tomatoes cut in half. Roll the wrap up and wrap in foil. If you want a heartier meal, add rice or quinoa to the wrap.
  • BONUS- Add this Broccoli Salad with Bacon to your list of things to make this week. Pair it with a meal as a side, or make it lunch, or add protein like grilled chicken or steak bites and make it the main course.  This is SO EASY to make from scratch, has only a few ingredients, keeps well in the fridge all week long, and is REALLY REALLY delicious!!

Week 22 Meal Plan

  • Monday: Crock Pot Chicken Wild Rice Soup – I keep having friends message me that they made this and is a new favorite!  It has so much flavor and is so easy. Plus when you make soup at the beginning of the week you can use the leftovers for lunches throughout the week. If you need an Instant Pot recipe check this Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup recipe!
  • Tuesday: Creamy Cajun Chicken– This was so good we made it twice in one week!  It is a great one dish meal for a busy night.  Make it today and save the leftovers for another dinner later this week.
  • Wednesday: Italian Stuffed Peppers– This easy recipe can be made earlier in the day or week then cooked when you are ready to serve if you need to save time. So make it Wednesday or move this dish to your busiest night of the week!
  • Thursday: Cajun Chicken Quesadillas- Chop or shred your leftovers from the Cajun Chicken and then add it in a tortilla with bell pepper, onion, and some cheddar cheese. You can also add additional veggies as you like! Grill each side with a little butter until golden, then slice and serve with sour cream.
  • Friday: Keep it simple with Burgers paired with my ranch smashed potatoes!  These potatoes are so good I have trouble eating them any other way now!
  • BONUS- Make a batch of this Creamy Homemade Italian Dressing and keep it in the fridge to use for salads all week.  You could serve a side salad with this dressing with any or all of the meals this week.  My kids obsess over dipping carrots in this as a dip for a snack too!

Week 21 Meal Plan

Okay friends.  We are officially in the thick of it!  All of the holiday goodness…. and craziness.  It can be stressful, but I have to tell you, I just love it!  But since it isn’t super acceptable to cookies for breakfast, lunch AND dinner, I came up with a few other options for you this week.

  • Monday: Baked Chicken Marsala– This is a restaurant favorite of ours, and this recipe makes it so easy baking all of the delicious flavors together in one dish. I like to serve it with these Instant Pot mashed potatoes, and easy sauteed green beans.
  • Tuesday: Meatball Soup– This meatball soup from my friend Holly is a great meal to cook a batch and then save leftovers for lunches throughout the week to save time! Serve it with some crusty garlic bread.
  • Wednesday: Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole– This is the perfect comfort food for these cold and dreary winter days!  Plus it is going to make an awesome dinner on Friday with the leftovers!  I like to serve this with rice or cauliflower rice.
  • Thursday: Ranch Chicken Bites– This is one of my go to meals we usually end up eating several times a month because everyone loves it so much. You can serve it as is with a side of steamed broccoli, or put these in tortillas with your favorite toppings and eat as a wrap.
  • Friday: Chicken Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes – Use up your leftovers from Wednesday for an easy and fun Friday meal. This all in one doesn’t even need a side, but if you want something extra, add a salad with this homemade ranch dressing.
  • BONUS- New this week are two of my most favorite cookie recipes!  Add them to your weekend fun! You can find the Chocolate No Bake Cookies here and the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe here!

Week 20 Meal Plan

With so much scrumptious holiday food in the mix over the last week and in the near future, we are keeping it light and simple this week by using recipes with simple, delicious ingredients and repurposing the leftovers into some new meals later in the week! Enjoy friends!

Week 19 Meal Plan

With so much scrumptious holiday food in the mix over the last week and in the near future, we are keeping it light and simple this week by using recipes with simple, delicious ingredients and repurposing the leftovers into some new meals later in the week! Enjoy friends!

