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Weekly Meal Plan

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

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

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

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

Meal Plan – Week 233

*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: 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!
  • 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:

Thursday

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

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:

Friday

Appetizer

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

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

Appetizer

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

Meal Plan – Week 230

Monday

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:

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!

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:

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

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!

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:
  • Side Dish:
  • 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

Tuesday

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:

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:
  • 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:

Tuesday

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

Appetizer

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:

Tuesday

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:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Cheeseburger Pasta – One skillet, so much flavor and a lot of full and happy bellies is what this delivers!
  • Side Dish:

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:

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:

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:
  • 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:
  • 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:

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

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:

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:
  • Sauces:
    • 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

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

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:

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:

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:

Friday

Appetizer

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:

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:
  • 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:

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:
    • 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:
    • 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

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

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:

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:

Tuesday

Wednesday

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

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:

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

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:

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:

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:
  • 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:

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:

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:

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:
  • 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

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

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:

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:

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:

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:

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

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:

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:

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

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:

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:

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:

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:
  • 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:

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:

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

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:
  • 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:

Tuesday

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:

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:

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:

Thursday

Friday

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:

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:

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:

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:
  • 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:

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

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:

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:

Thursday

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:
  • 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:

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:

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

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:

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:

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:

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:

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

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:

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:
  • 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

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:

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:

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:

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:
  • 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

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:
  • 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:

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:
  • 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:

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:

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

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:

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:

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:

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:
  • 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

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:

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:
  • 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:

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:

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:

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

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:

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:

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:
  • 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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:
  • 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:

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:

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:

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:

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

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!!
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops – The perfect mid-week dump and go recipe to get a hearty meal on the table when you are super busy! This crock pot pork recipe is super easy and can make a good portion!
  • Sides:
    • Mashed Potatoes– I like to serve the pork chops right on top of the mashed potatoes. You need something to soak up all the delicious sauce they cook in so garlic bread is another good option.
    • Bacon Broccoli Salad– You can make this ahead and leave it in the fridge until it is time to serve.

Friday

  • Main dish: Chicken Fajita Nachos– Use the leftovers from Tuesday to make our favorite Friday dinner! I am always amazed at how when it is in the from of a nacho, I can get my kids to eat so many vegetables… and ask for more!!
  • Side:
    • Cilantro Lime Rice– Easy and tastes just like Chipotle.
    • Crock Pot Black Beans– I love to let the slow cooker do the work. I make a big batch and freeze half for later. These are next level!
  • Dessert – Bakery Soft Sugar Cookies–  These are the softest most pillowy sugar cookies and we love them so much!

Appetizer

  • Layered Greek Dip– I get asked for the recipe for this EVERY time I bring it!! It is the perfect refreshing app for grazing this summer!

Meal Plan – Week 172

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Pull Apart Pizza Bread– This is just a winner for summer! It is quick and easy. It is one of those recipes everyone loves and no one complains about. And if your kids are over the age of 5 they can likely do most of the work to get this dish put together!
  • Side Dish:
    • Garlic Parmesan Broccoli– 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.
    • Salad with buttermilk 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.

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Taco Casserole– This easy one dish casserole has layers upon layers of flavor and can be customized to fit whatever your family likes in the mix! BONUS: It is one of my favorite ways to sneak lots of veggies in the kids!
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Crock Pot Thai Pork– You may be skeptical, but I am telling you, this asian style pot roast makes the most delicious bowls! My kids devour them– I think they love the peanutty flavor! Plus you can easily modify it to be as light or loaded as you want.
  • Side Dish:
    • Rice– We serve it over Jasmine rice. You can do cauliflower rice to keep it lighter.
    • Toppings– My favorite is a handful of crunchy shredded cabbage and carrots (shortcut- use coleslaw mix) and yum yum sauce or spicy mayo!
    • Sriracha Coleslaw– If you love a kick, then this recipe goes perfectly with this sriracha coleslaw.

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Spinach Artichoke Chicken – This one dish, super creamy comfort food is one of my personal favorites. My family doesn’t usually love spinach, but no one is complaining when it is smothered in the cheesy mixture and baked on top of tender chicken breast.
  • Sides:

Friday

  • Main dish: Steak Fajitas– Nothing better than FAJITA FRIDAY! Perfect for the family, but also so easy to scale if you are having some company over. You can serve these traditionally or pile them up on a salad for a lighter alternative. Best part is that these take as little as 10 minutes to make! Seriously!
  • Side:
    • Cilantro Lime Rice– Easy and tastes just like Chipotle.
    • Crock Pot Black Beans– I love to let the slow cooker do the work. I make a big batch and freeze half for later. These are next level!
  • Dessert – Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies–  I have friends that have been using this recipe for years as their go to. It is my all time favorite and I can’t wait to hear what you think too!

Appetizer

  • Buffalo Chicken Nuggets– This can be lunch, dinner, a snack, or the most crave-able appetizer! These simple baked nuggets are packed with delicious buffalo flavor and much lighter than take out!

Meal Plan – Week 171

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Southern Pot Roast with Potatoes– I love making a big roast like this at the beginning of the week! You can eat it for dinner night one, then use the ample leftovers for meal prep or extra quick prep meals later in the week.
  • Side Dish:
    • Salad with buttermilk 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.

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies with Cajun Butter Sauce– This one pan meal is a great way to get protein and veggies all in one shot AND avoid dishes! If your kids are sensitive to spice, you may want to leave the cajun butter sauce off of a portion of the pan. You don’t need tons of sides with this meal, but if you like to stretch your meals like I do, these are great pairings and make it super kid-friendly!
  • Side Dish:
    • Rice– My pick is jasmine, but long grain white or brown will work too. You can also sub a cauliflower rice to keep the dish lighter.
    • Garlic Cheese Bread– you can’t beat cheesy garlic bread! And this recipe is our personal favorite.

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Enchilada Casserole– This recipe has been a HUGE hit! It couldn’t be easier and it locks in those flavors with just a handful of ingredients. At best, this could take 5 minutes to throw together and at worst maybe 15… It seems almost wrong a dinner so delicious can be so easy!
  • Side Dish:
    • “Doctored” Canned Beans– This is the easiest way to make canned beans taste like you slaved hours!
    • Veggies with Jalapeno Ranch– This isn’t very spicy (or use the modification to eliminate spice) and it is my secret weapon to getting my kids to eat so many veggies!!.

Thursday

Friday

  • Main dish: Chicken Pomodoro– Sounds fancy, but it is SO easy! This is basically pan seared chicken in a homemade ultra fast tomato sauce. It really just sings with flavor and is perfect for those busy nights where you need something healthy that no one will complain about!
  • Side:
  • Dessert – Double Chocolate Chip Cookies–  These cookies have been a favorite since I was a little kid! Never enough chocolate as far as I am concerned. This recipe makes a super thick and fudgy dense chocolate chip cookie.

Appetizer

  • 2 ingredient Pesto Snacks– This is a collection of my favorite pesto combos! These make great snacks or appetizers and can be whipped up in just minutes!

