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!

this Recipe

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 !

Family Friendly FREE Weekly Meal Plan and Recipes! Sharing the EASIEST and most family friendly recipes for all of those busy weeknights.

Meal Plan – Week 283

*If you make a recipe this week and love it, please consider leaving a rating and comment on the recipe post. It helps to support my blog and makes my day!*

Monday

• Main Dish: ​Chicken Cobbler – This recipe became viral after a TikTok post and then last year it went crazy after The Today shared it! Isn’t that nuts? You have to make it this week!
• Side Dish:
  • Baked Asparagus – This can be popped into the oven at the same time as the casserole. Making you look like a chef when they both come out at the same time!
  • Side Salad – Lighten up your meal by topping your favorite salad greens with tomatoes, carrots, onions, and a drizzle of homemade buttermilk ranch.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Seasoned Ground Chicken – Double up this flavorful recipe and freeze the extra. It’s a staple I always have on hand because of how versatile it is.
• Side Dish:
  • Rice – Keep dinner extra simple by just topping your rice with your ground chicken.
  • Southwest Corn – Sweet corn kernels are sautéed with veggies, seasonings, and finished with a fresh squeeze of lime. You will love it!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Chicken Noodle Casserole – The creamy texture of this chicken noodle casserole is out of this world and comes together super easily.  
• Side Dish:
  • Mile-High Biscuits – Biscuits are a must for me when eating chicken noodle casserole.
  • Kid-Proof Broccoli – The name says it all!

Thursday

• Main Dish: The BEST Beef Chili – Made in the slow cooker, this is the ultimate dump and go recipe. *save leftovers for Friday’s dinner*
• Side Dish:
  • Buttermilk Cornbread – A classic when paired with your chili.
  • Chips – Tortilla or corn chips are great to scoop up bites of chunky beef chili, or you can crumble it on top!

Friday

• Main Dish: Chili Stuffed Baked Potatoes – With your leftovers from yesterday, you can top delicious, fluffy baked potatoes.
• Side Dish:
  • Brisket Grilled Cheese – So hearty and comforting.
  • Green Salad – Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over a mixture of lettuce, red onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
• Dessert – Wyoming Cookies – Crispy on the edges with a deliciously chewy center – *chef’s kiss*

Appetizer

• Black Bean and Corn Salsa – This is the perfect snacking appetizer! Serve with chips, crackers or alongside leftover chicken, tacos etc.

Meal Plan – Week 282

Monday

• Main Dish: ​Monterey Jack Unfried Chicken – With just 10 minutes of prep and about 15 minutes in the oven, you will have cheesy, crunchy, juicy chicken with every bite. *make extra for Wednesday’s dinner*
• Side Dish:
  • Herb-Roasted Potatoes – Crispy on the outside, but fluffy on the inside. They’re such a tasty side.
  • Parmesan Roasted Broccoli – This is always a family favorite! I could make this broccoli every night of the week and no one would complain.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Korean Beef Bowls – The kids love being able to choose their toppings!
• Side Dish:
  • Asian Cucumber Salad – This is simple enough to make the day of, but you can also prep it ahead of time to make dinner prep even faster on a busy night.
  • Easy Fried Rice – Technically this is a steak fried rice, but you can simply swap the Korean beef and mix it all together. It’s so good this way!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Caesar Pasta Salad –  Keep dinner easy tonight, but still protein packed by topping the Caesar salad with leftover, chopped unfried chicken for a delicious boost of nutrition.
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Cheesy Bread – I get asked for this recipe all.the.time. It’s perfect for your pasta salad AND your tomato soup. Yum!
  • Creamy Tomato Soup – This is made in the slow cooker and you won’t believe how easy it is to make!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing – A set-it-and-forget-it recipe that is as comforting as it is tasty? Sounds like a plan!
• Side Dish:
  • Mile High Biscuits – These are my favorite buttermilk biscuits and they are such a treat!
  • Cranberry Sauce – My homemade version is so fast! Practice making this now so that you can get excited to make it for the holidays.

Friday

• Main Dish: Baked Bean Burritos – You can have this in the oven in just 10 minutes…and you probably have all these ingredients on hand already.
• Side Dish:
  • Chips and salsa – I suggest trying my homemade salsa or my corn salsa.
  • Mexican Street Corn Casserole – This is one of our most popular recipes!
• Dessert – Devils Food Cake Cookies – 4 ingredients, 1 bowl and perfect to make mid week or as a Friday treat.

Appetizer

• Pepperoni Pizza Rolls – This homemade version is easier than you can imagine!

Meal Plan – Week 281

Monday

• Main Dish: ​Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce – Sometimes Mondays are hard, so let’s soften it up with my delicious set it and forget it spaghetti sauce. Pro-tip: Make extra and freeze it for a later date! *and save some for leftovers on Wednesday*
• Side Dish:
  • Best Ever Garlic Bread – Did you even have spaghetti if you didn’t have garlic bread with it?
  • Side salad with Italian Dressing – This tastes even better than the Italian dressing you get at a certain popular Italian restaurant.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders – These are packed with so much flavor and take just 15 minutes to get onto the table which is exactly why they’ve become a household favorite!
• Side Dish:
  • Smashed Potatoes – This is the perfect side to balance out the lemon flavor. You’re going to love the little crunchy potato bites.
  • Sautéed Garlic Mushrooms – Even mushroom haters won’t turn their nose up to these and it’s because of the garlic butter!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Stuffed Peppers – Fill the peppers with the leftover meat mixture, spoon the sauce, and bake with cheese until golden brown and bubbly.
• Side Dish:
  • Fam Fave Parmesan Broccoli – The only way to make broccoli. If you know, you know!
  • Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad – This is basically caprese, but in salad form. This is loaded with delicious sweet and savory flavors.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Southwest Burgers – These burgers are so good they’ll leave your whole dinner table speechless! *note – this recipe makes 8, so if you have extra either eat them for lunch the next day or you can even toss them into the freezer*.
• Side Dish:
  • Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad – I think we’re all ready for Fall, but I’m trying to squeeze out the last minutes of summer. This salad is always a favorite of ours when it’s warm out.
  • Oven Baked Wedge Fries – These perfectly crispy, oven baked fries are great with your burgers. If you like dips try my fry sauce and ranch dressing.

Friday

• Main Dish: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Pasta is covered in a garlic-parmesan sauce and then topped with golden-crispy chicken. Sounds like the perfect Friday night meal to me!
• Side Dish:
  • Arugula Pear Salad – Sliced pears, pomegranate seeds, gorgonzola cheese, and a red wine vinaigrette make this salad look impressive, but really it only takes a few minutes to throw together.
  • Pesto Roasted Vegetables – These simple baked veggies turn out perfect every time, but make sure you read my method!
• Dessert – Soft and Thick Sugar Cookies – I LOVE cookies and these sugar cookies hit the spot every.single.time.

Appetizer

• Green Chile Cheddar Dip – This is a great hearty dip when paired with your favorite veggies or crackers.

Meal Plan – Week 280

Monday

• Main Dish: ​Firecracker Chicken Meatballs – Sweet and spicy little bites that are on the table in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Side Dish:
  • Perfect Green Beans – This is my favorite way to make green beans.
  • Cilantro Lime Rice – You can also do steamed white rice, but the lime rice is a favorite when paired with firecracker chicken meatballs.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Caprese Flatbread with Chicken – This is a must make for a pizza night. The pesto and balsamic glaze are winners, but your favorite part might be my hack for making the pizza even faster!
• Side Dish:
  • House Salad – A crisp green salad is always a good idea. Serve with your favorite dressing or try this blue cheese dressing.
  • Garlic Roasted Vegetables – The smell of perfectly crisp, garlic veggies is the best dish to pair with your flatbread.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: French Onion Pot Roast – I love this roast because it’s so versatile, only requires 4 ingredients, and the result is tender, juicy shredded beef. *Make sure to save leftovers for Friday.*
• Side Dish:
  • Baked Macaroni and Cheese – My Grandma made the BEST macaroni and I’m sharing it with all of you, so make sure to make it!
  • Homemade Buttermilk Cornbread – You can feed your whole family with a pan of this and your pot roast!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Carnitas Bowls – Everyone will love this recipe because they get to choose their own toppings!
• Side Dish:
  • Black Beans – It doesn’t get much easier than this recipe.
  • Pico de gallo – The easiest pico!
  • Guacamole
  • Jalapeno Ranch – Drizzle this right on top of your bowls.

Friday

• Main Dish: Loaded Baked Potatoes – This is the perfect recipe to use up your leftover pot roast from Wednesday.
• Side Dish:
  • Kale Salad – ​Because of the parmesan and easy lemon vinaigrette, this salad is hard to resist which is why I make it on repeat.
  • Roasted and Glazed Carrots – You’ll never look at a carrot the same after you make them this way…they are the ultimate comfort carrot!
• Dessert – Cornflake Cookies – The crunch of the cornflake in this cookie will blow your mind. These are perfection!

Appetizer

• Turkey Club Sliders – Paired with a side, these are perfect as a meal, but also amazing as an appetizer. The little hand-held bites are great to just grab ‘n go.

Meal Plan – Week 279

Monday

• Main Dish: ​Southwest Chicken Casserole – We call this a Mexican lasagna because the chicken, black beans, corn, melty cheese, and tortillas are stacked to perfection.
• Side Dish:
  • Cilantro Lime Rice – This side is absolutely delicious!
  • Mexican Corn Salad – This checks so many of my “must haves” when it comes to side dishes – it’s quick, has lots of veggies packed in and it’s delicious!
  • Pico de Gallo – You can’t forget this staple for any Mexican dish.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Creamy Garlic Pork Chops – 10 minutes of prep is all you need to have these creamy pork chops prepped and in the oven for a quick weeknight meal.
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Smashed Potatoes – I can’t think of anything better than these to go along side pork chops!
  • Roasted Vegetables – For a lighter take, enjoy these perfect oven roasted vegetables.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Baked Hawaiian Chicken – This one dish dinner is a family friendly recipe that packs in the flavor with just minutes of prep. *make a little extra so you have leftovers for Friday*
• Side Dish:
  • Rice – White, brown or wild
  • Garlic Bread – I love how easy garlic bread is to make. Make sure to read the recipe because my secret ingredient makes it 5 stars!
  • Pasta Salad – This cold pasta salad has the BEST dressing, veggies, cheeses, and savory pepperoni for the perfect hearty side dish.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Honey Sriracha Meatballs – These are sweet, savory and also have a hint of heat. Served with the perfect sides, you’re going to love dinnertime.
• Side Dish:
  • Parmesan Cauliflower Bites – Your kids will be shocked when they hear these are healthy because the garlic, parmesan and crispy bites are so incredible you’d never know!
  • 15 Minute Chicken Fried Rice, white or brown rice – Rice is perfect to soak up the sauce from the meatballs.

Friday

• Main Dish: Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pizza – Follow my BBQ pizza recipe, but also include the leftovers from Wednesday for the most delicious Friday night dinner.
• Side Dish:
  • House Salad –This Italian style house salad (think Olive Garden!) comes together quickly and is a great way to balance out the meal.
  • Carrots and Celery sticks – With creamy buttermilk dressing. Sometimes the best things are simple!
• Dessert – Peanut Butter Swirl Bars – If you like peanut butter and chocolate, what are you waiting for?!

Appetizer

• Chicken Wings with Garlic Parmesan Wing Sauce – This is my favorite wing dressing! Test these out now so you know how amazing they are once football/app season rolls around.😉

Meal Plan – Week 278

Monday

• Main Dish: ​Cheesy BBQ Meatloaf Muffins – My kids can not resist anything in mini form and these meatball muffins are no exception because they’re cheesy and so delicious!
• Side Dish:
  • Boursin Mashed Potatoes – Make these if you want dinner to feel extra special. These potatoes are extra fluffy and irresistible!
  • Brown Butter Broccoli – A pan of brown butter broccoli is an easy, satisfying side I always love to recommend.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Crockpot Marry Me Chicken – When it comes to weeknight dinners, it doesn’t get any easier than this family friendly meal!
• Side Dish:
  • Burrata Arugula Salad – This salad is hearty and a great way to stretch your meal. Tastes like summer, but you’ll find yourself making it all year long!
  • Lemon Rice – Or you can use cauliflower rice to keep your dinner low-carb and lighter.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Stuffed Pepper Casserole – After a summer full of go-go-go, this is a great way to get back on track for the school year. It’s cheesy, but also packed with protein and some veggies. You only need 5 minutes to throw this together!
• Side Dish:
  • Side salad with Creamy Italian Dressing – 5 minutes for a dressing that makes any salad taste better!
  • Pesto Roasted Veggies – We’re all needing some extra veggies these days, so why not make them better with great seasonings!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Easy Alfredo – If you’ve never made alfredo from scratch, you will never buy it from the store again after trying this. It’s super creamy, rich and easier than easy!
• Side Dish:
  • Perfect Baked Chicken Breast – Drizzle your chicken breast with alfredo if you’re being mindful of eating lighter!
  • Pasta – If you’re looking for something a little heartier, choose your favorite pasta for your alfredo sauce and also add your protein.
  • Roasted Asparagus – These are right next to my buttered broccoli as a favorite in my house. They’re perfectly seasoned and just a little bit crispy which is my favorite!

Friday

• Main Dish: Crockpot Tuscan Pot Roast – Only 6 ingredients for this dump and go recipe and you’ll have leftovers for the weekend!
• Side Dish:
  • Broccoli Slaw – Broccoli slaw is what got me to start eating broccoli! So if you have someone that doesn’t like their veggies, try this.
  • Sautéed spinach – When I’m looking for a low carb side I like to make this wholesome, garlicky simple side.
• Dessert – Peach Cobbler – It’s hard to believe this dessert is made in a crockpot! I love peach cobbler so much and I try to make it as often as possible, especially in the summertime.

Appetizer

• Pimento Cheese Dip – You can simply use this as a dip with crackers, but even better is when you have enough to spread onto a sandwich!

Meal Plan – Week 277

Monday

• Main Dish: ​Italian Turkey Meatballs – Even my pickiest eaters love these and I promise you that says a lot! Make some extra for another meal later in the week.
• Side Dish:
  • Pasta – This probably seems obvious, but why mess with a classic? You can serve over spaghetti noodles or if you want to go a little lighter, I enjoy them with spaghetti squash or zoodles.
  • Garlic Bread – Hands-down our favorite recipe!
  • Side salad – Keep dinner light with a restaurant quality salad that is tossed in a healthy balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect flavors that taste restaurant quality!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Baja Chicken Tacos – These are so easy to make and you NEED them in your life!
• Side Dish:
  • Crock Pot Black Beans – People tend to think a “dry bean” is a lot of work, but when you pair them with your crock pot and some seasonings, you end up with the most flavorful black beans you’ll ever have.
  • Mexican Rice – These are so yummy that your family will want to tip you because they’ll think they’re in a restaurant 😂

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Meatball Subs – Using the meatballs you made on Monday, these subs only take minutes to assemble. They can even be prepped ahead to make them even faster!
• Side Dish:
  • Sautéed Green Beans – Perfectly seasoned and crispy green beans are a staple in our house.
  • Pesto Caesar Tortellini Salad – This quick pasta salad can be made in minutes and is one my kids will ask for seconds of.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Baked Mesquite Chicken – My baked chicken dishes are always popular and for good reasons. Not only does this come together in one dish, but the layers of tender chicken, BBQ sauce, cheese, and bacon taste like you spent hours to make.
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Smashed Potatoes – I can’t get enough of these!
  • Mexican Corn Salad – A summer go to because of the fresh flavors. And the leftovers save well for lunch, so bonus!

Friday

• Main Dish: Ranch Baked Chicken Thighs – Maybe the fastest prep of any dinner which is a must at at the end of a busy week. These are not only quick, but cook hands off to perfection in the oven.
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Parmesan Broccoli – This easy roasted broccoli is so good, you kinda forget it is a veggie!!
  • Perfect Roasted Veggies – We make this recipe at least once a week at our house because it is so simple and delicious.
• Dessert – Peanut Butter Jelly Cookies – These are irresistible and practically melt in your mouth!

Appetizer

• Cajun Chicken Dip – Hot, creamy, cheesy, and hearty with chunks of chicken, it is everything a delicious dip should be. Be prepared to share the recipe if you bring it to a friends!

Meal Plan – Week 276

Monday

• Main Dish: ​Oven Baked Rotisserie Chicken – Did you know you don’t need an actual rotisserie to get a crispy, golden and delicious rotisserie chicken? And make sure to save the leftovers for Wednesday’s dinner!
• Side Dish:
  • Instant Pot Baked Potatoes – This is my favorite potato to have when I’m doing a juicy and delicious chicken.
  • Maple Glazed Carrots – Carrots are always a must when I make a rotisserie chicken.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Ground Turkey Tacos – Tacos were meant to be served on Tuesday!
• Side Dish:
  • Cilantro Lime Rice – This restaurant style rice is the most delicious served with your tacos.
  • Chips served with salsa and/or guacamole – I’m sticking with the classics today, friends!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Chicken Bacon Ranch Flatbread – This pizza has such a short list of ingredients, and you can also use Monday’s leftover chicken so it will come together in a flash! If you have an extra 5 minutes I’m also begging you to make my homemade ranch. You can also do a drizzle of buffalo sauce to add a little kick!
• Side Dish:
  • Arugula Pear Salad – Pizza and salad always sounds good, but a salad that is full-of-flavor and super refreshing with the juicy pears is the perfect side dish option.
  • Garlic Roasted Vegetables – Add some delicious crispy veggies as a side. The delicious smell will make everyone come running wondering what’s for dinner.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Marry Me Chicken and Tortellini – I shared this recipe on instagram last week and all of you went bananas! It is out of this world!
• Side Dish:
  • Italian Side Salad – This salad paired with the tortellini is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ meal.
  • Sauteed Spinach – If you prefer a light side dish this will be a big hit.

Friday

• Main dish: Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken – This is a quick and easy, no fuss dinner that’s great for Friday night.
• Side Dish:
  • Asian Spicy Mayo – A drizzle of this and maybe some additional teriyaki sauce? Yes, please!
  • Rice – White, brown or fried – I prefer to serve our pineapple chicken right on top of rice. Keep it simple!
• Dessert – Fudge Brownies – These are the BEST brownies!

Appetizer

• Taco Layer Dip – Practically everyone enjoys this appetizer, so I reach for this recipe often!

Meal Plan – Week 275

Monday

• Main Dish: ​Hot Honey Chicken Breast – Everyone, including the kids will love this dish. And you will love it more because it has minimal prep and cook time!
• Side Dish:
  • Oven Roasted Vegetables – The flavors of the roasted veggies are the best when paired with the sweet and spiciness of the chicken.
  • Buttermilk Cornbread – This is my families favorite classic cornbread recipe!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pitas – If you want something healthy and flavorful on the table fast, you can definitely feel great about this meal.
• Side Dish:
  • Homemade Tzatziki Sauce – Don’t be intimidated by this; I promise it’s easy and so worth making!
  • Mediterranean Chickpea Salad – Such a delicious summer side dish. It’s perfect with your chicken pitas.
  • Roasted Potato Wedges – When I need a little extra side, I love a good excuse to make these crispy baked fries!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Pulled BBQ Pork – Everyone deserves a slam dunk crock pot recipe and this is a winner. *save your leftovers for an even easier meal on Friday*
• Side Dish:
  • Grandma’s Easy Macaroni and Cheese – A BBQ dinner wouldn’t be complete without comforting mac n cheese.
  • Coleslaw – Just 10 minutes to prep this – it’s as easy as it is delicious!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Sausage Pesto Penne – Sheet pan meals make me so happy because In just 30 minutes you’ll have a well rounded meal!
• Side Dish:
  • Caprese – My favorite fresh salad in the summer.
  • Garlic Bread – As always, this bread is such a classic and favorite for my family.

Friday

• Main Dish: Pork Sandwiches – Follow these instructions, but use your leftover pork from Wednesday.
• Side Dish:
  • Strawberry Spinach Salad – My favorite part of this has to be the poppyseed dressing….just a little drizzle makes it irrisistable.
  • Corn on the Cob – You won’t believe how juicy this corn is. It’s THE BEST.
• Dessert – Chocolate No Bake Cookies – When you need that little bite of chocolate, these cookies really feed the craving and they’re super quick to make!

Appetizer

• Black Bean and Corn Salsa – This salsa is MAGIC ✨ I like to grab some chips and start dipping for a snack, but THEN I’ll sneak it on top of my eggs the next morning.

Meal Plan – Week 274

Monday

• Main Dish: ​Chicken Veggie Stir Fry – I could eat this sauce on everything because it’s THAT good. You will love that this dish is packed with veggies and super easy to whip up. *Make extra for lunches this week*
• Side Dish:
  • Asian Cucumber Salad – The ginger soy sauce dressing is well worth it!
  • Sauce Drizzle – We love to add a little yum yum sauce or spicy mayo.
  • Rice – I know it sounds obvious, but you never know! Use white rice, brown rice or cauliflower rice for something healthier.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Southwest Burger – I can’t even put into words how delicious these burgers are, but they’re a summer staple and you need to make them!
• Side Dish:
  • Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad – The cilantro and lime are the perfect flavors to complement your burgers.
  • Oven Roasted Green Beans – A fast, flavorful side is always a win.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Cheeseburger Pasta – 30 minutes, one skillet, creamy and delicious goodness are all just a few of my favorite things,
• Side Dish:
  • The Best Roasted Veggies – This is definitely one of the easiest, most well liked side dishes that I make. The flavor of the herbs with roasted veggies brings out the best flavor.
  • Easy Dinner Rolls – It would be a crime to not have something to soak up the leftover pasta sauce. These are buttery and sooo soft!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Cheesy Taco Skillet – All the flavors you love in tacos, made easy in just one dish. This is the ultimate busy weeknight recipe.
• Side Dish:
  • Semi-Homemade Canned Black Beans – These are canned, but they do NOT taste like they are!
  • Chips – Serve with a side of corn chips or right on top of a plate of them.
  • Zucchini Chips or Kale Chips – It isn’t a corn chip but if you’re looking for low carb, you still get a great crunch with these.
  • Mexican Street Corn Casserole – This is a reader favorite!

Friday

• Main Dish: Italian Grinder Sliders – Just 30 minutes for a family friendly Friday night meal.
• Side Dish:
  • Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower – This lighter side dish of roasted cauliflower florets roast while you bake the sliders.
  • Veggies and Dip – An assortment of veggies like carrot sticks, celery, tomatoes, bell pepper and pair it with homemade ranch, blue cheese, or creamy Italian dressing for dipping.
• Dessert – Strawberry Crumble Bars – This is perfect as is, but add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and you’ve created the most amazing summer treat!

Appetizer

• Asian Zing Wings – I can not quit with the different flavors of buffalo wings!

Meal Plan – Week 273

Monday

• Main Dish: ​Cheeseburger Stuffed Meatloaf – This isn’t your grandma’s meatloaf. All you need is 10 minutes of prep to get this going for dinner and the whole family will enjoy it!
• Side Dish:
  • Corn on the Cob – This is my favorite way to make corn! Once your meatloaf starts to bake, start your corn and they will finish at the perfect time.
  • Grandma’s Baked Mac – Now THIS is grandma’s recipe in the best way possible. Easy, cheesy and a must have with your meatloaf.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Rotisserie Chicken Salad – This chicken salad can be thrown together quickly and you can have it for dinner tonight and for lunch tomorrow. It’s even good if you need a quick snack!
• Side Dish:
  • Classic Tomato Cucumber – A fresh deli style salad really complements this creamy chicken salad.
  • Potato Wedges – If you plan on serving your chicken salad sandwich style, potato wedges will make your dinner an easy win for any family!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce – Dump and go recipes are the best in the middle of a busy week! I like to double this recipe and freeze half for an easy dinner another night. Work smarter not harder!
• Side Dish:
  • Side salad with Italian Dressing – Restaurant quality dressing that is simple to make? Yes, please!
  • Garlic Cheese Bread – Nothing more delicious than some cheesy bread.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Teriyaki Chicken Bites – In just 15 minutes you will have the perfect combo of sweet and tangy in bite size portions.
• Side Dish:
  • Sautéed Spinach – The sticky and saucy chicken is just calling for this dish. They go great together!
  • Rice or Grains – I prefer my teriyaki chicken on top of white sticky rice, but you can also use brown rice, or quinoa. Use whatever your family likes to soak up the sweet sauce.

Friday

• Main Dish: Cowboy Chicken – If you want a one dish meal, try this! You will not be disappointed.
• Side Dish:
  • Green Beans – Veggies your family will love in just 5 minutes is just what you need!
  • Mexican Cauliflower Rice – Keep your dinner light with this rice. You’ll hardly even know it’s “healthy” because of how delicious and flavorful it is.
• Dessert – Red Velvet Cookies – Cake mix cookies only need a few ingredients, and they taste like they’re from a bakery!

Appetizer

• Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings – These are great to bring to a potluck, but the delicious cheesy. garlic sauce might make you not want to share!

Meal Plan – Week 272

Monday

• Main Dish: ​Buffalo Chicken Flatbread​ – It doesn’t get much easier than this! 20 minutes and dinner is served.
• Side Dish:
  • Broccoli Cauliflower Salad – Light, healthy, and loaded with perfect flavors and textures. The crunch is the best part.
  • Salad with Homemade Ranch – This homemade dressing is life changing. Takes 5 minutes and I suggest making extra because you can keep it in the fridge for a week. It’s THE BEST!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs – These have so much flavor! It is such a simple recipe, but it really gets the job done.
• Side Dish:
  • Rice – White or brown
  • Sriracha Slaw – If you like bowls, make your rice, add this slaw and then top it with the honey garlic chicken. So good!
  • Roasted Green Beans – Can’t go wrong with a classic.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Garlic Herb Butter Steak – I love that steak takes just 15 minutes from start to finish! You can use my method with any cut of steak. *Make extra for leftovers tomorrow*
• Side Dish:
  • Perfect Roasted Vegetables – These go great with everything. *make extra because they’ll be great for tomorrows meal!*
  • Garlic Smashed Potatoes – I love the crunchy little pieces of skin when the potatoes are cooked this way.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Steak Fried Rice – Using your leftovers from yesterday, this will be easy peasy.
• Side Dish:
  • Asian Cucumber Salad with Ginger Soy Dressing — This crispy cucumber salad really hits the spot.
  • Veggies – Use up your leftover veggies from yesterday or even your green beans if you have any left from Tuesday.
  • Spicy Asian Mayo – I love this as a topping.

Friday

• Main Dish: Baked Bean Burritos – With just a few ingredients you probably already have on hand, you can have this in the oven in 10 minutes!
• Side Dish:
  • Chips and salsa – Pick one of your favorites.
    • Homemade salsa
    • Corn salsa
    • Mango Avocado Salsa (a family favorite!)
    • Pineapple Salsa
  • Mexican Street Corn Casserole – We LOVE this side. It really feels like an extra special side dish.
• Dessert – Birthday Cake Cookies – You can even swap the sprinkles out for red, white and blue if you want a 4th of July treat!

Appetizer

• Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings – These are fall-apart tender, juicy, and smothered in a buttery buffalo sauce. 

Meal Plan – Week 271

Monday

• Main Dish: ​Southwest Grilled Chicken​ – A few ingredients for the most delicious chicken. Make sure to read my tips for the juiciest chicken!
• Side Dish:
  • Sautéed Peppers and Onions – This is a family friendly favorite and I probably make it once a week.
  • Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad – Super easy, perfect cold salad that can be prepped ahead of time.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake – This is the ultimate spaghetti dish – it is hearty, filling, and great for when you need to feed a crowd.
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Bread – The secret ingredient in this makes this bread better than any other!
  • Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad – Light, quick and so delicious.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Baja Bowls – This is a knock-off version of a bowl I am obsessed with from Panera and Costa Vida. This recipe is a quick and budget-friendly at-home version that you won’t be able to quit!
• Side Dish:
  • Chips with Homemade Guacamole and salsa.
  • Easy Mexican Cornbread – My go to side dish when I make Baja bowls.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Mexican Street Corn Chicken – This couldn’t be any easier or more delicious!
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice – Keep it traditional!
  • Black Beans – If you’ve never doctored up canned black beans before, you have to try these. No one will ever know they weren’t simmering all day!

Friday

• Main Dish: Baked Creamy Garlic Pork Chops – These creamy pork chops only need 10 minutes of prep! They’re the perfect quick weeknight meal.
• Side Dish:
  • Steakhouse Wedge Salad – This salad comes together quickly with very little effort. I highly suggest also making this Bleu Cheese Dressing.
  • Homemade Mashed Potatoes – There is nothing better than mashed potatoes and pork chops.
• Dessert – Churro Cheesecake Bars – These are the perfect little sweet treat.

Appetizer

• Cold Spinach Feta Dip – I love that this appetizer doesn’t require any cooking and it’s packed with amazing flavor!

Meal Plan – Week 270

Monday

• Main Dish: ​Baked BBQ Chicken​ – 5 minutes of prep for tender, juicy chicken. Make a little extra for *leftovers* on Wednesday. It’ll taste like a whole new meal, promise!
• Side Dish:
  • Creamy Southern Coleslaw – Coleslaw is a summer classic and it’s made for BBQ chicken.
  • Homemade Buttermilk Cornbread – Serve this moist classic next to your BBQ chicken and you will not regret it.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Pork Carnitas Street Tacos – Just 15 minutes for a Taco Tuesday meal that is super delicious and everyone will enjoy.
• Side Dish:
  • Mango Salsa – Top your tacos with this amazing salsa that tastes like summer!
  • Mexican Rice – You’ll taste this and think you’re basically a chef from a Mexican restaurant. I love that this comes together in ONE skillet!
  • Mexican Roasted Vegetables – These are a great way to round out a balanced dinner.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: BBQ Chicken Flautas – Using your *leftovers* from Monday, shred up your chicken and make BBQ chicken flautas! Roll everything up into a tortilla along with some black beans, cheese and corn for a whole new meal that tastes like anything but leftovers!
• Side Dish:
  • Broccoli Slaw – This is super quick to make as a side dish!
  • Pico de Gallo and Chips

Thursday

• Main Dish: Turkey Club Sliders – These little sandwiches are full of so many flavors that go perfectly together!
• Side Dish:
  • Cowboy Baked Beans – These beans are HEARTY and an amazing weeknight side dish because of how easy it is.
  • Fruit Salad – Keep it light and use whatever fruit you have on hand. Top it with the dressing that I include – it really takes the fruit to another level of YUM.

Friday

• Main Dish: Meatball Pasta Bake – Just 7 ingredients for the perfect family meal on a Friday!
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Bread – My families favorite! 
  • Italian House Salad – I always have to have a salad when I make a big pasta dinner.
• Dessert – Ice Cream Cinnamon Rolls – These beefed up refrigerated cinnamon rolls have been around for a while so if you missed them you better get to trying them!

Appetizer

• Caramelized Onion Dip – Make my crockpot onions and blend 2 cups of them with 16 oz sour cream. It’s the most delicious dip you have ever had! Serve the dip with potato chips, poolside.

Meal Plan – Week 269

Monday

• Main Dish: ​Crockpot Tuscan Chicken​ – This is one of the most popular recipes on my site and you’ll see why after you try it.*save your leftovers for Wednesday*
  • Dawn says “Out of this world delish. The family practically licked their plates and already asked when I could make it again. Not gonna lie, I let them believe it was kind of hard to make when it reality it was the easiest meal I’ve ever made. Can’t thank you enough!”
• Side Dish:
  • Parmesan Cauliflower Bites – In just a few minutes you will have a healthy, crispy, and delicious side dish.
  • Easy Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella are always a crowd favorite.
  • Rice – You can use either white or brown. If you want to keep the meal lighter, you can use cauliflower rice to keep it healthy.
  • Pasta – Spaghetti, fettuccine or egg noodles will work well. Once the noodles are cooked, just toss them with a little olive oil and garlic, then serve the tuscan chicken right on top. A lighter option would be zucchini noodles.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Baked Tortellini Casserole – This recipe couldn’t get much easier. If you want to make your dish leaner, swap the beef out for ground turkey. It’ll still taste just as great!
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Bread – A classic garlic bread is the only way to go when you’re serving it alongside a baked pasta dish.
  • Brown Butter Broccoli – Have you ever browned butter? It creates the most delicious, rich, almost nutty flavor that really transforms whatever dish it is in. It’s what makes this broccoli irresistible!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Tuscan Chicken Pizza – Using Monday’s leftover tuscan chicken you can make just about anything, but we’re going for pizza. Spread a prepared pizza crust with pesto. Chop up your leftover chicken and veggies and spread evenly over the pesto. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake as directed.
• Side Dish:
  • Best Roasted Veggies – You can’t go wrong with this side dish.
  • Classic Wedge Salad – A wedge salad always sounds fancy, but really it is so easy! Do not miss out on making this blue cheese dressing from scratch.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Chicken Tender Subs – Do you know what a pub sub is? If you have a Publix you probably do. If not, you are in for a treat because this recipe is my version of their chicken tender sandwich and now you can make them any day you’d like!
• Side Dish:
  • Deviled Egg Potato Salad – This is the BEST potato salad!
  • Herb Roasted Potatoes – These are a delicious unexpected side dish. They are quickly becoming a go-to side dish for me because they go well with so many different recipes.

Friday

• Main dish: EASY Chicken Cordon Blue – This casserole only needs a few minutes of prep and is perfect on a busy Friday night.
• Side Dish:
  • Tortellini Salad – You can easily prep this salad the day before if you know you’ll be busy on Friday. This is also great to make so that you have leftovers the next day for lunch.
  • Loaded Baked Potato Soup – This is a great way to really bulk up your meal! My family loves when I make potato soup and I promise it’s easier to make than you think.
• Dessert – Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies – It’s 2024 and it’s time you have a go to cookie recipe. This. Is. It. Throw the rest away!