  • Monday: Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken– Serve simply over rice, or cauliflower rice to keep it low carb. You can drizzle with extra ranch dressing and top with green onions or bacon crumbles for an extra treat! Pair it with a side salad (try this homemade Italian Dressing or some extra Homemade Ranch) or some 10 minute sautéed green beans for a well rounded meal!
  • Tuesday: Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs– These are great served with mashed potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli slaw.
  • Wednesday: Ranch Chicken Tacos– Use up your leftover chicken from Monday with this easy family friendly recipe!
  • Thursday: Pesto Spinach Artichoke Chicken– This dinner is light and delicious! You can serve it with pasta, zoodles, or some easy garlic sautéed spinach.
  • Friday: Baked BBQ Meatball Hoagies- Grab the meatballs from Tuesday and stuff them into hoagie rolls.  Place them all on a baking sheet or large casserole dish and cover with provolone cheese.  Bake at 375˚F until heated through and cheese is melted. Break out the salad dressing you made on Monday, and pair it with a salad!
  • BONUS- When you are making Christmas cookies you MUST try these super Soft Sugar Cookies with my favorite Sugar Cookie Frosting!  These are probably fighting for the #1 loved cookie in my heart!

Week 18 Meal Plan

We are super busy this coming week with all sorts of Thanksgiving activities for the kids.  With that in mind, this next weeks meal plan gives you lots of meals that can pull double duty for easy dinner, lunches and breakfasts throughout the week!

  • Monday: This Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a creamy, dreamy, one dish wonder!  Make a little extra so you can reuse this for another meal later this week! Serve this with sauteed green beans and a side salad with homemade Italian dressing!
  • Tuesday: These Taco Zucchini Boats are so good that your kids won’t even complain about eating their veggies!
  • Wednesday: Garlic Chicken Stuffed Baked Potatoes- You know you are going to be getting ready for Turkey day tomorrow, so make tonight easy by using the leftovers of the garlic parmesan chicken! Cut open fresh hot baked potatoes and stuff a generous amount of leftover chopped Garlic Parmesan Chicken inside with some steamed broccoli. Top with Mozzarella cheese and broil until the cheese is melted.  Top with a. dollop of sour cream and some fresh chives and bacon and enjoy!
  • Thursday: THANKSGIVING! Make sure and try out my always tender, moist & delicious Fail Proof Roasted Turkey, (or this Turkey Breast for a small crowd), and my Thanksgiving sides favorite sides Jiffy Corn Casserole, Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes (or Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes) and 3 ingredient Cranberry Sauce! I also love to make these cranberry muffins early in the day and munch on them all day long!
  • Friday: Thankgiving Paninis!  I look forward to these all year!  Slather leftover cranberry sauce on one side of each piece of bread. Pile on sliced turkey, stuffing, and add cheese if desired (my favorite is Brie!) Butter the outsides of the sandwich and use a panini press, or just grill each side in a skillet until golden brown.
  • Saturday– If you still have turkey (happens to me all the time!) shred it up today and use it to make one of these popular chicken salads (turkey is a perfect sub for chicken) Loaded Chicken Salad, Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad, Ranch Chicken Salad. You can now use this for easy lunches the next few day and get that turkey all eaten up!
  • BONUS- If you are doing a special holiday breakfast, try these super popular breakfast casseroles- Sausage Breakfast Casserole – Hash brown Breakfast Casserole – Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole!

 

Week 17 Meal Plan

We are super busy this coming week with all sorts of Thanksgiving activities for the kids.  With that in mind, this next weeks meal plan gives you lots of meals that can pull double duty for easy dinner, lunches and breakfasts throughout the week!