Meal Plan – Week 170

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Honey Sesame Chicken– My kids asked me to make this 2 times in a row because we enjoyed it just that much. It is simple and so, so delicious.
  • Side Dish:
    • Rice– My pick is jasmine, but long grain white or brown will work too. You can also sub a cauliflower rice to keep the dish lighter.
    • Roasted Green Beans– You can make the classic version or the asian version to pair well with this dish.
    • Yum Yum Sauce or Spicy Mayo sauce– We love all the sauces at our house, and this one pairs exceptionally well with these! My kids do the yum yum and I do the spicy mayo.

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Appetizer

  • Black Bean and Corn Salsa– There is nothing better pool-side than this salsa! And if you are stuck at work and can’t be poolside, then this cool, refreshing dip can at least make you feel like you are poolside!

Meal Plan – Week 169

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Rotisserie Chicken Salad– This can be made with the leftovers from Monday, or store bought. Plus not only is it delicous- but you can also make it ahead for a really busy night. Serve on buns, toast, or lettuce wraps.
  • Side Dish:
    • Broccoli Cheddar Quiche– This recipe is absolutely perfect to make for breakfast and have as part of a light lunch later that day or the next day.
    • Side Salad with Balsamic vinaigrette– Take 5 minutes to make this dressing… you won’t regret it!!.
    • Rotini Pasta salad– I love pairing a few salads together for an extra yummy summer dinner!

Thursday

Friday

  • Main dish: Blackened Chicken Sandwiches– If you want a big sandwich with light and delicious flavors, I am telling you… this is it! I like to make a big batch of the blackened chicken to have at other time though out the week/weekend.
  • Side:
    • Roasted Potato Wedges– These are my favorite way to do “french fries” at home.
    • Broccoli Slaw– Quick- easy- packed with flavor… just how the best recipes are!
  • Dessert – Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies–  These will forever and always be my favorite chocolate chip cookies!

Appetizer

  • Hawaiian Meatballs– If you need to feed a crowd, or show up with a dish in hand, this is it!

Meal Plan – Week 168

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake– One dish and absolutely loaded with cheesy goodness! This is the newest addition to our wildly popular chicken bake family and it is just as easy as it is delicious!
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Blackened Fish– You won’t believe how quick and easy it is to make this light an dinner at home! THis method makes the BEST fish!
  • Side Dish:
    • Side Salad with Balsamic vinaigrette– Take 5 minutes to make this dressing… you won’t regret it!!.
    • Oven Roasted Vegetables– These are a fast, healthy, and kid friendly side that can cook right alongside the sandwiches in the oven to make dinner even easier!

Thursday

Friday

  • Main dish: Mississippi Roast Baked Subs– Use leftovers from the day before for this easy Friday meal! Slice a sub roll and butter each side and season with garlic salt. Broil for a few minutes until the butter is melted and the edges are brown. Pile on the Mississippi Pot Roast and then add provolone cheese on top. Broil again to melt the cheese, and serve with au jus.
  • Side:
  • Dessert – Fudgy Brownies–  I just made these yesterday and no matter how many times I make them, I can’t get over how good they are! If you are a chocolate lover, these are for you!

Appetizer

  • Loaded Taco Dip– We don’t need to count the layers in this dip! All the good stuff is in there!

Meal Plan – Week 167

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Easy Sizzle Steak– This cut of beef is the quickest, easiest, and YUMMIEST dinner! Start to finish in around 15 minutes, you will love not only how truly fast this is to prepare, but also just how flavor packed it is!
  • Side Dish:
    • Peppers and onions– I love to pair this dish with peppers and onions- then make leftovers into cheesesteak style subs- yum!
    • Garlic Smashed Potatoes– this is one of my very favorite ways to cook potatoes!

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Salsa Fresca Chicken– This was the first super VIRAL recipe on Easy Family Recipes! Millions of people have made and love this dish because it is so simple to make, easy to clean up, and has all that yummy Mexican inspired flavor.
  • Side Dish:
    • Mexican Rice– These taste just like a Mexican restaurant!
    • Black Beans– My favorite trick for making canned beans taste amazing.
    • Chips and Corn Salsa– This is inspired by the recipe that Chipotle shared on TikTok for their famous corn salsa!

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Baked Turkey Cheese Sliders– The best part about this recipe is you can fix all of these hot and hearty sandwiches in one pan so it can feed the whole family fast. Made with Hawaiian sweet rolls, these take minutes of prep, and are super kid friendly!
  • Side Dish:
    • Side Salad with Homemade Ranch– Seriously this ranch is THE BEST and so quick and easy to make.
    • Oven Roasted Vegetables– These are a fast, healthy, and kid friendly side that can cook right alongside the sandwiches in the oven to make dinner even easier!

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Crock Pot Meatballs in Marinara – These are just so tender and loaded with flavor and perfectly made in the crock pot. You can leave them as is, or my kids love me to top it off with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses
  • Sides:
    • Pasta – Choose your favorite noodles to go with the meatballs, or go with a low carb option like zoodles.
    • Garlic Cheese Bread– So good!!

Friday

  • Main dish: Jalapeno Popper Chicken– This one dish dinner is SO DELICIOUS! You can adjust it to your preference from mild to hot, and the combo of the creamy cheese, the kick of the jalapeno, and tender chicken are the most perfect meal.
  • Dessert – Key Lime Cookies-  These flavors say “I am officially ready for summer!!” If you love tangy lime desserts, you HAVE to try these,

Appetizer

  • Spicy Pimento Cheese– The best thing to keep in the fridge for snacking, or layer on your burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and more!

Meal Plan – Week 166

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake– If you love spinach dip, you are going to need to try this recipe asap! This creamy, garlicky chicken dinner is made in just one dish and loaded with the best flavors!
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Pork Carnitas Street Tacos– If you aren’t making tacos like this, you are missing out! This is not only really, really delicious, but makes tacos quick and easy to make as a batch!
  • Side Dish:
    • Mexican Rice– These taste just like a Mexican restaurant!
    • Black Beans– My favorite trick for making canned beans taste amazing.
    • Chips and Salsa– This is seriously the EASIEST salsa- it only takes 5 minutes to make and is so good!

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole– All the flavor you love in a big fluffy baked potato combined with tender chicken breast and baked to perfection, casserole style! This hearty dinner couldn’t be easier and is a comforting classic perfect for a busy night .
  • Side Dish:
    • Side Salad with Homemade Ranch– Seriously this ranch is THE BEST and so quick and easy to make.
    • Skillet Green Beans– These are a fast, healthy, and kid friendly side! You can’t go wrong!

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Cajun Chicken Pasta – This recipe ranks up there in my family favorites! With tender chunks of chicken, sweet peppers, and pasta enveloped in a creamy cajun sauce, you may just find yourself licking the pan. I warned you! You can also find my lighter version of the Cajun Chicken Zoodles here.
  • Sides:

Friday

  • Main dish: Loaded Chicken Salad– Over the years this has been one of the most loved recipes on my websites. There is a good reason too… it is DELICIOUS!! This chicken salad can be thrown together quickly and served as a sandwich, on a salad, or even stuffed in a tomato or pepper.
    • Side:
      • Italian Tortellini Salad– I love pairing simple salads together to make a meal with lots of flavor. These compliment each other so well.
      • Mediterranean Chickpea Salad– Another salad that will just rock your world with flavor! I could eat this one all day long.
  • Dessert – No Bake Cookies–  My personal method for these is to keep them hidden at the back of the fridge. One because no one knows they are there but me, and two because they taste so good chilled! You have to try it!