Appetizer

• Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings – I have made A LOT of wings, but I will never make them another way. In 5 minutes you can have these prepped and then when they’re finished cooking they just fall apart because they’re so tender!

Meal Plan – Week 268

Monday

• Main Dish: ​Southwest Chicken​ – This is my favorite flavor infused chicken. It is extra flavorful with this marinade and grilling it just locks in all of the delicious juices.
• Side Dish:
  • Mango Salsa – This is the ultimate summer salsa. Scoop it right on top of your tender and juicy chicken for the perfect weeknight meal.
  • Cilantro Lime Rice – Pairs perfectly with mango salsa for dinner perfection.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Tuscan Turkey Burgers – We are big fans of burgers in this house, especially in the summertime! This is a leaner version of your traditional burger that you will love.
• Side Dish:
  • Herb Roasted Potatoes – With just a few minutes of prep you’re about to eat your new favorite side dish!
  • Italian Quinoa Salad – This is a great addition to your burgers. It’s full of protein and will be great as a leftover for lunch the next day, too.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: 30 Min Beef Ramen Stir Fry – This is a fast, family friendly meal and you can customize your veggies depending on everyone’s preferences. Ramen is the cool thing to eat these days!
• Side Dish:
  • Cucumber Tomato Salad – Keep it light with a cold, easy side salad. It’s a great compliment to your flavor packed ramen.
  • Roasted Green Beans – A pan of roasted green beans is so good no matter how you season them. I like to glaze them with a homemade teriyaki sauce.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Enchilada Casserole – Mom hack – this dish is already super fast, but buy a rotisserie chicken and shred it for even quicker prep.
• Side Dish:
  • Side Salad with Creamy Italian Dressing – Do not skip on making this creamy dressing!
  • Doctored up Black Beans – These taste like they’ve been simmering all day! No one will ever guess that they started out with just a simple can of black beans.

Friday

• Main dish: Crock Pot Hot Dog Chili – What’s better – Only needing 10 minutes to prep a meal or having a good chili dog on a lazy summer night? These are such a great Friday night meal that will keep you from heating up your kitchen.
• Side Dish:
  • The Easiest Macaroni and Cheese – Chili dogs and grandma’s mac? Your family will be clearing their plates in no time tonight!
  • Summer Fruit Salad – This cool, refreshing salad is the perfect side for a summer meal.
• Dessert – Caramel Snickerdoodles – The caramel makes these snickerdoodles even more irresistible than you can imagine!

Appetizer

• Buffalo Chicken Roll Ups – Chicken roll-ups are quick to make and can be easily scaled to feed a crowd or just eat at home as a snack or a quick lunch.

Meal Plan – Week 267

Monday

• Main Dish: ​Turkey Burger Sliders​ – A 20 minute meal that is a family favorite!
• Side Dish:
  • Grinder Pasta Salad – This is always a popular side dish at barbecues and goes great with the sliders.
  • Broccoli Cauliflower Salad – We LOVE the crunch and flavor combination of this salad!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Rotisserie Chicken – Using our tuscan seasoning rub it all over the rotisserie chicken and you will have dinner tonight and later on in the week with the extra chicken!
• Side Dish:
  • Baked Potatoes – These aren’t technically baked because I use my instant pot, but they are so fluffy and delicious!
  • Maple Glazed Carrots – I love these buttery, cozy carrots especially when paired with the chicken.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows – Work smarter, not harder with your chicken from yesterday to make this chicken pillows.
• Side Dish:
  • Roasted Vegetables – Roasting vegetables really does bring out the best flavors!
  • Brown Butter Broccoli – Even your kids will love this green healthy side dish.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Garlic Steak BItes – You are going to love how tender these steak bites are!
• Side Dish:
  • House Salad – Steakhouse style!
  • Corn Casserole – This is one of the most requested sides at our house!

Friday

• Main dish: Crock Pot BBQ Brisket – With the long weekend behind us, you might still be craving the BBQ food and this brisket is perfect! They are juicy and out of this would yummy! You can use bottled (I like Sweet Baby Rays), or homemade BBQ sauce when you prepare this brisket.
• Side Dish:
  • Traditional Coleslaw – This recipe is my favorite, but if you want to spice it up, try something new like this Sriracha Coleslaw.
  • Beans – Go with a classic BBQ baked beans or my Cowboy Baked Beans. You can also just dress up canned black beans with this crazy good recipe.
• Dessert – Soft Sugar Cookies – If you think sugar cookies are boring, you have to try these cookies because they are chewy, flavorful and are the opposite of boring! Add some red, white or blue sprinkles for Memorial Weekend.

Appetizer

• Greek Layer Dip – This is a VERY hearty appetizer so I tell myself it’s ok to eat as a meal. 😉

Meal Plan – Week 266

Monday

• Main Dish: ​Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken with Broccoli​ – A great dinner option that already has veggies mixed into the recipe!
• Side Dish:
  • Smashed Potatoes – Crispy and delicious oven potatoes.
  • Fruit Salad – Keep your side dishes light with fresh fruit that is so delicious.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: French Onion Meatballs – These meatballs are filling and a great way to change up your dinner during the week. These reheat well so save your leftovers for Thursdays dinner.
• Side Dish:
  • Crispy Brussels Sprouts – Grab a sheet pan and a few ingredients for the most delicious side dish that is anything but boring.
  • Side salad with Creamy Italian Dressing – The dressing takes 5 minutes to make and you will not regret it!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Easy Baked Chicken Fajitas – This is my go-to easy dinner. Never fails and everyone is always happy! Plus, it only takes 15 minutes to prep and get into the oven.
• Side Dish:
  • Black Beans – I have a great cooking hack for the most delicious, restaurant quality black beans.
  • Mexican Rice – You are going to love my quick and easy method to make this rice.

Thursday

• Main Dish: French Onion Meatball Pasta – Prepare your pasta of choice per package directions. Heat Tuesday’s leftover meatballs, onions, and sauce in a skillet. Add in heavy cream until a nice saucy consistency. Toss with pasta and serve hot.
• Side Dish:
  • Cheesy Garlic Bread – The BEST garlic cheese bread.
  • Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower – This can be prepped in just minutes.

Friday

• Main dish: One Pan Tuscan Pork Chops – I love a one pan meal, especially on a Friday when the last thing you want to do is cook.
• Side Dish:
  • Italian Quinoa Salad – This quinoa salad is a great addition to your main entree.
  • Roasted Asparagus – Delicious and SO easy.
• Dessert – Key Lime Cookies – These cookies are SO ADDICTING!

Appetizer

• Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls – Who doesn’t love pizza rolls?! This homemade version of the popular frozen pizza rolls just got even easier than you can imagine!

Meal Plan – Week 265

Monday

• Main Dish: ​Easy Chicken Piccata Casserole​ – Not your mama’s casserole! This is the best one pan dinner and still has all the fresh, citrusy flavors of chicken piccata.
• Side Dish:
  • ​Sauteed Spinach​ – This is my personal favorite side when I make piccata.
  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Put your chicken on top of mashed potatoes. This is my husbands favorite way to eat piccata!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: ​Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta​ – Everything you need for a wholesome meal in just 30 minutes!
• Side Dish:
  • Italian House Salad – The perfect side for this creamy pasta dish.
  • Garlic Cheese Bread – Everyone loves a cheesy loaf of bread, especially when you can soak up the extra pasta sauce with it.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Firecracker Chicken – These tender chicken bites are quick to make and will probably disappear just as quickly if your family loves it as much as mine does.
• Side Dish:
  • Sautéed Green Beans – Quick and easy in the skillet or you can make oven roasted green beans instead!
  • Cilantro Lime Rice – I like to serve the chicken right over a bed of rice.
  • Cauliflower Rice– If you want something light, this is a great option.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole – If you have a pound of ground beef, this is a great way to use it. This is a crowd pleaser!
• Side Dish:
  • Baked Potato Wedges – French fry wedges were made for this casserole.
  • Classic Tomato Cucumber Salad – If you want something lighter, but still super flavorful this is a great salad.

Friday

• Main dish: Chicken Fajita Nachos – This is our favorite Friday dinner! I can seriously hide any vegetables in nachos, and my kids will eat every last bite.
• Side Dish:
  • Easy Mexican Rice – For a full Tex-Mix dinner, add this rice as a side.
  • Sautéed Peppers and Onions – Serve these alongside your nachos or use them as an additional topping.
• Dessert – Cinnamon Coffee Crumble Cake – Technically this is more of a breakfast recipe, but when you add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, you have dessert!

Appetizer

• Layered Greek Dip – This is ALWAYS a huge hit!

Meal Plan – Week 264

Monday

• Main Dish: ​Pesto Chicken Bake​ – This is a recipe you will make again and again and not get sick of. There are only 6 ingredients and every single one together makes for the tastiest, quick dinner!
• Side Dish:
  • ​Garlic Parmesan Broccoli​ – This is amazing with the pesto bake.
  • Garlic Cheese Bread – Super easy and so delicious. Kids get so excited when they can smell the garlic bread in the oven.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: ​BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza​ – We love having pizza night in the middle of the week and you can not beat this super quick recipe!
• Side Dish:
  • Bacon Ranch Broccoli Salad – This salad is the perfect fresh side to pair with your flatbread pizza.
  • ​Creamy Southern Coleslaw​ – Coleslaw goes so well with anything BBQ, so it only sounds fitting that we have it with BBQ pizza.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Creamy Beef and Shells – You can throw this together in 30 minutes. Has the same flavors as Hamburger Helper but obviously way better! Not to mention better for you. 😉
• Side Dish:
  • Oven Roasted Veggies – Put these into the oven before you start making your pasta and they’ll both be done at the same time. You’re basically a pro chef now and your family will be so impressed!
  • Kale Salad – Don’t like kale? Think again! The kale marinates in this lemon vinaigrette and seriously makes the salad irresistible! You have to try it!

Thursday

• Main Dish: ​Braised Chicken Breast​ – Cooking chicken this way creates the most perfect, juiciest meat. It’s also a dream because this is a one pan meal so you’ll have very little cleanup.
• Side Dish:
  • ​Creamy Mashed Potatoes​ – This is my favorite side to serve with this dish.
  • ​Lemon Rice​ – The lemon rice is delicious especially when it soaks up the gravy from the juicy chicken.

Friday

• Main Dish: Ground Turkey Fried Rice – This is just as good as takeout and you’ll get it even quicker because it takes about 15 minutes to prep!
• Side Dish:
  • Green Beans – Keep it simple and just add extra veggies to the stir fry or serve on the side.
  • Asian Cucumber Salad w Ginger Dressing – No cooking is required for this side dish and you can even prep it ahead of time.
• Dessert – Fudge Brownies – These are the PERFECT brownie! If you’re bringing these to a friends house, be prepared to share the recipe because they are a hit!

Appetizer

• Hawaiian Meatballs – These are made in the crockpot and are so simple, but the flavor is amazing! You can serve as an appetizer or even add rice on the side to make it a heavier app or meal.

Meal Plan – Week 263

Monday

• Main Dish: ​Big Mac Sliders​ – Forget about grabbing fast food! These are so much better.
• Side Dish:
  • ​Potato Wedges​ – Like peanut butter and jelly, these potato wedges will be perfect with your sliders.
  • Side salad – I like to use mixed greens, add a sprinkle of mozzarella, tomatoes, and my ​homemade ranch dressing​. You can also add in whatever veggies you have on hand.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: ​Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Basil Chicken​ – Just 20 minutes for a delicious, family-friendly dinner and this is a one pan meal!
• Side Dish:
  • Side Salad with ​Lemon Vinaigrette​ – the dressing is SO GOOD!
  • ​Roasted Asparagus​ – My favorite way to make asparagus.
  • Pasta – spaghetti, penne, angel hair, any will work!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: ​Mexican Shredded Beef Bowls​ – This Mexican meal can be made just using your crockpot! You’re going to have enough for tonight *AND* for Friday!
• Side Dish:
  • ​Mexican Rice​ or cauliflower rice – top your rice with the shredded beef that’s been cooking all day.
  • Toppings – Sour cream, shredded lettuce, ​pico de gallo​, black olives, ​guacamole​, etc
  • ​Jalapeno Ranch​ – This is my kids FAVORITE and it tastes amazing over top bowls.

Thursday

• Main Dish: ​Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole​ – If you want a one dish meal that’s delicious, creamy and everyone will devour – this is it!
• Side Dish:
  • ​Garlic Parmesan Broccoli​ – This recipe is super simple and our favorite way to eat broccoli.
  • ​Perfect Oven Roasted Vegetables​ – There is no better way to eat your veggies.

Friday

• Main Dish: ​Mexican Beef Tacos​ – Using leftovers from Wednesday, your beef has been marinating and will make the most delicious tacos.
• Side Dish:
  • ​Black Beans​ – My favorite trick for making canned beans taste amazing.
  • ​Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad​ – The cilantro and lime make this an amazing side dish with your Mexican beef. You can also make this ahead to save time!
• Dessert – ​Peanut Butter Swirl Bars​ – We have been making these for seriously my whole life! They have a tender light peanut butter bar with the perfect swirl of rich chocolate throughout.

Appetizer

• ​Marinated Mozzarella​ – This is a family favorite! It’s a simple appetizer and always a big hit.

Meal Plan – Week 262

Monday

• Main Dish: Baked Meatballs Parmesan – Starting Monday off with these is a great way to start the week because adults AND kids love these!
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Roasted Vegetables – This is always one of my go to sides.
  • ​Parmesan Mashed Potatoes – These are a classic side dish that complements parmesan meatballs perfectly.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Sheet Pan Fajitas – These are the best because you get all the great flavors of chicken fajitas, in a quick and easy sheet pan dinner. I like to make extras and pile it on salad for lunch the rest of the week.
• Side Dish:
  • Cilantro Lime Rice – This rice is a big hit and can be served as a side or can be made into fajita bowls.
  • Jalapeno Ranch Dressing – Hands down one of the best creamy toppings for fajitas.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Ground Turkey Spaghetti – You’ll love how easy and delicious this spaghetti with ground turkey is.
• Side Dish:
  • Italian House Salad – This salad is restaurant quality, but as always, we keep it easy.
  • Garlic Bread – You’ll need this to wipe your plate clean!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Steak Fried Rice – My family LOVES this! This recipe is quick and easy, but so good.
• Side Dish:
  • Sauces – Yum Yum Sauce is a must especially with the kids. My husband and I prefer the kick of the Japanese Spicy Mayo.
  • Sriracha Slaw – You will love the unique flavor this slaw has.

Friday

• Main Dish: Mozzarella Chicken Skillet – One skillet = easy cleanup. 😉
• Side Dish:
  • Roasted Asparagus – My favorite way to have asparagus – roasting veggies just helps bring out the delicious flavors.
  • Oven Roasted Green Beans – My garlic version paired with this mozzarella chicken is fantastic, but I also have a few other variations you can try.
• Dessert: Strawberry Crumble Bars – This recipe is so simple, but the simplicity and ease that it comes together is what makes it amazing.

Appetizer

• Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls – Make these as an appetizer or even as a breakfast item. I love how versatile they are.

Meal Plan – Week 261

Monday

• Main Dish: Baja Chicken – This is my new favorite chicken recipe! Dinner tonight, but great for lunch tomorrow!
• Side Dish:
  • ​Mexican Roasted Vegetables – Make some extra veggies to mix in with your repurposed lunch tomorrow!
  • ​Mexican Corn Salad – The sweet and tangy flavors in this salad are perfect as a side dish.
• Lunch Idea: Baja Chicken Wrap – Add chicken, black beans, avocado, tomatoes, and feta to a large tortilla and wrap it up.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies – The cajun butter in this dish is out of this world! And who doesn’t love a sheet pan meal? *Save your leftovers for Thursday*
• Side Dish:
  • ​Kale Salad – Because of the parmesan and easy lemon vinaigrette, this salad is irresistible and one I rotate making.
  • ​Lemon Rice – An easy side dish that goes with pretty much everything? Yes, please!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Crock Pot Thai Style Pork – Happy Wednesday! This is such a slump day for so many of us. I think crock pot recipes are perfect mid week!
• Side Dish:
  • ​Sriracha Coleslaw – Sriracha sauce, lime and cilantro give this coleslaw an incredible flavor!
  • ​Asian Cucumber Salad – I love the cool, crispness of this salad.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Cajun Roasted Vegetable Pasta – *Using your leftover sausage from Tuesday,* we’re going to transform your dinner! Make pasta as directed on the box. Drizzle with olive oil and toss with roasted vegetables, sausage, and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle extra seasoning if you want a stronger flavor. OR, you can make this homemade alfredo sauce and toss the pasta and veggies with it.
• Side Dish:
  • ​Roasted Veggies – these are great if you don’t have extra veggies from earlier in the week.
  • ​Garlic Bread – this is my go to recipe!

Friday

• Main Dish: Green Chile Chicken Tacos – This is my favorite crock pot recipe!
• Side Dish:
  • ​Cheddar Ranch Refried Beans – This is a popular appetizer I make, but I absolutely love it with green chile tacos!
  • ​Super Fast Guacamole and Pico de Gallo – both classics for taco night.
• Dessert: Fudge Brownies from Scratch – Don’t be scared by the word “scratch”! They’re just as easy as a box mix and so much better.

Appetizer

• ​Burrata Caprese Salad – This extra crisp salad looks impressive and is going to be your new favorite salad!

Meal Plan – Week 260

Monday

• Main Dish: Ranch Chicken Bites – These are lovingly known as adult chicken nuggets among me and my friends. They’re bite-sized and delicious! *make extra for Wednesday*
• Side Dish:
  • Baked Potato Wedges – These feel like french fries but are super easy to make at home in the oven.
  • Side salad – Easily one of my favorite go-to’s. I like mixed greens with a sprinkle of mozzarella, tomatoes, and this homemade ranch dressing, but use whatever veggies that sounds good.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats – Keep dinner light with these. They are quick to make and the clean up is fast.
• Side Dish:
  • Sautéed Fajita Veggies – If you want to keep the meal low carb these veggies would be a great side dish.
  • Mexican Rice – Add a scoop of rice to every taco zucchini bite for a *chef’s kiss*.
  • Hot Buttered Tortillas – Yummy!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Ranch Chicken Pitas – Using the *leftovers from Monday, turn them into pita’s! Stuff the chicken bites into a pita with lettuce, tomato, onion and cucumber. Top with ranch dressing. Try my homemade ranch recipe.
• Side Dish:
  • Parmesan Cauliflower – Only 4 ingredients and 15 minutes!
  • Broccoli Slaw – We love this fresh side salad and even the kids will eat this one!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Cheeseburger Stuffed Meatloaf – Forget about boring meatloaf. This is on another level! It’s cheesy, easy, tender and so flavorful.
• Side Dish:
  • Instant Pot Corn on the Cob – This 3 minute recipe is quick to make while your meatloaf is in the oven.
  • Easy Baked Mac – This is a great complement to meatloaf. If you want the ultimate comforting meal, make this!

Friday

• Main Dish: Buffalo Chicken Salad – This chicken salad can be thrown together quickly with and served between two slices of your favorite bread for an easy sandwich, on a salad, or even stuffed in a tomato or pepper.
• Side Dish:
  • Crock Pot Loaded Potato Soup – A meatless side that would taste great alongside your salad or sandwich is this creamy soup that is loaded with flavor!
  • Maple Glazed Carrots – Sweet carrots are the perfect match for buffalo ranch chicken salad flavors.
• Dessert: No Bake Cookies – These are my favorite in the fridge so they’re slightly chilled!

Appetizer

• Hawaiian Meatballs – If you need to feed a crowd, try these!

Meal Plan – Week 259

Monday

• Main Dish: Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu – This chicken bake tastes just as flavorful as a traditional cordon bleu, but a million times easier!
• Side Dish:
  • Roasted Vegetable Medley – This is one of my most popular side dish recipes! You’ll see why when you make it – it is quick and delicious.
  • Tortellini Salad – This is a great side that you can prep ahead to make tonight even easier.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce – All you have to do is dump the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it work its magic. I suggest making a big batch and freezing some for an easy dinner another night. *and save extras if you plan on making Thursday’s recipe*.
• Side Dish:
  • Side salad with Italian Dressing – This dressing is simple and is restaurant quality.
  • Garlic Cheese Bread – Nothing more delicious than some cheesy bread!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Italian Stuffed Peppers – Using the leftover spaghetti sauce from Tuesday makes this a 5 star fast recipe. You can also follow the instructions to make these if you do not have leftovers from Tuesday.
• Side Dish:
  • Mashed Potatoes – Easy side that can soak up the yummy sauce from your stuffed peppers.
  • Kid Approved Parmesan Broccoli – The only way to make broccoli, according to my kids!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Teriyaki Chicken Bites – In 15 minutes you will have the perfect combo of sweet and tangy in bite size portions.
• Side Dish:
  • Sautéed Spinach – This is a quick and easy tender veggie that complements the sticky and saucy chicken.
  • Asian Cucumber Salad – This recipe is one of my all time FAVORITES!
  • Rice or Grains – Serving teriyaki chicken on top of white sticky rice is a must for me, but you can also use brown rice, quinoa, or anything your family likes to soak up the sweet sauce.

Friday

• Main Dish: Pull-Apart Pizza Bread – This is so much fun to make and to eat on a Friday night.
• Side Dish:
  • Veggies and Ranch – Take the extra 5 minutes and make this homemade ranch!
  • Antipasto Salad -This quick salad is packed with meats to make a hearty salad that is perfect for munching!
• Dessert – Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats – If anyone ever says there is nothing better than a rice krispie treat, tell them they’re wrong! Because these are irresistible.

Appetizer

• Mango Salsa – I could eat this stuff by the spoonful, it is so delicious! Serve it with tortilla chips or cinnamon

Meal Plan – Week 258

Monday

• Main Dish: Mexican Style Chicken Thighs – These have a delicious, bold Tex-Mex flavor you will love.
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Street Corn Casserole – I love having an excuse to make this dish because of how yummy it is.
  • Easy Mexican Cornbread – Sometimes cornbread is just cornbread, but THIS is anything but that – it’s irresistible!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Sausage Pesto Penne – This sheet pan meal will be on your table and ready to eat in just 30 minutes. It is packed with protein and delicious veggies so if you don’t have time to make a side, don’t worry about it!
• Side Dish:
  • Caprese – You can’t go wrong serving this fresh, classic salad.
  • Garlic Bread – If you haven’t made this before, get ready to make it every week because it is a crowd favorite. 🙂

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Oven Baked Salsa Chicken – This one dish wonder only has 4 ingredients and takes as little as 5 minutes to prep and get in the oven.
• Side Dish:
  • Sautéed Peppers and Onions – Keep it extra simple by serving these as a side.
  • Easy Mexican Rice – What compliments Salsa Chicken more than yummy rice?

Thursday

• Main Dish: Crockpot BBQ Chicken –  3 ingredients is all you need to get you to dinner in no time. I love a good crock pot recipe because it does all of the work for you!
• Side Dish:
  • Deviled Egg Potato Salad – This has classic American flavors and will be perfect with the BBQ chicken.
  • Southern Coleslaw – Full of flavor and comes together so quickly.

Friday

• Main Dish: Ginger Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry – Easy, kid-friendly and one pan. What are you waiting for?
• Side Dish:
  • Asian Cucumber Salad – If you really want to be ahead of the game, prep this ahead of time so that it’s already good to go the night you need it.
  • Steamed Rice – White or brown rice would be great to soak up the stir fry sauce. Quinoa would also work.
  • Sautéed Green Beans – Adding a splash of soy sauce, chili sauce, or garlic makes this a perfect side.
• Dessert – Soft and Thick Sugar Cookies – Get the family together and make these big, thick, bakery style cookies. You can make them Easter or Spring themed by using food coloring with my favorite buttercream frosting!!

Appetizer

• Green Chile Cheddar Dip – This ooey gooey dip is great for dipping chips and veggies in for a hearty snack.

Meal Plan – Week 257

Monday

• Main Dish: Cowboy Chicken – If you want a one dish meal, try this! You will not be disappointed.
• Side Dish:
  • Green Beans – 5 min of prep and the results are veggies your family will be googley eyed over 😉
  • Mexican Cauliflower Rice – Keep this meal light by serving cauli-rice. It is so flavorful!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Oven Baked Chicken Tenders – I made these twice in one week because we enjoyed them so much!
• Side Dish:
  • Italian House Salad – This is an easy side and if you wanted to top it off with your tenders to bulk it up, it’s delicious.
  • Creamy Southern Coleslaw – This recipe is super fast and easy to make – 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes to chill and you’re done.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Crispy Ground Beef Tacos – Tacos are the ultimate quick and delicious family meal! *make extra beef or just save your leftovers for Friday’s dinner*
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Corn Salad – This mixture is a blend of both sweet and tangy. 
  • Crock Pot Black Beans – Never miss an opportunity to use your crockpot!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Blackened Fish Filets – My method keeps your fish juicy and tasty.
• Side Dish:
  • Brussels Sprouts – These go so well with blackened fish and you only need 4 basic ingredients.
  • Garlic Bread – The best way to make garlic bread!

Friday

• Main Dish: Beef Quesadillas – Using Wednesday’s leftover beef, make these. To make it a fun Friday dinner, maybe add a DIY station of different toppings. My jalapeno ranch is also great to use as a dip!
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Roasted Vegetables – Quick and easy way to add a wholesome side!
  • Add-ons
    • Salsa
    • Black bean and corn salsa
    • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
    • Guacamole 
    • Diced avocado
    • Queso
• Dessert – Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars – If you are a chocolate lover you are going to want to make them ASAP!

Appetizer

• The Best Baked Potato Wedges – These really are incredible! If you are going somewhere and need an appetizer to share, try these out!

Meal Plan – Week 256

Monday

• Main Dish: Baked Caesar Chicken – Just a few ingredients and only one pan – perfect for a Monday!
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Smashed Potatoes – This is great because you can bake them side by side in the oven.
  • Side salad with balsamic vinaigrette – The homemade balsamic is super fast and easy and I definitely think you should try it.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Crock Pot Sirloin Tip Roast – I love a dump-and-go recipe! If your family enjoys pot roast, they’re going to love this. *save the leftovers for tomorrow*
• Side Dish:
  • Savory Sweet Potatoes – Every time I make these I wonder why we don’t eat them more often because they’re seriously one of my favorite sides!
  • Sautéed Mushrooms with Garlic Butter – I love the flavor of these.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Sirloin Tip Sandwiches – Using your leftovers from yesterday, grab ciabatta rolls and get ready for a tasty sandwich! Load the rolls up with onions and beef, then add provolone cheese and cook in a pan or in a panini press.
• Side Dish:
  • Caesar Pasta Salad – This salad is delicious and since you already have the sirloin, just omit the chicken from this salad.
  • Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli – This recipe never fails to disappear from plates.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Smothered Chicken Breast with Gravy – This cozy meal can be ready to eat in 30 minutes.
• Side Dish:
  • Baked Macaroni and Cheese – I love a good mac n cheese, but this one takes the cake!
  • Jiffy Corn Casserole – This is the best corn casserole you’ll ever make!

Friday

• Main Dish: Garlic Bread Pizza – Pizza is always a kid-approved Friday night meal. Pizza on garlic bread is next level though and makes even the adults happy!
• Side Dish:
  • If you need some ideas for toppings, check out my Pizza Topping Ideas here.
  • Buttermilk Ranch with carrots, tomatoes, and cucumbers
  • Italian House Salad – This side salad feels like you are out to eat at a restaurant, but it is so easy!
  • Roasted Vegetables – Quick and easy go-to side.
• Dessert – Dark Chocolate Crunch Bars – Craving chocolate? These come together faster than you can say “snap, crackle, pop”!

Appetizer

• Mini Pigs in a Blanket – In 10 minutes you can have a delicious appetizer in the oven.

Meal Plan – Week 255

Monday

• Main Dish: Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows – With this dinner, I suggest grabbing or making ahead a rotisserie chicken and shredding it. Work smarter not harder. 😉
• Side Dish:
  • Squash Casserole – Full of so much flavor!
  • The BEST Cheesy Corn Casserole – This is a reader favorite.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Homemade Shake n Bake Pork Chops – With just a bag, some pantry spices, pork chops, and breadcrumbs you’re going to have the best pork chops on your dinner table!
• Side Dish:
  • Italian Quinoa Salad – There are many dishes this side works well with, but this goes especially well with the pork chops.
  • Garlic Roasted Vegetables – This is the BEST roasted vegetable side, I promise!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sliders  – 10 minutes of hands-on prep and that’s it!
• Side Dish:
  • House Salad – A nice, crisp green salad is always so yummy! Serve with your favorite dressing or try this blue cheese dressing.
  • Creamy Southern Coleslaw – This goes perfectly with any BBQ dish, but we love it with these BBQ chicken sliders!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Loaded Mesquite Chicken Bake – Your family is going to love this dinner!
• Side Dish:
  • Baked Beans – You’ll love this recipe! Remember, the key is low and slow.
  • Buttermilk Cornbread – I love a classic cornbread and I finally figured out the best way to make it!

Friday

• Main Dish: Italian Chicken Pasta – Kids and adults LOVE this pasta dish. it is filled with tender pan seared chicken and a creamy red sauce that is incredible.
• Side Dish:
  • Roasted Vegetable Medley – You can’t go wrong with this healthy side dish. Make extras to have veggies on hand this weekend.
  • Garlic Bread – Always a favorite! 
• Dessert – Caramel Snickerdoodles – If you love Snickerdoodles, these take it up another delicious notch. They are a MUST TRY!

Meal Plan – Week 255

Monday

• Main Dish: Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows – With this dinner, I suggest grabbing or making ahead a rotisserie chicken and shredding it. Work smarter not harder. 😉
• Side Dish:
  • Squash Casserole – Full of so much flavor!
  • The BEST Cheesy Corn Casserole – This is a reader favorite.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Homemade Shake n Bake Pork Chops – With just a bag, some pantry spices, pork chops, and breadcrumbs you’re going to have the best pork chops on your dinner table!
• Side Dish:
  • Italian Quinoa Salad – There are many dishes this side works well with, but this goes especially well with the pork chops.
  • Garlic Roasted Vegetables – This is the BEST roasted vegetable side, I promise!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sliders  – 10 minutes of hands-on prep and that’s it!
• Side Dish:
  • House Salad – A nice, crisp green salad is always so yummy! Serve with your favorite dressing or try this blue cheese dressing.
  • Creamy Southern Coleslaw – This goes perfectly with any BBQ dish, but we love it with these BBQ chicken sliders!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Loaded Mesquite Chicken Bake – Your family is going to love this dinner!
• Side Dish:
  • Baked Beans – You’ll love this recipe! Remember, the key is low and slow.
  • Buttermilk Cornbread – I love a classic cornbread and I finally figured out the best way to make it!

Friday

• Main Dish: Italian Chicken Pasta – Kids and adults LOVE this pasta dish. it is filled with tender pan seared chicken and a creamy red sauce that is incredible.
• Side Dish:
  • Roasted Vegetable Medley – You can’t go wrong with this healthy side dish. Make extras to have veggies on hand this weekend.
  • Garlic Bread – Always a favorite! 
• Dessert – Caramel Snickerdoodles – If you love Snickerdoodles, these take it up another delicious notch. They are a MUST TRY!

Appetizer

• Creamy Chicken Fajita Dip – Grab these with a bag of chips and some friends and devour this amazing dip!

Meal Plan – Week 254

Monday

• Main Dish: Creamy Chicken Piccata – I used to always order this at restaurants until I realized how easy it was to make at home.
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Easy side that can soak up the yummy sauce from your piccata dish.
  • Garlic Parmesan Broccoli – Have you tried this recipe yet? My kids think this is the only way I should ever make broccoli!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Baked Crispy Beef Tacos – Making batch tacos this way is the EASIEST way!
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Rice – This rice tastes just like a Mexican restaurant!
  • Black Beans – Use my trick to transform your canned beans into something amazing.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Tuscan Chicken Thigh Skillet – Using chicken thighs ensures that your chicken won’t be dry! *save your leftovers*
• Side Dish:
  • Oven Roasted Green Beans – My garlic version paired with the tuscan chicken is what I prefer, but there are a few options you can choose from in my list.
  • Italian Tortellini Salad – The perfect way to add a little pasta. This is also a great way to stretch your meal if you have extra guests.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Tuscan Chicken Pasta – Using your leftovers from Tuscan Chicken Thigh Skillet, you now have the start of a new meal. Mix this quick alfredo sauce and stir it into Wednesday’s leftovers, and add your families favorite pasta.
• Side Dish:
  • The BEST Garlic Bread – I have a secret ingredient that you’ll find helps toasts this classic garlic bread to perfection!
  • Side salad – I like mixed greens with a sprinkle of mozzarella, tomatoes, and this homemade ranch dressing.

Friday

• Main Dish: Baked Chicken Tenders – Chicken tenders you can feel good about feeding your family! These can be customized for a fun Friday meal – top a salad with this delicious chicken for yourself and give the kids crispy tenders with yummy dips to go along side.
• Side Dish:
  • Ranch Smashed Potatoes – Tastes crispy like a french fry, but made in the oven.
  • Dipping sauce – I love this honey mustard sauce or quick homemade ranch dressing.
• Dessert – Peanut Butter Cookies – These chewy cookies are foolproof!

Appetizer

• Mexican Street Corn Dip – It’s time to introduce you to my go-to super fast party appetizer. What are you waiting for!?