  • Monday: Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes– Switch up the normal routine and try this easy and flavorful recipe to start off the week. Bonus: Leftovers reheat well for lunches throughout the week! Add a side salad for a full meal!
  • Tuesday: Chile Relleno Casserole– This easy casserole takes the flavors of a Mexican favorite and makes it super practical for a weeknight! {Pin it here since you will use it 2x this week!} Save the leftovers for an easy (and delicious) dinner on Friday! Serve it with rice (or cauli rice) and beans.
  • Wednesday: Chicken Wild Rice Soup- Crock Pot Chicken Wild Rice Soup here -OR- Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup here! (Same soup, different cooking devices!) Don’t forget to add some garlic bread. That makes my kids super excited for soup meals!
  • Thursday: Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole – Breakfast for dinner!  One of my family’s favorite nights.  Make this and then heat up leftovers in the morning for an easy breakfast! (You can also freeze them in individual servings to use next week!)
  • Friday: Chile Relleno Stuffed Quesadillas- Use the leftovers from Tuesday.  Follow the recipe at the bottom of the Chile Relleno Casserole post for these delicious quesadillas.  They are a super quick and family friendly meal.
  • BONUS- This Broccoli Slaw makes a perfect side dish, light lunch, or healthy dinner when topped with some grilled chicken or steak.  It is a great thing to whip up at the beginning of the week because the broccoli is hearty enough to hold up well even after dressed so it even gets a little better as it sits in the fridge.

Week 16 Meal Plan

We are slowly getting back to routine after sick kids have been rocking our world since school started!  This week’s meal plan you won’t want to miss!  It has you covered whether you are under the weather or feeling good as can be!  And it includes one of my newest recipes made to batch cook and use the meal again later in the week!

  • Monday: Chicken Noodle Soup– Whether you are sick or not, make up a big pot of this because people often tell me how crazy delicious it is and that they just can’t stop eating it!  If you want to keep eating it all week, you can cook the noodles separately then add them in just before serving so they don’t get soggy in the fridge!
  • Tuesday: The BEST Taco meat!  Use it on shells or as lettuce wraps for a low carb option.  You might want to double the recipe so you will have plenty to use in the recipe on Friday!
  • Wednesday: Mushroom Salisbury Steak– Comfort food at it’s best and since it can be made in 30 minutes it is easy enough to make for a weeknight!  My good friend Holly hit it out of the part with this one.
  • Thursday: Mexican Stuffed peppers– Makeover the leftover taco meat with my newest recipe. It is SO easy and SO delicious!
  • Friday: Pizza Night!  Make this BBQ Chicken Pizza with a crust you buy at the store or a homemade version. This is one of my kids ALL TIME FAVORITES!
  • BONUS- If you need to take a treat with you, make these Cornflake Cookies. They sound weird, but trust me, they are HEAVEN!

Week 15 Meal Plan

I am getting Summer fever bad!  The sad thing is that I am still wearing a sweatshirt here in Rhode Island with the highs in the 50’s this weekend! This time of year I feel like we all get antsy having so many end of the year activities and functions to attend.  Our meals need to be quick and easy and if I can reuse the leftovers for a second meal, it is a HUGE win!  So that is just what we will be doing this week!

  • Monday: Honey Balsamic Chicken– You don’t want to miss this recipe! It is packed with flavor and so super easy to make.  It will definitely give you a dinner hero status!  Serve it with some smashed potatoes and some veggies and you have a perfect meal!
  • Tuesday: Slow Cooker Green Chile Chicken– Let the Crock Pot do the work and whip up a batch of this Green Chile Chicken with just a few ingredients.  Serve it tonight burrito bowl style on a bed of rice and beans with toppings each can choose (lettuce, corn, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa etc.) Save the leftovers for Thursday!
  • Wednesday: Italian Turkey Meatballs– These are SO SO good!  I love making a big batch and keeping them on had to eat in so many ways throughout the week.  You can serve them tonight with pasta (spaghetti and meatball style) or spaghetti squash or zoodles for a lower carb option.
  • Thursday: Green Chile Chicken Tacos– Pop out Tueday’s leftovers and create a new trend with taco Thursday!
  • Friday: Meatball subs!  Grab those leftover meatballs and load them into sub rolls with some marinara sauce and cover them with mozzarella cheese.  Bake them on a cookie sheet at 425˚F for about 5-10 minutes or until they are heated through and the cheese is melty.
  • BONUS- The strawberries have been on sale at just about every store around here and we are in heaven!  Grab a bunch and make these Strawberry Poppy Seed Muffins.  They are some of my favorites AND they also can freeze and be reheated for quick and delicious breakfasts

Enjoy your week!  I will be back with more easy recipes next week!