Appetizer

  • Honey BBQ Meatballs– I love how crazy simple this recipe is, and how you can leave it on in the crock pot to graze all day long if needed!

Meal Plan – Week 165

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Creamy Chicken Piccata– This may seem like fancy restaurant food, but I promise you can make it… and do it in 30 min or less!! This amazing chicken dinner is definitely a great way to up your weeknight dinner game!
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Baked Crispy Beef Tacos– If you aren’t making tacos like this, you are missing out! This is not only really, really delicious, but makes tacos quick and easy to make as a batch!
  • Side Dish:
    • Mexican Rice– These taste just like a Mexican restaurant!
    • Black Beans– My favorite trick for making canned beans taste amazing.

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Firecracker Chicken– These tender chicken bites are coated in the most irresistible sauce! It is quick to make and may disappear just as quick if your family loves it as much as mine does .
  • Side Dish:
    • Sautéd Green Beans– These are fast, use only one skillet, and go perfectly with this meal.
    • Yum Yum Sauce or Spicy Mayo– my kids love yum yum sauce and the grown ups opt for the spicy version to top off this dish. Both are so easy to make!
    • Rice– You can make white or brown rice- or go with a low carb alternative like cauliflower rice. I like to serve a scoop of rice, a scoop of stir fry then top it off with the sauce.

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Ground Turkey Vegetable Skillet – It doesn’t get much easier than this! I absolutely love this recipe because you can feel 100% great about what you are eating, and also really enjoy eating it too! It makes great leftovers and is extra protein and veggie packed!
  • Sides:

Friday

  • Main dish: Hawaiian Steak– We got this recipe from a restaurant in a small town in Mississippi and have been making it now for over 15 years! This marinade makes the best steak, and what better way to kick off the weekend than with a good steak?!.
    • Side:
      • Pasta Salad– This classic pasta salad goes well with the steak, but I love it even more for an easy lunch the next day!
      • Roasted Brussels Sprouts– These are so good and may make you fall in love with Brussels Sprouts!
  • Dessert – Soft Sugar Cookies–  I am a chocolate girl… unless you offer me these sugar cookies! These are so tender, soft, and absolutely delicious! They are best when you add on a layer of this buttercream frosting!

Appetizer

  • Buffalo Chicken Roll ups– 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 164

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops– Only 5 ingredients and the slow cooker does the hard work! This recipe produces tender juicy pork chops in a rich, flavorful gravy all cooking while you go along with your day.
  • Side Dish:
    • Garlic Mashed Potatoes– These are so easy and perfect for soaking up all that delicious gravy!
    • Roasted Vegetable Medley– These are a go-to side I make at least once a week. They are quick, healthy and really really delicious!

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Enchilada Casserole– My kids request this recipe constantly because it is just so good! What I love most is that it is just a few pantry ingredients and can come together and into the oven in as little as 10 minutes. This recipe is a keeper!
  • Side Dish:
    • Mexican Rice– These taste just like a Mexican restaurant!
    • Refried Beans- Quick and easy, plus you can freeze extras for an easy meal later.

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Ground Turkey Stir Fry– One of my personal favorite skillet meals, this stir fry is veggie AND protein packed, hearty, and filling, not to mention it is really delicious.
  • Side Dish:
    • Yum Yum Sauce or Spicy Mayo– my kids love yum yum sauce and the grown ups opt for the spicy version to top off this dish. Both are so easy to make!
    • Rice– You can make white or brown rice- or go with a low carb alternative like cauliflower rice. I like to serve a scoop of rice, a scoop of stir fry then top it off with the sauce.

Thursday

  • Main Dish: BBQ Chicken Casserole – I have readers tell me all the time how much they enjoy this recipe. It seems too easy to be true when you are throwing it together and is the most perfect for the busiest nights! Delicious, simple, and family friendly for the win!!
  • Sides:

Friday

  • Main dish: Million Dollar Spaghetti– This easy spaghetti casserole lives up to the name! It is loaded with sauce and cheesy goodness! I like making this Friday because we can feast on the leftovers all weekend long.
    • Side:
  • Dessert – Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies–  No matter how many chocolate chip cookies I try, I always come back to this one because it is big, thick, chewy and has the perfect amount of chocolate!! If you haven’t tried it, it is a must!

Appetizer

  • Green Chile Dip– This creamy dip is flavored with green chilis and cheddar cheese to make the perfect compliment to a big bag of salty tortilla chips. YUM1

Meal Plan – Week 163

*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: – Feta Chicken Bake– This one dish meal kills it on a busy night. Packed with flavor, the delicious tomato feta topping bakes in the flavor as it cooks. Best part, with only one dish, you have very little clean up!
  • Side Dish:
    • Garlic Smashed Potatoes– This easy rice is our go-to side… it tastes just like Chipotle!
    • Roasted Asparagus– This is simple, healthy, delicious and can bake right alongside the chicken in the oven.

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas– This is the quickest and easiest way to make fajitas! It turns out so delicious I actually like to make extras and pile it on salad for lunch through the week.
  • Side Dish:
    • Mexican Rice– These taste just like a Mexican restaurant!
    • Refried Beans- Quick and easy, plus you can freeze extras for an easy meal later.

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Steak Fried Rice– This is always a favorite of pretty much anyone who tries it! This recipe is quick and easy, but soooooo good! As a bonus it is extra family friendly too.
  • Side Dish:
    • Yum Yum Sauce– my kids have to have this sauce on the fried rice! It is not even optional to them!
    • Sriracha Slaw– For the grown ups this makes the best side/salad to add to the meal. It has so much flavor and is just so good (but does have a kick!)

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Fajita Nachos – My kids all time favorite dinner! I make this super quick meal with the leftovers from the sheet pan fajitas, and although yes the kids are eating nachos, we sure do cram in a lot of extra veggies between those chips and the cheese!
  • Sides:
    • Guacamole – This is a tableside version that is so delicious!
    • Corn Salsa– One of my absolute favorite toppings for nachos.

Friday

  • Main dish: French Onion Meatballs– These get RAVE reviews and are just the best dinner. With big beefy meatballs, sweet caramelized onions, and a rich cheesy topping, it is just had not to be totally wowed by the flavor in this recipe.
  • Dessert – Peanut Butter Swirl Bars–  This classic recipe has the coolest method to make bakery quality chocolate swirls in the bars, and it only takes a few ingredients to make from scratch.

Appetizer

  • Mexican Spinach Dip– This creamy dip has spinach mixed with all your favorite Mexican style flavors! Be warned, it is hard to stop eating!

Meal Plan – Week 162

Monday

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Mozzarella Chicken– One of my personal favorites, I could probably eat this meal every week and never get tired of it! It pairs tender chicken breast with a creamy marinara sauce and lots of delicious mozzarella cheese.
  • Side Dish:
    • Pasta– Serve with your favorite pasta or pasta alternative!
    • Oven Roasted Vegetables– These are a go-to for a quick, wholesome side dish for almost any meal.