Meal Plan – Week 253

Monday

• Main Dish: Cheddar Bay Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie – EVERYONE in my house loved this! *TIP* Make and shred a rotisserie chicken ahead of time to make dinner prep go even faster.
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli – Incredibly easy to make. Perfect during the week.
  • Sautéed Green Beans – I love how versatile green beans are and they complement this dish perfectly.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Crock Pot Chicken Wild Rice Soup – This is a true dump-and-go recipe that is comforting and delicious.
• Side Dish:
  • Green Salad with homemade ranch – The soup is hearty enough alone, so keeping your sides light with a salad is a great idea.
  • Rolls – I love having rolls or even crackers to dip into my soup. It’s the best way to make sure you get every last drop of soup scooped up!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Spaghetti and Easy Marinara – Spaghetti is one of those meals that just makes me so happy. It’s super simple, takes hardly no time and it’s just delicious!
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Bread – This is the best ever garlic bread! It’s a must with spaghetti.
  • Meatballs – Meatballs are a great addition to make this meal a little heartier.
  • Italian House Salad – An Italian restaurant classic and marinara…I can’t think of a better duo! 

Thursday

• Main Dish: Cheesy Taco Skillet – One skillet and a handful of ingredients is all you need for a delicious weeknight meal. *save leftovers for tomorrow’s recipe*
• Side Dish:
  • Beans – These simple black beans go great with a scoop of your skillet taco.
  • Tortillas or Chips – Sometimes we just take a spoonful of the skillet ingredients and put into a tortilla or on top of chips.
  • Mexican Street Corn Casserole – If you like Mexican corn, you’re in for a treat with this!

Friday

• Main Dish: Taco Stuffed Baked Potatoes – Using your leftovers from yesterday, make these potatoes and stuff them full of yesterday’s dinner.
• Side Dish:
  • Pico de Gallo – Top your potatoes with this to bring your leftovers to life!
  • Guacamole, Shredded lettuce, sour cream
  • Side salad – Serve with this jalapeno ranch dressing – I love having this on hand because it’s so tasty.
• Dessert – Cookies and Cream Parfaits – These look fancy, but it only takes a few minutes to make!

Appetizer

• Loaded Taco Dip – We can’t get enough of this!

Meal Plan – Week 252

Monday

• Main Dish: Creamy Chicken Asparagus Skillet – This is hands-down my husband’s FAVORITE dinner.
• Side Dish:
  • Mashed Potatoes – This is actually my favorite side to serve with this dish – just lay your chicken on top of a scoop of mashed potatoes and that’s it. Don’t forget to add a little cream, too!
  • Italian Salad – It’s such a simple side but top it with this balsamic vinaigrette and you have an awesome side to compliment the flavors in the chicken asparagus skillet.
  • Pasta – You can serve the entree over pasta or with a side or pasta tossed with a little olive oil, garlic and some salt.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Mexican Chicken Street Tacos – If you want authentic flavors for Taco Tuesday, these tacos are the answer.
• Side Dish:
  • Black Bean Corn Salsa served with chips.
  • Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice – This is a Chipotle copycat recipe and you won’t believe how easy it is!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: One Pot Lasagna Soup – With just a few minutes of prep you’ll be able to make a huge batch of delicious soup.
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Parmesan Broccoli – These are the perfect side with a meal like this.
  • Garlic Bread – You definitely need this bread so that you can dip right into the lasagna soup.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Mississippi Chicken – This is always a family favorite!
• Side Dish:
  • Mashed Cauliflower or Roasted Cauliflower – Either one of these would be great. The mashed cauliflower will blow your mind!
  • Egg Noodles – put your Mississippi chicken right on top of egg noodles.
  • Buttermilk Ranch Dressing – You can use this dressing for so many things, but with a side salad is where it’s at! Make some extra to use tomorrow.

Friday

• Main Dish: Garlic Bread Pizza – Set up a DIY pizza station in the kitchen and use this list of Pizza Topping Ideas. This is so fun to do at the end of the week!
• Side Dish:
  • Homemade Ranch Dressing – Did you make extra yesterday? It’s the best way to make sure everyone eats their veggies 😉
  • Italian Rotini Pasta – You can make this earlier in the week so that it’s one less thing you need to make tonight.
• Dessert – Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies – I love a no bake dessert that is quick to whip up, don’t you?

Appetizer

• Hawaiian Meatballs – Make these in the crockpot and serve for Super Bowl Sunday!

Meal Plan – Week 251

Monday

• Main Dish: French Onion Meatballs – I had the funniest review of this – they said these were so good it made them swear! Ha! That’s when you know you have a keeper. 😆
• Side Dish:
  • Roasted Vegetable Medley – You can’t go wrong with this healthy side dish.
  • Garlic Bread – This is our favorite recipe and hundreds of you agree!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Crustless Chicken Pot Pie – The easiest way to make chicken pot pie!
• Side Dish:
  • Side salad with homemade ranch dressing – This is an easy go to. Make extra dressing so you can keep it in your fridge for veggies this week.
  • Homemade Bisquick Biscuits – Since the pot pie is crustless, biscuits will be great. Making homemade biscuits is so much easier than you think! And you can keep this mix on hand for more easy recipes, like pancakes.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Shake n Bake Chicken – This delicious coated chicken comes together in just 20 minutes and you can even prep it ahead of time!
• Side Dish:
  • Baked Potato Wedges – These are worth making and are super easy. If you like ranch with your wedges, hopefully you have extra from yesterday.
  • Brussels Sprouts – These are crispy and irresistible, but the best part is that I have 5 different flavor options depending on what you like!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Ground Turkey Stir Fry – Even my pickiest eater enjoys this. Double the recipe or save the extras for *leftovers* tomorrow. You won’t regret it!
• Side Dish:
  • Asian Cucumber Salad – This is delicious and you can even make the dressing ahead of time!
  • Butter Lettuce so you can make a wrap
  • Sauteed Spinach – This is ready in minutes and you can mix teriyaki sauce with it or just mix it with your turkey.
  • Rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa
  • Noodles – Ramen or Udon noodles

Friday

• Main Dish: Turkey Teriyaki Bowls – This is a great way to use up yesterday’s *leftovers*. I love an easy Friday meal! All you really have to do is add some fresh veggies like shredded carrots, edamame, sliced cucumbers etc.
• Side Dish:
  • Sautéed Green Beans – Sautéed green beans are a great crispy side addition – add some of the teriyaki glaze to them – Yum!
  • Spicy Mayo or Yum Yum Sauce – We are big sauce people and these go great with the bowls.
• Dessert – Pecan Pie Bars – These ooey gooey squares are made with a few pantry items and you only need 10 minutes to prep.

Appetizer

• Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders – Serve these as an appetizer and they won’t last long!

Meal Plan – Week 250

Monday

• Main Dish: Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders – Start the week off right with a no-stress meal. The ranch slaw in these is 5 star incredible!
• Side Dish:
  • Corn on the Cob – My 3 minute corn on the cob is juicy, sweet, and smothered in garlic butter.
  • Baked Potato Wedges – Potato wedges and BBQ sliders are actually a match made in heaven!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole – Inspired by the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, but it is quick, easy and delicious.
• Side Dish:
  • Sautéed Green Beans – This is my favorite way to make green beans!
  • Classic Tomato Cucumber Salad – This is a great salad if you want something lighter, but still super flavorful.
  • Potato Chips

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Dutch Oven Roast Chicken – This actually feels like a fancy meal, but it’s easy enough that you can make it in the middle of the week. *the leftovers will be perfect for tomorrow’s meal!*
• Side Dish:
  • Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower – With just a little prep, this is the ultimate veggie especially as a side dish!
  • Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese – You can never go wrong with Grandma’s recipe.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Southwest Chicken Chili – This dump-and-go-recipe is even easier using yesterday’s leftovers. This is a crowd favorite.
• Side Dish:
  • Avocado Corn Salsa with chips – Chop, squeeze, mix, and chill…it’s that easy!
  • Side salad with Ranch dressing – Perfect way to round out your meal.

Friday

• Main Dish: Main Dish: Meatball Pasta Bake – I love how family friendly this is! With only 7 ingredients, it’s also Friday friendly!
• Side Dish:
  • Side Salad – I like a simple salad using this delicious Creamy Italian Dressing.
  • Garlic Bread – This is our favorite recipe! 
• Dessert – Ice Cream Cinnamon Rolls – I’m bringing back these amped up refrigerated cinnamon rolls because it’s been a long time. Whether they’re for your kids or just for you, you’ll be happy to made these!

Appetizer

• Caramelized Onion Dip – Blend 2C of these crockpot onions with 16 oz sour cream for the BEST dip you have ever had! I like to use potato chips to dip and it’s AWESOME as a football appetizer!

Meal Plan – Week 249

Monday

• Main Dish: Juicy Chicken Bites – I shared these on Tuesday and they went VIRAL within hours! It’s a family-friendly recipe that’s incredibly easy to make in as little as 20 minutes! Double the recipe for Wednesday’s meal. Win-win!
• Side Dish:
  • Sautéed Green Beans – Foolproof side dish.
  • A green salad with Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing – This dressing is even good to use as a dipping sauce for your chicken bites.
  • More Dipping Sauce Ideas –
    • Homemade BBQ Sauce
    • Honey Mustard Sauce
    • Best Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
    • Yum Yum Sauce

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Southern Pot Roast – This is cooked low and slow over a bed of carrots, potatoes, and onions to create a complete family meal all in one pot.
• Side Dish:
  • Roasted Mashed Cauliflower – If you need a side that is as delicious as it is easy, this is it.
  • Cheddar Bay Biscuits – Life, fluffy and delicious!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Chicken Fried Rice – Chop up leftover chicken bites from Monday and add them into this rice that takes only 15 minutes!
• Side Dish:
  • Asian Cucumber Salad –  This salad is light and flavor-packed with a ginger soy dressing.
  • Edamame – Serve steamed
  • Yum yum sauce (a Japanese steakhouse favorite!) and it’s so good to dip your chicken fried rice into.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Chicken Taco Casserole – 20 minutes and you’ll have a whole table full of people asking for seconds.  
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Rice – Your family will think you grabbed rice from the restaurant, but really you whipped this rice up in no time.
  • Chips and salsa or tableside guacamole
  • Mexican Roasted Veggies – These veggies have BIG flavor.

Friday

• Main Dish: Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie – Set it and forget it meals are such a lifesaver!
• Side Dish:
  • No Yeast Rolls – You definitely need bread to soak up the creamy leftovers on your plate.
  • Mashed Potatoes – My extra creamy recipe is easy, and perfect for serving a big scoop of creamy, crustless chicken pot pie over.
• Dessert – Butter Cookies with Cinnamon Glaze – These melt in your mouth and have the most wonderful flavor!

Appetizer

• Million Dollar Dip – This appetizer is perfect for football watching this weekend! It is no cook and only takes minutes, yet has the BEST flavor!

Meal Plan – Week 248

Monday

• Main Dish: Monterey Chicken (Chili’s Copycat!) – With only 6 ingredients and one pan, you can have this prepped and in the oven in minutes!
• Side Dish:
  • Cucumber Tomato Salad – perfect to make ahead!
  • Baked Asparagus – SO EASY!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Sheet Pan Meatloaf – Meatloaf is one of those cozy meals that just screams comfort. You can throw it together in 30 minutes and feed a crowd if you need to!
• Side Dish:
  • Side salad with Ranch dressing – Have you ever made 5 minute ranch? it’s easier than you think and you will always want to have it on hand.
  • Grandma’s Baked Mac – If you want THE most comforting meal, add this as a side.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Baked Italian Chicken – Make a little *extra* so you can use it for Friday’s delicious meal.
• Side Dish:
  • Italian Quinoa Salad – Filled with protein and lots of flavor. It’s GREAT the next day for lunch, too!
  • Roasted Veggies – This is one of the easiest recipes on my site. So quick and delicious!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Crock Pot Mississippi Pot Roast – 5 simple ingredients to have the most tender, juicy, flavorful, pot roast, and it couldn’t be more quick and easy to make. 
• Side Dish:
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Serve your pot roast right on top of these creamy potatoes.
  • Lemon Rice – This rice would be a delicious complement to your pot roast. You can also serve over wild, white or brown rice or with a side of risotto.

Friday

• Main Dish: Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta – Using leftover Italian chicken from Wednesday, you will have dinner on the table in no time!
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Bread– Our go-to recipe
  • Garlic Parmesan Broccoli – Family favorite!
• Dessert – Lemon Meltaway Cookies – I can not get enough of these cookies!

Appetizer

• Crockpot Honey BBQ Wings – I’ve made a lot of wings in my lifetime. These are a winner and a crowd pleaser!

Meal Plan – Week 247

Monday

• Main Dish: Turkey Burger Sliders – In just 20 minutes these come together quickly by using simple pantry items. Everyone from the kids to adults will enjoy them.
• Side Dish:
  • Instant Pot Corn on the Cob – This 3 minute recipe is the BEST way to cook juicy corn on the cob for dinner!
  • Steakhouse Style House Salad – If you want to keep it light, this would be great.
  • Chips – Sometimes a quick and easy dinner calls for a quick and easy side!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Creamy Beef and Shells – This is very budget friendly, cozy, and fills everyone up. You can throw it together in 30 minutes and feed a crowd!
• Side Dish:
  • Oven Roasted Veggies – Want to look like a pro on a busy weeknight? Just throw these into the oven before you start making your pasta and they’ll both be done at the same time.
  • Buttery Garlic Bread – Can’t have pasta without the garlic bread. 😉

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Caprese Chicken – This is probably going to be on regular rotation after you try this! With just 4 simple ingredients and one dish you can have this meal on the table in 40 minutes.
• Side Dish:
  • Boursin Mashed Potatoes – The Boursin cheese elevates the heck out of these classic potatoes!
  • Kale Salad – The parmesan and easy lemon vinaigrette makes this salad irresistible and one that we frequently make.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Crock Pot Pork Carnitas – Using a simple blend of pantry spices you can transform a pork shoulder into juicy and tender carnitas and everyone will be asking for seconds!
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Street Corn Casserole – You only need 5 minutes to prep.
  • Cilantro Lime Rice – This classic side dish is always a crowd favorite.
  • Tortillas or taco shells

Friday

• Main Dish: Chicken Pizzaiola – This has the familiar flavors of pizza that everyone loves, but it’s loaded with protein and you only need one pan.
• Side Dish:
  • Sauteed Spinach – This might be the fasted side dish you’ll ever make.
  • Pesto Cheese Bread – This pesto cheese bread is perfect to soak up all that rich tomato sauce from your pizzaiola.
• Dessert — Peanut Butter Swirl Bars – These are chewy and oh so delicious!

Appetizer

• Fresh Tomato Feta Dip – No cooking, no baking, just 5 simple ingredients and a little mix! Easiest. Recipe. Ever.

Meal Plan – Week 246

Monday

• Main Dish: Baked Tortellini  – This was our 4th most popular recipe of 2023! You can also use Seasoned Ground Turkey in this recipe if you don’t have beef on hand. *For 2024 let’s make more freezer meals! This is a GREAT one to double for that.”
• Side Dish:
  • Best-Ever Garlic Bread – This is a tried and true classic!
  • Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower – This roasted cauliflower is savory and perfect to round out your dinner.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Philly Cheesesteak Sliders – These little handheld sliders are a family favorite! Did I mention this is our 2nd most popular recipe in 2023?!
• Side Dish:
  • Baked Potato Wedges – French fries in wedge form are the perfect side for philly cheesesteak sliders.
  • Oven-Roasted Green Beans – This is such an easy side dish and only takes 5 minutes.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Chicken Burrito Casserole – On a busy night you’ll appreciate this meal because it comes together in just 15 minutes! Also a favorite recipe with our readers.
• Side Dish:
  • Side salad with Jalapeno Ranch – This is a STAPLE in my fridge! it’s just too good to not use on a side salad.
  • Peppers and Onions – Keep the sides light with this quick and flavorful side dish.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup – Our 5th most popular recipe and for good reason. Zero prep, no chopping, and just one pot. This is such a great leftover for lunches, too!
• Side Dish:
  • Easy Mexican Rice – This tastes like restaurant rice, but EASY and made right at home!
  • Mexican Corn Salad – This light and refreshing salad is healthy, delicious, and so easy to make.

Friday

• Main Dish: Crockpot Steak Bites – Our number 1 recipe of 2023!! You HAVE to make this! It does not disappoint.
• Side Dish:
  • Steakhouse Salad – Don’t be intimidated by the fancy name. It’s delicious!
  • Instant Pot Baked Potatoes – Potatoes cook in less than 30 minutes and they are so moist and tender. .
• Dessert – Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies – These viral cookies are a must make! Perfect way to go into 2024 if you ask me!

Appetizer

• Spinach Feta Dip – Serve this with a platter of veggies, crackers, pita chips, or pretzels and you’ll have some very happy people. .  

Meal Plan – Week 245

Monday

• Main Dish: Honey Glazed Ham  – This is a family friendly recipe that is perfect for Christmas dinner.
• Side Dish:
  • Jiffy Corn Casserole – We can’t not make this for the holidays. Everyone asks for it! I even have make ahead tips to make your day a little smoother.
  • Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole – We love a yummy and traditional side dish!
  • 45+ Make Ahead Christmas Dinner Recipes – Try a few of these recipes and make them ahead of time! I also include make ahead breakfast recipes.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: 15 Bean Ham Soup – Use up the leftover ham by making this delicious soup in your crockpot.
• Side Dish:
  • Buttermilk Cornbread – This is a classic, but my special cooking method makes this cornbread extra good!
  • Side Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing – Make a delicious salad with iceberg, tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese and croutons. Top with ranch!
  • Toppings:
    • Cheddar cheese
    • Diced onion
    • Chopped parsley
    • Sour cream
    • Crumbled bacon
    • Green onions or chives
    • Hot sauce
    • Crushed red pepper

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Sandwiches – Sandwiches are the perfect, easy dinner. If you’d rather have them as a wrap or even just as a salad, feel free!
• Side Dish:
  • Baked Potato Soup – This is made from scratch, but because you throw everything into your crockpot, it couldn’t get any easier!
  • Fruit Salad – Keep it light with a side of fruit.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Fettuccini Alfredo – This creamy sauce is so simple! You will probably never buy jarred sauce again after making this. If you still have leftover ham from Monday, go ahead and add it to this dish for some protein.
• Side Dish:
  • Oven Roasted Vegetables – Easiest side dish ever which is needed after a few days of intense cooking during the holidays!
  • Sautéed Spinach – Need another quick side dish? This takes 5 minutes and is a great option.

Friday

• Main Dish: Baked Crispy Ground Beef Tacos – Is there anything better or more delicious than beef tacos? Keep these simple or add salsa, guacamole, peppers, or anything else you like to top your tacos with.
• Side Dish:
  • Easy Mexican Rice – you can’t go wrong with rice!
  • Mexican Crock Pot Refried Beans – Creamy, delicious and…better than any restaurants!
• Dessert — Wyoming Cowboy Cookies – Just a quick 15 minutes of prep and your Wyoming cowboy cookies are ready to go in the oven.

Appetizer

• Mini Pigs in a Blanket – This is one of my favorite appetizers to make. I know I say it a lot, but it is so easy and delicious!

Meal Plan – Week 244

*If you make a recipe this week and love it, please consider leaving a rating and comment on the recipe post. It helps to support my blog and makes my day!*

Monday

• Main Dish: Slow Cooker Roast Beef – This is so hands-off it’s shocking how delicious and tender it is!
• Side Dish:
  • Pesto Roasted Veggies – We love this side! The pesto gives the veggies incredible flavor, but it’s also such a healthy side dish and you should try it if you haven’t already.
  • Garlic Bread – Butter, garlic, and cheese – these are a few of my favorite things!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Chicken Tetrazzini – The white cream sauce that the noodles and chicken are drenched in is irresistible!
• Side Dish:
  • Arugula Pear Salad – You can throw this beautiful salad together in no time.
  • Brown Butter Broccoli – These are nutty and delicious…get ready to watch your family enjoying their vegetables!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Southwest Chicken Soup – Do you have 30 minutes and one pot? You’ll love this! You can enjoy this for dinner, and then you’ll have leftovers for lunch the next day.
• Side Dish:
  • Cornbread – If two things were ever made for each other it’s this soup and cornbread. So good!
  • Salad with Jalapeno Ranch – I love to make this easy salad in advance. You can even double the ingredients so that you can have extra the next day.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Easy Sizzle Steak– This cut of beef is the quickest, easiest, and most delicious dinner! Ready, set, go – in 15 minutes you’ll be done with your main course!
• Side Dish:
  • Peppers and Onions – Peppers and onions are truly the best veggies to complement your steak. Save your leftover steak and this side for tomorrow’s dinner. You won’t regret it!
  • Garlic Smashed Potatoes – I love the crunchy little pieces of skin when the potatoes are cooked this way!

Friday

• Main Dish: Cheesesteak Style Subs – Using the leftover steak, peppers and onions from yesterday, make cheesesteak style subs. All you need are hoagie buns and provolone cheese.
• Side Dish:
  • Easy Baked Macaroni – If you’re looking for a heartier side, macaroni and cheese is a classic favorite that pairs well with steak subs.
  • Green Salad – You can’t go wrong with this classic side.
• Dessert — Holiday Ritz Cracker Cookies – Give me a reason to make a holiday cookie and I’ll do it. Let the kiddos join you when you make these!

Appetizer

• Honey BBQ Meatballs – I love how crazy simple this recipe is, and how you can leave it on in the crockpot to graze on all day long.

Meal Plan – Week 243

Monday

• Main Dish: Crispy Chicken w Honey – Less than 10 minutes of prep and about 15 minutes of bake time – yes, please!
• Side Dish:
  • Mashed Potatoes– When it comes to mashed potatoes, this is my go to recipe.
  • Mashed Cauliflower – Or keep it light with this – you won’t even miss the potatoes! *Read the tips on how to get them extra potato like.
  • Kale Salad with Sweet and Spicy Pecans – Add a delicious crunchy bite of pecans to a kale salad tossed with parmesan cheese and a lemon vinaigrette.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Beef Enchilada Meatballs – Serve these alongside rice or pasta. You could even stuff them into tortillas or taco shells for an easy Mexican-inspired dinner. *Make extra and have leftovers on Thursday*
• Side Dish:
  • Cilantro Lime Rice – This tastes like Chipotle, but I think it’s actually better.
  • Mexican Street Corn Casserole – Are you ready for your new go to side dish? Because this might be it!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Crockpot Cranberry Chicken – This is a great, cozy crock pot meal! Especially during the holiday season.
• Side Dish:
  • Crockpot Corn Casserole – Why wait to eat this during a fancy holiday dinner when you can make it in between?! It’s soooo delicious.
  • Dinner Rolls – Homemade rolls might intimidate you, but these don’t even need yeast. Try them!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Enchilada Meatball Bowls – Using your leftover enchilada meatballs from Tuesday, you can serve the leftover meatballs on top of rice or quinoa with some black beans, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream.
• Side Dish:
  • Black Beans – No one will believe you doctored up some canned beans!
  • Sour Cream
  • Pico de Gallo – The fresh tomatoes in this pico go well with the meatball bowls.
  • Diced Avocado

Friday

• Main Dish: McMuffin Breakfast Casserole – This is quick to make, but can easily be prepared ahead of time, too. We love breakfast for dinner!
• Side Dish:
  • Apple Cinnamon Muffins – These muffins balance out the hearty casserole with sweet and savory flavors.
  • Oven-Cooked Bacon – You can’t go wrong with a classic side of crispy bacon! 
• Dessert — Cinnamon Glazed Butter Cookies – These melt in your mouth and have the most wonderful holiday flavor!

Appetizer

• Mexican Spinach Dip – This twist on traditional spinach dip is addictive and a crowd pleaser.

Meal Plan – Week 242

Monday

• Main Dish: Steak Fried Rice – My family LOVES this! It is perfect for leftover steak, or any cut of beef you have in the fridge.
• Side Dish:
  • Sauces– The kids love Yum Yum Sauce and my husband and I prefer the kick of the Japanese Spicy Mayo!
  • Sriracha Slaw – Sriracha, lime and cilantro give this coleslaw incredible flavor!
  • Crunchy Garlic – If you’ve never had this you can find it at Trader Joes, World Market or even Amazon. I can’t quit it!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Blackened Chicken Breast – Do not skip over this delicious meal! This recipe is fast, and healthy and has so much flavor! Make a little extra to prep for Thursday’s dinner.
• Side Dish:
  • Cajun Roasted Veggies – This vegetable medley is quick and delicious!
  • Herb Roasted Potatoes – Are you ready for your new go to side dish? Because this might be it!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Baked Ground Turkey Tacos – Make a big batch of these for your family or if you have some extra kids hanging out.
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Style Rice – This is inspired from the flavors of Tex-Mex I grew up eating almost daily!
  • Black Beans – If your crock pot is full, doctor up some canned beans! Otherwise make these amazing black beans from scratch in the crock pot!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Blackened Chicken Alfredo – Using the chicken you prepped on Tuesday you are one step closer to having restaurant quality pasta in record time. Everyone will be wanting seconds!
• Side Dish:
  • Side salad with Creamy Italian dressing – the dressing tastes as good as Olive Garden and can be made in 5 minutes.
  • Garlic Cheese Bread – Sometimes I regret not making 2 of these since the family acts like they’ve won the lottery when I make it!

Friday

• Main Dish: Pesto Chicken Salad – I love this so much for an extra busy night. It has so much flavor and you can use leftovers for lunch through the weekend.
• Side Dish:
  • Kale Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette – This is still one of my favorite salads. Takes me back to when we lived in Rhode Island.
  • Roasted Asparagus — You’ll be shocked at how flavorful these are!
• Dessert — Soft and Thick Sugar Cookies– No better time than now to start testing out all your holiday cookie recipes! These big, thick, bakery style cookies are a favorite. I love them best topped with my buttercream frosting!!

Appetizer

• Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls — Have these as an appetizer or even as a breakfast item. I love how versatile they are.

Meal Plan – Week 241

Monday

• Main Dish: Turkey Tetrazzini — If you still have left over turkey, just simply swap out the chicken in this with your leftover turkey meat. You won’t believe how easy and delicious this comfort meal is!
• Side Dish:
  • Green Salad – Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over a mixture of lettuce, red onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
  • Dinner Rolls – No need to be intimidated by these rolls. They are buttery, soft, pillowy and tender and with no yeast needed, they can be made in less than 30 minutes!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Dutch Oven Roast Chicken — With the turkey gone, go ahead and make this easy, delicious family favorite! *Save your leftovers to make Friday’s dinner extra simple.
• Side Dish:
  • Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower — You only need a few minutes to prep and make a super tasty side dish.
  • Kale Salad — The fresh flavor of lemon is exactly what we need after eating our weight in food last week. 😉

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Turkey Teriyaki Bowls – These bowls are a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready to eat in just 25 minutes.
• Side Dish:
  • Sautéed Green Beans — You can make a batch of these perfectly crispy and flavored green beans in no time.
  • Asian Cucumber Salad with Ginger Soy Dressing — This crispy cucumber salad really hits the spot.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Loaded Beef Enchilada Soup — Enchilada Soup is perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy night at home.
• Side Dish:
  • Buttermilk cornbread — With just a few pantry staples you can have a deliciously, moist cornbread everyone will love.
  • Side salad with creamy jalapeño ranch dressing is great if you are hoping to keep your meal light.

Friday

• Main Dish: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad — Using your *leftover chicken from Tuesday, mix in some mayo, diced celery, onions, and grapes for tasty sandwiches.
• Side Dish:
  • Sliced veggies — Cucumber, zucchini, or squash slices topped with chicken salad for a light or low carb option. You can drizzle a little of this buttermilk ranch, too!
  • Make it a wrap– Add some lettuce or spinach to a large flatbread or tortilla to make a wrap.
• Dessert — Peanut Butter Swirl Bars – A chewy delicious dessert bar that rarely lasts longer than a day.

Appetizer

• Hot Cheesy Bean Dip — A yummy dip like this just feels right. You can serve as an appetizer or even use it for quesadillas over the weekend!

Meal Plan – Week 240

Monday

• Main Dish: Easy Ground Turkey Enchiladas — Enchiladas made lighter because of the ground turkey. Bonus – make a double batch and freeze them for a quick and delicious dinner later on!
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Corn Salad – Keep it light with this delicious side.
  • Crock Pot Refried Beans – If you’re wanting a heartier side, this is it!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders — These sliders are basically everything delicious in one convenient handheld package. These are always a hit! *Use rotisserie chicken to make this even faster!
• Side Dish:
  • Steakhouse Salad — This salad is easy, delicious and always a great choice as a side.
  • Ranch Smashed Potatoes — I’d argue that this is the best way to make potatoes. They’re unreal!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Southern Pot Roast – This is a hands off, no-fuss dinner that can be for any night of the week.
• Side Dish:
  • Roasted Mashed Cauliflower — Serve your pot roast right on top of this and you have the most comforting meal!
  • Buttermilk Cornbread – Nothing goes better with southern pot roast than classic cornbread!

Thursday

• Main Dish: The BEST Roast Turkey — The turkey is tender and juicy every time, even the white meat!  
• Side Dish:
  • Green Bean Casserole — Create amazing traditional flavors for your holiday feast with this. It’s a crowd favorite!
  • Make ahead Mashed Potatoes — They’re light, creamy, buttery, and so creamy thanks to the addition of sour cream.

Friday

• Main Dish: Turkey Tetrazzini — Swap out the chicken with your leftover turkey meat and you won’t believe how easy and delicious this comfort meal is!
• Side Dish:
  • Crockpot Corn Casserole — It doesn’t get much EASIER or MORE DELICIOUS than this.
  • Brussels Sprouts – Choose one of my 5 flavor recommendations on crispy roasted sprouts to pair perfectly with a creamy baked pasta.
• Dessert — Apple Pie — This is a show stopper!

Appetizer

• Baked Brie in Pie Crust — It’s perfect for the holidays with crackers, baguette slices, fruit, veggies, you name it.

Meal Plan – Week 239

Monday

• Main Dish: Easy Philly Cheesesteak — The ground beef makes these affordable, but even more kid friendly and perfect for those busy weeknights.
• Side Dish:
  • Baked Potato Wedges — This is a great way to serve an easy homemade version of French fries.
  • Brown Butter Broccoli — This super simple recipe has a tried and true ingredient that makes the broccoli extra delicious and irrisistable.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Meatball Pasta Bake — This super family friendly meal only has 7 ingredients for a hearty baked pasta casserole.  
• Side Dish:
  • Side Salad — I like a simple salad using this delicious, copycat Olive Garden Creamy Italian Dressing.
  • Garlic Bread — This is our favorite recipe! 

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole — If the name doesn’t sell you, does cheese and bacon? 😉
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Roasted Veggies — Quick and easy, and can cook alongside the casserole.
  • Sauteed Spinach — This is very simple and definitely a go to when I need a quick, simple side.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Soup — This is light, healthy, and SO EASY to make. The kids always like this because they can pick their toppings so it seems fun to them. For toppings you can try cheese, sour cream, bacon or onions.
• Side Dish:
  • Cheesy Pesto Bread — The pesto flavor complements the soup and the bread is a must to scoop up every last drop!
  • Oven Roasted Green Beans — You can choose from a list of 5 different seasoning options depending on your preference.

Friday

• Main Dish: Crockpot Chicken Nachos — As if we needed a good reason to eat nachos – now you can have them more often because of this dump and go recipe!
• Side Dish:
  • Easy Mexican Rice — For a full Tex-Mix dinner try this rice.
  • Sautéed Peppers and Onions — Serve these alongside your nachos or use them as an additional topping.
• Dessert — Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies — It’s been too long since we’ve made these!

Appetizer

• Crispy Toasted Tortellini — These garlicky, crispy little bites are so simple and perfect for snacking, an appetizer or even a fun lunch. 

Meal Plan – Week 238

Monday

• Main Dish: Ground Turkey Fried Rice — You only need 15 minutes of prep and cooking time to enjoy a homemade dinner that is just as good as takeout.
• Side Dish:
  • Sriracha Slaw — This cabbage is creamy with a little kick to spice things up a bit!
  • Green beans — Keep it simple and just add extra veggies to the stir fry or serve on the side.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Black Bean Chicken Bake  — If you’ve had my chicken bakes before, you know how good they are! This one does not disappoint.
• Side Dish:
  • Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice — This tastes just like Chipotle rice!
  • Chipotle’s Corn Salsa — Another copycat recipe that is always a hit and pairs perfectly with the black bean chicken bake.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Breakfast Sliders — We haven’t done breakfast for dinner in quite a while! These sausage, egg and cheese sandwiches are held together inside of a Hawaiian roll. Hawaiian rolls really make these!
• Side Dish:
  • Million Dollar Bacon — I like to make extra of this crispy, caramelized bacon so that I can munch on it as a snack. Shh don’t judge.
  • Fruit Salad — Use whatever fruit you have on hand and top it with this dressing. It’s incredible!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Creamy Garlic Pork Chops — Packed with protein, these are a home run and only need 10 minutes of prep.
• Side Dish:
  • Rice- white, brown or wild rice all pair well
  • Garlic Smashed Potatoes – Let’s go all in with the garlic. 😉
  • Classic Steakhouse Wedge Salad — This pairs perfectly with the pork chops.

Friday

• Main Dish: Easy Cheeseburger Stuffed Meatloaf — This twist on a classic meatloaf is one both adults and kids enjoy!
• Side Dish:
  • Instant Pot Corn on the Cob – This 3 minute recipe is super easy to make while your meatloaf is in the oven, and it tastes great!
  • Brussels Sprouts — I have 5 different flavor options for these. They’re all fantastic!
• Dessert — Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies — The texture is irresistible in these chewy cookies.