Week 14 Meal Plan

Another week and with the weather getting warmer the last thing I want to do is spend a lot of time in the kitchen. This week’s recipes reflect that and are all quick and easy without sacrificing taste.

  • Monday: Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole– Bacon + Ranch is the magic combo!  Enjoy it today and then make over the leftovers and enjoy it in a whole new way later in the week!
  • Tuesday: Slow Cooker Carne Asada from The Stay at Home Chef- It almost seems wrong to get something so delicious with so little effort! You can eat the meat as is or use it to make tacos or burritos.
  • Wednesday: Artichoke Chicken Bake– A little creamy and a little tangy and 100% delicious!  This one disguises the artichokes well enough that even the kids will eat them!
  • Thursday: Paninis with leftovers from Artichoke Chicken and Bacon Ranch Chicken- Slice up the leftovers and let each person choose their filling.  Pack the filling between 2 slices of bread. Heat a well buttered griddle and grill each side of the sandwich to a golden brown.
  • Friday:Turkey & Sun dried Tomato Wraps– These are great because you can make them up and take them on the run if you have sports or if the weather is nice pack them up with some fruit and a bag of chips and head out for a family picnic!
  • BONUS- We made these Chocolate Chip Cookies this week and I forgot just how much we LOVE them.  This is my version of the World’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookie!  Give ’em a try!

Enjoy the warmer weather and make sure to spend as little time in the kitchen as you can this week!

Week 13 Meal Plan

I am super excited about so many of the new recipes I have been creating lately.  So many of you have told me that you love when I give you ways to reuse or “makeover” the leftovers from one meal later in the week, so I have been incorporating many more of those types of meals into what I am sharing.  This week has one of my recent favorites and is just PACKED with delicious and EASY dinner ideas!

  • Monday: Creamy Greek Chicken– Serve it pita-style with tzatziki and chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. For #lowcarb use lettuce wraps
  • Tuesday:Taco Salads- Make up a big batch of taco meat and put out all the toppings and let everyone make their own salad.
  • Wednesday:Hummus Bowls- Spread hummus in the bottom of a bowl. Top with with leftover Greek Chicken from Monday, feta, grape tomatoes, olives, and greek yogurt, or your choice of toppings.
  • Thursday:Ranch Chicken Bites– These are like healthy chicken nuggets and they are TO DIE FOR!
  • Friday: Use the leftover taco meat from Tuesday to make Pepper Nachos!  Cut bell peppers in quarters and deseed.  Lay the peppers on a cookie sheet and pile with taco meat, cheese, black beans, corn, and all of your favorite nacho toppings.  Bake at 400˚F for 14-18 min or until the cheese melts and everything is heated through.  Top with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.
  • BONUS- If you love breakfast you might just go bonkers for this new LOADED Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole recipe! You can also use it for meal prep and put it in the fridge or freezer to have quick and delicious breakfasts all week!

Enjoy the week and enjoy the food! Until next week friends!

Week 12 Meal Plan

I am super excited about so many of the new recipes I have been creating lately.  So many of you have told me that you love when I give you ways to reuse or “makeover” the leftovers from one meal later in the week, so I have been incorporating many more of those types of meals into what I am sharing.  This week has one of my recent favorites and is just PACKED with delicious and EASY dinner ideas!

  • Monday: Creamy Crock Pot BBQ Chicken– Make these as sandwiches and pair it with a side salad and corn on the cob for a super easy and kid friendly classic dinner to kick off the week.  You can make it low carb by serving them as lettuce wraps instead.
  • Tuesday: Skillet Lasagna from Lil Luna– Just as delicious as lasagna, but so much easier!  I can’t wait to make this!
  • Wednesday: BBQ Chicken Enchiladas– Pull out those leftovers from Monday because these enchiladas are what dreams are made of! So quick and easy since you use leftovers, but totally packed with flavor and you wouldn’t even know this was made from leftovers!
  • Thursday: Tomato Basil Soup– This is one of my favorites and since I made it on a whim last week, I knew I needed to add it to the meal plan.  It is the perfect light spring dinner! You can also get a crock pot Tomato Basil Soup here and an Instant Pot Tomato Basil soup here.
  • Friday: Shredded Chicken Sliders– I love this recipe because 1. It’s delicious, and 2. You can use up any leftover chicken you have in your fridge before the weekend, or if you don’t have any you just grab a rotisserie chicken to make this dinner in minutes!
  • BONUS- Throw these apple muffins on the menu for breakfast this week.  They get RAVE reviews from everyone who tries them!