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Mississippi Pot Roast– Just a couple of ingredients, this hands off dinner will be the mid week winner! Tender beef, lots of flavor, minimal work, there is just so much to love about this recipe.
  • Side Dish:
    • Mashed Potatoes– This is our go to recipe and is so great for piling the saucy chicken right on top!
    • Broccoli Slaw– The best part about this side is that you can prepare it in advance so it can be ready to go when the roast is!

Thursday

Friday

  • Main dish: Italian Turkey Meatball Subs– Perfect for a Friday night in, these easy sub sandwiches are a filling crowd pleaser. The recipe is easily scaled if you need to feed a bunch of hungry kids or family friends coming over for the night.
  • Dessert – Lemon Meltaway Cookies–  I am going to be making a BIG batch of these this weekend because they are so perfect for spring, and the best for an Easter celebration.

Appetizer

  • Layered Greek Dip– My absolute favorite dip and perfect for sharing with friends!

Meal Plan – Week 161

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Queso Chicken Bake– If your family LOVES queso as much as mine, this is going to be a smash hit!! Not only is the recipe so easy and so kid friendly, but it also packs in some good for you stuff along with all that cheesy goodness! I can’t wait to hear what you think of this new recipe!
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Cheesy Lasagna Skillet– I often have friends and readers tell me this is one of their favorite recipes on my website! It is quick and easy and gives you all those great lasagna flavors with just a fraction of the effort!
  • Side Dish:
    • Pasta– Serve with your favorite pasta or pasta alternative!
    • Roasted Asparagus– A quick and easy side for a quick and easy dinner.

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Mesquite Chicken Bake– Just 6 ingredients for this amazing dinner! Loaded with flavor but quick to make, this easy chicken dinner will hit it out of the park every time.
  • Side Dish:
    • Mashed Potatoes– This is our go to recipe and is so great for piling the saucy chicken right on top!
    • Buttermilk Corn bread– We love this simple recipe! It turns out perfect every time!

Thursday

  • Main Dish: One Pan Tuscan Pork Chops – There aren’t many pork chops that make me as excited as these! Invite your mom over because these are made to impress! (but of course, are still so easy to make!)
  • Sides:

Friday

Appetizer

  • Spinach Feta Dip– This chilled dip is perfect for a beautiful spring day! bonus- You can spread it on sandwiches, wraps, or veggies for a delicious light lunch!

Meal Plan – Week 160

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Sheet Pan Meatloaf– Like the original southern style meatloaf, but SO MUCH FASTER!! This lets you make it in half the time. Plus, it has more of the delicious sauce coving the top – the best part in my opinion!!
  • Side Dish:
    • Mashed potatoes– This is my go-to easy recipe for garlicky mashed potatoes- and the most classic pairing for meatloaf!
    • Cheesy Corn Casserole– This is one of my all time FAVORITE side dishes!

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Blackened Chicken Tenders- These literally take 15 minutes and are totally just grown up chicken fingers! Talk about a winning weeknight meal, you have to try these!
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Italian Ground Beef and Rice Casserole– This makes a big batch and is perfect for when you need to make something that cooks completely hands off in the oven. Hearty with beef and rice, this is filling and flavor packed.
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Slow Cooker Thai Chicken -This recipe has allll the flavor and makes the best asian style chicken bowls!
  • Sides:
    • Rice– White or brown! Choose your favorite!
    • Sauce– A drizzle of yum yum sauce or spicy mayo if you like a kick!

Friday

Appetizer

  • Caramelized Onion Dip– Blend 2 cups 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.

Meal Plan – Week 159

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Pesto Chicken Bake– The really cool thing about this recipe is that it has tender chicken smothered with zingy pesto and cheese AND a fresh tomato sauce that all happens in ONE pan with just about zero effort! I mean a homemade sauce sounds fancy (and intimidating) but all you do is pop in some tomatoes and garlic and let it cook with the chicken. The result is amazing!
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Beef Enchilada Casserole– Oh my goodness! This easy casserole is a HUGE weeknight win. It is so easy, so good, and such a hit with everyone in the family. It is great for an easy weeknight win and of course you can top it off with anything your family loves- sour cream, guac, pico de gallo etc!
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Crock Pot Brisket– This recipe quickly became a reader favorite! With the tender beef and BBQ flavor, this set it and forget it recipe is a HUGE winner at the dinner table. Also, save the leftovers for a delicious dinner on Friday!
  • Side Dish:
    • Baked potatoes- you can make them in the oven, microwave or even in the instant pot. Add your favorite toppings for an easy win!
    • Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts– We love this simple recipe! It turns out perfect every time!

Thursday

  • Main Dish: French Onion Chicken -A one skillet meal loaded with flavor! I love how easy this is and how quickly it goes from the fridge to an impressive dinner! This may go on repeat!
  • Sides:
    • Mashed Potatoes– My favorite way to serve this recipe is right over a bed of mashed potatoes. All of the flavor and juices from the onions and chicken soak right in and create an over the top delicious meal.
    • Garlic Green Beans– These are super quick and made in a skillet for less dishes! My kids could eat pounds of these!

Friday

  • Main dish: Brisket Grilled Cheese – This hearty sandwich is made fast with leftovers from Wednesday. It is a dinner that makes leftovers seem like the star of the show- but really it was the ultimate short cut for an easy dinner that is packed with flavor!
  • Dessert – Ice Cream Cinnamon Rolls– This is a super fun hack for making the absolute best refrigerated cinnamon rolls!

Appetizer

  • Spinach Feta Dip– There may be nothing better for spring than this cold, refreshing spinach dip! It is quick and easy to make, requires no cooking and is so perfect for a mid day snack or dipping chips when you need a little crunch. YUM!

Meal Plan – Week 158

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas– This is the ultimate dump and forget dinner recipe! It produces tender juicy Mexican-style shredded pork loaded with flavor from slow cooking with zesty spices, orange, onion and jalapeno. The best part is that this makes a large batch that you can use for meal prep, or easy dinners throughout the week!
  • Side Dish:
    • Mexican Street Corn Casserole– This has been one of my all time most popular side dish recipes! It really is that good!
    • Black Beans – Turn a can of beans into something really special in minutes with this recipe.

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Crustless Chicken Pot Pie– All the flavor of a savory comforting chicken pot pie in a super quick and easy skillet recipe! I love that the kids and adults both love this dish, plus, it has lots of veggies packed into that creamy goodness for a mom win!
  • Side Dish:
    • Mashed Potatoes– This is perfect to serve the chicken pot pie right on top of!
    • 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: Carnitas Enchiladas– Made from the leftovers from the slow cooker pork carnitas, this enchiladas recipe is quick, easy, and the perfect family friendly casserole for a mid-week dinner!
  • Side Dish:
    • Refried beans– This easy crock pot recipe can cook all day, or jus grab a can and heat it up.
    • Mexican Style Rice– We love this simple recipe! It turns out perfect every time!

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs -This Asian style meal is reminiscent of the mall food court chicken we loved growing up! This cooks quickly in a skillet and the sticky sauce is just so yummy and addicting!
    • Sides:
      • Rice– White, brown, or this cilantro lime rice are all perfect for pairing with this meal.
      • Garlic Green Beans– These are super quick and made in a skillet for less dishes! My kids could eat pounds of these!