Appetizer

• Cajun Chicken Dip — Serve with any of your favorite dippers such as tortilla chips, veggies, pita bread, baguettes, and more!

Meal Plan – Week 237

Monday

• Main Dish: Spinach Ravioli Bake — Hope you’re ready for a FAST dinner because this will be on your table in 30 minutes!
• Side Dish:
  • Cheesy Bread — I can’t have pasta without bread, so here is our favorite!
  • Italian House Salad — The restaurant style Italian dressing that is paired with this is *chef’s kiss*.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Beef Hashbrown Casserole — The beef in this recipe turns a classic side into a heartier meal and it’s so yummy!
• Side Dish:
  • Brown Butter Broccoli — Broccoli is a go-to veggie in our home and the kids are always happy when I make it like this.
  • Sautéed Mushrooms with Garlic Butter — The garlic butter makes these mushrooms irresistible!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup — This might be the best soup I have ever made. I know that sounds wild, but trust me!
• Side Dish:
  • Homemade Buttermilk Cornbread — I shared this on Instagram a couple days ago and you all went bananas for it!
  • Kale Salad — This simple 4 ingredient salad is a healthy side that’s great with warm soup.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Pork Fajitas — This recipe will have a mouthwatering dinner on the table in under 15 minutes with a spread of your favorite toppings and traditional favorites.
• Side Dish:
  • Cilantro Lime Rice — This rice is a big hit. You can serve it as a side or serve the pork mixture over the rice and make fajita bowls.
  • Jalapeno Ranch Dressing — Hands down one of the best creamy toppings for tacos and fajitas.

Friday

• Main Dish: Blackened Fish — This can be made in just 15 minutes and is a great Friday night meal!
• Side Dish:
  • Italian Quinoa Salad — This is really simple but the flavor is big! It’s even better the next day so make it tonight and have leftovers this weekend.
  • Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower — This goes with just about anything, but especially the blackened fish.
• Dessert — Caramel Snickerdoodles — Isn’t there something really comforting about a snickerdoodle cookie? The caramel makes these even yummier!

Appetizer

• Saucy Buffalo Chicken Tenders — I love buffalo sauce and because the flavor is so good you won’t even miss the breading on these tenders. If you want to beef up this appetizer with even more, check out the new list we have for sides that would pair well!

Meal Plan – Week 236

*If you make a recipe this week and love it, please consider leaving a rating and comment on the recipe post. It helps to support my blog and makes my day!*

Monday

• Main Dish: Turkey Teriyaki Bowl — This is quick enough to make on a busy night, but you can even prep it ahead of time on Sunday.
• Side Dish:
  • Spicy Sriracha Asian Coleslaw — This spicy coleslaw recipe can be made in just a few minutes. You can eat it as a side or even add a little to your bowl for a nice little crunch.
  • Asian Cucumber Salad — This is a light, healthy and quick side.
  • Spicy Mayo or Yum Yum Sauce — If you haven’t made these easy sauces yet, now is the perfect time because we love these with our teriyaki bowls!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole — Who doesn’t love tater tots?! This dump-and-go meal is so quick to prep and very family-friendly!
• Side Dish:
  • House Salad — This tastes like a steakhouse salad!
  • Crock Pot Corn w Garlic Butter — This slow cooker recipe is definitely a keeper!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Smothered Chicken Burritos — Using my chicken taco seasoning you will take these burritos to another level!
• Side Dish:
  • Sauteed Peppers and Onions — Add some veggies to dinner with this delicious, quick-cooking side.
  • Cilantro Lime Rice — Super delicious and a nice light side to serve with burritos.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Garlic Herb Steak — A restaurant quality steak can be surprisingly easy to make with a few simple rules of thumb. Check out my tips because you can do this in under 15 minutes!
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes — Garlic, herbs and butter…what’s not to love?
  • Broccoli Salad — This pairs really well with this steak.

Friday

• Main Dish: Mozzarella Chicken Skillet — This is an all time family favorite! Bonus – one skillet means easy cleanup. 😉
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Bread — Family favorite!
  • Italian House Salad — Keep it easy and traditional with this salad.
• Dessert — Pecan Pie Bars — The shortbread crust is so good! I love making these, especially in the cooler months. They’re just such a comforting dessert.

Appetizer

• Sundried Tomato Turkey Wraps — These are perfect as an appetizer, but they’re also great as a lunch.

Meal Plan – Week 235

Monday

• Main Dish: BBQ Chicken Bake — With 10 minutes of prep and one dish, you’ll have the most delicious meal for your family!  
• Side Dish:
  • Green Bean Casserole — My family loves this classic, creamy, green bean casserole. Try it and maybe you’ll want to make it again during the holidays.
  • Baked Macaroni and Cheese — I have shared my Grandma’s mac and cheese recipe a few times now and if you missed it, now it’s yours to enjoy. You don’t want to miss it!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Honey Sriracha Meatballs — These meatballs have an Asian twist that we just can not get enough of!
• Side Dish:
  • 15 Minute Chicken Fried Rice — Quick AND delicious!
  • Rice — Serve your meatballs right on top of some jasmine rice.
  • Asian Cucumber Salad w Ginger Soy Dressing — Zero cooking is required for this side dish, which also means less dishes!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas — One of my favorite one pan wonders! These have the delicious flavor of traditional fajitas, but are easy to whip up. Plus, the leftovers will be perfect for Friday night.
• Toppings:
  • Pico de gallo
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Shredded cheese (in tex mex style fajitas)
  • Flour tortillas
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican rice — This rice is too good not to make!
  • Crockpot Refried Beans — We love refried beans with our fajitas

Thursday

• Main Dish: Brown Butter Spinach Tortellini — This is the ultimate one pot EASY dinner!
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Bread — Garlic, herbs, and butter…what’s not to love? It is seriously irresistible.
  • Tomato Mozzarella Salad — I love a fresh tomato salad! You can even make this salad a day in advance.

Friday

• Main Dish: Chicken Fajita Nachos — Use your leftovers from Wednesday – nachos get a bad rap, but there is so much goodness in these – protein, calcium, fiber and veggies!
• Toppings:
  • Sour cream
  • Pico de gallo
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Salsa
  • Jalapeno Ranch (most popular addition in my house)
  • Sliced jalapeños
• Side Dish:
  • Crock Pot Black Beans — If you don’t have refried beans from Wednesday, try these.
  • Guacamole — Serve this right on top of your yummy nachos.
• Dessert — Double Chocolate Pudding Cookie — These are incredibly delicious and it’ll taste like you just picked them up from a bakery.

Appetizer

• Homemade Salsa — I know it sounds intimidating, but I promise it is not once you see the recipe!

Meal Plan – Week 234

Monday

• Main Dish: Ground Beef Cobbler — This is similar to a viral TikTok recipe, but I made it extra family friendly!
• Side Dish:
  • Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower — This side is super simple and goes with practically everything.
  • Oven Roasted Vegetables — Not only are these delicious, but they’re probably one of the easiest side dishes I make!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Tex Mex Enchiladas — Tex Mex Tuesday – see what I did there 😉 We love the flavors of these classic enchiladas!
• Side Dish:
  • Black Bean and Corn Salsa — Serve this dip as a side or as an appetizer if you have people that are extra anxious for dinner.
  • Easy Mexican Rice — Your family will think you ordered takeout when they taste this rice.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey — Looking for a 20 minute meal that is kid friendly and adults also love? Not only does Baked Ziti check all those boxes, but it is so filling and makes a large amount. You might get lucky and have leftovers! Try using my ground turkey seasoning when you prepare your ground turkey. I like to make a big batch of this because it lasts a while and then you can just have it on hand.
• Side Dish:
  • Cheesy Garlic Bread — Want the perfect garlic bread? Look no further – this.is.it.
  • Tomato Basil Mozzarella — I love how refreshing, light and delicious this salad is. It’s great as a side especially with a heartier meal like ziti.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Soup — This soup is great for families because you can top it with anything you like! 
• Toppings
  • Homemade Bacon Bits — Bacon is always a good idea.
  • Cheese — My favorite topping
  • Onions
  • Chives
  • Sour Cream
• Side Dish:
  • Mediterranean Chickpea Salad — Soup and salad are the perfect combination.
  • Oven Roasted Green Beans — Looking for a lighter side dish option? I have 5 different flavor options to choose from.

Friday

• Main dish: Saucy Buffalo Chicken Tenders — Making a meal that can extend into the weekend is major goals. These are so yummy, and can also be reheated this weekend if you need a little something to snack on!
• Side Dish:
  • Ranch Smashed Potatoes — With just 3 ingredients, you will have perfect smashed potatoes with the most delicious crispy edges.
  • Carrots, celery and ranch dip — If there is one thing I know, it is RANCH! Take a few extra minutes to whip this up. You will not regret it!
• Dessert — Caramel Snickerdoodle Cookie — It’s caramel season! These cookies are over the top in the best way.

Appetizer

• Green Chile Cheddar Dip — This dip is warm and ooey gooey. Perfect for dipping chips and veggies in for a hearty snack.

Meal Plan – Week 233

Monday

• Main Dish: Creamy Pesto Tortellini — This is super family friendly and you can easily add a protein like shredded chicken if you want to make it even heartier.
• Side Dish:
  • No Knead Rolls — Make these ahead of time and you won’t regret it. They don’t need any time to rise, and are perfect to dip into the pesto sauce that’s left on your plate 😋
  • Sautéed Mushrooms with Garlic Butter — You can mix these into your pasta dish, or eat them as a side. They’re so tender and delicious!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Baked Potatoes — These are ready in 30 minutes if you use your pressure cooker and they are incredibly fluffy!
  • Bacon — try my Million Dollar Bacon!
  • Chives or green onions
  • Sour Cream
  • Cheddar Cheese
• Side Dish:
  • Baked Beans with Ground Beef — You can serve as a side or you could even top your baked potatoes with these yummy beans. Either way, it’ll disappear from plates faster than you can ask your family how their day was! **Save extras for Thursdays leftover meals.**
  • Homemade Buttermilk Dressing and Green Salad — Make a quick green salad and this 5 minute dressing for the easiest side dish. If your family is allergic to things that are green, this dressing is amazing with carrots and other little veggies! 😉

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup — Need the perfect make ahead meal that’s also simple enough to throw together any night of the week? This is it!
  • Toppings — Shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips or tortilla strips, cilantro, lime juice, pickled jalapeños, diced tomatoes, red onions, sliced avocados, or pico de gallo.
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Roasted Vegetables — Quick and easy vegetables are always a go-to on a night like tonight.
  • Mexican Corn Salad — This light and refreshing salad is healthy, delicious, and so easy to make.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Cowboy Baked Bean Rice Bowls — With your leftovers from Tuesday, add your baked beans to Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice or Easy Mexican Rice for a satisfying meal bowl.
• Side Dish:
  • Brown Butter Broccoli — We make this a lot, and you’ll see why. It really goes with everything.

Friday

• Main dish: Steak with the Easiest Marinade  — This marinade is super flavorful and great for any cut you prefer to grill – strip steak, ribeye, sirloin steak etc. It perfectly tenderizes the meat, too!
• Side Dish:
  • Wedge Salad — Adults love wedge salads, but kids do too because it looks so special.
  • Garlic Bread — Between the steak, fancy (but simple!) salad and this bread, everyone will think you’ve opened up a steakhouse!
• Dessert — 3 Ingredient Nutella Brownie — These brownies seriously only need 3 ingredients. They’re basically magical brownies!

Appetizer

• Million Dollar Dip — Grab some crackers, chips, or veggies and watch this dip disappear!

Meal Plan – Week 232

Monday

• Main Dish: Ginger Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry – Top 3 things I love about this – easy, kid-friendly and one pan. One pan meals are my favorite!
• Side Dish:
  • Asian Cucumber Salad — This can be prepared in advance which makes for an even faster side dish the night of dinner.
  • Sriracha Slaw — This cabbage has a little kick if you are into that!
  • Steamed Rice — White or brown rice would be great to soak up the stir fry sauce. Quinoa would also work.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Garlic Butter Meatballs — These ground turkey meatballs are so delicious! No one will believe these only took you 10 minutes because they’re so full of flavor.
• Side Dish:
  • Lemon Rice — This rice goes perfectly with the meatballs.
  • Brown Butter Broccoli — My family thinks these are the best way to eat broccoli.
  • Noodles or zoodles! — If you really want your noodles to be coated with the garlic sauce, I recommend doubling the sauce when making this.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Shake n Bake Pork Chops — This is a meal that adults and kids rave about.
• Side Dish:
  • Baked Beans and Ground Beef — This is incredibly simple, but hearty and perfect as a side dish.
  • Instant Pot Corn on the Cob — The garlic butter that absorbs into the corn is the secret that will turn this into a family favorite. Try my crock pot version for a different way to make it!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Crock Pot Pork Carnitas — Today’s recipe is the start of the next TWO days. Let’s do make-your-own-bowls tonight.
• Side Dish:
  • Cilantro Lime Rice — Someone who has worked at Chipotle said this rice tastes just like the original recipe 🤯
  • Black Beans — Keep it simple and spice up some canned beans!
  • Tortillas or taco shells
  • Toppings:
    • Shredded lettuce
    • Corn Salsa
    • Pico de Gallo
    • Sour Cream
    • Guacamole
    • Shredded cheese

Friday

• Main dish: Carnitas Street Tacos — With leftovers from yesterday, tonight’s dinner will be crazy easy!
• Side Dish:
  • Street Corn Casserole — quick, easy and one of my most popular recipes.
  • Mexican Roasted Vegetables — These only take a few minutes to prepare and roast.
• Dessert — Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies — It took me a while to really perfect this cookie, and it was more than worth it!

Appetizer

• Garlic Chicken Bites — These are perfect for a heavier, bitesized appetizer. Try them with my homemade ranch.

Meal Plan – Week 231

Monday

• Main Dish: Marry Me Chicken and Tortellini – When my Marry Me Chicken went viral on TikTok I KNEW I had to make something else – so this was created and it is out of this world!
• Side Dish:
  • Italian Side Salad – This salad paired with this meal will have your family wondering if you ordered takeout from an Italian restaurant!
  • BEST Ever Garlic Bread – Is there anything better than a crusty piece of garlic bread dipped into a creamy sauce?

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Buffalo Chicken Chili – This is a winning dump and go recipe and it is perfect for all the chili flavors to marinade together all day! This is a classic chili recipe with a surprise zip from the buffalo sauce. *Save your leftovers for Thursday – you won’t regret it! *
• Side Dish:
  • Instant Pot Baked Potatoes – The chili is already very hearty, but if you want to beef it up some more, these potatoes are great!
  • Homemade Buttermilk Cornbread – This is the best cornbread recipe! All you need are a few pantry staples and it makes the most tender, moist, perfect cornbread of all! 

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Oven Roasted Turkey Tenderloin – This cut of meat is so underrated! Every bite is juicy and delicious.
• Side Dish:
  • Roasted Green Beans — This classic side dish is one that everyone enjoys.
  • Lemon Rice – An easy side dish that goes with pretty much everything? Yes, please!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Buffalo Chicken Chili Sheet Pan Nachos — Make the most epic batch of nachos ever with your buffalo chili from Tuesday.
  • Empty a bag of tortilla chips on a sheet pan (AKA a rimmed baking sheet—you want the edges so the chips don’t slide off!), top with your leftover Creamy Buffalo Chicken Chili, then sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Bake in a 400ºF oven until the chili is warmed through and the cheese is melted, then add your favorite toppings and dig in.
  • Topping Ideas:
    • Blue Cheese Crumbles
    • Chopped Green Onions
    • Sliced Jalapeños
    • Sour Cream
    • Chopped Cilantro
    • Sliced Avocado
    • Lime Wedges
    • Shredded Lettuce
    • Crumbled Bacon
• Side Dish:
  • Black Beans — These Black Beans are made in the crock pot with a few special seasonings and are one of the easiest and most delicious way to prepare them.
  • Mexican Roasted Vegetables – These take only a few minutes to prepare!

Friday

• Main dish: Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken — This is a quick and easy, no fuss dinner that’s great for Friday night.
• Side Dish:
  • Asian Cucumber Salad — This dressing doesn’t require any cooking and can be made in advance making it great for busy nights.
  • Spicy Sriracha Asian Coleslaw – I LOVE this coleslaw and the tangy flavors of sriracha, lime, and cilantro!
• Dessert – Fudge Brownies — These are the BEST brownies!

Appetizer

• Greek Layer Dip – My mouth is actually watering thinking about this dip!

Meal Plan – Week 230

Monday

• Main Dish: Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders – When your family hears “Sliders” you hopefully won’t hear any grumbles. These are so good we’re calling them a touchdown!
• Side Dish:
  • Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese – My Grandma’s macaroni and BBQ sliders are a match made in heaven.
  • Summer Fruit Salad – Keep it light with this delicious salad.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup – This is so simple, and I really think you’ll be surprised at how flavorful and delicious this soup is!
• Side Dish:
  • Oven Roasted Green Beans — I have 5 different ways to make these and I think ANY one you choose would be delicious next to this creamy ham and potato soup.
  • No Yeast Dinner Rolls — Rolls sound intimidating, but you know me – they’re easy! And they need zero time to rise. When you taste them with your soup, you will be so happy you made them!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Sausage Pesto Penne – Do not sleep on this sheet pan meal! In just 30 minutes you’ll have a meal that is packed with protein and delicious veggies.
• Side Dish:
  • Caprese – You can’t go wrong serving this fresh, classic salad.
  • Garlic Bread – You will probably want to make this every week after you try it. It is my favorite!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Crockpot Steak Bites — I shared this dump-and-go slow cooker recipe on Instagram the other day (did you see it?) and it’s clear that everyone needs to try this!
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes —The garlic and cheese in this recipe pair so well with the Crockpot Steak Bites.
  • Steakhouse Salad – Top your salad with the steak bites and you’ll be glad you did!

Friday

• Main dish: 3 Ingredient Taco Chicken — This is perfect for an easy (and delicious) Friday night. If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, you can make nachos for lunch over the weekend. Yum!
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Rice —This EASY Mexican style rice tastes just like the sides you get in your favorite Mexican restaurant! 
  • Sautéed Peppers and Onions – This simple, classic recipe makes perfect bell peppers and onions every time.
  • Topping Suggestions
    • Shredded lettuce
    • Cheese – I like cheddar or colby jack best
    • Pico de gallo
    • Guacamole
    • Sour cream
    • Chopped cilantro
• Dessert – Pecan Pie Bars — These ooey gooey Pecan Pie Bars have the BEST shortbread crust. These are easy enough to make if you want a dessert for home, but it’s also great for potlucks because of the amount that this makes.

Appetizer

• Black Bean and Corn Salsa – I love how hearty this dip is. It would even be good on your nachos if you have extra taco chicken from Friday.

Meal Plan – Week 229

Monday

• Main Dish: One Pan Beef Ramen Stir Fry – Ramen is all the rage these days! This is a fast, family friendly meal that can be customized to your family’s taste.
• Side Dish:
  • Cucumber Tomato Salad – This cold, easy side salad would balance out the saucy ramen noodle stir fry perfectly. 
  • Asian Green Salad – Top chopped greens or cabbage with crispy rice noodles, cucumber, shredded carrots, mandarin oranges, and sesame seeds. Add a ginger soy dressing or creamy, spicy Japanese mayo.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Crock Pot BBQ Brisket – This recipe is so versatile and I love it during the week. It can be its own meal with a side, but can also be made into sandwiches, tacos, and more! *save leftovers for Thursdays comfort meal!*
• Side Dish:
  • Buttermilk Cornbread — BBQ and cornbread are two things that should always go together. So good!
  • Roasted Green Beans — These only take 5 minutes and you only need a few ingredients.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders – If you love the flavor of a zesty lemon, you will love this recipe! In 15 minutes you’ll have anything but boring chicken tenders.
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Smashed Potatoes – This is the perfect side to balance out the lemon flavor. My family loves the little crunchy potato bites.
  • Sautéed Garlic Mushrooms – The garlic butter will make mushroom haters change their minds!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Slow Cooker Tomato Soup – It’s basically Fall, RIGHT? As soon as it starts to cool down I reach for the comfort meal recipes and this is a favorite!
• Side Dish:
  • Brisket Grilled Cheese — Of course you can always do regular grilled cheese, but since you already have leftovers from Tuesday, let’s go big!
  • Garlic Bread — Cheesy, crunchy and gooey goodness to dip into your warm, delicious tomato soup.

Friday

• Main dish: White Lasagna with Spinach – Lasagna on a busy night!? I promise this is quick and easy enough to make even on the busiest weeknight!
• Side Dish:
  • Side Salad with Creamy Italian Dressing —Trust me, you WANT to make the dressing.
  • Parmesan Cauliflower – Even though this is a veggie, it is hearty and a very tasty side dish.
• Dessert – Chocolate No Bake Cookies — If you’re craving chocolate, these are the ticket!

Appetizer

• Taco Layer Dip —This is a go to appetizer I love making because just about everyone enjoys it.

Meal Plan – Week 228

Monday

• Main Dish: Spaghetti and Homemade Marinara – A classic comfort meal that will hopefully make even your pickiest eaters happy! This marinara is so much better than store-bought and only requires a few ingredients. This is also one of those recipes you can double, freeze the extras and have sauce on hand for a later date! *Save your leftover marinara sauce for a meal on Wednesday.*
• Side Dish:
  • Side Salad with Creamy Italian Dressing – The perfect salad to go along side your pasta.
  • Garlic Bread – This is a special recipe because it includes my homemade garlic bread spread. Yum!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: BBQ Chicken Casserole – This family friendly meal is so delicious and easy that it will feel too good to be true.
• Side Dish:
  • Corn Salsa with chips — perfect for dipping and eating on the side.
  • Mashed Potatoes — I love serving the BBQ chicken right over these creamy mashed potatoes that slow cook in your crockpot. This whole meal couldn’t be easier or more delicious!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Homestyle Meatball Marinara Subs – Meatball subs are made on the regular in my house. These meatballs are very easy to whip up, throw into a Hoagie roll and top with mozzarella cheese and the homemade marinara you made on Monday!
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Parmesan Broccoli – The combination of garlic and parmesan make this broccoli almost addicting…you’ll be going back for seconds!
  • Baked Potato Wedges – Who doesn’t love crispy, delicious potato wedges?!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Steak Fried Rice – This is lighter and tastier than take-out AND it’s family friendly, so you must try it if you haven’t yet!
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Green Beans — These are a go-to side for me. Quick to make, full of flavor and the clean up is a breeze.
  • Spring rolls
  • Cucumber Salad — This can be made ahead of time to make tonights prep even smoother!
  • Spicy Asian Mayo — I love this as a topping.

Friday

• Main dish: Crockpot Chicken Nachos – At the end of the week, who wants to hang out in the kitchen and cook? Let the slow cooker do the work and let your family choose all the toppings their heart desires.
• Topping Suggestions:
  • Homemade Salsa — The BEST.
  • Sour cream
  • Pico de Gallo
  • Guacamole — Are they nachos without guac?
  • Cilantro
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Corn Salsa
  • Jalapeno Ranch — This is super quick to make and my favorite to add to nachos.
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Roasted Vegetables – Easy way to add some veggies and really round out the meal.
  • Cilantro Lime Rice – Tastes just like your fav Mexican restaurant!
• Dessert – Churro Cheesecake Bars — Want to treat your family? Make these bars! These are so easy that you can even have your little ones help you out.

Appetizer

• Spinach Feta Dip – This dip is perfect for a mid-day snack when you need a little pick me up. I like to serve it with chips, veggies, crackers, pita chips, or pretzels.

Meal Plan – Week 227

Monday

• Main Dish: Crockpot BBQ Chicken – Only 3 ingredients and the slow cooker does all the work. What a way to start the week!
• Side Dish:
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes – A classic side that knocks it out of the park!
  • Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese – The perfect comfort side dish to compliment your BBQ chicken.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Baked Bean Burritos — With just a few ingredients you probably already have on hand, you can have this in the oven in 10 minutes!
• Side Dish:
  • Chips and salsa – Pick your favorite
    • Homemade salsa
    • Corn salsa
    • Mango Avocado Salsa (a personal favorite!)
    • Pineapple Salsa
  • Mexican Street Corn Casserole — If you’ve never had Mexican street corn, you are in for a treat. I LOVE this side and so does my family.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Turkey Spinach Feta Burgers – These burgers are packed full of lean protein, greens, Greek seasoning, and salty feta for the perfect combination of flavors.
• Side Dish:
  • Pesto Tortellini Salad— This pasta salad is ready in no more than 15 minutes using just 6 ingredients!
  • Garlic Mixed Vegetables – This winning side dish is a family favorite. It’s so easy and always SO good.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Easy Curry Chicken – Instead of taking hours like some traditional curries, this version of the classic dish just takes one pot and minutes on your stove top.
• Side Dish:
  • Lemon Rice – This goes perfectly with the curry chicken.
  • Jasmine Rice – Keep it even more simple by serving your dish with jasmine rice. I love that it soaks up all of the curry flavors.
  • Sautéed Spinach – Instead of putting your chicken on a bed of rice, lighten it up with a bed of spinach.
  • Naan — Most grocery stores (even smaller ones like Trader Joe’s) carry Naan, a traditional Indian bread. It will remind you of pita bread, but it is much fluffier. It’s great for making sure you get every last drop of sauce!

Friday

• Main dish: Garlic Bread Pizza – After a long week, let the kids think you’re extra fun with a pizza dinner, even though this meal requires very little effort. We like to have a variety of toppings out so that everyone can DIY their own. Check out my big list of Pizza Topping Ideas and maybe there are some new ones you haven’t thought of!
• Side Dish:
  • Homemade Ranch Dressing – I keep a jar of this in my fridge at all times. Chop up some veggies and serve them next to this delicious dressing.
  • Side Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette —This dressing is so easy, but makes crisp greens taste amazing!
• Dessert – Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies — These are irresistible, no baking required treats that can be made in as little as 20 minutes!

Appetizer

• Buffalo Chicken Nuggets – This can be lunch, dinner, a snack, or the most talked about appetizer! These simple baked nuggets are packed with delicious buffalo flavor and are much lighter than take out! *Bonus – use the ranch dressing you made Friday to dip them in!*

Meal Plan – Week 226

Monday

• Main Dish: Ground Beef Enchiladas – This kid-friendly dinner is perfect for a Monday night. I even share a tip for making sure your corn tortillas don’t fall to pieces when you’re rolling them. 😉
• Side Dish:
  • Easy Mexican Rice – What compliments enchiladas more than yummy rice?
  • Mexican-Style Crock Pot Refried Beans – Ok, maybe rice AND beans are what perfectly compliment these enchiladas!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Chicken Mozzarella Skillet — This is quick and easy to make and you only need a handful of ingredients in just one skillet!
• Side Dish:
  • Roasted Vegetables— These are so quick and easy.
  • Italian House Salad — This is great for all those times you need just a little something on the side. 

Wednesday

• Main Dish:  Meatball Pasta Bake — Cheesy, saucy, and packed full of tender meatballs and pasta, this Meatball Pasta Bake is the ultimate family dinner! 
• Side Dish:
  • Brown Butter Broccoli— You’ll never look at broccoli the same after making it my families favorite way.
  • Garlic Bread — I know it’s bold to say this is the best, but it kind of is! Something about the garlic spread just gets me every time!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs — Yummy chicken that cooks up quickly in a skillet and the sticky sauce is just so yummy and addicting!
• Side Dish:
  • Side salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette — I usually do chopped romaine, tomato, cucumber, shredded parmesan, and croutons. The dressing takes 5 minutes to make and is irresistibly good!
  • Cilantro lime rice, or a simple white or brown rice are all perfect for pairing with this meal.

Friday

• Main dish: Rotisserie Chicken Salad — Start out with a store-bought rotisserie chicken and you’re basically done!
• Side Dish:
  • Broccoli Slaw — My kids can never get enough of this. It has so much flavor.
  • Potato Wedges – You can never go wrong with crispy, easy, potato wedges…especially on a Friday!
  • Croissants, crackers, butter lettuce, or sliced bread — You can keep it extra easy by making this salad into sandwiches.
• Dessert – Peanut Butter Swirl Bars – A chewy delicious dessert bar that rarely lasts longer than a day.

Appetizer

• Million Dollar Dip – With a name like this, you know it’s going to be good! Perfect for a party, or just for snacking.

Meal Plan – Week 225

Monday

• Main Dish: Bruschetta Chicken – This meal comes together quickly so it is the perfect quick and wholesome dish for a busy weeknight!
• Side Dish:
  • Toasted Garlic Bread – This is perfectly toasted and has just the right amount of garlic, herbs, and butter to make it completely irresistible!  
  • Sautéed Spinach — For a low carb option serve the chicken over spinach or other greens.
  • Italian House Salad — For leftovers, you can add cold bruschetta chicken right on top of a green salad.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Crockpot Steak Bites — This dump-and-go slow cooker recipe requires only minutes of prep work and is delicious. *Save your leftovers for Thursday*
• Side Dish:
  • Baked Potatoes— You use your Instant Pot to create these fluffy, delicious potatoes in no time.
  • Steakhouse Salad — This one is quick and gives that steakhouse feel! It’s the perfect salad to top with your Crockpot Steak Bites.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Biscuit Egg Breakfast Casserole — I am so excited to share this with you. We love this breakfast casserole so much!
• Side Dish:
  • Hashbrown Casserole – This goes great with the egg casserole and it’ll really fill up all those bellies.
  • Tasty Roasted Veggies – These roasted veggies are so good and a great way to sneak in some extra wholesomeness with your breakfast casserole.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Steak Bite Meal Bowls – Using your leftover Crockpot Steak Bites from Tuesday, reheat in a large skillet with a bit of vegetable oil or in the microwave. Add steak pieces to a bowl of mashed potatoes or rice.
• Side Dish:
  • Brown Butter Broccoli— Have you ever made broccoli that’s marinated in butter? This might become a new favorite recipe if you haven’t!
  • Cilantro Lime Rice — Use this easy rice recipe to serve your steak bites on top of.
  • Jalapeno Ranch Dressing — I almost always have this dressing on hand. It would be delicious drizzled on top of your steak bites bowl!

Friday

• Main dish: Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake – In just 35 minutes you can have a flavorful baked pasta filled with basil pesto, tender chicken, sundried tomatoes, peas, and gooey mozzarella cheese ready to serve.
• Side Dish:
  • Tomato Mozzarella Salad – This is a great make-ahead salad you can enjoy alongside your pasta.
  • Pesto Cheese Bread – Pasta and bread are always a happy match!
• Dessert – Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies – This is a reader favorite and it’s about to become yours, too!

Appetizer

• Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa – Perfect for dipping your chips!

Meal Plan – Week 224

Monday

• Main Dish: Shredded Chicken Sliders – You can’t go wrong with any of my slider recipes. These sliders are made in as little as 20 minutes. You will love these soft and sweet Hawaiian rolls layered with juicy shreds of chicken, melty provolone, and a honey mustard glaze.
• Side Dish:
  • Broccoli Slaw – This broccoli slaw is packed full of fresh flavors and crunchy textures. So good!
  • Instant Pot Corn on the Cob – Delicious corn on the cob in 3 minutes? Yes, please.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice — We love comfort meals and this is such a classic.
• Side Dish:
  • Crisp House Salad – A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette brings a refreshing balance to the rich casserole.
  • Perfect Oven Roasted Vegetables – There is no better way to eat your veggies!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Greek Chicken Bites and Cauliflower – This recipe is super simple, only needs one pan and is FULL of flavor. *This is so tasty that you may not have leftovers, so you might as well double the recipe and have leftovers for an easy dinner on Friday.*
• Side Dish:
  • Cucumber Tomato Salad – This light salad perfectly compliments the dish with flavor and crunch!
  • Roasted Potatoes – If you want to bulk up your meal a little, these are delicious.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Cheeseburger Pasta – One skillet, so much flavor and a lot of full and happy bellies is what this delivers!
• Side Dish:
  • Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad — I could eat this entire salad by myself. It is LOADED with fresh flavors.
  • My Favorite Garlic Bread — You can’t have a cheesy pasta without some delicious bread to wipe the plate clean.

Friday

• Main dish: Chicken and Cauliflower Pitas – Heat leftovers from Wednesday, then heat pita bread in a skillet or in the oven until warm. Spread a layer of tzatziki over the pita bread and pile the chicken on top. Add your choice of tomato, cucumber, olives, pepperoncini peppers, mixed greens, and feta cheese.
• Side Dish:
  • Lemon Rice – This is the perfect side. Make sure to scoop a little tzatziki onto your fork before you scoop up rice!
  • Sauteed Spinach — When I need an easy, healthy and delicious side dish this is my go to.
• Dessert – Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies —This might become your new favorite cookie recipe!

Appetizer

• Million Dollar Dip – You don’t have to share this with a big group, but if you want to, it’s a good one!

Meal Plan – Week 223

Monday

• Main Dish: Hot Honey Chicken – My oldest child says this is the best chicken I’ve ever made! You can make it as hot (or not) as you’d like.
• Side Dish:
  • Buttermilk Cornbread – I really can’t think of a more appropriate side than this classic cornbread recipe! It is the best one out there!
  • Grandma’s Macaroni and Cheese – This is a match made in heaven for the Hot Honey Chicken Breast!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken — This is a hands-off, low stress weeknight meal that delivers the juiciest chicken that everyone will enjoy. If you have *leftovers* save them for Thursday nights dinner.
• Side Dish:
  • Baked Asparagus — This Asparagus recipe is one of the EASIEST & TASTIEST ways to make this side dish. 
  • Italian Tortellini Salad — This salad is LOADED with flavors and creamy goodness in every bite. It’ll taste even better the next day, so make sure to save some for lunch because the flavors get absorbed even more into the pasta and it’s delicious!  