Happy Cooking (and more importantly, Happy Eating!)

Week 11 Meal Plan

This week is a good one!  One of my all time favorite recipes (Chicken Fajitas!) and my BFF’s favorite recipe too!  Plus, I have you covered with a leftovers recipe and a clean out the fridge kind of recipe!

  • Monday: Chicken Picatta Casserole– Alllll the delicious flavors of the restaurant but 1000x easier to make!  I have already had many readers message me that they made and LOVED this recipe, hopefully your family will too!
  • Tuesday: Ground Turkey Tacos– Use my favorite quick and easy homemade taco meat for Taco tuesday and then we will eat up the leftovers in another fun way later in the week!
  • Wednesday: Breakfast for dinner!  This is my go to pancake recipe. They are thick, tender, fluffy and breakfast perfection! We like to serve it with eggs and fruit for my kids favorite dinner of the week!
  • Thursday: Chicken Zucchini Casserole– This recipe has been super popular on the blog lately with the winter weather lifting I think we are all craving the fresh veggies this is packed with!  The perfect all in one dish meal! Serve it with Ranch smashed potatoes for a clean your plate worthy meal!
  • Friday:Taco pizza! This is a fun dinner that will surprise the family with a departure from the same ol’ pizza night!  Grab a pizza crust and spread a thin layer of salsa on it.  Cover with cheddar cheese, then sprinkle the remaining taco meat over the top.  Bake it at 425˚F for 10-14 minutes or until the crust is cooked through then take it out and top it with chopped lettuce, tomatoes and a drizzle of sour cream.
  • BONUS- If there was ever a time to make cookies, it is NOW. The reason? Caramel Stuffed Snickerdoodles.  Pretty much the stuff dreams are made of!

Happy Cooking (and more importantly, Happy Eating!)

Week 10 Meal Plan

This week is a good one!  One of my all time favorite recipes (Chicken Fajitas!) and my BFF’s favorite recipe too!  Plus, I have you covered with a leftovers recipe and a clean out the fridge kind of recipe!

  • Monday: Chicken + Chorizo Sheet Pan Dinner– This is the NEWEST recipe on my site and my BFF Dawn’s go to easy meal. It doesn’t disappoint! —> ?
  • Tuesday: Chicken Fajita Bake– Serve it up this night as fajitas with all your favorite toppings and save the leftovers for later in the week! Serve this with the Mexican Street Corn casserole for a real treat!
  • Wednesday: Instant Pot Sloppy Joes from @ezpzmealz– This isn’t your cafeteria lady’s sloppy joe!!  Serve it with veggies and ranch and my MOST FAVORITE smashed potatoes!
  • Thursday: Chicken Fajita Quesadillas– Chop the leftovers from Tuesday and layer it between tortillas with a little cheddar cheese (you can throw in some extra veggies if you want too!) then heat a pan over medium until hot, then grill each side with butter until golden.  If you don’t have leftovers you can always grab a rotisserie chicken at the store or whip up some shredded chicken.
  • Friday: Loaded Baked Potato Bar– One of my favorites for clearing out the fridge. Bake up some potatoes, then chop of leftover veggies and meats from earlier in the week, and let every one top their own however they like!  Add cheese and sour cream for a delicious dinner.
  • BONUS– Try these super easy scones for breakfast this weekend.  Every time I make them I think they are better than I even remember! These are chocolate chip, but you can use fruit, nuts, or any toppings you may like in them instead.