Friday

  • Main dish: Meatball Pasta Bake – Hearty with plenty of meatballs, this saucy pasta bake is perfect for feeding a hungry crowd! This easy layered pasta casserole is quick to put together and can even be assembled ahead of time if needed.
    • Side:
      • Roasted Veggies– So easy and the most delicious way to get lots of veggies in!
      • Garlic Bread– the secret is in the garlic bread spread- so good!
  • Dessert – Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies- These are a personal favorite! They are big, thick, chewy bakery style cookies that may not stay around too long!

Appetizer

  • Million Dollar Dip– Perfect for a party, or just for snacking, this is called Million Dollar Dip for a reason!! Try it and let me know what you think!

Meal Plan – Week 157

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Salsa Verde Chicken Bake– Only 3 ingredients plus spices for this super fast and SUPER delicious weeknight dinner! Tender chicken, tangy salsa and of course you top it off with ooey gooey cheese for a weeknight dinner that the family will love!
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Baked Chicken Tacos– This has been the biggest hit with my kids lately, with them requesting I make it again at least once a week! These can be made extra fast with leftovers from the Salsa Verde chicken, or rotisserie chicken and are everything a taco should be with a toasty crispy shell, tender seasoned chicken, and melty delicious cheese, and toppings to your preference. The best!!
  • Side Dish:
    • Refried beans– This easy crock pot recipe can cook all day, or jus grab a can and heat it up.
    • Mexican Style Rice– We love this simple recipe! It turns out perfect every time!

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Tuscan Pork Chops– This is one of those recipes that is so good it feels like I am eating food from a restaurant, but really I can’t believe it was so easy and I made it kind of dinners. If you haven’t tried this one yet, put it on your menu asap!
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Blackened Chicken Salad -This loaded salad is FULL of flavor and great for an at home dinner, or one that can be packed when you need to eat on the go. When we do salad, we don’t do wimpy ones, we do BIG, LOADED, FLAVOR PACKED salads that make you feel satisfied with your meal!
    • Sides:
      • Grilled Sandwich- If you want a little extra something, use the leftovers from your Salsa Chicken Bake to make a grilled sandwich!

Friday

  • Main dish: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole – This highly rated casserole gives you the yummy philly cheesesteak vibe, but is make quick and easy with ground beef. Perfect for serving up on hoagie rolls, or eating on shredded lettuce in a bowl to keep it light, it can be as versatile as your imagination.
  • Dessert – Peanut Butter Swirl Bars– These are always a hit and rarely last longer than a day. These are mild and sweet combing the best flavors for a chewy delicious dessert bar!

Appetizer

  • Black Bean and Corn Salsa– This is the perfect snacking appetizer! I like to make a big batch so we can have it with chips, but also pile it on leftover chicken, tacos, or any dish we may be having that needs a little extra!

Meal Plan – Week 156

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Italian Turkey and Vegetable Skillet– Not only is this SO DELICIOUS, but it is quick, easy, only takes one skillet, and has super family friendly flavors. You can make this on the busiest weeknight and feel like you totally nailed dinner time!
  • Side Dish:
    • Pesto Cheese Bread – So quick, easy, and the flavor is just perfect to go with this meal.
    • Grains – Serve with your favorite- white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Sheet Pan Fajitas- These are the best because you get all the great flavor of chicken fajitas, in a quick and easy sheet pan dinner! Fajitas are the meal we eat more than any other dinner at our house because the every single person love them, plus the leftovers make another winning dinner later in the week.
  • Side Dish:
    • A traditional fajita set up has: Mexican rice, Refried beans, shredded lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, shredded cheese (in tex mex style fajitas) you can use them all, or just what you have on hand.
    • Flour tortillas

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs– This crock pot recipe is a winner because EVERYTHING cooks together! Also, I love this because I can serve our meatballs over the spaghetti squash, and cook up some pasta to give the kids with sauce and meatballs.
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Fajita Nachos -If I am being completely transparent, my kids probably love this even more than the fajitas the first night! These are simple to make, fast, and a sure fire way to have the whole family really enjoy dinner time.
    • Sides:
      • Jalapeno Ranch– This is my all time favorite thing to eat with the nachos! It takes about 5 minutes to make, and may just change your life!
      • Corn Salsa– I love this easy salsa because it packs in the veggies and is the perfect flavor compliment to the nachos.

Friday

  • Main dish: Spinach Bacon Quiche – The perfect Friday meal because it is easy, delicious, and the leftovers work perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast, brunch or filling snack.
    • Side:
      • Million Dollar Bacon– This is THE BEST bacon! You haven’t lived if you haven’t made it!
      • Fruit
  • Dessert – Lemon Meltaway Cookies– These are probably one of the best cookies I have ever had and they have developed quite the following! Have you tried them yet?!

Appetizer

  • Marinated Mozzarella– I could eat these all day, every day! I have had tons of friends ask for the recipe, so even though it is simple, I went ahead and gave it its own post to make it easy to share.

Meal Plan – Week 155

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Rotisserie Chicken Salad– This dinner is made easy by starting with a rotisserie chicken! Pair it with the fact that this saves like a charm and can be used for meal prep or on-the-go meals for lunches or dinners all week and you have the perfect Monday meal.
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: French Onion Meatballs– I have had 3 people randomly tell me this week how much they love this recipe! So I decided it had to go on the meal plan for next week. Beefy meatballs cooked with savory broth and lots of cheese… what’s not to love?!
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Brown Butter Spinach Tortellini -This may just be the fastest dinner ever! Everything just works together to come together quickly in this meal. This is a meatless meal by design, but you can easily add protein if you prefer by adding chopped ham, rotisserie chicken, or sliced pepperoni or salami.

Friday

  • Main dish: Buffalo Chicken Nuggets – These baked nuggets are super easy, healthier than the alternative, and so DELICIOUS! To make this meal extra special, take the extra 5 minutes and make this blue cheese dressing from scratch. You won’t believe how good it it!!
    • Side:
      • Carrots and Celery– An easy side for an easy Friday! More to dip in that yummy dressing!
      • Chips
  • Dessert – Chocolate No Bake Cookies- These are a personal favorite and my pick when I am having a chocolate craving! They are quick to make and don’t require an oven.

Appetizer

  • Hawaiian Meatballs– A crock pot filled with these will always be a crowd pleaser!!!
  • Chipotle Corn Salsa– This snacky salsa can be used to top any Mexican style food, or just goes great with chips for a snack. The recipe was one Chipotle originally shared on their TikTok account!

Meal Plan – Week 154

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Saucy Buffalo Chicken Tenders– These are so fast, so easy and SO DELICIOUS! A great way to start off the week, because if you have extra, these work well for wraps and salads for lunches!
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Burrito Skillet– All the flavor of a delicious burrito bowl made in just one skillet! If you need to change things up this taco Tuesday, this is a winner all around!
  • Side Dish:
    • Toppings- Try guacamole, pico de gallo, corn salsa, sour cream, cheese, or jalapeno ranch!
    • Tortillas– I like to eat this as a bowl, but the kids love to wrap it up in tortillas! The best part is that it is flexible and easy for the family.