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Crock Pot Mississippi Pot Roast – All you need are 5 simple ingredients to have the most tender, juicy, flavorful, pot roast, and it couldn’t be more quick and easy to make. 
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Cheese Bread – Your family will love this garlic bread. The cheese really kicks it up a notch.
  • Side Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette — The thought of this dressing is actually making my mouth water. It’s tangy and sweet, so it pairs perfectly with the pot roast.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Baked Chicken Tacos – Using your *leftovers* from Tuesday you can these baked tacos. This is so simple, but taco night usually means you’ll end the day with full bellies (I hope!).
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Street Corn Casserole — Between the tacos being baked in one dish and this delicious street corn casserole in one dish, clean up is looking like a breeze tonight!
  • Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice — This is a crowd favorite.

Friday

• Main dish: Marry Me Chicken – My family loves this chicken so much. We made it a few weeks ago, but here we are again…I’m not mad about a one pan, flavor packed, easy meal!
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes – I’m not sure if this is the “traditional” side dish, but it’s my favorite side to serve with the Marry Me Chicken.
  • Garlic Roasted Vegetables — Classic with a little bit of crispness in the bite. 
• Dessert – Crockpot Peach Cobbler—This is our favorite summer dessert, so we need to make it as much as possible before the fall months sneak up on us.

Appetizer

• Pineapple Cream Cheese Dip – NEW recipe alert! This no bake recipe is perfect in the summer time when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen, but you need a quick appetizer.

Meal Plan – Week 222

Monday

• Main Dish: Grinder Italian Salad – This is basically a lightened up version of the Grinder Sandwiches that went viral on TikTok.
• Side Dish:
  • Pesto Cheese Bread – Have this alongside the salad and call it a deconstructed grinder salad “sandwich”.
  • Instant Pot Baked Potatoes – These classic baked potatoes have an amazing fluffy texture and they are so easy to make because of the instant pot technique!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Mexican Chicken Casserole – This already quick and delicious meal is even faster if you buy a rotisserie chicken at the store. *Leftover Alert! Save leftovers for Thursday when we turn this casserole into Mexican Stuffed Shells!*
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Corn Salad – This sweet and tangy salad checks both the quick and easy boxes, and I can’t wait for you to try this!
  • Mexican Roasted Vegetables – If you have a few extra minutes, these are delicious as a side dish.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Slow Cooker Thai Chicken – The 5 star reviews keep on coming in for this! You can customize the spiciness which makes it an even more family friendly meal. Yum!
• Side Dish:
  • Lemon Rice – This goes perfectly with the Thai chicken.
  • Jasmine Rice – You can’t go wrong by keeping it even more simple than by serving your dish with jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the deliciously, rich sauce and it’s so good!
  • Cauliflower Rice – Same idea as the rice, but low carb.
  • Cucumber Salad – My family loves when we have this crunchy, refreshing salad! It’s such a great side dish that complements the spiciness of Thai chicken.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Mexican Chicken Stuffed Shells – *Leftover Time!* Stuff prepared large pasta shells with leftover Mexican Chicken Casserole. Place the shells in a baking dish and cover with red enchilada sauce.  Sprinkle with cheese and bake 20-30 minutes or until heated through. Serve with a drizzle of sour cream and chopped cilantro.
• Side Dish:
  • Crockpot Refried Beans – With just a handful of ingredients, you can let the slow cooker turn dried pinto beans into the most velvety, creamy, rich, and delicious refried beans!
  • Tableside Guacamole – There is something so special about table-side guac at a restaurant, right? I was so happy when I finally mastered the taste! Make it really feel like you’re dining out by having one of your kiddos do the mashing for you!

Friday

• Main dish: Baked Chili Cheese Dogs – I love having a meal on Friday that can be completely customized by everyone! These chili cheese dogs can be topped with their own favorite toppings, and you’ll love how easy it is to put together this kid-friendly dinner.
• Side Dish:
  • Oven Roasted Green Beans – The one healthy veggie my kids truly love!
  • Crock Pot Corn on the Cob – This is the easiest way to make corn and is such a classic side.
• Dessert – Key Lime Cookies – These cookies seriously melt in your mouth!

Appetizer

• Cold Spinach Feta Dip – Serve this easy appetizer with a platter of veggies, crackers, pita chips, or pretzels.

Meal Plan – Week 221

Monday

• Main Dish: Marry Me Chicken – This easy recipe is loaded with so much flavor that no one would ever guess how simple it is! 
• Side Dish:
  • Make-Ahead Crockpot Mashed Potatoes – All you need is a few minutes of prep for these light, creamy, and buttery potatoes.
  • Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli – Keep your meal light and tasty with this roasted broccoli recipe. Fresh, crisp-tender broccoli tossed with garlic and parmesan.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Million Dollar Baked Pork Chops – A 30 minute recipe for the juiciest, most flavorful pork chops topped with bacon, green onions, and cheddar. *save leftovers for Thursday*
• Side Dish:
  • Side salad with the Best Homemade Ranch or Creamy Italian dressing. *If you make the ranch, save some for Fridays veggies!*
  • Buttermilk Cornbread — This is a classic cornbread recipe so you only need a few ingredients. The secret to tender cornbread is in my cooking method. 😉 Check it out and let me know what you think!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Chicken Fritta with Garlic Cream Sauce– If you love creamy pasta, you are going to LOVE this! This Olive Garden copy cat recipe is a family favorite and the kids get so excited when there are leftovers.
• Side Dish:
  • Foolproof Garlic Bread – the secret to making it taste so good is in the spread!
  • Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower – This is the perfect side to go with your creamy pasta.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Creamy Pork Quesadillas – Cut up the leftover pork chops and the toppings from Tuesdays leftovers. Scoop into a large tortilla and add extra cheese if desired. Fold in half and grill in a buttered skillet over medium high heat on each side until golden. You can’t beat this delicious meal by using leftovers!
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Rice – Made in just one skillet, you’ll feel like you’re eating rice from your favorite Mexican restaurant.
  • Black Beans made from scratch, or use our shortcut recipe using canned black beans
  • Jalapeno Ranch Dressing – Drizzle your quesadilla’s with this mouthwatering dressing.

Friday

• Main dish: Saucy Buffalo Chicken Tenders – These are packed with so much flavor and are incredibly easy to make. These are also great for reheating, so if you have extras from tonight, save them for lunch or even a snack over the weekend!
• Side Dish:
  • Carrots, celery and ranch dip – Did you make this on Tuesday? If not, take the 5 minutes to make this. It is so worth it!
  • Baked Potato Wedges – Easy, crispy and the perfect side for your chicken tenders.
• Dessert – Peanut Butter Swirl Bars –  Peanut butter and chocolate are two of my favorite things. These bars do NOT disappoint. Make sure you let me know how much you enjoyed them after you make them!

Appetizer

• Hot Cheesy Bean Dip – Who doesn’t love a good dip? This 4 ingredient appetizer is one of the quickest recipes I make!

Meal Plan – Week 220

Monday

• Main Dish: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Sliders – The perfect combo of sweet and salty, creamy and spicy, and bite sized, yet filling. PLUS, you use one pan and it’s delicious!
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Street Corn Casserole – We love this recipe! It also happens to be an all time top rated recipe by my readers, so you know it’s a winner.
  • Crock Pot Black Beans – These are restaurant quality and you don’t want to miss out on making these.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Buffalo Chicken Burgers – If you haven’t made these yet, you are missing out. They’re delicious, packed with protein and only take a few minutes! *Make extra so you have leftovers for Thursday’s dinner*
• Side Dish:
  • Sautéed Peppers and Onions —For a little crunch, serve these as a side. You can even top your burger with them.
  • 3 Minute Corn on the Cob — The garlic butter on this corn is going to make you wish you made more!
• Sauces:
  • Homemade Ranch Dressing — So good to add a dollop to your patty.
  • Buttermilk Dressing — There is store-bought dressing and then there is homemade. My homemade buttermilk dressing is so easy to make and I always keep a jar in my fridge because the kids reach for it over and over!
  • Extra Buffalo Sauce

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Ground Beef Stir Fry with Zucchini and Peppers – This is loaded with healthy vegetables, tossed in a sweet and sticky sauce, and cooked in one pan for easy clean up. In 20 minutes you’ll have dinner served.
• Side Dish:
  • Asian Cucumber Salad – You can prep this ahead of time for an even quicker side.
  • Shredded Cabbage – Thinly shredded cabbage is a healthy, fresh way to make dinner complete. Or try my Sriracha Slaw for a cabbage dish with a kick!
  • Rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice to lighten it up, or quinoa

Thursday

• Main Dish: Buffalo Chicken Salad – Add the leftover buffalo chicken burgers from Tuesday to a salad for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.  The base from my Blackened Chicken Salad is perfect for this!
• Side Dish:
  • Loaded Baked Potato Soup – Even when it’s warm out, I LOVE a soup and salad night. This homemade soup could not get any easier or tastier.
  • Garlic Bread – Scoop up every last drop of baked potato soup with our favorite garlic bread.

Friday

• Main dish: 7 Layer Taco Casserole –  If you love seven layer dip, you will be a big fan of this dinner! Seven layers of Mexican favorites, layered into the perfect casserole. So good!
• Side Dish:
  • Blender Salsa with chips– This salsa is CRAZY easy, SO delicious, and healthy!
  • Tortillas –You will love to scoop up the goodness with extra tortillas.
• Dessert – Oatmeal Raisin Cookies – These cookies are soft, delicious and you must make them this week!

Appetizer

• Veggies and homemade ranch – Perfect for grazing on throughout the day. If you haven’t tried homemade ranch, you haven’t lived.

Meal Plan – Week 219

Monday

• Main Dish: Italian Grinder Sliders – These bite sized sliders are always a big hit in my house! You can make them for your family or even for a larger group because you can double the recipe.
• Side Dish:
  • Rotini Pasta Salad – A refreshing pasta salad will go great with these sliders. And it’s great as leftovers for lunch the next day! While you’re at it, prep this Italian Dressing Mix so you have it on hand.
  • Roasted Vegetables – Roast a medley of vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, tossed in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning. 

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Enchilada Casserole – This is already so simple, but if you buy a rotisserie chicken ahead of time and shred it, it’ll be even faster!
• Side Dish:
  • Cilantro Lime Rice – This is the most delicious side!
  • Mexican Style Crock Pot Refried Beans — Start the crockpot earlier in the day for your beans and whip up the enchiladas in the evening. 

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Chicken Zucchini Casserole – This is the best easy dinner for busy weeknights because it only has a handful of simple ingredients, and all bakes in one dish so clean up is a breeze!
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Bread – A big slice of my crusty garlic bread would be so delicious with this dish.
  • Side salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette — Adding a salad is perfect to go with this. 
  • Cauliflower rice– You can do all cauliflower rice or do half and half with regular rice to lower the calories and carbs and get some extra veggies in.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Crockpot Tuscan Chicken – Once you taste this you will see why this recipe is one of the most popular on my website! It is easy, super quick to just dump and go, full of veggies and just plain delicious.
• Side Dish:
  • Pasta- This can be served over your favorite pasta – I suggest spaghetti, fettuccine or egg noodles. Just cook, toss them with a little olive oil and garlic and serve the crockpot tuscan chicken right on top. You can also use zucchini noodles to keep it light.
  • Parmesan Cauliflower Bites – This healthy side takes just a few minutes and is so yummy.
  • Roasted Green Beans – Just a few ingredients to make these easy green beans. Perfect side dish if you’re looking to add a veggie as a side!

Friday

• Main dish: Garlic Bread Pizza – We love pizza Fridays! I try to have a variety of toppings to choose from so that everyone can DIY their own. If you haven’t seen my big list of Pizza Topping Ideas, you need to!
• Side Dish:
  • Homemade Ranch Dressing – If anyone knows a good ranch, it’s me. I always keep a jar of this in my fridge! Add this to a bowl with some veggies and your kids will keep asking for more.
  • Antipasto Salad – A great way to add some protein!
• Dessert — Cinnamon Sugar Scones –  Are these a breakfast item? A snack? A dessert? Whatever you decide on, these are amazing! Make some extra so you can freeze them and pop them out to bake whenever you are wanting more!

Appetizer

• Cold Spinach Feta Dip– This dip requires no cooking and is filled with amazing flavor!

Meal Plan – Week 218

Monday

• Main Dish: Baked Tortellini Casserole – With only 4 ingredients you’re going to have the easiest meal on the dinner table in no time.
• Side Dish:
  • Pesto-Roasted Veggies – These tender roasted vegetables are always a hit.
  • Best-Ever Garlic Bread – Keep it simple and serve a classic garlic bread that pairs perfectly with any Italian-inspired dinner!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Caprese Chicken – This recipe has delicious flavors and feels like a fancy meal, but only takes minutes to put together with only 4 simple ingredients and one dish. 
• Side Dish:
  • Lemon Rice – This rice would be delicious, but you can also serve over wild, white or brown rice or with a side of risotto.
  • Smashed Potatoes – This is my husbands favorite side for this dish.
  • Pasta– You can serve this right over pasta tossed with olive oil or butter and garlic or with additional pesto.
  • Veggies – If you’re looking for low carb, here are some great suggestions – add a side of veggies like broccoli, green beans, brussel sprouts etc.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Creamy Chicken and Rice – This casserole is the perfect comfort meal! It is old school chicken rice casserole that is a favorite with adults and kids.
• Side Dish:
  • Italian House Salad – This salad goes with just about anything. It’s great for all those times you need just a little something extra. 
  • Bacon Broccoli Salad – The flavors in this salad are a delicious pairing of sweet and salty with a little tangy dressing. 

Thursday

• Main Dish: Crockpot Beef Barbacoa – Let the slow cooker do the work on this absolutely tender, juicy, flavor loaded roast. I love to serve this dish bowl style the first night. Then, save the extras for a super quick and easy dinner tomorrow.
• Side Dish:
  • Homemade Refried Beans – So easy and makes plenty to freeze for later.
  • Mexican Style Rice – This seriously tastes like it came from a Mexican restaurant! So good!

Friday

• Main dish: Beef Barbacoa Burrito – Use the extra beef Barbacoa from last nights meal to make these everyone-will-love loaded beef burritos for an extra easy dinner.
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Roasted Vegetables – This are so quick to make, but packed with so much flavor.
  • Mexican Street Corn Casserole – The best part is that since this Mexican Street Corn Casserole is made and baked completely in one dish, there is almost no clean up! 
  • Chips with Salsa and Guac – You can grab the salsa and guac at the store, or make them from scratch for an extra yummy dinner.
  • Mango Avocado Salsa – This is my favorite!
• Dessert — Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies –  If you want the softest chocolate chip cookies of all time, this is for YOU! These cookies are soooo flavorful.

Appetizer

• Green Chile Cheddar Dip – This warm cheesy dip is packed with southwest flavors. The best for dipping chips and veggies in for a hearty snack

Meal Plan – Week 217

Monday

• Main Dish: Crock Pot Lemonade Chicken – Dump and go meals are the BEST! And this recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with lots of bright citrus flavor. If you have leftovers consider yourself lucky. This chicken is great on sandwiches, salads or on top of rice.
• Side Dish:
  • Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts I have 5 different flavor options here!
  • Lemon Rice – Go all in on that lemon flavor by pairing Crockpot Lemonade Chicken with my Lemon Rice!
  • Rolls – Serve it on crusty rolls as a sandwich – this is one of our favorite ways to eat it!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: BBQ Chicken Drumsticks – These are fast and reheat well for lunch the next day.
• Side Dish:
  • Easy Macaroni – I can’t think of a better side to compliment drumsticks.
  • Cucumber Tomato Salad – This is healthy, but loaded with flavor. This salad is also great as leftovers the next day for lunch.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Baked Meatballs Parmesan –  This has proven time and time again to be the recipe that readers LOVE! Kids love this and so do adults! *Leftovers will be used for Friday.*
• Side Dish:
  • Side Salad with Creamy Italian Dressing – Have you ever had Olive Garden’s creamy Italian dressing? This is better!
  • Pasta of your choice
  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes – This is an unexpected, but delicious side to serve with these baked meatballs.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Lazy Lasagna – Have you ever made this before? If not, you will love it! It only requires 4 ingredients and a few layers…so quick and easy!
• Side Dish:
  • Sautéed Spinach – Quick, easy and super healthy!
  • BEST EVER Garlic Bread – This recipe includes my homemade garlic bread spread!

Friday

• Main dish: Meatball Subs– Use leftovers from Wednesday to make this EASY family favorite dinner.
• Side Dish:
  • Baked Potato Wedges – Quick and the kids love them!
  • Pesto Caesar Tortellini Salad – This pasta salad can be made in minutes and is a hit with the kids.
• Dessert — Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies – Soft, chewy, delicious….make a big batch so they last longer because everyone will be grabbing these!

Appetizer

• Southwest Corn Dip – This is THE perfect cool and refreshing summer snack!

Meal Plan – Week 216

Monday

• Main Dish: Crock Pot Turkey Tenderloin – If you’ve never made a turkey tenderloin before, you are going to wonder why because it is so delicious. It’s so juicy and flavorful!
• Side Dish:
  • Kale Salad – I know what you’re thinking – Kale, UGH. You need to try this though because you will hardly even know you’re eating kale!
  • Mile High Biscuits – You will never want another buttermilk biscuit once you’ve had these!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Blackened Fish— All you need is 10 minutes and you’ll have perfectly seasoned and juicy fish.
• Side Dish:
  • Lemon Rice – This quick staple side dish is as delicious as it is easy!
  • Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower – This goes with just about anything, but especially the blackened fish.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake — This is a family favorite because it’s a mouthful of deliciousness! It’s my favorite because its (basically) one pan which means clean up is a breeze. I also have a lighter version of the Cajun Chicken Zoodles here.
• Side Dish:
  • Side Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette – A 5 minute dressing that will have the family asking for more veggies? Yes, please! Homemade dressing couldn’t get any easier.
  • Garlic Cheese Bread – If you’ve been here a while, then you know I love some good bread! This one is an A+.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Ground Turkey Vegetable Skillet – I absolutely love this recipe because you can feel 100% great about what you are eating. It makes great leftovers and is extra protein and veggie packed!
• Side Dish:
  • Italian quinoa salad – This is an easy prep ahead salad that will go great with the ground turkey skillet meal. I love it even more for an easy lunch the next day to go alongside your leftover turkey vegetable skillet!
  • Pasta – Serve it over any pasta, even ravioli or tortellini, for a kid-friendly dinner. Spaghetti squash is also tasty and a great keto-friendly alternative.

Friday

• Main dish: Crock Pot Hot Dog Chili—It’s summertime! This chili is the perfect set it and forget it, delicious way to top your hot dog on a lazy summer night or at a summer cookout.
• Side Dish:
  • Instant Pot Corn on the Cob – Use those handy kitchen appliances to make dinner 100% hands free and super easy!
  • Summer Fruit Salad – This cool, refreshing salad is the perfect side for a summer meal.
• Dessert — Glazed Lemon Scones—I know these aren’t technically a “dessert”, but they are technically delicious and a great treat anytime of the day! Scones sound intimidating, but even if you’re new to baking, you can easily make these and impress yourself!

Appetizer

• Honey BBQ Meatballs – For a recipe that is so simple and hands-off, you will be surprised at how tasty these meatballs are.

Meal Plan – Week 215

Monday

• Main Dish:
  Crock Pot BBQ Brisket– This is awesome to make at the beginning of the week because of *leftovers*! Save some for Wednesday. 😉 The brisket can be shredded or sliced and covered with as much tangy barbecue sauce as you want!
• Side Dish:
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes – My secret method makes these EXTRA creamy.
  • Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli – This recipe never fails in the delicious department.
  • Classic Baked Beans – You can’t go wrong with the classic!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Crockpot Marry Me Chicken— Dump and go dinners that are full of flavor are an immediate yes for me. If you have any leftovers, this chicken is great on top of a salad for lunch!
• Side Dish:
  • Easy Caprese Salad – I love this light and refreshing salad. Who knew something so simple could be so delicious! You can also make this Balsamic Vinaigrette to drizzle on the tomatoes and mozzarella.
  • Lemon Rice – You can also use cauliflower rice to keep your dinner low-carb and a little lighter.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: BBQ Brisket Tacos — Remember what you made on Monday? Use that leftover brisket to have tacos that are LOADED with flavor!
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Street Corn Casserole – One dish, no problem.
  • Tortillas– Heat corn tortillas in a lightly oiled skillet. Once warm and pliable, pile on BBQ brisket.
• Toppings:
  • Pico de gallo – Fresh, easy and perfect for these tacos.
  • Jalapeño Ranch Dressing – you should always have this on hand because it’s THAT good!
  • Cilantro
  • Sour cream
  • Cheese
  • Sliced jalapeños

Thursday

• Main Dish: Baked Chicken Chilaquiles — Let’s switch things up for dinner and have breakfast. This is a new recipe and I seriously can not wait for you to try it!
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Style Crock Pot Refried Beans – Turn regular dried pinto beans into flavorful perfection with this recipe. They are perfect served alongside homemade chilaquiles.
  • Guacamole – Fresh guac takes less than 10 minutes and is so good on top of chilaquiles!
  • Diced onion and a lime wedge are also great toppings.

Friday

• Main dish: Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders—Perfect little handheld delights that have everyone happy on a Friday! So many of you have made these and are freaking out over how easy and delicious they are!
• Side Dish:
  • Baked Potato Wedges — French fries without (too much) guilt!
  • Side Salad with Homemade Buttermilk Dressing – With just a few simple ingredients you will be serving a restaurant quality salad.
• Dessert — Crockpot Peach Cobbler—This is going to become your go to summer dessert!

Appetizer

• Greek Layer Dip – This is a great healthy appetizer that feeds a crowd. 

Meal Plan – Week 214

Monday

• Main Dish: Stir Fry Sauce – This easy stir fry sauce recipe is made with just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen! Use the stir fry sauce to make a delicious Ground Turkey Stir Fry for dinner and everyone’s mouths will be watering! You can also use a different protein – I suggest 2 pounds for 1 full stir fry sauce recipe.
  • To make a ground turkey stir fry follow these instructions – Heat a tbsp of oil in a large skillet or wok, then add 2 lbs of ground turkey to the skillet. Cook the turkey until it’s browned and cooked through. Once the ground turkey is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Add your choice of veggies to the skillet and cook until they are crisp-tender. You can use bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or any others you prefer.
  • Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour your stir fry sauce over the turkey and veggies, until evenly coated. Stir everything together and cook for a few more minutes until the sauce is heated through and has thickened slightly.
• Side Dish:
  • Sriracha Coleslaw – I love to make this easy salad in advance. I enjoy this salad so much that sometimes I will even double the recipe to have leftovers for lunch the next day.
  • Sautéed Green Beans – Adding a splash of soy sauce, chili sauce, or garlic makes this a perfect side.
  • Ham Fried Rice – You can’t go wrong with this classic side dish.
  • Rice– We also serve the stir fry over Jasmine rice. You could also do cauliflower rice to keep it lighter.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: 15 Minute Pork Fajitas— These are a tasty option when craving some delicious Tex-Mex food but you don’t have time for something complicated. 
• Side Dish:
  • Crockpot Black Beans – These are a family favorite
  • Mexican Street Corn Casserole – This is a HUGE reader favorite. If you haven’t tried it, do it!
  • Creamy Jalapeno Ranch dressing – We drizzle this on all fajitas. If we don’t have any, my kids get so upset. It is a must in our house!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: BLT Chicken Skillet — All you need is 30 minutes for juicy pan-seared chicken topped with tomato, lettuce, crispy bacon, and Ranch dressing. It’s quick, versatile, and so tasty!
• Side Dish:
  • Broccoli Cauliflower Salad – Stay on the low-carb train with this simple broccoli cauliflower salad. It’s light, healthy, and loaded with perfect flavors and textures.
  • Hashbrown Casserole– This cheesy dish is a family favorite!
  • Ranch Dressing – Once you make this, you may not ever buy store bought again!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Supreme Pizza Chicken Bake — This Pizza Chicken Bake is LOADED with all of the flavors you love from supreme pizza but layered on top of tender shredded chicken in just one dish for an easy and wholesome week night meal. *MAKE OR SAVE extra chicken for leftovers!*
• Side Dish:
  • Sauteed Spinach
  • Side Salad with Creamy Italian Dressing

Friday

• Main dish: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad—Busy sports night? This can be made in as little as 15-20 minutes, and eaten at the table or just as easily packed for when you are on the go.
  • Perfect Baked Chicken Breast — If you didn’t have extra chicken from last nights meal, try this chicken. It’s super easy and you can’t mess it up.
  • Garlic Cheesy Bread — Garlic Cheese Bread is the perfect mixture of butter, garlic, herbs and a delicious mix of cheese.
• Dessert — Peanut Butter Cookies —These are the best chewy peanut butter cookies that are foolproof…try to convince me otherwise!

Appetizer

• Buffalo Chicken Roll Ups – I am on a serious buffalo flavor kick! You can’t go wrong with these for a snack, or a quick party food! They are quick to make and can be easily scaled to feed a crowd with these universally loved flavors.

Meal Plan – Week 213

Monday

• Main Dish: Crock Pot Pork Carnitas – With only 10 minutes and a simple blend of pantry spices you can transform a pork shoulder into juicy and tender crispy carnitas and everyone will be asking for seconds!
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Street Corn Casserole – This is always a crowd favorite and you only need 5 minutes to prep!
  • Cilantro Lime Rice – You can’t go wrong with this classic side dish.
  • Tortillas or taco shells

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Buffalo Chicken Burgers—Your new weeknight staple! Delicious, packed with protein and only takes a few minutes!
• Side Dish:
  • Sautéed Peppers and Onions — Serve these as a side or pile them onto your burgers for a little crunch.
  • 3 Minute Corn on the Cob — When it starts getting warmer outside I always crave corn on the cob! The garlic butter makes this corn so savory and delicious.
• Sauces:
  • Homemade Ranch Dressing — I consider myself somewhat of a ranch connoisseur and this one is a *chefs kiss*. It’d be so good to top on your buffalo chicken burgers!
  • Blue Cheese Dressing
  • Buttermilk Dressing
  • Extra Buffalo Sauce

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Smothered Shredded Chicken Burritos — With just one pan and 30 minutes you can serve a complete meal and know that everyone will leave the table happy. The sauce really takes these burritos to another level!
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Style Crock Pot Refried Beans — Make a traditional Mexican dinner with these easy homemade refried beans.
  • Mexican Mixed Vegetables —  These are fast and I LOVE using them in leftovers (if you have any!).

Thursday

• Main Dish: Teriyaki Chicken Bites — In 15 minutes you’ll be tasting the perfect combination of sweet and tangy in bite size portions.
• Side Dish:
  • Asian Cucumber Salad – This recipe is one of my all time FAVORITES!
  • Rice or Grains – I love to serve teriyaki chicken on top of white sticky rice, but you can also use brown rice, quinoa, farro, or any other grain your family likes to soak up the sweet sauce.
  • Sautéed Spinach —  This is a quick and easy tender veggie that tastes great with this sticky and saucy chicken.

Friday

• Main dish: Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake—This meal comes together quickly and is just a simple, delicious meal.
• Side Dish:
  • Steakhouse Style House Salad —This salad is EASY but you can customize it for each person and is great for a busy night.
  • Garlic Cheese or Pesto Cheese Bread — Pasta and bread are always a happy match. Either of these flavors will be a hit for all ages.
• Dessert –  Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies — If you want the softest chocolate chip cookies of all time, look no further!

Appetizer

• Jalapeno Ranch Dip — Serve this alongside chips or veggies like carrots, celery, peppers, broccoli, etc.

Meal Plan – Week 212

Monday

• Main Dish: Enchilada Meatballs – We decided that if these don’t go viral, nothing will! Serve them over rice or pasta, or even stuff them into tortillas or taco shells for a deliciously easy Mexican-inspired dinner. 
• Side Dish:
  • Cilantro Lime Rice – This is my go to and it tastes like Chipotle rice! So delicious and easy peasy.
  • Crock Pot Black Beans – Dried beans that are cooked slowly over a few hours are perfectly soft and tender and are a family favorite!
  • Mexican Cornbread – This is an unexpected side, but would pair perfectly if you are wanting something a little less traditional.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Baked Creamy Garlic Pork Chops—With as little as 10 minutes of prep you can have these creamy pork chops ready to cook for an extra quick weeknight meal.
• Side Dish:
  • Steakhouse Wedge Salad — This salad comes together quickly and with very little effort. It’s extra amazing with this easy Bleu Cheese Dressing!
  • Homemade Mashed Potatoes — There is nothing better than mashed potatoes and pork chops. And these are super creamy and buttery which makes for the best texture!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Crock Pot Rotisserie Chicken — This is a great no stress meal. Hands off cooking is the best on those busy nights! **Make sure to save some leftover chicken so you can use them tomorrow!** 
• Side Dish:
  • Crispy Brussels Sprouts – With a few ingredients and a sheet pan, these are irresistible!
  • Sautéed Green Beans — Green beans go with just about anything, but these sautéed green beans are my favorite way to make them.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Fettuccini Alfredo — If you haven’t made homemade alfredo before, you are going to be shocked at how simple it is! This sauce is super creamy, rich, and flavorful, and still so quick and easy to make.  
• Side Dish:
  • Homemade Bacon Bits – All you need is one ingredient – BACON – and you’ll have an explosion of flavor when you top your fettuccini Alfredo with these!
  • Shredded Rotisserie Chicken — Use your leftovers from yesterdays meal and just toss shredded chicken into your pasta and sauce for some added protein.
  • Brown Butter Broccoli — Broccoli is a classic go to when you’re serving Fettuccini Alfredo. Serve this as a side or toss it directly into the Alfredo sauce!

Friday

• Main dish: Zesty Crock Pot BBQ Pulled Pork—Pulled Pork is EASY in the Crock Pot and you can use it for sandwiches, salads, or just eat it on its own with your favorite barbecue sides. You’ll have plenty of leftovers too for lunch on the weekend!
• Side Dish:
  • Hawaiian Rolls – Top with pulled pork
  • Broccoli Slaw — Crunchy, sweet, and perfect alongside a pulled pork sandwich.
  • Baked Potato Wedges — Baked in the oven with my special seasonings, you will have potato wedges that are perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside!
• Dessert –  Fudge Brownies — These are insanely delicious!

Appetizer

• Garlic Chicken Bites — These are great if you need a heavier appetizer as an alternative to buffalo wings. Plus, less mess!

Meal Plan – Week 211

Monday

• Main Dish: Chicken Vegetable Stir Fry – This is the best kind of weeknight dinner recipe because it takes minutes to make. Plus, it’s veggie packed, but your kids will actually eat it. This also makes for a great lunch the next day!
• Side Dish:
  • Asian Cucumber Salad – The perfect compliment to this Asian-inspired chicken stir fry. You can prep this ahead of time for an even quicker side.
  • Yum Yum Sauce – You’ll think you’re at a Hibachi grill when you taste this!
  • Spicy Mayo – This is another great sauce to drizzle over your chicken.
  • Rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice to lighten it up, or quinoa

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Crock Pot Sirloin Tip Roast—This family friendly meal is a flavor packed, juicy, tender weeknight dinner that you will love!
• Side Dish:
  • Grandma’s Easy Macaroni and Cheese — This might be the best mac you’ve ever had. It’s easy, ooey-gooey and delicious!
  • Sautéed Garlic Mushrooms — I have a friend who didn’t like mushrooms until she tried these. Seriously! I think it’s the garlic butter 😉

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Spinach and Artichoke Chicken — The fact that you only need one dish for this is probably all you need to know, but if you like spinach and artichoke dip, you will surely call this recipe a KEEPER after trying it!
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Parmesan Broccoli – This is my families favorite way to eat broccoli!
  • Italian Quinoa Salad — This is very easy to assemble and feel free to add or subtract anything depending on what you have in your refrigerator.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Grilled BBQ Chicken Breast —We try to grill at least once a week especially as the days start to get a little warmer. This is our favorite BBQ chicken recipe for the grill. *save leftover chicken for tomorrows dinner*
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Smashed Potatoes– Get the flavor of french fries in these oven baked potatoes.
  • Broccoli Cauliflower Salad – This light salad can be prepped ahead, and is extra delicious with the addition of crispy bacon!

Friday

• Main dish: BBQ Chicken Nachos—Using the leftovers from Thursday to make this family favorite is perfect on a Friday.Spread chips over a baking sheet sprinkle shredded cheese over the chips. Add rinsed and drained black beans and sweet corn and top with chopped BBQ chicken and more cheese. Bake at 425˚F for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and nachos are heated through. Top with a drizzle of BBQ sauce and your choice of sour cream, guacamole and pico de gallo.
• Dessert –  No Bake Cookies — I think no bake cookies are so underrated. They are seriously perfect when you’re craving chocolate!

Appetizer

• Crock Pot Party Meatballs — Crock Pot Party Meatballs are a go to classic for entertaining or even just to munch on throughout the weekend.