Happy Cooking (and more importantly, Happy Eating!)

Week 9 Meal Plan

Sorry for the delay this week guys, with the holiday craziness, I just wasn’t as prepared as I thought I was and just didn’t get it done until now.  But hey we are all human right? Hopefully you can still grab a few ideas to incorporate into the week, plus there are 2 ways to use up your leftover hard boiled easter eggs this week!

  • Monday: Pesto Chicken Casserole– This is my newest recipe and a CRAZY delicious one dish meal! —> ?Pin it here
  • Tuesday: Crock pot Caesar Chicken– I love how easy this is both to whip together and to make into several other dinners.  You can make it day of or prep and freeze to throw in the crock pot when you are ready. For tonight, make this as wraps in tortillas or as lettuce wraps.  Use the shredded chicken and top with your choice of diced tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of creamy caesar dressing.
  • Wednesday: Egg Salad– This is a SUPER old recipe on my site (read very bad pics) but still every bit as delicious and the perfect way to use up leftover easter eggs! Serve as on toasted bread as sandwiches with chips or smashed potatoes, and veggies with ranch dip.  You can add lettuce, tomato and bacon to the sandwiches as desired.
  • Thursday: Smokey Bacon Chili from Two Peas and Their Pod– Easy for dinner and perfect for reheating for lunches throughout the week!
  • Friday: Loaded Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad- So good, even kids will eat it! Use leftovers from Tuesday’s #slowcooker caesar chicken and pile it in a large bowl with chopped romaine, tomatoes, cooked bow tie pasta, parmesan, chopped hard boiled egg (the last of those Easter eggs, hopefully!) and crumbled bacon.  Add creamy caesar dressing and toss it all together.
  • BONUS–  These Peanut Butter Cookies just might change your life.  Give them a try and let me know what you think!

Week 8 Meal Plan

  • Monday: Bruschetta Chicken– This is the perfect quick and easy meal for Monday.  It is packed full of wholesome goodness and has tons of flavor with only a few ingredients and one dish.  You can serve it with pasta, these garlic mashed potatoes or sautéed green beans.  Leftovers will reheat well for lunches throughout the week.
  • Tuesday: Taco Tuesday!  You won’t believe how EASY this homemade taco meat is, and man is it delicious!  You can serve the tacos traditionally in a crunchy shell or put it on soft flour or corn tortillas, or set up a taco bar and let everyone choose their own.  Save up your meat (or make some extra!) because we are using the leftovers on Thursday!
  • Wednesday: You aren’t going to want to miss this Fool proof Beef Tenderloin from Lydi Out Loud.  It makes “fancy food”  super easy to make!  I would serve this with a side salad and some garlic smashed potatoes.
  • Thursday: Mexican Stuffed peppers- Take the leftover taco meat and mix it with back beans and corn. Stuff the mixture into bell peppers (cut off the tops and trim out the ribs and seeds) and top with cheese. Arrange the peppers in a casserole dish and pour 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth in the bottom of the dish, cover with foil and bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until the peppers are tender and everything is heated through.
  • Friday: Loaded Potato Soup– This is an easy crock pot recipe to keep things simple on Friday. You can get fun and make this a really hearty meal by loading up on topping options for everyone to pick from!  There are tons of ideas in the post.
     
  • Bonus!!!  I am OBSESSED with this layered Greek Dip!  It is such a delicious dish to bring to a party or have for munching over the weekend.