Wednesday

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta -This is one of our favorite pasta dinners! It is loaded with lots of (good-for-you) tomatoes, basil and herbs to make a quick and easy sauce. Toss in the pasta and you have a hearty dinner that is extra family friendly! Optional: Add grilled chicken or steak for extra protein.

Friday

  • Main dish: Brisket Sandwich with Jalapeno Slaw – One of the most delicious ways to use leftover brisket! Grab your leftovers from Friday and make this easy meal! Don’t be scared of the jalapeno slaw! It can be made mild or spicy based on your preference, or left off all together for those who don’t like it. Want something different? Try my BBQ brisket tacos instead!
  • Dessert – Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies– I made these for some friends recently and got begged to send the recipe, so I figured I should share it with you too!

Appetizer

Meal Plan – Week 153

*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: – Ground Turkey Stir Fry– One of the recipes that is on my personal regular meal rotation, this easy dinner is the trifecta of easy, healthy, and delicious! Packed with protein and veggies, and quick to make, we just can’t get enough of this fast recipe.
  • Side Dish:
    • Rice– Try white, brown, or cauliflower rice to keep it light!
    • Toppings – My kids love yum yum sauce, and I like spicy mayo on mine! Add some green onions and it kinda feels too restaurant quality to be a quick make at home meal!

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Loaded Beef Enchilada Soup– Perfect to warm up on a cold day, this soup is just a handful of ingredients and comes together quickly on a busy night. Bonus- I love the leftovers the next day!
  • Side Dish:
    • Buttermilk Cornbread– Dipping this cornbread in the soup is pure heaven!!
    • Side salad with Jalapeno Ranch– This dressing is so good that it made my kids love salad. No joke!!.

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken Bake– Chicken Bakes have been a reader favorite since the first time I posted one! This one combines AMAZING flavors to get a ho comforting meal from the fridge to the oven in literal minutes! Everyone in the family cleans their plates on this one.
  • Side Dish:
    • Oven Baked Potato Wedges– These easy potato wedges give you that french fry feel, but in a quick, easy baked side dish
    • Sautéed Green Beans– Almost nothing is quicker than these green beans! I love that they are filled with garlicky flavor and always a hit with the kids!

Thursday

Friday

  • Main dish: Cheesy BBQ Chicken Potato Skins – Use the leftovers from Wednesday to make this dinner super quick and easy! Split a cooled baked potato in half and hollow out the middle. Chop leftover BBQ chicken and onions and fill the potatoes with the mixture. Top with additional cheese and bacon if desired and bake at 400˚F for 25-35 minutes or until heated through. Once done drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and top with sour cream and chopped green onions.
    • Side:
      • Salad with Ranch– I promise this homemade ranch is 100% worth the extra 5 minutes to make it!
  • Dessert – Fudgy Brownies– A big pan of these brownies is perfect for the big game!

Appetizer

With the big game this weekend, I have a few things on my list to make and I am sharing with you!

Meal Plan – Week 152

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Blackened Chicken Thighs– These can be made in 15 min flat! This easy dinner is packed with flavor and a super wholesome main dish. It is also a quick, easy, and delicious way to meal prep for the week.
  • Side Dish:
    • Roasted Green Beans– These are fast, kid friendly, and there are a few flavor options to let you pick what you feel like!
    • Mashed Potatoes– Garlicky mashed potatoes make a great base for this meal to come together!

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Taco Tortellini– This new recipe came as a flavor mash up of two of my kids favorite foods! This dinner is loaded with chicken, creamy taco flavored sauce, charred corn, and tender tortellini. It is quick, filling, and really yummy!
  • Side Dish:
    • Cornbread– One of my personal favorites. Try this delicious all time favorite corn bread recipe.
    • Side salad with Jalapeno Ranch– This dressing is so good that it made my kids love salad. No joke!!.

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: – French Onion Meatballs– These meatballs are a great way to switch up a boring weeknight meal routine! They are hearty and filling, plus they save and reheat well (if you have any leftovers!)
  • Side Dish:
    • Mashed Potatoes– Garlicky mashed potatoes make a great base for this meal to come together!
    • Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts– I love this salad because it is packed with wholesome ingredients, requires no cooking, and saves well in the fridge for lunches!!

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Ranch Chicken Bites – I always call these grown up chicken nuggets because they are bite-sized but they are minus the breading (which makes them quicker and healthier!) and seasoned for tons of flavor!
    • Sides:
      • Baked Potato Wedges – These feel like french fries but are super easy to make at home in the oven.
      • Corn Avocado Salad– I love this fresh easy salad because it is easy to prepare, veggie packed, but still kid friendly. You can make it with or without the avocado based on your family preference.

Friday

  • Main Dish: BBQ Chicken Pizza– My kids request always! We love this fun flavor twist for pizza night.
    • Side:
      • Cobb salad– Perfect for a healthy punch on the side!
  • Dessert – Soft Sugar Cookies- Crumbl opened here this week and it is making me crave ALL THE COOKIES! This sugar cookie recipe is my absolute favorite. They are soft, chewy, and so so so delicious!

Appetizer

  • Chicken Fajita Nachos– My family probably loves this more than maybe anything else! It is an all around hit and makes enough to feed a crowd.

Meal Plan – Week 151

*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: – Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti– This is a meal that made all 3 of my kids go back for seconds!! I think that really is worth a million dollars! If you need a quick win on the table tonight, make this easy casserole!
  • Side Dish:
    • Garlic Parmesan Broccoli– This quick oven roasted broccoli is about as easy and delicious as a side dish can get!
    • Garlic Bread– Or for a change of pace, try this garlic cheese bread, or this amazing pesto garlic bread!

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Southwest Chicken Bake– This recipe has been a reader favorite for YEARS! The combination of fresh flavors, tender chicken and southwest seasoning, PLUS the fact that it only takes one casserole dish to make is absolutely a winning combination.
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: – BBQ Pulled Pork– I love making a big batch of this pork in the crock pot. It cooks all day hands off and we are lift with enough not only for dinner this night, but also to start a meal another night. Make sure to check out how we use this meat we prepped again on Friday!
  • Side Dish:
    • Buns- I serve my kids on buns, I prefer to keep mine lighter by serving over chopped romaine.
    • Broccoli Slaw– I love this salad because it is packed with wholesome ingredients, requires no cooking, and saves well in the fridge for lunches!!

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Mozzarella Chicken – I can’t even tell you how much I love this dinner. If I didn’t have to make new recipes each week for the blog, I could probably eat this one weekly! It is almost wrong how easy it is and how good it turns out!
    • Sides:
      • Pasta – Shown in photos with angel hair pasta but you can use any variety you have on hand.
      • Roasted Vegetables– This is such an easy side to have going in the oven while the chicken is in the skillet. If you want perfect timing, start these veggies first and they will be just about perfect when the chicken is done!

Friday

  • Main Dish: BBQ Pork Mac & Cheese– Use the leftovers Make your favorite mac & cheese and pile the pulled pork on top!  You can do it on the stove top or bake it in the oven!
  • Dessert – Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies– Panera used to have THE BEST chocolate chip cookies. They stopped selling them 7-8 years ago and now sell one that is not nearly as good, but if you remember these, you know!! This recipe is my attempt to recreate them, and I have to say, I think it really hits the nail on the head! If you try them, you have to let me know what you think!