Meal Plan – Week 210

Monday

• Main Dish: Ground Chicken Stuffed Peppers – A healthy weeknight dinner your kids will actually want to eat? Yes, please! The ooey-gooey cheese that the ground chicken mixture is topped with will certainly make every kiddo happy!
• Side Dish:
  • Side Salad with Homemade Buttermilk Dressing – With just a few simple ingredients you will be serving a restaurant quality level salad. **Make extra so you can use it later this week for another veggie side dish**
  • Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad – The side salad would be perfect, but if you’re hoping for something a little fancier, this mozzarella salad is so good!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Classic Sausage and Peppers—The original one pan meal! This is a go-to family meal that I frequently reach for because it comes together quickly, includes all easy ingredients and cleanup is so easy because of that trusty skillet.
• Side Dish:
  • Italian Quinoa Salad— Keep it light with this salad that is protein packed and full of veggies. I’d suggest making this ahead of time. Not only will that save you even more time today, but the flavors get absorbed and are even better when the quinoa has marinated for a day!
  • Hoagies — The most traditional way to serve sausage and peppers! Grab a hoagie roll, toast it if you’d like, then cut it in half and spoon a big serving of sausage, peppers and onion. 
  • Rice — Serve the sausage and peppers right on top of rice.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey — We’ve kept this recipe traditional and delicious so that everyone is happy, but we lightened it up with the ground turkey and it is YUM! Easy prep makes it quick enough for the busiest weeknights, or it can even be prepped ahead!
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Bread– This recipe is our go to! The secret is in the spread.
  • Buttermilk Ranch Dressing — You made this earlier in the week, so serve alongside some cucumbers, tomatoes and carrots and your kids will devour them.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Jalapeño Popper Chicken—Chicken breast, cream cheese, jalapeños, cheese and the perfect amount of BACON. You will love this!
• Side Dish:
  • Buttermilk Cornbread— The cooking method in this recipe is what creates THE cornbread that all other homemade cornbreads aspire to be! 
  • Ranch Smashed Potatoes — These are so delicious and would pair perfectly with the Jalapeño Popper Chicken.
  • Sautéed Spinach — This is an excellent low carb option if that’s what you’d prefer. Enjoy!

Friday

• Main dish: Chicken Tinga Tacos—These tacos are made in the crockpot and are beyond tasty! Kids will enjoy assembling their own tacos on a Friday night. The great thing about these chicken tinga tacos is that you can control how spicy they are so that everyone will be able to enjoy!
• Side Dish:
  • Crockpot Refried Beans — This is the easiest and most delicious way to make homemade beans. If you only have one crockpot, just make these a few days ahead of time and reheat.
  • Mexican Rice — This recipe nails the authentic flavor and can go head to head with the rice from your favorite restaurant any day! 
    
• Dessert –  Cinnamon Glazed Butter Cookies — If I didn’t have you at “butter” maybe the cinnamon got you! Hurry up and make these so you can eat them all week!

Appetizer

• Mexican Spinach Dip — This fun twist on traditional spinach dip is surprisingly addictive and will have people begging for your recipe!

Meal Plan – Week 209

Monday

• Main Dish: Chicken Cobbler – TikTok put this delicious meal on the map! This is an easy, low-prep recipe that doesn’t even really need a side dish because it is already full of veggies, protein and yummy biscuits.
• Side Dish:
  • Mashed Potatoes – If you want an extra comforting meal, serve your chicken cobbler on top of these mouth watering, creamy mashed potatoes.
  • Roasted Green Beans — I have 5 yummy ways to make these and they’d all work well with the Chicken Cobbler. My vote would be for you to make the balsamic version. 🙂

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Carnitas Enchiladas — These enchiladas are stuffed with tender, savory pork carnitas, black beans and cheese. Do yourself a favor and double your batch so you can freeze some for another night!
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Roasted Veggies — This is my personal favorite!
  • Chipotle Corn Salsa — This is perfect for serving with chips on the side of your enchiladas.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Shakshuka — I was so inspired on my trip to Israel that when I came home I had to recreate this traditional breakfast. But why save it for breakfast? Enjoy it for dinner!
• Side Dish:
  • Roasted Cauliflower — This dish is so simple and traditionally is perfect with Shakshuka.
  • Pita — This is most commonly served with Shakshuka.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Hawaiian Steak — Want a dinner that tastes like vacation and has an easy cleanup? The blend of garlic, pineapple juice and soy sauce as a marinade is exactly what you need! And everything tastes better on a grill!
• Side Dish:
  • Mediterranean Chickpea Salad — This is packed full of flavors and loaded with garbanzo beans, zucchini, pepper, tomatoes and topped with feta cheese. 
  • Garlic Bread — This is a family favorite.

Friday

• Main dish: Baked Chicken Tenders — A kid friendly meal without the guilt! These can be customized for a fun Friday meal – top a salad with this delicious chicken for yourself and give the kids crispy tenders with yummy dips to go along side.
• Side Dish:
  • Side Salad with Homemade Buttermilk Dressing — This Buttermilk Dressing recipe is so good you may never eat store bought again! 
  • Honey Mustard Sauce — This dip is so good!
    
• Dessert –  Caramel Snickerdoodles — If a caramel square and a snickerdoodle had a baby this would be the result. These cookies are over the top delicious and a crowd favorite!

Appetizer

• Pesto Snacks — With just 2 ingredients these are perfect for an easy little snack, or if you need something quick to throw together for a group.

Meal Plan – Week 208

Monday

• Main Dish: Chicken Pizzaiola – This has the familiar flavors of pizza that everyone loves, but you’ll feel better giving it to your family because it’s loaded with protein and you only need one pan!
• Side Dish:
  • Pesto Cheese Bread – I am pretty sure you will want some delicious bread to soak up the tomato sauce.
  • Side Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette — Adding some nice crispy greens as a side is never a bad idea, especially when you use this dressing.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Philly Cheesesteak Sliders — These are a convenient twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak. They are filled with ooey-gooey cheese and ground beef making them easier to make and more fun because they’re bite-sized!
• Side Dish:
  • Baked Potato Wedges — French fry vibes, but even better!
  • Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli — These are a delicious way to give a little extra wholesome boost to the dinner.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Chicken Burrito Skillet — A quick and easy dinner that is full of delicious loaded burrito flavor! This is one of those meals that will please everyone because it’s so easy to customize. Have it as a burrito bowl, or wrap it all up into a tortilla with any toppings your heart desires.
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Street Corn Casserole — This casserole is rich and creamy and filled with the flavors of Mexican street corn. Since it all bakes in one dish, you’ll also have very little clean up.
  • Mexican Roasted Veggies — Serve these as a side or even add them to your bowl or burrito to bulk it up even more.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Pork Tenderloin and Garlic Sauce — This easy pork recipe makes the perfect dinner when you need something QUICK and DELICIOUS. Everyone will think you’re a chef after tasting this!
• Side Dish:
  • Ranch Smashed Potatoes — Just 3 ingredients that will transform your red potatoes into a crispy, delicious side dish.
  • Buttermilk Cornbread — Moist cornbread goes so well with the garlic sauce that coats the pork tenderloin.
  • Baked Asparagus — Simple, delicious and a classic side.

Friday

• Main dish: Italian Sausage Tortellini Skillet — This is a family favorite because it’s so delicious. It’s my favorite though because it’s a skillet meal AND is full of sneaky veggies that people hardly notice they’re eating. 😉
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Cheese Bread — Garlic cheese bread is packed with flavor and adds an extra layer of deliciousness to your Italian Tortellini.
  • Side Salad with Italian Dressing — When you make this, make extra so you can have it on hand for lunch tomorrow!
    
• Dessert –  Cornflake Cookies — I grew up with these cookies! With a crunchy outside and a soft and chewy inside they are what the perfect cookie is made of. The cornflakes give them the best flavor and texture.

Appetizer

• Million Dollar Deviled Eggs — You HAVE to make these this weekend. Everyone loves a good deviled egg, but the secret ingredient in these will leave everyone asking for your recipe!

Meal Plan – Week 207

Monday

• Main Dish: White Lasagna with Spinach – This vegetarian dish was inspired by my favorite dish I ate while on my unforgettable food tour of Israel. This casserole is packed with satisfying flavors and you seriously will not miss the meat in this lasagna!
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Roasted Veggies – This is the easiest side dish ever!
  • Side Salad with Creamy Italian Dressing  — Trust me, you WANT to make the dressing.
  • Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts — You’re going to love how these crisp up in the oven.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Pepper Steak Stir Fry — Sometimes all you have during the week is 15 minutes to throw a meal together. You’re in luck with this delicious one pan meal of tender, quick-cooking steak, bell peppers, and an irresistible sweet and salty Asian inspired sauce!
• Side Dish:
  • Asian Cucumber Salad  — This salad is so crisp and refreshing. A great side if you’re hoping to keep it light.
  • Rice —Steamed white or brown rice, or even another grain like quinoa or farro make a great option that will soak up the extra sauce. 

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Perfect Baked Chicken — This baked chicken makes a delicious easy dinner, or can be shredded or chopped to use for meal prep. Which is what we’re going to do. **Make extra so that you can repurpose it for Friday!**
• Side Dish:
  • Mashed Sweet Potatoes — These are too good to not eat year round! This recipe is fantastic for those who like that sweet and savory combination.
  • Baked Asparagus — Roasting asparagus is the easiest and tastiest way to bring out the delicious flavor and crispness.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Cheeseburger Pasta — This is one of our favorite family meals and it comes together in just one skillet and packs a powerful punch for taste!
• Side Dish:
  • Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad — I LOVE how simple this is to make, but is still full of flavor!
  • Sautéed Spinach — If you’re wanting a healthy side to help round out your meal, this is it! You can serve it on the side or even mix it within your pasta dish.

Friday

• Main dish: Chicken Enchilada Casserole — Use up the leftover chicken from Wednesday and you’ll have an irresistible dinner on the table in no time!
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Cornbread — Everybody loves cornbread, and this version pairs perfectly!
  • Mexican Style Crock Pot Refried Beans — Start the crockpot earlier in the day for your beans and whip up the enchiladas in the evening. 
    
• Dessert –  Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies — Thick, chewy, and perfectly crispy edges – your family will devour these so make sure you taste test before they’re gone!

Appetizer

• Avocado Corn Salsa — This is a great healthy dip that is loaded with of flavor. You will love how easy this is.

Meal Plan – Week 206

Monday

• Main Dish: One Pan Italian Chicken and Veggies – In just 30 minutes you’ll have a wholesome meal. All you have to do is throw all the ingredients into one pan and let everything cook together. This is the perfect recipe for busy families that don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen. This is already a complete meal, but you can still add sides to bulk it up.
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Cheese Bread – Yes, garlic bread is always the right answer!
  • Extra Creamy Mashed Potatoes  — The flavor in these is off the charts delicious with the addition of sour cream AND cream cheese!
  • Side salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette — Adding a salad is perfect because it isn’t too filling and adds some extra nutritional punch. 

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Homestyle Meatballs and Gravy — This recipe is as easy as opening up a bag of frozen meatballs, but the taste is BETTER and they’re homemade! From start to finish, you only need 30 minutes. Just use your favorite gravy over these meatballs. **Save some extra meatballs for later this week.
• Side Dish:
  • Sautéed Green Beans — There is no better way to make your green beans. Green beans go well with everything!
  • Side Salad with Buttermilk Ranch —This recipe is a staple in our home! It’s perfect to go along with your homestyle meatballs and gravy. 

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Ham Fried Rice – With only a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep you can be on your way to a restaurant quality dinner. It seriously tastes better than take out!
• Side Dish:
  • Spicy Sriracha Asian Coleslaw — Spice things up a little bit with this creamy, tangy coleslaw recipe. All you need is just a few minutes for this delicious side to come together.
  • Homemade Yum Yum Sauce — I recommend serving your rice with this sauce. My kids LOVE it!
  • Asian Cucumber Salad with Ginger Soy Dressing — This crunchy and delicious salad takes just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes in the fridge!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce — Remember the homestyle meatballs you made on Tuesday? Let’s create a new meal by covering them with my homemade spaghetti sauce. You may not ever buy jarred sauce again!
• Side Dish:
  • Pasta – Spaghetti, linguine, penne, or tortellini
  • Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli — These are so irresistible that even your kids will be asking for more.
  • Garlic Bread – I know we already had garlic bread this week, but let’s bend the rules a little, ok? You’ll want this bread to wipe your plate clean!

Friday

• Main dish: Chef Salad – After a week of great meals and busy days, let’s keep it light. This salad is hearty and packed with protein so it’s perfect on a Friday when you’re just d.o.n.e.
• Side Dish:
  • Easy No Yeast Dinner Rolls — Even on the busiest of nights, these are easy enough to make. Promise!
  • Rotini Pasta Salad — This is a great way to really round out your meal. This pasta salad is great because you can add and subtract ingredients without worry to suit your tastes, or what you have available in your fridge. For example, if you think you have enough protein in your chef salad then leave out the pepperoni that is in this rotini salad.  
    
• Dessert –  Cinnamon Swirl Cake — Our favorite way to eat this is for dessert with a scoop of ice cream! You can also eat it with your coffee or make it for a brunch.

Appetizer

• Taco Layer Dip — This is one of those home run appetizers that just about everyone enjoys.

Meal Plan – Week 205

Monday

• Main Dish: Creamy Dijon Chicken – With simple ingredients, and one pan you can have this family friendly dinner ready to serve in just 20 minutes. This delicious chicken feels fancy, but it is so easy.
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Parmesan Broccoli – These little broccoli bites are easy enough that they often are our go-to for a side dish on a busy night. The combination of garlic and parmesan on these roasted veggies is perfect with the mustard sauce.
  • Garlic Smashed Potatoes  – These are a family favorite and for good reason! These little potatoes are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. They’re everything a potato should be and that’s why everyone will love these!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa – Beef Barbacoa tacos are always a hit! The seasoning in this slow cooker recipe is great, but I have perfected it with my new Barbacoa Seasoning. When you make your beef in the slow cooker, skip the seasoning recipe that is included in the slow cooker recipe and instead use the new one – use 1 tbsp per pound of beef that you are cooking. **Make sure to save extra barbacoa for leftovers on Thursday!**
• Side Dish:
  • Doctored up Canned Black Beans – This easy method makes canned black beans taste like you’ve been slow cooking them all day!
  • Tortillas – Make slow cooked barbacoa into tasty tacos with either corn or flour tortillas and toppings like sauteed peppers and onions, homemade guacamole, or an easy Pico de Gallo.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Baked Panko Chicken with a Honey Drizzle – This might just become your favorite chicken recipe. The chicken has the perfect combination of tender and juicy on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside!
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Bread – If you’ve been here awhile then you know how much I love garlic bread. This garlic bread is irresistible and you’ll understand after you make it with my secret ingredient!
  • Perfectly Roasted Veggies – This is one of the easiest side dishes to make, but they are packed with so much flavor!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Seasoned Barbacoa Nachos – You enjoyed the barbacoa seasoned tacos the other day, so now you get to enjoy the leftovers with your nachos! Nacho night always means my kids will have clean plates because it’s their favorite dinner.
• Side Dish:
  • Easy Homemade Salsa – This blender salsa recipe uses canned tomatoes but tastes fresh! It takes just 5 minutes to make, tastes delicious and you can save the extra salsa in the fridge for a weekend snack!
  • Easy Guacamole – Are they even nachos without the guac?
  • Sour Cream
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Friday

• Main dish: Spring Chopped Salad with Pomegranate Dressing – I had the most delicious salad while in Israel and when I came home I kept craving it. I knew I had to recreate it and if you are a salad lover, you will definitely want to try this! And if you aren’t a salad lover, you might be after making this. This only takes a few minutes to mix together and is hearty enough to be be served as is!
• Side Dish:
  • Perfect Baked Chicken Breast – Tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken breast is exactly what you could add if you’re wanting to bulk up this salad a little more. Try my tips for the easiest chicken!
  • Greek Chicken and Cauliflower – You could add this as a side or even mix it right in with your salad. This would pair perfectly with the freshness of your salad.
    
• Dessert –  White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies –  These freezer really well. You can freeze them individually to pop in lunchboxes throughout the week!

Appetizer

• Green Chile Dip – With only 5 ingredients plus salt and pepper you can have this super creamy dip from the fridge to the oven in minutes.  You will feed a crowd with this delicious Green Chile Dip!

Meal Plan – Week 204

Monday

• Main Dish: Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops – These pork chops are a flavorful, easy, and nutritious meal that will not just feed your family, but they’re also a crowd pleaser! These will be ready in under 20 minutes!
• Side Dish:
  • The BEST Mashed Potatoes – These mashed potatoes are easy enough that they often are our go-to for a side dish on a busy night.
  • Simple Side Salad and Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing  – Add some green to your meal with a simple side salad. This dressing is so light and refreshing. You can store the Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing in the fridge for up to a week, so make it ahead of time!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Chicken Burrito Skillet – Switch things up this Taco Tuesday with this meal that is filled with flavor and packed with rice, beans, meat, and toppings, they are equally delicious and filling. Have I mentioned yet it’s a skillet meal, so you only need one dish. Need I say more?!
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Roasted Veggies – These only take a few minutes and the flavor will blow you away.
  • Salad with Jalapeño Ranch – This dressing is addicting! You can use it over a salad or even add a drizzle over your burrito or chips. It takes maybe 5 minutes to whip this up!
  • Tortillas

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Ham and Cheese Egg Muffins with Broccoli – We love these so much that I decided we needed them for dinner. The cheesy goodness will hopefully have everyone wanting seconds! If you have any leftover, they are great reheated for breakfast.
• Side Dish:
  • Hashbrown Casserole – This is great for stretching out your dinner with something that goes perfectly together!This side is always a hit.
  • Fruit Salad – You can’t go wrong with a fresh and simple fruit salad.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Crockpot Tuscan Chicken – This recipe has been one of the most popular on my website. Once you taste it you will see why! It is easy, super quick to just dump and go, full of veggies and just plain delicious. Save the extra for a meal on Friday!
• Side Dish:
  • Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower – What I love about this is that in just a few minutes you’ll have a delicious side that leaves you with a well rounded, hearty meal. It’s so easy to make, warm and comforting, but the best part is that it’s healthy!
  • Roasted Green Beans – All you need is a few ingredients to make these easy green beans. Perfect side dish if you’re hoping for a veggie!

Friday

• Main dish: Tuscan Chicken Pasta – With your leftovers from Crockpot Tuscan Chicken on Thursday, you now have the start of a new meal. I like to prepare this quick alfredo sauce, stir it into my leftovers, and add whatever pasta I have on hand. Everyone will be licking their plates clean!
• Side Dish:
  • The BEST Garlic Bread – This is a classic garlic bread, but I have a secret ingredient that you’ll find helps toasts it to perfection!
  • Sautéed Spinach – If you’re wanting a healthy side to help round out your meal, this is it! You can serve it on the side or even mix it within your pasta dish.
    
• Dessert – Peanut Butter Cookies –  These are the best chewy peanut butter cookies that are foolproof…try to convince me otherwise!

Appetizer

• Spicy Pimento Cheese – You can make this as an appetizer to share, but you can also just keep some in your fridge so you can have it to snack on with veggies, crackers or tortilla chips. Yum!

Meal Plan – Week 203

Monday

• Main Dish: Creamy Beef and Shells – This has all the flavors of Hamburger Helper, but healthier! You can throw it together in 30 minutes and feed a crowd!
• Side Dish:
  • Oven Roasted Veggies – Throw these into the oven before you start making your pasta and they’ll both be done at the same time. You’ll look like a pro on a busy weeknight!
  • Buttery Garlic Bread – Creamy Beef and Shells is definitely a comfort food, so you should add this garlic bread as a side to make it even more satisfying!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Caprese Chicken – With just 4 simple ingredients and one dish you can have this meal on the table in 40 minutes. You might start having this dish on your regular rotation!
• Side Dish:
  • Boursin Mashed Potatoes – These mashed potatoes are a classic, but we jazzed them up with Boursin garlic and herb cheese which makes these extra creamy and delicious….*chef’s kiss*.
  • Kale Salad – The parmesan and easy lemon vinaigrette makes this salad irresistible and one that we frequently make!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Chicken and Spinach Enchiladas with Sour Cream Sauce – These enchiladas are simple, packed with flavor, and come together in just a few minutes. This is the recipe you’ve been looking for!
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Rice – This EASY Mexican style rice tastes just like the sides you get at your favorite Mexican restaurant! Plus, you only need one skillet to make it, so clean up tonight will be easy peasy.
  • Tableside Guacamole – You won’t believe how simple it is to make restaurant quality (actually, it’s better!) guacamole! We love this side because it uses everyday ingredients that you may already have on hand.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Butter Chicken – My son requested this for his 13th birthday meal recently! When I shared it on my Instagram stories so many of you requested the recipe. It is so easy – just one pot and 20 minutes until you have a delicious Indian meal.
• Side Dish:
  • Naan – Most grocery stores (even smaller ones like Trader Joe’s) carry Naan, a traditional Indian bread. It will remind you of pita bread, but it is much fluffier. Just broil the Naan for a few minutes in your oven so that it’s warm and maybe even a little crispy. It’s the perfect tool to wipe up any extra sauce leftover when you finish your Butter Chicken!
  • Lemon Rice or Plain Basmati Rice – This simple lemon rice recipe will compliment your Butter Chicken so well. It will soak up all of the yummy Indian flavors.
  • Sautéed Spinach – This is less traditional, but every bit delicious! I like to serve my Butter Chicken on top of spinach instead of rice to keep the meal a little lighter. Great option for those that are on low carb diets!

Friday

• Main dish: Garlic Bread Pizza – Pizza on Friday is our favorite. So simple and everyone loves it! We like to have a variety of toppings out so that everyone can DIY their own. If you haven’t seen my big list of Pizza Topping Ideas, you need to!
• Side Dish:
  • Italian Rotini Pasta – You can make this ahead of time and bring it out for dinner!
  • Homemade Ranch Dressing – Add this to a bowl with some veggies and your kids will keep asking for more. I always keep a jar in my fridge!
    
• Dessert – Fudge Brownies –  This is one of my “signature” desserts people are always asking me to make. They are the PERFECT brownie!

Appetizer

• Marinated Mozzarella Balls – These are delicious enough to stand alone or added to a cheese board. Whatever you do, you will not be disappointed when you taste these!

Meal Plan – Week 202

Monday

• Main Dish: Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders – If you’re craving take out, try these baked sliders! They’re so easy to make, are healthier and taste so much better than take out.
• Side Dish:
  • Baked Potato Wedges – These are a match made in heaven with your sliders. Perfectly crispy and seasoned wedges. Your family will keep asking for more!
  • Veggies and Buttermilk Ranch Dressing – Have you ever made ranch dressing? It is so easy and once you make this you will probably not ever want bottled again!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: French Onion Pot Roast – One of our favorite, easy, go to meals for a busy night is pot roast. It cooks low and slow in the crock pot and leaves you with the juiciest meat that no one will turn their nose up to at the dinner table.
• Side Dish:
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes – I can’t think of a more comforting meal than pot roast and mashed potatoes. These creamy mashed potatoes get made all year long because they are so good!
  • Sautéed Green Beans – Sometimes the most simple side is the tastiest. These green beans are quick, easy and you guessed it – delicious!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Sausage Pesto Penne – Who doesn’t love a good sheet pan meal? This is the perfect dish on a busy night. In just 30 minutes you’ll have a well-balanced meal that is packed full of protein and lots of veggies!
• Side Dish:
  • Caprese – Caprese can easily be a side, but why not serve it as an appetizer before dinner instead! You can’t go wrong serving this fresh, classic salad.
  • Garlic Bread – If I could, I would eat garlic bread everyday of the week! But since I probably shouldn’t I’ll just make sure I use a favorite recipe like this one.

Thursday

• Main Dish: – Monterey Chicken Bake – This is the PERFECT busy weeknight meal. There are only a handful of ingredients and you’ll only have one dish to dirty!
• Side Dish:
  • Baked Asparagus – Roasted veggies make for such a quick and delicious side dish.
  • Brown Butter Broccoli – This broccoli is crisp, tender and tossed in warm seasoned butter sauce. It will likely be the the most requested dish at the table!

Friday

• Main dish: Chicken Salsa Soup – We love this dump and go soup! My kids devour it every time it’s served and they almost always ask for seconds.
• Side Dish:
  • Cornbread – With a couple of my secret tips (I share them in the recipe!) you will have perfectly tender and moist cornbread.
  • Toppings – You can customize your toppings, but a few of our favorites are guacamole, sour cream and shredded cheese.
    
• Dessert – Key Lime Cookies –  These cookies will make it FEEL like it’s summertime. We know a lot of people are stuck in cold climates right now – we can dream, right?

Appetizer

• Hawaiian Meatballs – Why is it that so often the simplest recipes get the most attention? This recipe is no exception! These are great as an appetizer or if you’re going to a party and need a dish to bring.

Meal Plan – Week 201

Monday

• Main Dish: Creamy Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Shells – These stuffed shells can be made in just 35 minutes! The yummy restaurant quality Italian flavors are sure to please every palate.
• Side Dish:
  • Pesto Roasted Vegetables – These are a match made in heaven for your stuffed shells!
  • Garlic Cheese Bread – Your family will be asking for seconds because this really is the BEST recipe!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken Bake – You will LOVE this classic dish that is full of sweet and tangy flavors. This is a one pan meal which makes it perfect for a busy weeknight.
• Side Dish:
  • Bacon in the Oven – While this is not a side, you will definitely want to make it to sprinkle on top of your chicken bake! We have the best kept secret to making your bacon extra crispy in the oven and you will not be disappointed! *Make extra so you can use it for Friday’s side dish.
  • Pan Fried Green Beans – With just a few simple ingredients you will have the most delicious green beans that compliment your chicken bake.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Tomato Basil Pasta – Fridge to fork in under 20 minutes? Yes, please! This is actually one of our fastest recipes! It is loaded with tomatoes, basil and herbs to make a quick and easy sauce. Add it to the pasta and you have a hearty dinner that is extra family friendly. Optional: Add grilled chicken or steak if you want to add some protein.
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Roasted Vegetables – These make a great side dish for almost anything, but especially this pasta.
  • Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad – Think caprese, but in salad form. This is loaded with delicious sweet and savory flavors.

Thursday

• Main Dish: – Korean Lettuce Wraps – Weeknights are too busy to not have an easy meal, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor. These lettuce wraps are so easy to make, but also a great family meal because the toppings can be customized for anyone’s tastes.
• Side Dish:
  • Asian Cucumber Salad – Ginger and the soy sauce make this salad so tasty. What is even better is that this dish can be made in advance and the flavors get even better with time!
  • Citrus Rice – Easy, quick and delicious. You can’t go wrong with this rice!

Friday

• Main dish: Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows – Grab rotisserie chicken to make this meal even easier than it already is. Buttery crescent rolls wrapped around a creamy chicken mixture will make everyone in your home smile at dinner.
• Side Dish:
  • Ranch Smashed Potatoes – These crispy roasted smashed potatoes are the BEST way to make potatoes as a side dish. 
  • Broccoli Salad with Bacon – The flavors in this salad are a perfect pairing of sweet and salty with a little tangy dressing. *If you have leftover bacon from Tuesday you can easily use it for this!
    
• Dessert – Peanut Butter Swirl Bars –  These delicious bars are the perfect combination of peanut butter and chocolate in a perfectly tasty cookie bar.

Appetizer

• Mexican Style Spinach Dip – This is a fun twist on your traditional spinach dip and people will be begging for your recipe!

Meal Plan – Week 200

Monday

• Main Dish: Barbacoa Tostadas – This is the perfect customizable recipe that will leave everyone satisfied by the end of dinner time!
• Side Dish:
  • Easy Mexican Rice – You’ll feel like you’re actually eating at a restaurant with this rice!
  • Mexican Roasted Veggies – Keep it light, quick, and easy with veggies that still have the Mexican flavor.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Turkey Spinach Feta Burgers – These Greek seasoned turkey burgers are juicy and delicious. If that wasn’t enough to convince you, they only take 20 minutes to get on the table, start to finish. 
• Side Dish:
  • Baked Potato Wedges – Not that we think you’ll need to convince anyone to eat these because they’re so delicious, but just in case – tell the kids they’re french fries 😉
  • Cucumber Tomato Salad – This is the perfect side if you want to keep dinner light. It’s fresh and blended with salty and sweet flavors!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Spinach Bacon Quiche– My family gets so excited when they find out we’re having breakfast for dinner. With the eggs and bacon, this meal is full of protein and such a great way to end the day. In just a few steps, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time. The bonus is that if you have any leftovers, you can just reheat it for a hearty breakfast!
• Side Dish:
  • French Toast Muffins – We might be having breakfast for dinner, but no one said you can’t have a sweet treat as well. These are so easy to make and the little vanilla and maple syrup bites will keep you wanting more. Make some extra and thank yourself later!
  • Million Dollar Bacon – This savory bacon is cooked on a sheet pan which means you’ll have very little to clean up!

Thursday

• Main Dish: – Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta – This meal comes together in no time, but the best part is that it is all so quick and easy to make! The pasta cooks while the chicken is prepared, and the sauce comes together in minutes just using the pan drippings along with a little butter, lemon and broth. This might just become a go-to meal for you!
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli – My kids love this irresistible side!
  • The Best Garlic Bread – You can’t go wrong with this classic side.

Friday

• Main dish: Blackened Chicken Salad – If you want to keep your Friday meal extra simple, this is an all in one meal. Lots of veggies and delicious blackened chicken as your protein. You really don’t even need a side because this will fill you up!
• Side Dish:
  • Slow Cooker Tomato Soup – This is an Easy Family Recipe favorite! It couldn’t be any easier to go alongside your salad.
  • Crock Pot Loaded Potato Soup – Another meatless side that would compliment your salad is this creamy soup that is loaded with flavor!
    
• Dessert – Chocolate No Bake Cookies –  These are one of my FAVORITE cookies and they have the best texture.

Appetizer

• Greek Layer Dip – Sometimes I crave this and have to stop myself from eating the entire thing when I make it! This requires just a few ingredients and tastes amazing. If you have extra time on Tuesday, maybe make it as an appetizer while people wait for their turkey burgers to be ready!

Meal Plan – Week 199

Monday

• Main Dish: – Guacamole Chicken– If your family loves Mexican food this will be a huge hit. This is a great meal to start off your week. This guacamole chicken will even work if someone doesn’t love guacamole (yet!) because you can serve the seasoned cheesy chicken without the guacamole too.
• Side Dish:
  • Crockpot Black Beans – This dump and go recipe creates beans that are SO flavorful!
  • Mexican Corn Salad – You can never go wrong with corn! And if you are in a cold climate right now, this side will make you think of summer and warm you right up.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: – Crockpot Greek Style Chicken with Veggies– This recipe basically has everything you need for a wholesome meal and it’s all in one pot. We love a set it and forget it meal, especially when it has both protein and veggies!
• Side Dish:
  • Lemon Rice – This rice would be perfect to go along with your Greek style chicken. With just 25 minutes you have a rice that is fluffy and full of flavor from very simple ingredients.
  • Garlic Smashed Potatoes – These are a favorite in our house. So easy and delicious!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Homestyle Meatballs– In just 30 minutes you can have these on your dinner table. The ingredients are so simple that you probably even have them on hand already. Save your extras for a meal on Friday!
• Side Dish:
  • Brown Butter Broccoli – These tender pieces of broccoli are seasoned in a buttery sauce making them irresistible!
  • Garlic Cheese Bread – This is a crowd pleaser and will go perfectly with your meatballs!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Tuscan Tomato Tortellini Soup – This is the perfect cozy meal. Full of flavor and only takes 20 minutes. Yum!
• Side Dish:
  • Green Salad with Homemade Creamy Italian Dressing – Don’t be intimated by making your own dressing. It is so easy! You may never go back to store bought.
  • Sautéed Green Beans – These sautéed green beans are pretty much my go to recipe for when I need a side to go with anything.

Friday

• Main dish: Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Meatballs – Use your leftover homestyle meatballs from Wednesday and smother them in this teriyaki sauce.
• Side Dish:
  • Asian Cucumber Salad – This is delicious and you can even make the dressing ahead of time!
  • Easy Fried Rice – This chicken fried rice recipe is as simple as promised. Omit the chicken to make this a lighter side.
    
• Dessert – Hot Chocolate Cookies –  These cookies only require a couple of steps for the BEST tasting cookie.

Appetizer

• Incredible Baked Potato Wedges – It says it in the name, but these really are incredible! If you are going somewhere and need an appetizer to share, try these out!

Meal Plan – Week 198

Monday

• Main Dish: – Baked Stuffed Pepper Casserole– This has all the flavor of a classic stuffed peppers recipe, but it is so much more quick and easy to make! Just mix, dump, and bake. The result is a piping hot casserole full of hearty beef, tangy Italian seasoned tomato sauce, and a irresistibly cheesy topping.
• Side Dish:
  • Best EVER Garlic Bread – This is a family favorite!
  • Side salad with Creamy Italian Dressing – Making the dressing from scratch only takes 5 minutes and is amazingly delicious!!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: – Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing– This dump and go slow cooker recipe is is the coziest! It combines tender slowly cooked chicken breast with savory stuffing, wholesome veggies, and a rich gravy for an all-in-one dinner fast!
• Side Dish:
  • Mile High Biscuits – These are insanely delicious and the perfect way to round out a cozy meal.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Blackened Chicken Tenders– Chicken tenders you can feel good about feeding your family! These blackened chicken tenders are not breaded, but instead coated in a layer of delicious blackening seasoning then pan seared to lock in the juiciness. Make sure to save the leftovers for Friday’s dinner!
  
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Roasted Vegetables– My go to side dish! Easy, healthy, and yummy!
  • Dips– Dipping sauce is one of the best parts of having chicken tenders!! Pick one of these homemade sauces that only take 5 minutes to make.
    • Restaurant Style Ranch
    • Blue Cheese
    • Honey Mustard Sauce

Thursday

• Main Dish: Brown Butter Tortellini with Spinach– This is the perfect mid-week meatless meal. It can be made in minutes thanks to quick cooking tortellini, packs in some veggies, and no one is complaining since they are all tossed in the most delicious brown butter sauce.
• Sides:
  • Cheesy Pesto Bread-level up your garlic bread with this recipe!
  • Antipasto Salad– If you need a little meat for the meal, this meat based salad is perfect!