Week 7 Meal Plan

  • Monday: Bacon Ranch Chicken Casserole– Supremely creamy and packed with flavor.  This one is a crowd pleaser!  You can double it if your family really loves it and keep leftovers on hand for lunches throughout the week.  Make sure and serve this with a side of my garlic smashed potatoes.   Pin Garlic Smashed Potatoes here.
  • Tuesday:Green Enchilada Pork Chili– This is a fun twist on traditional chili from Lil Luna!
  • Wednesday:Creamy BBQ Chicken- This is one of my favorite new recipes and I recently had a friend tell me she made it two weeks in a row her boys loved it so much. Serve it as sandwiches with my favorite broccoli slaw for a classic (and totally easy) dinner!
  • Thursday: Chili Pie- Whip up a batch of cornbread (I make it in a pie pan,) then once it is done, use a wooden spoon to poke holes in it. Spoon your leftover chili from Tuesday over the top letting it soak into the holes in the cornbread and sit on top of the cornbread.  Cover the top with a generous sprinkle of cheese and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until it is all heated through and the cheese is melted.  Take it out and slice it up.  Garnish each slice with a dollop of sour cream, a spoonful of pico de gallo and some fresh cilantro.
  • Friday: BBQ Chicken Salad- Load up a bed of mixed greens with a heap of this creamy BBQ chicken and then top with your choice of veggies:  chopped tomatoes, celery, corn, black beans, bell pepper, diced egg, and any other veggies or toppings you love!  Drizzle with ranch dressing and a little extra BBQ sauce and add some corn chips for a little crunch if you want.
     
  • Bonus!!! If you have never tried them, give these cornflake cookies a go!  They have such amazing flavor and texture they are a fast favorite around here!

Week 6 Meal Plan

  • Monday: Creamy Garlic Chicken– Not only did my son ask for 3 servings of this, but I hid the leftovers so I would be the one to get to eat them!  Make sure not to eat those leftovers too soon because we will use them later in the week. Bonus- This is a super low carb recipe. Serve this with a side salad or roasted asparagus.☛☛☛Pin Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe here!
  • Tuesday: Chicken Noodle Soup– This version makes it easy by using rotisserie chicken and might be the best you have ever had! Feeds a crowd, or gives you enough leftovers to pack for yummy lunches this week.  Use a thermos to pack it in the morning and keep it warm until lunch for you or the kids.☛☛☛Pin Chicken Noodle Soup recipe for later here!
  • Wednesday: Garlic Chicken Shells- Use the leftovers from Monday!  Chop up the chicken then mix, then steam some broccoli and chop it up too.  Mix the garlic chicken with the broccoli and stuff it inside larger pasta shells.  Top with red or white pasta sauce, a handful of extra mozzarella cheese and bake at 350 for about 20 minutes or until everything is heated through and the edges are bubbly.
  • Thursday: Honey Herb Pork Tenderloin from @thecookierookie- She says this is a restaurant quality meal you won’t believe you made at home because it is so easy! You can serve this with mashed potatoes and easy garlic green beans.☛☛☛Pin Honey Herb Pork Tenderloin Here. Pin Creamy Mashed Potatoes here. Pin Garlic Green Beans here.
  • Friday: Burgers!  I like to keep them in the freezer for busy nights.  If it is nice outside you can throw them on the grill, and if not, just cook them up on the skillet.  For a real treat, top them with my to-die-for Pimento cheese! Serve them on buns, or break up the patty and serve it as a salad or lettuce wrap for a low carb option. Serve them with my garlic smashed potatoes or ranch smashed potatoes for the best dinner!☛☛☛Pin Pimento Cheese here. Pin Ranch Smashed Potatoes here. Pin Garlic Smashed Potatoes here.
  • Bonus!!! Sun Dried Tomato Wraps If you need a super lunch idea or a really awesome looking appetizer that took you almost no time, these Sun Dried Tomato Wraps are killer!  They look so fancy and taste so good, but are so easy to make!☛☛☛Pin Sun Dried Tomato Wraps here.

I added options for pins this week as something new.  Does that help you?  Do you use Pinterest to organize your recipes?  Let me know what you think of this week’s meal plan and what you would love to see in upcoming weeks.