Appetizer

  • Chicken Fajita Dip– All the goodness of fajitas all wrapped up in the creamiest, cheesiest dip! Grab a bag of chips… you don’t want to miss this one!

Meal Plan – Week 150

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Crustless Chicken Pot Pie– This EASY Crustless Chicken Pot Pie is the quickest way to a super cozy and delicious weeknight dinner! Made in just one skillet with tender chicken breast, lots of veggies, a creamy broth, and topped with buttery bread crumbs, this has all the flavor of classic homemade chicken pot pie, but is so much easier!!
  • Side Dish:
    • Mashed Potatoes– This is perfect to serve the chicken pot pie right on top of!
    • Side salad– My easy go-to. I like mixed greens with a sprinkle of mozzarella, tomatoes, and this homemade ranch dressing (SO GOOD!!)

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas- These Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas have all the delicious flavor of traditional fajitas, but are made QUICK and EASY just using one baking sheet! Serve them up traditionally in tortillas for taco Tuesday, or keep it light by serving over a bed of lettuce
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: – Pepperoni Ravioli Lasagna– Layers of pasta, cheese, rich tomato sauce and flavorful pepperoni make this dish a family favorite, and with only 4 ingredients it couldn’t be more quick and easy!This one dish meal is super creamy and comforting, plus it bakes hands off – no babysitting required.
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Crispy Panko Chicken with Honey Drizzle – This Baked Panko Crusted Chicken is too DELICIOUS to be so EASY to make! This special method makes the chicken the coveted combination of tender and juicy on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside!

Friday

  • Main Dish: Roast Beef Sliders– With tender Roast Beef deli meat, smokey provolone cheese, sweet Hawaiian rolls, tangy horseradish sauce and a rich buttery topping, these Baked Roast Beef Sliders are over the top delicious!
    • Side:
      • Baked Potato Wedges– Feels like french fries, but quicker, easier, and healthier!
      • Quick Green Beans – There are 5 flavor options in this recipe, but my favorite for the roast beef sliders Pan Roasted Green Beans with Bacon.
  • Dessert – Fudge Brownies– Literally the best brownies I have ever had! I am always asked to make these anytime we go to a get together!!

Appetizer

  • Million Dollar Bacon– Oh goodness! If you have never had this bacon, your world is about to be changed for the better! This stuff is SO GOOD and perfect for not only breakfast but also snacking on for the big game!!

Meal Plan – Week 149

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Blackened Chicken– This method for tender, juicy chicken breast is a huge hit at my house. I actually like to make double so we have leftovers for wraps and salads for lunch through the week. There is tons of flavor in this and it only takes a little over 10 min to make!
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: 10 min Easy Beef Fajitas– This recipe is packed with flavor and super quick and easy to make. These Tex-Mex style steak fajitas are flexible to serve traditionally in tortillas, over salad, or just about any way your family likes.
  • Side Dish:
    • Set up- The traditional set up for Tex-Mex fajitas is tortillas, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole.
    • Rice & Beans– We like this Mexican rice and Refried Beans.

Wednesday

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Crock Pot Tomato Basil Soup  – It doesn’t get much easier than this soup! This is one of my oldest and most made recipes. It is amazing how delicious this soup is using just a few ingredients.

Friday

  • Main Dish: Steak Fajita Nachos– Spread layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Chop leftover fajitas into bite sized pieces and sprinkle the meat, peppers and onions over the chips. 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 – Cookies n Cream Parfait– These are perfect for the new because you can make them as indulgent or light as you want. To lighten it up just use fat free/sugar free pudding and sugar free cool whip!

Appetizer

  • Mexican Spinach Dip– Oh goodness! When I thought of what to share that is perfect for watching the game, this was my #1 choice!! It is creamy, cheesy, delicious, and made hearty with lots of spinach, tomatoes and green chiles.

Meal Plan – Week 148

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Pineapple Salsa Chicken– This is one of my all time favorites. It is not only quick and easy, but SO DELICIOUS and perfect for keeping it light and healthy without sacrificing flavor. You are going to LOVE it!! My favorite way to serve it is with rice and beans, but you can get creative if you want.
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: – Lasagna Stuffed Peppers– This easy meal brings all the flavor of lasagna into a super fast, wholesome and filling dinner. Packed with ground beef, luscious sauce and flavorful cheese, you can’t beat this for a weeknight meal.
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Slow Cooker 15 Bean Soup  – This is a new year classic meal for us! It has lots of protein and fiber and great flavor from the ham and seasonings. Bonus- the leftovers only get better as the flavors enhance in the fridge.

Friday

  • Main Dish: Asian Turkey Meatballs– There is so much flavor packed in these meatballs! With the asian flair and the sweet teriyaki style sauce, these are oh so good! I also love that the leftovers will carry us for lunches through the weekend.
    • Side:
      • Rice– White or brown- your choice!
      • Sriracha Coleslaw– My favorite way to serve this is putting the meatballs and sauce on a bed of rice, adding the spicy slaw, then spooning the meatballs and sauce over the top. It tastes even better than take out!
  • Dessert – Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Bites- These aren’t exactly a dessert, but they are a favorite for keeping in the fridge. My kids go for these anytime they want a snack, or a little sweet bite after a meal. They are protein and fiber packed for good measure!

Appetizer

  • Cajun Chicken Bites– This wholesome dish really shines on flavor, and it is perfect for watching football, or a movie night. Serve with toothpicks to make it easy to grab a few bites and go!

Meal Plan – Week 147

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Italian Turkey Meatballs– These are a great beginning of the week meal because you can use leftovers (or double the recipe) for meal prep, lunches, or to shortcut dinner prep another day. These are homemade and still super quick and easy!
  • Side Dish:
    • Pasta – My kids favorite way to eat these is over pasta. You can use spaghetti, or something easy for littles like penne or shells.
    • Side salad– If you want to keep it light, serve these on a plate with a little marinara and a big side salad tossed with my healthy balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect flavors that feel restaurant quality but are just so easy!
    • Garlic Bread– Our absolute favorite recipe!

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Skillet Chicken Fajitas recipe– People often ask my personal favorite recipe and THIS IS IT! It is easy, healthy, FAST and one of the most delicious recipes I make in my opinion. Perfect for the new year because you can serve it on a salad to keep it light both in calories and carbs, or traditionally in tortillas which is super kid friendly. I have never met someone who didn’t LOVE this recipe!
  • Side Dish:
    • Mexican Rice and Refried Beans– Traditional sides- so good!
    • Tortillas and sides- Pair it with guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream and shredded cheese
    • Jalapeno Ranch – If you are serving the fajitas salad style, this is a MUST!! Don’t be scared by the name, this is my kids FAVORITE and adding a drizzle of this to the top of the fajitas is SO AMAZING!! Highly recommend.