Friday

• Main dish: Blackened Chicken Sandwich– Use leftover blackened chicken tenders from Wednesday to save time! These sandwiches make the best Friday dinner since they are casual and each person can customize what they top their sandwich with.
• Side:
  • Bacon Broccoli Salad– This recipe can be made fresh, or make it ahead!
  • Seasoned Potato Wedges– Love these for a french fry feel, but keeping it lighter!
    
• Dessert – Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars–  These are known as the “Kimber Brownies” among my friends and if you are a chocolate lover you are going to want to make them ASAP!

Appetizer

• Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip– This is one of my family’s “secret recipes” that we love to bring to parties, pot lucks etc. It is always one that is among the first empty, and people ask for the recipe before you go.

Meal Plan – Week 197

Monday

• Main Dish: – Perfect Baked Chicken– I have cooked hundreds of thousands of pounds of chicken over the years, and this is my go recipe to for the most tender, juicy, classic baked chicken breasts! You may even want to double the recipe, because this is the same recipe I use for making shredded or diced chicken to use in other recipes like casseroles, wraps, salads etc!
• Side Dish:
  • Mac and Cheese– This classic macaroni and cheese is a family favorite.
  • Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts– These brussels have all the crispy edges!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: – Korean Beef Bowls– If you have a pound of ground beef, this is a great way to use it! These bowls have tons of flavor and each person can top them off anyway they like so it is perfect for picky eaters.
• Side Dish:
  • Asian Cucumber Salad – This goes great in the bowl or on the side- your choice!
  • Spring Rolls– buy them in the freezer section or make spring rolls from scratch if you have the time.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Garlic Steak Bites– This is a super quick and easy way to make steak for a weeknight since all you need is one skillet! The garlicky flavor is cooked right in and of course you can make the steak to any level of doneness you prefer.
  
• Side Dish:
  • Steakhouse Wedge– To be completely transparent, I may get more excited for this salad more than the main meal! It is THAT good! (AND SO EASY!!)
  • Parmesan Ranch Smashed Potatoes– If you make all 3 parts of this meal and it doesn’t knock your socks off, I will be very surprised! These potatoes are exceptionally delicious!!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Chicken Fritta with Garlic Cream Sauce– If you love creamy pasta, this is going to hit it out of the park! This Olive Garden copy cat is a favorite of my kids and always equals a clean plate with no leftovers at my house.
• Sides:
  • Family Favorite Garlic Bread– the secret to making it taste so good is in the spread!
  • Roasted Vegetables– Perfect side to add a little color to the plate

Friday

• Main dish: 3 Ingredient Taco Chicken– 3 ingredients plus a slow cooker makes this perfect for an easy (and delicious) Friday night. You can’t go wrong with tacos!
• Side:
  • Corn Avocado Salad– Make it in advance if needed!
  • Chips and Homemade Salsa– This salsa will rival any Mexican restaurant and you won’t believe how easy it is to make!
    
• Dessert – Fudgy Brownies–  These are known as the “Kimber Brownies” among my friends and if you are a chocolate lover you are going to want to make them ASAP!

Appetizer

• Cajun Chicken Dip– Hot, cheesy, creamy and packed with zesty cajun flavors. This dip is so addicting in the BEST way!

Meal Plan – Week 196

Monday

• Main Dish: – Garlic Pork Bites– Protein packed and FAST, these garlic pork bites can go from fridge to table in as little as 20 minutes! This recipe is such a great way to make pork chops new and exciting again. The are cooked into tender bites then tossed in the most delicious lemon butter sauce for a weeknight dinner that is anything but boring!
• Side Dish:
  • Pesto Caesar Tortellini Salad– This easy salad is one of my daughters favorites.
  • Brown Butter Broccoli– Best way to eat broccoli- try it!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: – Million Dollar Chicken Casserole– The newest addition to the million dollar recipes that are among our readers favorites! This creamy casserole uses shredded chicken to
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Roasted Veggies– Quick and easy, and can cook with the casserole
  • Family Favorite Garlic Bread– the secret to making it taste so good is in the spread!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Crock Pot Rotisserie Chicken– If your kids love rotisserie chicken as much as mine, this recipes is your new best friend! All the great rotisserie chicken flavor (thanks to our signature Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning) and it literally takes minutes to get this dinner going in the slow cooker. The result is a whole chicken just as tender and flavorful as a rotisserie chicken you buy at the store!
  
• Side Dish:
  • No Yeast Rolls– This quick bread is great for when you want soft, fresh, bread fast.
  • Southern Squash Casserole– this southern style favorite makes veggies extra delicious!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Meatball Pasta Bake– This pasta casserole is packed with meatballs, marinara, and two kinds of cheese, then baked to perfection! It makes a hearty and delicious dinner that will feed the whole family with generous portions, or make for a great lunch the next day.
• Sides:
  • Family Favorite Garlic Bread– the secret to making it taste so good is in the spread!
  • Side salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette– I usually do chopped romaine, tomato, cucumber, shredded parmesan, and croutons. The dressing takes 5 minutes to make and is irresistibly good!

Friday

• Main dish: Buffalo Chicken Rice Casserole– This casserole is SUPER POPULAR with readers and our family and is perfect to make with leftover rotisserie chicken! It is creamy, tangy and the best combination of hearty and delicious.
• Side:
  • Carrots, celery, and ranch– This homemade ranch recipe takes veggies to the next level!
    
• Dessert – Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars–  These are a tender peanut butter bar baked with chocolate chips melted swirled throughout! They are super simple, look beautiful, and most importantly are don’t miss a crumb delicious!

Appetizer

• Hot Cheesy Bean Dip– Perfect for watching the game or hanging out with friends! This 4 ingredient appetizer is one of the quickest recipes I make!

Meal Plan – Week 195

Monday

• Main Dish: – Chicken Carnitas– This slow cooker recipe kicks the new year off right! It is high in protein, and packed with flavor! You can use it to make tacos, salads, burrito bowls, and more. The best part is, it takes minutes to prep, the slow cooker does the work, and you won’t believe how incredibly delicious it is!
• Side Dish:
  • Cilantro lime rice– This is perfect for making burrito bowls or on the side for tacos. If you want to keep it lighter go for a cauliflower rice.
  • Mexican Roasted Vegetables– This is one of my favorite sides! So much so, that I often make double to have extra for lunches!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: – Sausage Pesto Penne Pasta– This recipe is a combo of a quick sheet pan meal and a filling pasta dinner. It takes smokey sausage, caramelized roasted veggies and pesto all combined for a hearty pasta meal. SO GOOD!
• Side Dish:
  • Kale Salad with with Lemon Vinaigrette– This salad is a copycat of one of my restaurant favorites from our time in Rhode Island
  • Family Favorite Garlic Bread– the secret to making it taste so good is in the spread!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Soup– This soup is perfect for January! It is light and healthy, SO EASY to make, and perfectly cozy and warm for a cold night. What I love about it though is that it is great for families since you can top it up anyway you like! I prefer it with just a little cheese, but my boys love to load it up with bacon, cheese, onions, and even sour cream. You can make it as hearty as your heart desires, or even make it vegan!
  
• Side Dish:
  • Cheesy Pesto Bread– Perfect for dipping in the soup.
  • Mediterranean Chickpea Salad– Soup and salad make the perfect combo!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Cheeseburger Stuffed Meatloaf– This isn’t a boring meatloaf, this one takes all the flavor of cheeseburgers and stuffs it into a quick and easy, extra cheesy dinner. This meatloaf is super tender, and bakes with a layer of cheese right inside for the best flavor combo!
• Sides:
  • Baked Potato Wedges – These are my favorite not fried french fry! They are quick to make and can bake in the oven with the meatloaf.
  • Corn on the Cob with Garlic Herb Butter– One of the tastiest sides out there! Seriously! You can also make the corn on the cob in the Instant Pot here!

Friday

• Main dish: Carnitas Enchiladas– Use your leftover chicken carnitas to make these amazingly delicious enchiladas!
• Side:
  • Black Beans– This recipe takes canned beans to the next level!
  • Mexican Street Corn Casserole– One of my sites all time most popular recipes!
    
• Dessert – Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies–  The PERFECT Classic cookie! People always want the recipe!

Appetizer

• Avocado Corn Salsa– This is a great healthy dip to start the year of right – that is with tons of flavor and food that tastes great and fuels your body well!

Meal Plan – Week 194

Monday

• Main Dish: – Chicken Tetrazzini– The best word I can come up with to describe this recipe is LUSCIOUS! It is loaded with tender pasta, flavorful veggies, shredded chicken and the most luscious cream sauce. It feels super fancy to be honest, but it is surprisingly easy to make. This is definitely a crowd pleaser!
• Side Dish:
  • Side salad with Italian Dressing– a simple salad with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and maybe some cheese on top is the quickest side and a perfect pairing. I always say take the extra 5 min to make the dressing, it will make the salad absolutely delicious!
  • Pesto Bread– Nothing more delicious than some cheesy bread!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: – Crockpot Beef Barbacoa– 2-for-1 recipe!! Let the slow cooker do the work on this absolutely tender, juicy, flavor loaded roast. I love to serve this dish bowl style the first night and save the extras for a super quick and easy dinner later in the week.
• Side Dish:
  • Homemade Refried Beans– So easy and makes plenty to freeze for later!
  • Mexican Style Rice– This seriously tastes like it came from a Mexican restaurant! So good!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Easy Cheesy Lasagna Skillet– This one skillet meal is a winner when you want that cozy, familiar flavor of lasagna, but have time for none of the work! It takes the the best flavors and cooks them all up in a super quick, not-so-messy meal. I like to serve over pasta for that lasagna flavor, but you can keep it light by doing bowls, or a pasta substitute like zoodles.
  
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Vegetable Medley– This is one of my most popular side dish recipes! It is quick and so so delicious.
  • Pasta– Use whatever pasta you have on hand or your family likes. Some brands sell mini “lasagna noodles” but those are necessary. The flavors will be the same.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Beef Barbacoa Burrito– Meal 2 in our “2-for-1” we made earlier this week! Grab the extra beef barbacoa from the fridge to make these kid-favorite loaded beef burritos for an extra easy dinner.
• Sides:
  • Chips with Salsa and Guac – You can grab the salsa and guac at the store, or make them from scratch for an extra yummy dinner.

Friday

• Main dish: Saucy Buffalo Chicken Tenders– These are not only delicious and easy, but great for reheating while you watch the game this weekend! They have no breading, but are packed with flavor to make them light and easy to make!
• Side:
  • Hashbrown Casserole– These cheesy potatoes are the ultimate comfort food!
  • Carrots, celery and ranch dip– Take the extra 5 minutes and make the ranch! It is SO GOOD!
• Dessert – Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies–  The perfect holiday cookie! If you plan ahead, soak the cranberries for even more flavor (directions in the recipe!)

Appetizer

• Green Chile Cheddar Dip– This warm cheesy dip is packed with southwest flavors! Perfect for dipping chips and veggies in for a hearty snack.

Meal Plan – Week 193

Monday

• Main Dish: – Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce– Hello easiest recipe ever! This spaghetti sauce is warm and cozy, and all you have to do to make it is dump the ingredients in a slow cooker and let it do its thing. I especially love to make a big batch so that I can freeze some for an easy dinner another night.
• Side Dish:
  • Side salad with Italian Dressing– I love making some simple cheese quesadilla triangles with this soup. They are perfect for dipping and super kid friendly!
  • Garlic Cheese Bread– Nothing more delicious than some cheesy bread!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: – Teriyaki Chicken Bites– This recipe is inspired by our love of mall teriyaki chicken! Those tender bites of chicken that are coated in the sweet teriyaki glaze makes for a delicious meal- but even better- this can take less than 20 minutes from fridge to fork!!
• Side Dish:
  • Asian Cucumber Salad– This is one of my favorite easy salad recipes!
  • Rice– I like jasmine rice, but you can use your favorite rice or grain

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole– This easy chicken bake has all the flavor of traditional chicken cordon bleu, with NONE of the work! It takes just minutes of prep and bakes hands off for the easiest weeknight dinner. It has been a reader favorite for a long time… See what others had to say:
  “I try a lot of different recipes online and this is hands down one of the easiest and tastiest ones I’ve ever made!! WOWZERS!” -Tara C.
  
• Side Dish:
  • Roasted Vegetable Medley– This is one of my most popular side dish recipes! It is quick and so so delicious.
  • Tortellini Salad– This easy Italian style salad can be made ahead for ease

Thursday

• Main Dish: Italian Stuffed Peppers– You can make this recipe as directed… or use the leftover spaghetti sauce from Monday to short cut it! These make a great mid week meal and are packed with sneaky, and not so sneaky veggies.
• Sides:
  • Mashed Potatoes – I love adding in mashed potatoes for a saucy meal because the potatoes make the perfect vehicle to get every drop of flavor into your mouth.

Friday

• Main dish: 7 Layer Taco Casserole– A big crowd pleaser, this casserole is layered with all the good stuff! It is heartier than a dip, making it perfect for a fun Friday dinner the whole family will enjoy.
• Side:
  • Blender Salsa with chips– This salsa is CRAZY easy, SO delicious, and entirely healthy! Winning!
  • Mexican Corn Salad– This is the yummiest side- and so easy to make!
    
• Dessert – Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies–  If you want the softest chocolate chip cookies of all time, this is for YOU! These cookies are so flavorful and the texture is something REALLY special.

Appetizer

• Party Meatballs– These are a holiday gathering staple! Make these meatballs with just a couple ingredients and they can stay warm in the crockpot!

Meal Plan – Week 192

Monday

• Main Dish: – Green Chili Corn Chowder– Don’t sleep on this soup! It isn’t a traditional chowder, because there are no potatoes, BUT it is the most creamy, delicious, warm, cozy soup I have had in a long time. The sweetness of the corn and the tanginess of the green chilis make an unforgettable flavor match. The best part is that this dump and go recipe is almost effortless to make!
• Side Dish:
  • Cheese quesadillas– I love making some simple cheese quesadilla triangles with this soup. They are perfect for dipping and super kid friendly!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: – Sun Dried Tomato Basil Chicken– This is the meal you make when your mother-in-law comes over because it is so good, your family may think it is take out from a restaurant! Don’t worry though, this recipe couldn’t be easier to make with just a few ingredients, a few steps and done in under 30 minutes!
• Side Dish:
  • Mashed Potatoes– I love to serve the chicken right over these garlicky potatoes!
  • Side salad with balsamic vinaigrette– Make this dressing! It takes 5 minutes and you won’t believe how DELICIOUS it makes your salad!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Crockpot BBQ Brisket– This Texas style brisket is made super quick and easy in the crock pot and has been getting AMAZING reviews.
  “I’ve make quite a few slow cooker briskets over the years, being from Texas and now living in London. This is by far the easiest and best recipe ever and it always turns out perfect!” -Danzi C.
  “I was hesitant to try this as I am not much of a brisket fan, but let me tell you, this was darn good. Loved being able to throw it in the crock pot and leave it for the day!” – Colbi D.
• Side Dish:
  • Roasted Vegetable Medley– This is one of my most popular side dish recipes! It is quick and so so delicious.
  • Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob– You may never want to eat corn another way again!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Veggie Loaded Breakfast Casserole– Give this a try now with breakfast for dinner so you will know HOW DELICIOUS it is! Not your average breakfast casserole, this recipe is meat-free, but you won’t miss it with all of the flavor it packs in. I make it each year for our holiday party and it is the most requested recipe each time!
• Sides:
  • Million Dollar Bacon – It is EVERY BIT as delicious as the name implies! You need to have this during the holidays at least once, but probably about a dozen times!

Friday

• Main dish: Brisket Tacos– A big crowd pleaser, this recipe is made easy using leftovers from Wednesday! Make these tacos as directed in the recipe, or customize them with whatever toppings your family loves!
• Side:
  • Guacamole– This tastes just like when they make it table side at the Mexican restaurant
  • Mexican Street corn casserole– This is the yummiest side- and so easy to make!
    
• Dessert – Hot Chocolate Cookies–  My kids are absolutely OBSESSED with these cookies! They are flavored with hot cocoa mix and absolutely perfect for the holidays.

Appetizer

• Million Dollar Dip– This dip can be made ahead and if you need something to take to a party, this recipe is ALWAYS a hit!

Meal Plan – Week 191

Monday

• Main Dish: – Quick Skillet Chicken Pot Pie– When I posted a pic of our family eating this on Instagram, I probably got 100 messages asking for the recipe! It is the coziest meal, and making a crustless version in the skillet makes it super fast and easy. It is absolutely delicious, but you don’t have to take my word for it, here’s what readers are saying “Delicious!!! So good my husband requested we eat this weekly!” – Rachel T.
• Side Dish:
  • Mile High Biscuits– You won’t believe how easy these are to make from scratch! Not only are they super tender and flakey, but the special method we use makes them raise “a mile high!” They are the absolute best with the skillet chicken pot pie.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: – Hearty Crockpot Beef Chili– Let the slow cooker do the work for this family favorite dinner! I love that there are lots of veggies packed in there, and the kids love to pile up their bowl of chili with cornbread and toppings. It is a big family win at our house!
• Side Dish:
  • Quick Cornbread– Make this with or without the green chiles depending on your family preference!
• Toppings
  • Sour cream 
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Diced avocado

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Baked Ziti (with ground turkey)– This classic favorite is lightened up by using ground turkey instead of ground beef! It is a warm hearty dinner and we always have leftovers to heat up for lunches the rest of the week. You can cut the recipe in half if you don’t want extras though.
• Side Dish:
  • Roasted Vegetable Medley– This is one of my most popular side dish recipes! It is quick and so so delicious.
  • Garlic Bread– This recipe is our go to! The secret is in the spread.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Chili Stuffed Baked Potatoes– make a super fast weeknight dinner by using leftovers from the chili you made Tuesday to stuff these baked potatoes! This meal is great because it is fast, family friendly, and can be customized to each persons personal preferences. I love that it is hearty, filling, and cozy all with just a few minutes of effort.
• Sides:
  • Broccoli Salad with bacon – you can make this easy salad in advance!

Friday

• Main dish: Garlic Bread Pizza– This is a winning Friday dinner. not only is it simple, but everyone loves it and you can even make a fun activity where each person can do their own pizza toppings if you want a fun family night.
• Side:
  • Veggies and Ranch– Take the extra 5 minutes and make this homemade ranch! You won’t regret it!
  • Antipasto Salad- This quick salad is packed with meats to make a hearty salad that is perfect for munching!
• Dessert – Cinnamon Glazed Butter Cookies–  If you make one cookie this holiday season, make it this one! It melts in your mouth and has the most wonderful holiday flavor!

Appetizer

• Cold Spinach Feta Dip– This dip requires no cooking and is filled with amazing flavor!

Meal Plan – Week 190

Monday

• Main Dish: – Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup– Keep the holiday week light and easy by starting out with this chicken noodle soup made with rotisserie chicken. It is one of my all time favorite soups and just amazingly delicious with so little effort!
• Side Dish:
  • Side salad with Homemade Balsamic Dressing– This dressing takes 5 minutes to make and takes the salad to a whole new level! You have to try it!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: – Baked Panko Chicken with Honey Drizzle– I love this recipe because it is a grown up and healthier version of fried chicken. It is made simply with just a few pantry ingredients, but the flavors are just so good!
• Side Dish:
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts– This is the recipe that made my kids like brussels sprouts!
  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes – These quick mashed potatoes make a great side dish for any meal.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Honey Glazed Ham– I love making the ham on Wednesday and reheating on Thursday for thanksgiving! Having the leftovers, along with the turkey makes the next week of cooking super easy!
• Side Dish:
  • Roasted Vegetable Medley– This is one of my most popular side dish recipes! It is quick and so so delicious.
  • Corn Casserole– This recipe is in my top 3 sides ever!

Thursday

• Main Dish: My Thanksgiving Menu– see the whole thing we use here!
• Sides:
  • Baked Mac and Cheese – My #1 side dish always!! Check out the menu to see our other favorites!

Friday

• Main dish: Ultra Creamy Turkey Rice Casserole– Use this recipe and replace shredded chicken with shredded turkey to use those leftovers up in a super yummy way! This casserole is mu go to after thanksgiving, and it is freezer friendly!!
• Side:
  • Brown Butter Broccoli– If you haven’t tried this side yet, you are absolutely missing out on the BEST and easiest way to eat broccoli ever!
  • Southern Squash Casserole– a holiday season favorite!
• Dessert – Apple Pie–  this is the one time of year I make this pie and it is worth EVERY second of effort! It may be the best pie you will ever have!

Appetizer

• Grape Jelly Meatballs– These are the ultimate party appetizer and always on the buffet table at holiday gatherings for us!

Meal Plan – Week 189

Monday

• Main Dish: – Homemade Shake and Bake Pork Chops– If you haven’t made this classic from scratch you are missing out. It is SO EASY and so kid friendly for a great weeknight win. I love that you can eat these on their own, or mix them with almost any side you may have on hand. They can go great in a sandwich or on a salad, so you may want to make extra for leftovers!
• Side Dish:
  • Rotini Pasta Salad – Tastes like a Mexican restaurant!
  • Roasted Green Beans– Use this short cut recipe to make canned black beans taste like you slaved away for hours!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: – Creamy Salsa Chicken Bake– This one dish dinner is a SUPER hit with my crew! It combines salsa with a creamy cheesy topping and bakes all over tender chicken breast in one casserole dish. This is great with a side of rice and beans, or you can shred it up and make the yummiest tacos, burrito bowls, quesadillas etc. I can’t say enough good things about this recipe!
• Side Dish:
  • Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice – Like the restaurant and SO easy to make.
  • Black beans – This quick method makes canned beans taste amazing.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Ravioli Lasagna– One of the absolute fastest recipes to make, this easy casserole comes together with almost no prep and has super saucy cheesy flavors for the win!
• Side Dish:
  • Roasted Vegetable Medley– This is one of my most popular side dish recipes! It is quick and so so delicious.
  • Garlic Bread– These are super fast, super wholesome, and super yummy!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Soup– This has so many great flavors in a dump and go recipe!
• Sides:
  • Side Salad – Pair the soup with a side salad if you want a little something extra. I love to use this Homemade Balsamic dressing– SO GOOD!

Friday

• Main dish: Baked Turkey Sliders– This quick and easy casserole comes together in minutes and marries some of our family’s favorite flavors. You can use leftover chicken, a rotisserie chicken, or any pulled chicken you may have. It is perfect for eating with a fork out of a bowl, or piling on top of chips for a hands only meal!
• Side:
  • Brown Butter Broccoli– If you haven’t tried this side yet, you are absolutely missing out on the BEST and easiest way to eat broccoli ever!
  • Baked Potato Wedges– my favorite way to make easy “french fries” at home!
• Dessert – Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies–  I have been making these for over 20 years. They are the cookie I am known for among my friends, AND this is the first time I am sharing this recipe with yall on the blog. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Appetizer

• Chicken Fajita Dip– For all the Tex-Mex lovers! This easy party dip is hot, hearty, cheesy and perfect for football watching!

Meal Plan – Week 188

Monday

• Main Dish: – Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa– This easy beef roast is infused with the best Mexican flavors and slow cooked to tender, fall apart perfection! I like to serve it up with rice and beans the first day and save leftovers for a super easy (kid-favorite) meal later in the week
• Side Dish:
  • Tex-Mex Rice – Tastes like a Mexican restaurant!
  • Black beans– Use this short cut recipe to make canned black beans taste like you slaved away for hours!
  • Toppings– If you want a little extra, top with your choice of pico de gallo, guacamole, or jalapeno ranch.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: – Greek Chicken Bites– This super simple one skillet recipe is kind of like making fancy chicken nuggets! Instead of breading, these tender, chicken breast bites get coated in a greek seasoning and then pan seared in minutes for a tender flavorful chicken bites. I like to serve it simply with a side salad and some rice for an extra fast and extremely yummy weeknight meal.
• Side Dish:
  • Lemon rice – cook up your favorite rice and right after it is done cooking toss it with fresh lemon juice, parsley, and salt to taste.
  • Cucumber tomato salad – This quick salad has the perfect flavors to compliment this meal.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Beef Barbacoa Street Tacos– This is the easiest way to use up leftovers from Monday. These tacos only have 5 ingredients and you can adapt and customize based on your kids preferences. Best part: Using leftover beef barbacoa makes this dinner insanely fast to make!
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Street Corn Casserole– This is one of my most popular side dish recipes! It is quick and so so delicious.
  • Tex-Mex Roasted Vegetables– These are super fast, super wholesome, and super yummy!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Crock Pot Loaded Baked Potato Soup– If you want a throw it in and forget it kind of recipe, this is it! This Baked Potato Soup is delicious and the part my kids like best is customizing their bowl with their favorite toppings. I also have a pressure cooker baked potato soup recipe here if you want to cook it faster!
• Sides:
  • Toppings– Your choice of crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, etc.
  • Side Salad – Pair the soup with a side salad if you want a little something extra. I love to use this Homemade ranch dressing– SO GOOD!
  • Garlic bread– You know this is my favorite recipe!

Friday

• Main dish: BBQ Chicken Casserole– This quick and easy casserole comes together in minutes and marries some of our family’s favorite flavors. You can use leftover chicken, a rotisserie chicken, or any pulled chicken you may have. It is perfect for eating with a fork out of a bowl, or piling on top of chips for a hands only meal!
• Side:
  • Bacon Ranch Broccoli Salad– This kid-approved salad has some serious flavor and it can be made ahead for busy nights. I always like it on Friday so I can grab this salad for an easy weekend lunch.
  • Super Easy Cornbread– The trick works every time! This cornbread is the most tender, moist you will ever have!
    
• Dessert – No Bake Cookies-  This fast cookie recipe is always my go-to when I have a chocolate craving, I love how it is super rich, and hearty with the oatmeal and peanut butter.

Appetizer

• Cajun Chicken Dip– If you need to bring a dish that people will LOVE, this is guaranteed to get at least a few recipe requests! Plus, this warm, cheesy, dip can be made in minutes and it is just SO GOOD!

Meal Plan – Week 187

Monday

• Main Dish: – Korean Beef Skillet– This is the perfect meal to change things up when you get bored with the same old dinners. I love to serve it up bowl style on rice with the cucumber salad right on top and then drizzle your favorite sauce over it. SO GOOD!
• Side Dish:
  • Asian Cucumber Salad – One of the BEST ways to make broccoli!
  • Rice– I like to The flavors pair perfectly with the casserole and really its just another excuse to eat the best dips!
  • Sauces– Add your choice of Teriyaki sauce, creamy yum yum sauce, or Japanese Spicy Mayo.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: – Fast Chicken Fajitas– This is one of my personal all-time favorite recipes and it comes together FAST. You can have this ready from fridge to fork in as little as 20 minutes if you are on it! Plus it is the absolute best left overs (I always make extra!) It is hard for me to pick the best sides, so I am going to give you a few and let you pick!
• Side Dish:
  • Crockpot Black Beans – These are a family favorite
  • Cilantro Lime Rice – especially love this rice for fajita bowls with leftovers.
  • Mexican Street Corn Casserole– This is a HUGE reader favorite. If you haven’t tried it, do it!
  • Creamy Jalapeno Ranch dressing– We drizzle this on all fajitas. If we are out the kids get mad. It is a must in our house.
  • Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa– Perfect for chips or topping fajitas!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken– This recipe has been one of the most popular on my site for years! It has so many raving reviews because the amount of delicious flavor with so little effort is incredible! If you haven’t tried this one, it is time! Or if you prefer the oven to the crockpot, you can find my Baked Tuscan Garlic Chicken here.
• Side Dish:
  • Mashed Potatoes– I like to serve the crockpot chicken right over it. Since there are so many veggies and so much delicious sauce in the pot it pairs extra well.
  • Garlic Bread– The secret is in the spread!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Chicken Fajita Nachos– This recipe uses leftovers from Tuesday for my kids absolute favorite dinner ever. Period. If it is nacho night, they all clean their plates. I actually think it is a big win too because they are eating more veggies in this meal (with no complaints) than they do in most other recipes!
• Sides:
  • Salsa– This blender one uses canned tomatoes but tastes fresh! It only takes 5 minutes to make!
  • Guacamole – Can’t have nachos with out it!
  • Sour Cream

Friday

• Main dish: Stuffed Biscuit Breakfast Bombs– We love these so much we are doing breakfast for dinner night with them. These are super easy to make, and perfect if your kids like to help you cook. You can pack them with all of your favorite breakfast foods and have that yummy breakfast explosion in every bite.
• Side:
  • Hashbrown Casserole– This is great for bulking up the dinner with something that goes so well together!
  • Best Roasted Veggies– If you want to something healthy to the meal, these roasted veggies are just as warm, comforting and wholesome!
• Dessert – Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies–  My all time favorite chocolate chip cookie! So many readers tell me it is their go to recipe now too!

Appetizer

• Mexican Spinach Dip– This warm, cheesy, dip can be made in minutes and it is SO GOOD!

Meal Plan – Week 186

Monday

• Main Dish: – Buffalo Chicken Rice Casserole– I could eat this all day!! This casserole is loaded with tender chicken and fluffy rice, all nestled in a creamy buffalo sauce. It is the perfect combination of tangy and comforting and the heat can be adjusted from mild to hot to suit the preference of your family.
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Parmesan Broccoli – One of the BEST ways to make broccoli!
  • Veggies and dip– I like to pair this casserole with sliced celery, carrots and then give my homemade ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. The flavors pair perfectly with the casserole and really its just another excuse to eat the best dips!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: – One Pot Easy Lasagna Soup– All you need for this soup is just ONE POT! It is filled with hearty ground beef and Italian Sausage, a rich tomato broth, and tender lasagna noodles. Then topped with a cheesy, creamy, parmesan ricotta mixture to stir in (or leave out for picky kids!) to give it that true lasagna feel.
• Side Dish:
  • Side salad with Creamy Italian Dressing – This dressing is creamy, tangy, absolutely DELICIOUS and takes just minutes to make!
  • Garlic Bread– My go to recipe.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Southern Pot Roast– This is wholesome comfort food! Pot Roast is one of my favorite dump and go slow cooker meals. This pot roast seasoning gives it the absolute best flavor and you can make it in under 5 minutes. Also, since the carrots and potatoes cook in the pot right alongside the roast, it makes dinner all ready to go at once with almost no effort!
• Side Dish:
  • Jiffy Corn Casserole– If you need an extra side to go with dinner, this is it! So quick and easy, and my family’s absolute FAVORITE!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Crustless Chicken Pot Pie– This recipe is made easy using just one skillet. No crust required! The thick, rich broth has tender chunks of chicken, vegetables and tons of savory flavor and instead of a crust we do a buttery cracker crumb topping that makes it quicker to make and maybe even more delicious than the original.
• Sides:
  • No Yeast Rolls– These biscuit like dinner rolls are the easiest thing to make and are perfect for soaking up all the sauce from that pie!
  • Mashed Potatoes – My other favorite thing to serve this is is these creamy mashed potatoes. I like to scoop the pie right over the top of them and it is SO DELICIOUS!

Friday

• Main dish: Southern Pot Roast French Dips– Shred the leftover beef pot roast from Wednesday and heat it gently in a pan. Arrange swiss cheese over the top to melt, then portion onto sliced rolls with caramelized onions. Serve with au jus dipping sauce.
• Side:
  • Roasted potato wedges– Feels like a french fry but made lighter and easier!
  • Best Roasted Veggies– If you want to bulk up the meal, these roasted veggies are just as warm, comforting and wholesome!
• Dessert – Cinnamon Roll Cake–  This cake is swirled with cinnamon mixture and flavored with a secret ingredient to make it over the top delicious!

Appetizer

• Green Chile Cheddar Dip– This warm, cheesy, dip can be made in minutes and it is SO GOOD!

Meal Plan – Week 185

Monday

• Main Dish: – Sheet Pan Pineapple Chicken– Start off the week with this super simple ONE PAN meal! This is super quick to prep and has all that delicious teriyaki flavor my kiddos love. I like to serve it up super simple in a bowl on top of rice or shredded cabbage and drizzled with extra teriyaki sauce and yum yum sauce. If you have any leftovers, throw them on a salad or in a wrap for an easy lunch!
• Side Dish:
  • Rice – White, brown or cilantro lime rice all make great options!
  • Shredded Cabbage– I like to grab a bag of coleslaw mix at the store and eat mine on top of this for a wholesome option.
  • Sauce– Drizzle on extra teriyaki sauce, yum yum sauce, or Japanese spicy mayo (my fav!)

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Crockpot Carnitas– I can’t ever get over just how delicious this recipe is!! A quick dump and cook crock pot roast, cooks into the most flavorful and delicious dinner. Plus it is the gift that keeps giving, with the leftovers making some super easy meals later in the week.
  