Week 5 Meal Plan

  • Monday: Crock Pot Loaded Potato Soup– Serve with tons of topping options for a fun family night!  I like to add some veggie and meat topping options like chopped broccoli, bacon, ham, cauliflower, etc. to make this a very hearty meal that doesn’t need additional side.  If you keep the soup in the crock pot and put lots of topping options out it can make a really fun family night!  If you are low carb, you can make this Crock Pot Loaded Cauliflower Soup instead!
  • Tuesday: Slow Cooker Taco Chicken– Serve as burrito bowls and save the leftovers for Friday’s meal. Topping options include: rice, lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, corn, pico de gallo, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and whatever else you can dream up!
  • Wednesday: Italian Meatball Sliders from Domestic Superhero – Serve with a side salad or veggies and ranch dip (my kids prefer that over salad.)
  • Thursday: Creamy Artichoke Chicken– I love to serve this with mashed potatoes and easy garlic green beans.
  • Friday: Loaded Chicken Nachos (with leftovers from Tuesday!)- For a healthier options use bell pepper as “chips”
  • Bonus!!! Find some time to make these super easy peanut butter swirl bars one day this week. They are super quick to make and a huge hit at our house.

Enjoy the meals this week.  Please let me know if you have other requests for dishes you would like to see included on the meal plan in the coming weeks!

Week 4 Meal Plan

MEAL PLAN!  I am really excited for this week’s meal plan.  Mostly because it includes Pizza as a reward for making it to Friday! ? This week is loaded with some super easy meals that don’t sacrifice on flavor, plus there is a make ahead meal you can stick on your busiest night and a meal to use up some leftovers.  That is what I calling winning people!  Tell me what’s on your meal plan this week!?

  • Monday: Italian Chicken Bake– This recipe has been pinned over a million times!  It is tried, true, super simple and absolutely delicious!
  • Tuesday: Easy Taco Soup from Eazy Peazy Meals– Let’s celebrate Taco Tuesday with this soup!  Serve with cheese quesadillas to make this meal even heartier.
  • Wednesday: Lemon & Asparagus pasta from @lilluna – Serve with garlic bread and a side salad
  • Thursday: Loaded Chicken Salad (make ahead meal.  Use this meal on your busiest day)
  • Friday: Pesto Chicken Pizza (with leftovers from Tuesday!) – Grab a pizza crust and spread pesto thinly over it.  Chop up the leftover chicken and sprinkle it on top.  Add any extra meats or veggies you want, and top with mozzarella or Italian cheese blend.  Bake per crust package instructions or at 425 for 12-16 minutes.

I hope you enjoy this weeks dinner options!  If you have requests for next week’s meal plan, please leave them in the comments for me!

How do you make a meal plan?

A meal plan can be as simple as writing down what you will make for dinner for your family each night of the week. This can include the dinner recipe, along with any side dishes you want to accompany it. Meal plans can be made by the week, or by the month.

You can use the meal plans in the post above and just take a week as written, or pick and choose from the dinner ideas to customize for what you have in the refrigerator and your family’s preferences.

We like to plan ahead to use leftovers from one meal to make another meal later in the week so that your time and effort cooking pulls double duty! Most weeks in the meal plan use at leftovers at least once to create a completely new and exciting dinner for another night.

How do you plan groceries for the week?

1. Plan what you will be cooking this week using the easy dinner ideas above.
2. Add all of the ingredients from the recipes on one list. You can do this on paper or on an app like Google Keep or Evernote.
3. Look through your fridge and pantry and mark off any items that you already have.
4. Add any extra items you may need to restock like pantry staples, fruit, or condiments.
5. If you want to shop most efficiently, you can sort your list into sections for produce, meat, bakery, dairy, main aisles, and freezer section.

Does meal planning save money?

Meal planning can be a great way to save money. When you meal plan, you are able to go to the grocery store and only purchase groceries that you need which allows you to avoid impulse buys.

Also, by meal planning you can reduce the amount of food you throw away. Natural Resource Defense Council in New York, reports that Americans routinely throw away 25% of their groceries, costing a family of four around $1,400 to $2,300 per year. So significant savings can add up by planning!

What are simple family dinner ideas?

This page is full of easy dinner ideas! Browse from the list above or start with some of our favorites:
–Loaded Baked Potato Soup
–Green Chile Chicken
–10 Min Steak Fajitas (they even sizzle like the restaurant!)
–One Dish Tuscan Garlic Chicken
–Easiest Alfredo Sauce