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Rice– This is the Tex-mex style rice that my family loves!
  • Black Beans– you can make these side by side if you have a second slow cooker, if not use this recipe for making canned black beans taste great!
  • Salad with Jalapeno Ranch – this dressing will make your kids like salad!!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Chicken Pasta with Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce– A fancy meal made in as little as 25 minutes?! Yes! This pasta is tossed in a velvety sun dried tomato cream sauce and topped with tender pan seared chicken. Does it sound like something you get at a restaurant? Yes. Is it actually super easy to make? Also yes!
• Side Dish:
  • Oven Roasted Vegetables– This vegetable medley cooks hands off on a simple sheet pan. So easy!
  • Garlic Bread– You need to get every bit of that irresistible cream sauce. This is our favorite garlic bread recipe!
  • Side salad- top it with this irresistible (and quick to make) homemade balsamic vinaigrette for something extra yummy!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Carnitas Quesadillas – These get rave reviews from the kids and are a meal you can make in minutes! You can make them as directed, or easily customize them to your family’s preferences.
• Sides:
  • Mexican Corn Salad– one of my favorite salads, this one is light, refreshing, and packed with flavor
  • Chips and dip – I like to pair this meal with black bean salsa, guacamole, or my easy homemade salsa

Friday

• Main dish: Chilis Southwest Chicken Soup– This copycat recipe is the perfect Friday recipe because you can heat up leftovers for a comforting meal on demand all weekend long! We love the flavor of this soup at Chilis, and the at home version tastes even more fresh and delicious! Bonus- it takes less than 30 minutes to make!
• Side:
  • Buttermilk Cornbread– This is delicious and a treat to go along with the soup
  • Mexican Roasted Veggies– If you want to bulk up the meal, these roasted veggies are just as warm, comforting and wholesome!
• Dessert – White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies–  If you make a big batch, you can freeze them individually to pop in lunchboxes throughout the week!

Appetizer

• Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels– This is a quick no-cook appetizer that is great for a party, snacking, or even a meal on the go!

Meal Plan – Week 184

Monday

• Main Dish: – Bake Rotisserie Style Chicken– This recipe is one that no one ever gets tired of, and there is almost nothing more versatile than this recipe for using the leftovers. Better yet, it can go from fridge to oven in as little as 5-10 minutes and cooks hands off for the EASIEST meal!
• Side Dish:
  • Corn on the Cob with Garlic Butter – Make this super easy in the crock pot! Or grab instructions for corn on the cob in the instant pot here!
  • Crispy Smashed Potatoes – This is the BEST way to make potatoes.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Green Chile Chicken Casserole– This recipe is one of the FASTEST- just mix and bake in minutes. Best part: You can use leftovers from Monday to make this super quick and easy!!
  
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Rice– This is the Tex-mex style rice that my family loves!
  • Black Beans– These are so flavorful in the slow cooker
  • Cornbread – This quick 3 ingredient cornbread is a personal favorite!!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Garlic Herb Steak-This feels like a fancy steakhouse but is easy enough for your average Wednesday. You can use any cut of steak that is on sale this week at your local store to make it! Make sure to prepare enough so you can have leftovers to use for the most delicious dinner on Friday!!
• Side Dish:
  • Sauteed Peppers and Onions– Nothing like some caramelized onions and peppers to go with a fresh sizzling steak.
  • Mashed Potatoes– You need these delicious potatoes to get right in there with the juices from the steak!
  • Side salad- top it with this irresistible (and quick to make) homemade ranch dressing. to make it steakhouse quality!

Thursday

• Main Dish: One Pan Tuscan Pork Chops – These get rave reviews from everyone that makes them. Packed with flavor, lots of veggies, and oh, so delicious… you will LOVE this quick and easy dinner!
• Sides:
  • Italian Quinoa Salad – try this hearty grain filled salad for a side that you can make ahead and will fill you up!
  • Garlic Bread – perfect to soak up all the delicious juices from the meal

Friday

• Main dish: Steak Stuffed Baked Potatoes– These are super easy, especially when you save leftovers from Wednesday! This is one of the easiest and tastiest Friday dinners that are on our menu. Also, I love that we get to enjoy steak not once, but twice because of how this meal helps to stretch it!
• Side:
  • Salad with creamy blue cheese dressing– The tangy blue cheese goes SO well with the steak and potatoes, but if you prefer you can do a ranch dressing instead!
• Dessert – Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars–  Too soon to make these again? I think not.

Appetizer

• Layered Taco Dip– This is a favorite of the kids and adults- not to mention one of the best ways to get my kids to eat a variety of veggies!

Meal Plan – Week 183

Monday

• Main Dish: – Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake– Cheesy, warm, and filled with tender chicken, veggies, and lots of hearty pasta, this one dish pasta bake is not only packed with flavor and delicious, but super easy to make. I love that there are lots of veggies in it, while my kids always love a cheesy pasta dinner. Big win for everyone! This does make a full 9×13 pan so you can cut it in half if you have a small family, or save and reheat the leftovers later.
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Cheese or Pesto Cheese Bread – Pasta and bread are always a happy match. Either of these flavors will be a hit with family’s of all ages.
  • Garlic Parmesan Broccoli – Cheesy, roasted broccoli is an easy but delicious healthy vegetable side.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Chicken Burrito Casserole– All the flavors of a chicken burrito in a quick and easy casserole dinner. This recipe is already getting rave reviews:
  “My family of 6 loved this casserole! The recipe was easy to follow and had good substitute suggestions! Easy to throw together for a busy week night dinner! This will be in our rotation! Thank you for the great meal!” – Natalie
  
• Toppings:
  • Chopped Cilantro
  • Sour Cream
  • Pico de Gallo
  • Guacamole 
  • Shredded lettuce
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Roasted Veggies– Maybe the simplest recipe on this list, but still one of the most delicious!
  • Cornbread – This quick 3 ingredient cornbread is a personal favorite!!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Sizzle Steak-This uses an affordable cut of meat to give you a FAST weeknight dinner with a steakhouse feel! If you haven’t tried this yet, I think you are going to love it!
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Herb Sauteed Mushrooms– These are SO SIMPLE and a special ingredient makes them over the top delicious.
  • Mashed Potatoes– You need these delicious potatoes to get right in there with the sauces from the steak!
  • Side salad- top it with this irresistible (and quick to make) homemade ranch dressing. to make it steakhouse quality!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs – This is a 5 minute dump and go dinner that is perfect to be ready to go when you are! When I serve it as dinner (it can be a great appetizer too!) I like to serve it over rice or cauliflower rice if you want to lighten it up.
• Sides:
  • Rice- Plain white or brown rice works well
  • Sautéed Green Beans – quick and easy side dish!
  • Cucumber Tomato Salad – perfect to make ahead

Friday

• Main dish: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad– This is the best mash up of salad, chicken, and pasta for a hearty dinner fast. I like to think of this as a gateway meal to getting the kids and hubs to enjoy salad as much as I do. It has lots of protein and with the pasta the kids think it is pretty good too!
• Side:
  • Baked Potatoes– This makes a great option if you want something super easy that will bulk up the meal. Try making the baked potatoes in the instant pot. It is my absolute FAVORITE way to make them!
  • Creamy Tomato Soup– This is the best combo if you want soup and salad!
    
• Dessert – Chocolate Chip Cookies–  I have been on a kick lately and this is my absolute FAVORITE recipe.

Appetizer

• Baked Buffalo Chicken Nuggets– These nuggs are absolutely perfect for munching on when you watch the big game!

Meal Plan – Week 182

Monday

• Main Dish: – Chili’s Southwest Chicken Soup– This recipe has come out with a bang! We decided to recreate one of our restaurant favorites and after trying, and experimenting, we finally got something the whole family agreed was not only pretty close, but more fresh and delicious than the original. BEST PART- One pot and less than 30 minutes and you will be on the table!
• Side Dish:
  • Corn bread– You cannot beat a slice of buttermilk corn bread with this soup.
  • Salad with jalapeno ranch– I love to make this easy salad in advance. I enjoy this salad so much that sometimes I will even double the recipe to have leftovers for lunch the next day.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Crustless Chicken Pot Pie– This is fantastic for when you want all the flavor of chicken pot pie, but don’t actually want to mess with a pie. This comes together in a skillet quickly for the perfect comforting dinner that the kids will love!
• Side Dish:
  • Mashed Potatoes– This is perfect to serve the chicken pot pie right on top of since there is no crust. The creamy filling is heaven with the potatoes!
  • Roasted Vegetables– This is quick and easy and can be done in the same amount of time as the chicken pot pie.

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Zesty Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork-This classic tender pulled pork slow cooks in a zingy barbecue sauce and is perfect for piling high on buns, salads, wraps, bowls or anything your family likes. For this week, we are going to eat it classic today, and then, load up the leftovers for another easy meal on Friday.
• Side Dish:
  • Buns– serve it up with bakery style buns, or slider rolls. Add classic coleslaw to the sandwich if you want a little crunch.
  • 3 minute Instant Pot Corn– I never want to eat corn another way! This makes it so tender-crisp it is absolute perfection. Combine that with the garlic butter sauce and you have the BEST CORN EVER!
  • Side salad- top it with this irresistible (and quick to make) homemade ranch dressing.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Creamy Beef and Mushroom Casserole – This casserole is a killer way to use up a pound of ground beef! It is lusciously creamy, hearty and beefy, with a buttery cracker topping. This casserole packs in the flavor, all while cooking in just one dish for a quick and easy dinner.
• Sides:
  • Garlic bread– This is my favorite recipe! The secret is in the garlic bread spread!
  • Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts– The one pan recipe that made my kids like brussels!

Friday

• Main dish: BBQ Pork Nachos– There is no dinner my family likes better than nachos, and this dinner is made extra easy by using the leftover pulled pork from Wednesday. My kids love this so much that sometimes I have to make two pans- especially if they have friends.
  Spread layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Sprinkle the meat over the chips and drizzle with additional BBQ sauce. Add corn and beans if desired. Then top with shredded cheddar or mexi blend cheese. Bake at 425˚F for 8-12 minutes or until cheese is melted. 
• Side:
  • Homemade Salsa– Try my easy blender salsa you can make in minutes!
  • Jalapeno Ranch– I am not kidding when I tell you my kids can’t live without this stuff!
    
• Dessert – Key Lime Cookies–  These melt in your mouth and are the best combination of a smooth buttery cookie with a sweet and tangy key lime glaze.

Appetizer

• Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs– These are the perfect combo of sweet and salty for a fantastic and hearty snack to munch on. You can keep them warm over a longer time by leaving them in the crock pot.

Meal Plan – Week 181

Monday

• Main Dish: – Ground Turkey Stir Fry– This recipe is absolutely one of the most tasty ways to prepare a pound of ground turkey! It is super packed with protein and veggies, and you need as little as 20 minutes to make it, start to finish! We love to serve it up in bowls with a little sauce on top, and there is rarely anyone at the table without a clean plate at the end of the meal.
• Side Dish:
  • Sauce– The kids LOVE yum yum sauce, and I can’t get enough of this spicy mayo.
  • Sriracha Coleslaw– I love to make this easy salad in advance. I enjoy this salad so much that sometimes I will even double the recipe to have leftovers for lunch the next day.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice– This easy dinner packs in the Mexican flavors, has less than 10 ingredients, and cooks all in ONE SKILLET! Top it off however your family likes it for a flavor loaded dinner in under 30 minutes.
• Side Dish:
  • Buttermilk Cornbread– This comes together with just about 4 ingredients and is the most tender and delicious cornbread I have made!
  • Toppings:
    • Sour Cream
    • Guacamole– Add a scoop of creamy homemade guac or buy it at the store in a pinch
    • Lime wedges – serve these on the side and squeeze over the top before you eat
    • Tomatoes – Fresh tomatoes or Pico de Gallo taste fantastic.
  • Black Beans– This recipe dresses up canned black beans for a super easy flavor loaded side

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Crock Pot Tomato Basil Soup-This ranks in my all time favorite recipes! It could literally not be any more simple and it is so good, that I have had people tell me they didn’t think they liked tomato soup until they tried this!
• Side Dish:
  • Side salad- top it with this irresistible creamy Italian dressing
  • Garlic Cheese Bread– This gives you a feel of a grilled cheese, but it is easy to make for a crowd! This Pesto Cheese bread is equally delicious with this soup too.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Chicken Parmesan Casserole – This pasta casserole is super quick to put together and brings in all the best flavors of Chicken Parm in an easy cheesy casserole. You can use leftover chicken, grab a rotisserie chicken at the market, or even use frozen chicken nuggets in a pinch.
• Sides:
  • Roasted Vegetable Medley– This is my go to side for adding veggies that taste great fast!

Friday

• Main dish: Green Chile Pork Chops– Flavor OVERLOAD! These Green Chile Pork Chops are pure perfection! Boneless pork chops are smothered in a creamy, delicious green chile cheese sauce and then oven baked to be perfectly tender and delicious. This meal is loved by all, but also naturally low carb for a keto friendly meal..
• Side dish:
  • Cilantro Lime Rice – This recipe is just like Chipotle
  • Sautéed Peppers & Onions – Love serving the pork chops on top of a bed of peppers and onions!
    
• Dessert – No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars-  These are SO SO SO crazy delicious! If you don’t make these ASAP, you are missing out!! They are quick to make- no cooking required.

Appetizer

• Chips and Dip– One thing I have been making on repeat lately is a platter with jalapeno ranch, pico de gallo, and guacamole surrounded by chips. Not only does it look beautiful, every single person devours it. Feel free to change up the dips for variety, my corn salsa, pineapple salsa, blender salsa, or queso also work super well!

Meal Plan – Week 180

Monday

• Main Dish: – Garlic Bread Chicken Caesar Sandwich– Yes it is every bit as delicious as it sounds!!… and can be ready to eat in as little as 15 minutes. My kids even love this dinner even though there is lettuce involved so I call that a pretty big win. Cut them big or small depending on how hungry each person is!
• Side Dish:
  • Tomato Mozzarella Salad– The fresh taste of this is the perfect side for this big hearty sandwich!
  • Chips– To keep it super quick and easy, just add some chips on the side. If you have more time you can make these roasted potato wedges.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Thick & Chunky Crockpot Chili– This recipe is EVERYTHING chili should be but made super easy! Just dump it in the crock pot and forget it until you are ready to eat. It is super hearty, loaded up with lots of meat, veggies, and beans. Let your family top it off with their favorite toppings to customize it for each person!
• Side Dish:
  • Cheater Mexican Cornbread– This comes together with just about 4 ingredients and is the most tender and delicious cornbread I have made!
  • Toppings:
    • Cheese – Shredded cheddar, jack, a Mexican blend, or crumbled queso fresco are great.
    • Onions – Scallions, chives, or red onion are all delicious.
    • Avocado – Go with fresh slices, or a spoonful of homemade guacamole.
    • Tomatoes – Fresh tomatoes or Pico de Gallo taste fantastic.
    • Jalapenos – Use fresh or pickled jalapenos to kick up the heat.
    • Sour Cream
    • Crumbled Bacon
    • Cilantro
    • Lime Juice

Wednesday

• Main Dish: One Pan Chicken and Peppers-A classic made easier- There are several ways you can serve this depending on what your family likes best. I love that the protein and veggies all cook together hands off in just one pan, and that the flavor can’t be beat!
• Side Dish:
  • Side salad- top it with this irresistible creamy Italian dressing
  • Crusty rolls– Put the chicken and peppers on the rolls sandwich style, or just eat the roll on the side.

Thursday

• Main Dish: Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Sauce – Perfectly tender pork tenderloin in a rich and flavorful garlic sauce- it’s a meal made to IMPRESS! This easy pork recipe makes the perfect dinner when you need something QUICK and DELICIOUS! This is a meal that makes you feel chef level on a weeknight commitment timeline.
• Sides:
  • Garlic Roasted Vegetables– This side dish is one I make more than any other!
  • Mashed potatoes – these are EXTRA creamy!

Friday

• Main dish: Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Casserole– Kid friendly and perfect for a one pan family friendly meal. All of the delicious flavors of a bacon cheeseburger wrapped up in this quick and easy casserole.
• Side:
  • Corn on the Cob with Garlic Butter– You can make this ahead of time or whip it up quickly on the day of!
  • Veggies and Ranch Dressing– This homemade ranch just might change your life – and definitely make eating veggies a joy!!
    
• Dessert – No Bake Cookies-  I just love that these are SO FAST to make! If you get a craving for something sweet, these cookies will definitely hit the spot in just minutes!

Appetizer

• Mexican Spinach Dip– Creamy, cheesy, melty, zesty deliciousness!!! This dip is so good and absolutely perfect when you want something so good that it will make people ask for the recipe!

Meal Plan – Week 179

Monday

• Main Dish: – Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup– This recipe has ALL the sneaky veggies! Not only is this the perfect hearty meatless Monday meal, it is packed with equal parts cheesy, creamy, comforting goodness, and lots of bonus veggies that the family will never even know about! I LOVE this soup because it is easy, wholesome and so so delicious!
• Side Dish:
  • Chicken Cobb Salad– For a filling side this cobb salad makes a great accompaniment!
  • Garlic Bread– A must for soaking up every last bit of the soup!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Chicken Burrito Skillet– All the delicious flavors of a loaded chicken burrito in a one skillet – quick and easy- dinner! One of my personal favorite parts is that you can serve it up to suit the likes of each person. So the kids love to stuff it in tortillas, and the grown ups eat it bowl style. Plus, load it up with as many (or few) toppings as you want!
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Street Corn Casserole– This is one my our readers ALL TIME FAVORITE recipes! And people keep making it year after year, because it is just that good!
  • Toppings:
    • Shredded lettuce
    • Corn Salsa
    • Pico de Gallo
    • Sour Cream
    • Guacamole

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Steak Sandwiches-These are made with an inexpensive cut of steak, but the marinade we use makes it tender, juicy, and taste like a million bucks! Bonus- this recipe is so quick, it can take as little as 20 min fridge to table.
• Side Dish:
  • Instant Pot Baked Potatoes– Nothing goes better with steak than a big fluffy baked potato, and the pressure cooker is my favorite way to make them! They get so light and fluffy!
  • Broccoli Salad with Bacon– You can make this easy salad ahead of time to make dinner even faster!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Lasagna Chicken Bake – This one dish wonder gives you that luxurious lasagna flavor all smothered over tender chicken breast and bakes hands off in JUST ONE DISH! So quick, so easy, so yummy!!
• Sides:
  • Garlic Roasted Vegetables– This side dish is one I make more than any other!
  • Pesto Cheese Bread– Switch up your normal garlic bread for this! SO GOOD!

Friday

• Main dish: Garlic Bread Pizzas– get the whole family involved with this perfect Friday night dinner. You can make a big french bread pizza and slice it up, or grab sub rolls and let each person make their own personal pizza. My family loves to choose their own toppings and get creative with decorating their pizza at times too! If you need some inspiration for what to put on your pizza, make sure to check out my BIG list of Pizza Topping Ideas!
• Side:
  • Italian Rotini Pasta Salad– You can make this ahead of time or whip it up quickly on the day of!
  • Homemade Ranch Dressing– I am from Texas and we dip our pizza in ranch! If you want a restaurant style ranch that only takes 5 min to make– this is it!!
    
• Dessert – Fudge Brownies–  Every time I make these I forget just how much I love them! They are so dense, rich, and fudgey and everything a brownie should be!

Appetizer

• Asian Style Meatballs– The meatball is great, but the glaze takes it over the top! Have you tried these yet?!?!

Meal Plan – Week 178

Monday

• Main Dish: – Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie– All the cozy flavors of chicken pot pie, in a super quick- dump and go- kind of crockpot recipe! Best part? My kids asked for seconds! Worst part? There were no leftovers!
• Side Dish:
  • Side salad with homemade ranch– Once you try this ranch, you will never go back! It takes 5 minutes and is SO GOOD!
  • Garlic Bread– our go to recipe! People are always asking what makes it so good… the secret is in the spread!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Beef Enchilada Casserole– One of the EASIEST and most loved recipes I make! You can make it the traditional way with tortillas or use this Beef Enchilada Casserole with Zucchini for a lighter version with all the flavor!
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Style Rice– This is inspired from the flavors of Tex-mex I grew up eating almost daily!
  • Black Beans– If your crock pot is full, doctor up some canned beans! Otherwise make these amazing black beans from scratch in the crock pot!
  • Toppings:
    • Shredded lettuce
    • Corn Salsa
    • Pico de Gallo
    • Sour Cream
    • Guacamole

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Baked Panko Crusted Chicken with Honey Drizzle-For as simple as this recipe is, you won’t believe how much flavor it has! We use a special method to keep the seasoned panko crispy and delicious while baking hands off in the oven (no frying here!) Then top it off with the honey drizzle for an over the top delicious dinner.
• Side Dish:
  • Brown Butter Broccoli– This is going to be your new go-to way to make broccoli! DELICIOUS and super quick too!
  • Ranch Smashed Potatoes– If you haven’t made potatoes like this, you are missing out on life!

Thursday

• Main Dish: French Onion Meatballs – The perfect hearty meal for a busy weeknight. These meatballs are great for getting in some new flavors when you are in a dinner rut. It almost tastes like a much heartier version of french onion soup!! Bonus- Leftovers reheat great!
• Sides:
  • Mashed Potatoes– Cream cheese makes these mashed potatoes extra creamy!
  • Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts– The crispy leaves on the outside of these is what got my kids loving brussels sprouts!

Friday

• Main dish: Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Bake– This is the newest recipe in our super popular chicken bake collection. This recipe layers two kinds of cheese in with sour cream and all envelopes the tender chicken breast. It is a creamy dreamy delight!
• Side:
  • Pesto Caesar Tortellini Salad– Super quick and easy and full of flavor!
  • Garlic Roasted Veggies– I love making an extra big batch so I can eat them on a salad or some pasta the next day.
    
• Dessert – Cornflake Cookies-  I grew up on these and if you haven’t tried them, you may be surprised just how you love the crunch of a cornflake in a cookie!!

Appetizer

• Loaded Taco Dip– SO many layers of deliciousness! This recipe is a crowd pleaser in the biggest way!

Meal Plan – Week 177

Monday

• Main Dish: – Million Dollar Chicken Bake– This has been one of the most viral recipes on my website! It has been made MILLIONS of times by readers over the past couple of years and has countless 5 star reviews. Not only is it delicious and full for cheesy goodness, but you can have it prepped and in the oven in as little as 10 minutes!
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Green Beans– Always a big hit with my kids!
  • Creamy Bacon Ranch Broccoli Salad– Love this easy side because 1. it is super kid friendly and 2. you can make it in advance!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Baked Ground Turkey Tacos- These tacos are great because you can make a big batch to feed your family, or a hungry bunch of kids. What makes them extra delicious is that oven baking the shells makes them extra crispy and fresh and melts that delicious cheese right into the meat. Instead of having tacos, you are having TACOS! Top them off with the suggested toppings or get creative with whatever you like!
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Style Rice– This is inspired from the flavors of Tex-mex I grew up eating almost daily!
  • Black Beans– If your crock pot is full, doctor up some canned beans! Otherwise make these amazing black beans from scratch in the crock pot!
  • Toppings:
    • Shredded lettuce
    • Corn Salsa
    • Pico de Gallo
    • Sour Cream
    • Guacamole
    • Shredded cheese

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Tender & Juicy Blackened Chicken Breast-This recipe is SO GOOD, so fast, and so healthy with so much flavor! It is great for a quick wholesome weeknight dinner, but even better to make a little extra to prep for a later night (we’ll use the extra Friday this week!) You will be amazed just how fast this dish comes together!
• Side Dish:
  • Cajun Roasted Veggies– This vegetable medley is quick and delicious!
  • Garlic Cheese bread– because the kids think they won the lottery when we have this

Thursday

• Main Dish: Steak Fried Rice – I’m telling you this is a huge winner with the family! It is perfect for leftover steak, or any cut of beef you have in the fridge. The take out feel, but lighter and even faster!
• Sides:
  • Sauces– The kids love Yum Yum Sauce and my husband and I prefer the kick of the Japanese Spicy Mayo!
  • Sriracha Slaw– Sriracha, lime and cilantro give this coleslaw an addictingly good flavor!

Friday

• Main dish: Blackened Chicken Alfredo– You can use the chicken you prepped Wednesday or make a fresh batch up in just about 15 minutes! This recipe will give you a restaurant quality pasta dish in record time. You can make it traditional with fetuccini, go with something kid friendly like penne, or even do a low carb substitute like zoodles. This recipe is great with it all.
• Side:
  • Side salad with Creamy Italian dressing– the dressing tastes as good as olive garden and can be made in 5 minutes!
  • Sautéed Spinach– This side is so fast! You can serve it on the side or toss the spinach in with the alfredo.
    
• Dessert – Lemon Meltaway Cookies–  I can’t get enough of these before summer is over!!

Appetizer

• Cold Spinach Feta Dip– Great for keeping in the fridge for a snack, or serving poolside, this cold dip requires no cooking and is crazy delicious!

Meal Plan – Week 176

Monday

• Main Dish: – Chicken Fritta with Garlic Cream Sauce– This is a recreation of my son’s favorite meal at Olive Garden! We nailed the rich, decadent flavor and my whole family agreed this is the BEST cream sauce I have ever made. Wowsers! The chicken is light and crisp and perfect for topping the creamy pasta. Best part is the recipe moves fast and can go from fridge to fork in as little as 30 min.
• Side Dish:
  • Roasted Vegetable Medley– These veggies are good on the side, or tossed with the pasta!
  • Side Salad with Creamy Italian Dressing– If we are doing Olive Garden night, we need a side salad with Olive Garden style dressing, YUM! This quick dressing is so delicious!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Beef Enchilada Skillet– There are a few things that make this recipe a winner. It is super fast, super delicious, but my favorite thing is that it makes the meal easily customizable for different family needs/diets. My kids love to spoon this in a tortilla and eat it like a burrito, while I like to keep it lighter and serve it over shredded lettuce. My husband puts it on top of rice and beans and eats it burrito bowl style. 1 meal and everyone is super happy eating it just how they enjoy most.
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Style Rice– This is inspired from the flavors of Tex-mex I grew up eating almost daily!
  • Black Beans– If your crock pot is full, doctor up some canned beans! Otherwise make these amazing black beans from scratch in the crock pot!
  • Toppings:
    • Shredded lettuce
    • Corn Salsa
    • Pico de Gallo
    • Sour Cream
    • Guacamole
    • Shredded cheese

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Pesto Chicken Salad– I love this so much for an extra busy night. You can eat it at the table, or make sandwiches and pack it up and take it on the road for a busy night at sports or activities. It has so much flavor and you can use leftovers for lunch through the rest of the week
• Side Dish:
  • Potato Chips- Your favorite kind!
  • Kale Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette– This recipe was inspired by one of my favorites while we lived in Rhode Island

Thursday

• Main Dish: One Pan Teriyaki Beef and Rice – This one pan dinner is quick to throw together and cooks hands off for a fast meal. We serve it up in bowls and I love to add a little shredded cabbage for some crunch, texture, and “healthy stuff” to top mine. The kids love to drizzle with all the sauce!
• Sides:
  • Shredded Cabbage– Shred your own, or take a short cut and use coleslaw mix!
  • Sauces– The kids love Yum Yum Sauce and my husband and I prefer the kick of the Japanese Spicy Mayo!

Friday

• Main dish: Monterey Chicken Bake– This perfect Friday meal is loaded with smokey BBQ sauce, savory bacon, tender chicken, and ooey gooey cheese! It can be prepped in as little as 10 minutes and is just so yummy!
• Side:
  • Mexican Style Corn Bread– It literally does not get any easier than this!
  • Fiesta Roasted Veggies– These are fast and delish
    
• Dessert – Key Lime Cookies-  The perfect summer dessert. You can make them with regular limes too and WOW are they good!

Appetizer

• Cajun Chicken Bites– These are great for a heavy appetizer. They are made in just one skillet and the flavor is so lively and bold!

Meal Plan – Week 175

Monday

• Main Dish: – Shake and Bake Chicken– I’ve yet to find the person who doesn’t love this meal! It is like grown up chicken tenders made fast at home. Baked to keep it light, but all that delicious breading and tender chicken in just minutes. So good!
• Side Dish:
  • Roasted Green Beans– I always pair this with my kids favorite veggie! Plus they can cook side by side in the oven for ease.
  • Mashed Potatoes– these are garlicky and extra delicious.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Crock Pot Carnitas– This is perfect for a busy week because a big pot of it will usually feed us not only today, but leftover make another delicious meal as well. This recipe is crazy easy and SO SO good! For the first meal, I almost always make Carnitas bowls and let the family dress theirs up any way they want.
• Side Dish:
  • Cilantro Lime Rice– This tastes almost exactly like Chipotle and it is the perfect start for the bowl!
  • Black Beans– If your crock pot is full, doctor up some canned beans! Otherwise make these amazing black beans from scratch in the crock pot!
  • Toppings:
    • Shredded lettuce
    • Corn Salsa
    • Pico de Gallo
    • Sour Cream
    • Guacamole
    • Shredded cheese

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Meatball Parmesan Sliders– This is a mashup of a meatball sub, a slider sandwich and my super popular meatballs parmesan recipe. Perfect for a busy night because it is mostly just an assemble and bake type recipe, this is something that comes together and to the table fast.
• Side Dish:
  • Baked Potato Wedges- These have a french fry vibe, but are lighter and far easier to make!
  • Tomato Mozzarella Salad– SO easy- so good!

Thursday

• Main Dish: Carnitas Street Tacos – Mid-week taacos are never a bad idea! Plus, since we are using leftover carnitas from Tuesday, it makes for a SUPER fast meal.
• Sides:
  • Mexican Street Corn Casserole– This recipe gets AMAZING reviews from readers and has been made almost a million times and counting. This casserole is inspired by Mexican Street Corn and carries all the flavors in a quick and easy dish perfect for serving with tacos!
  • Chips and Salsa– This 5 min blender salsa will spoil you for LIFE!

Friday

• Main dish: Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti– This large casserole can feed your family and all your kids friends, or is perfect for having leftovers quick to heat up all weekend long. The layers of pasta, meat sauce and cheese are comfort food at its finest!!
• Side:
  • Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette– This homemade balsamic may be one of your favorite dressings ever and only takes 5 minutes to make.
  • Garlic Bread– Everyone who tries this recipe tells me how insanely good it is!!
    
• Dessert – Peanut Butter Swirl Bars–  These chewy peanut butter bars are swirled with chocolate chips and so so delicious.

Appetizer

• Party Meatballs– These crock pot meatballs are a staple for every pot luck or BBQ!

Meal Plan – Week 174

Monday

• Main Dish: – Lighter Baked Ziti– This classic is lightened up with ground turkey but keeps ALL the flavor and is so good it had the family fighting over leftovers. You can assemble it ahead of time if you are in a rush, but it’s those layers of pasta, meaty sauce, and cheeses make this an easy weeknight win.
• Side Dish:
  • Garlic Parmesan Broccoli– This garlicky broccoli is a big winner on the get the kids to eat their veggies front!
  • Best Garlic Bread– our go to recipe.so good!

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Creamy Crock Pot BBQ Chicken– An oldie but goodie! This is a twist on traditional Crock Pot BBQ chicken and you can make it with chicken breast or chicken thighs based on your personal preference. The best part of this one though, is we are reusing the leftovers on Thursday! For today you may want to serve on buns with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion optional.
• Side Dish:
  • Hashbrown Casserole– Personal fav. I make it whenever I get the excuse to!
  • Mexican Corn Salad– Lots of veggies and fresh flavor make this salad shine! Plus this is one salad that my kids approve of !

Wednesday

• Main Dish: One Pan Tuscan Pork Chops– This recipe is unbelievably quick and you won’t believe the result! It gets comments like this from readers, “My Husband and Father-in-law both said this seemed like a restaurant dish! Really delicious and I will definitely make it again!” Add it to the menu for an easy mid-week pick me up!
• Side Dish:
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes– We have been using and loving this recipe for years!
  • Roasted Asparagus– SO easy- so good!

Thursday

• Main Dish: BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza – I may even love these crazy easy pizzas more than the BBQ chicken on the first day! Use the leftovers from Tuesday to make this super fast dinner. Or better yet, it is easy enough to get the kids to assemble this one on their own!
• Sides:
  • Salad with Homemade Ranch– This homemade dressing takes 5 minutes and just might be life changing it is so good. It stays good in the fridge for a week + and is totally worth those few extra minutes.
  • Rotini Pasta Salad– This pasta salad is a great extra if you have big eaters because it will fill you up!

Friday

• Main dish: Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs– These have so much flavor and are so quick and easy to make! Perfect for getting that Friday night “take out vibe” while staying in your pajamas with Netflix on. This recipe is simple, but hits all the marks.
• Side:
  • Rice– White or brown.
  • Sriracha Slaw– This has a kick but it is so delicious. I like to make a bowl with rice, slaw, and a chicken thigh on top. It is so so good!
    
• Dessert – White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies–  This is the BEST recipe for these classic cookies.

Appetizer

• Million Dollar Dip– This is the perfect poolside dip for those extra hot days.

Meal Plan – Week 173

Monday

• Main Dish: – Garlic Herb Butter Steak– Steak kinda seems like fancy food, but you can’t go wrong when it only takes 15 minutes from start to finish! You can use this absolutely delicious method with any cut of steak so grab your favorite or whatever the weekly special is at the market.
• Side Dish:
  • Perfect Roasted Vegetables– I love making these early in the week and then using leftovers to top a salad, on a wrap, or with pasta. They go great with everything!
  • Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing– Seriously feel like a steakhouse by adding this quick wedge salad. The dressing is to-die-for delicious and so incredibly simple to make. Just split a head of iceberg in to 4-6 wedges. Add a drizzle of dressing, some diced tomato, crumbled bacon, and extra cheese if you want.

Tuesday

• Main Dish: Baked Chicken Fajitas– This recipe has been so viral over the years that millions of people have made it and keep coming back to it because it is so quick, easy and delicious!
• Side Dish:
  • Mexican Rice– This is great classic tex-mex style rice!
  • Toppings– You can add a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa to customize it to your taste preference!

Wednesday

• Main Dish: Garlic Herb Chicken Pillows– This recipe takes a super creamy chicken mixture seasoned with garlic and herbs and packs it into a delicious crescent roll crust. Quick + Easy + Delicious = Perfect for dinner!!