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: – Easy Tuscan Pot Roast (Crockpot)– Packed with amazing flavor, this crock pot recipe is one that tastes good enough to serve to company! Let the slow cooker do the work and be amazed how much flavor is packed into this tender roast.
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Garlic Bread Meatball Subs  – Our favorite meal for leftover meatballs, this is just the best way to make meatball subs. It couldn’t be easier, faster, or more delicious!! Make sure you start with the leftovers from Monday to make this meal extra fast!!

Friday

  • Main Dish: Baked Mesquite Chicken– This one dish chicken is loaded with smokey BBQ flavor. Layers of tender chicken, BBQ sauce, cheese, and bacon come together fast for a dinner that feels like it took hours to make.
  • Dessert – Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies- I make a big batch of these and freeze them to pop out one or two for the kids lunches each day. They are the absolute best chocolate chip cookie recipe!

Appetizer

  • Greek Layer Dip– If you need something snacky, but still healthy, this is the best! I have had several friends making and raving about this over the holidays and it is perfect to make right on into the new years.

Meal Plan – Week 146

*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: – Mississippi Chicken– This is a go on the regular rotation kinda recipe! 5 ingredients + a crock pot is all you need for this simple and delicious dinner idea!
  • Side Dish:
    • Buns – My kids favorite way to eat these is on a toasted bun. Also, some like to top with a slice of provolone cheese!
    • Bacon Ranch Broccoli Salad– This easy salad can be prepped in advance, and the kids LOVE the flavors!!

Tuesday

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: – Chicken and Stuffing Casserole– Packed with tender shredded chicken (I use rotisserie to make it easy) and veggies in a creamy dressing and topped with perfect savory stuffing, this casserole is the perfect easy chicken dinner for winter!
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Garlic Steak Bites Skillet  – Maybe make Thursday feel a little fancy, even though, this recipe is one of the fastest on this week’s menu. The family loves these, they are quick, easy, so tasty, and feel, well… not like a Thursday!

Friday

  • Main Dish: Baked Chicken Tenders– A quick way to make a family friendly meal a little more wholesome! This dinner is not only delicious but one our kids request again and again.
  • Dessert – Cranberry Christmas Cake- This will be on my list to make ASAP because we love to enjoy it as dessert then again with as breakfast throughout Christmas week. We even have friends who stop by just to get a slice of this cake through out the holidays!

Appetizer

  • Marinated Mozzarella– This is another family favorite! It not only makes the best munchie, but also is fantastic to give as a gift if you package it up in a little mason jar.

Meal Plan – Week 145

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Crockpot Meatballs in Marinara– This is a new recipe, and already receiving great feedback from readers! The combination of quick, kid-friendly, and DELICIOUS is a winner!
  • Side Dish:
    • Pasta – Go classic with spaghetti, or something more kid friendly like shells, ziti, or elbow macaroni
    • Side salad with creamy Italian dressing– This dressing takes 5 min to make and is SO GOOD!!

Tuesday

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: – Tuscan Pot Roast– This is the perfect mid-December meal!! 1. The slow cooker does the work. 2. THe flavors are so warm and comforting. 3. It can pull double duty for leftovers later when you need a break cooking!
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Ranch Baked Chicken Thighs  – Maybe the fasted prep of any dinner. These are not only quick, but cook hands off to tender perfection in the oven.
    • Sides:
      • Rotini Pasta Salad– A classic pasta salad that is always a hit! BONUS- shred leftover chicken and mix in to this salad for on the go lunches!
      • Garlic Parmesan Broccoli– This easy roasted broccoli is so good, you kinda forget it is a veggie!!

Friday

  • Main Dish: Pot Roast Shepherd’s Pie– Mix leftover pot roast with mixed veggies and cream of mushroom soup. Spread in the bottom of a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes. Bake at 350˚F for about 30 minutes or until the edges start to bubble and the top is golden.
  • Dessert – Soft Sugar Cookies– I always make these in December, and every time I just relish in how delicious that they are! If you think sugar cookies are boring… try these!!

Appetizer

  • Loaded Taco Dip– If you need something to feed a crowd, THIS IS IT!! Everyone loves this flavor-packed dip and you can feed a hungry group since it makes a large pan!
  • BONUS– If you haven’t seen my cool cinnamon roll hack, you have to check it out! It has been going viral on social media and it is SO GOOD!!

Meal Plan – Week 144

Monday

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Sauce– One of those it seems fancy kind of recipes, but is really super quick and easy. Elevate your weeknight with this easy dinner the whole family can enjoy!
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Baked Meatballs Parmesan–  A tried and true recipe that readers LOVE! This is one the kids will enjoy just as much as the grown ups.
  • Side Dish:
    • Garlic Bread– This is another side dish that can pull double duty for tomorrow!.
    • Side Salad with Creamy Italian Dressing– This is one of my all time favorite salad dressings it kinda tastes like olive garden creamy Italian dressing, yum!!!

Thursday

  • Main Dish: One Pot Chicken Salsa Soup–  It doesn’t get much quicker or easier than this recipe, but the best part is that the kids DEVOURED it! They even asked for seconds!
  • Side Dish:
    • Corn Bread– This is perfect for dunking or eating on the side!.

Friday

  • Main Dish: Meatball Subs– Use leftovers from Wednesday to make this EASY family favorite dinner.
  • Side dish:
  • Dessert – Cranberry Cake– I look forward to this time of year for many reasons, but especially for making and eating this cake!! Pro tip: it make the PERFECT breakfast with a cup of coffee too.

Appetizer

  • Cajun Chicken Dip– My personal friends always want me to bring this to the party because it is so good!! Hot, creamy, cheesy, and hearty with chunks of chicken, it is everything a delicious dip should be!

Meal Plan – Week 143

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Cream of Mushroom Chicken– This creamy chicken is the perfect quick meal to start the week! I have been told that even picky eaters gobble this up!
  • Side Dish:
    • Mashed Potatoes– Mashed potatoes are perfect for making a bed o serve the roast right on top of. It gives you a great place for all those drippings to soak in!
    • Roasted Vegetables– This is the easiest and absolute tastiest way to make veggies in my opinion!.

Tuesday

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Baked Roast Beef Sliders–  We are keeping it light tonight in anticipation of the big day tomorrow. BONUS- if you have leftovers they make a great light lunch before Thanksgiving dinner!
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

Friday

  • Main Dish: LEFTOVERS– I like to make grilled sandwiches with turkey, white cheese, and cranberry sauce!!
  • Dessert – Apple Pie with Cornmeal Crust– This pie takes a little time, but it is SO WORTH IT!! This is the best apple pie I have ever made, and I have been making it for years because there is just never anything better.

Appetizer

  • Crockpot Party Meatballs– This classic party appetizer always is around during the holiday season! With tangy flavors and the ease of a crock pot it is perfect whether you need to bring to a pot luck or have something your family can graze on throughout the day!

Meal Plan – Week 142

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Mississippi Pot Roast– This is THE BEST Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe. With just minutes of prep, this this the most easy and delicious way to start off the week! The comforting flavors in this recipe are among some of my all time favorite.
  • Side Dish:
    • Mashed Potatoes– Mashed potatoes are perfect for making a bed o serve the roast right on top of. It gives you a great place for all those drippings to soak in!
    • Roasted Vegetables– This is the easiest and absolute tastiest way to make veggies in my opinion!.

Tuesday

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Italian Sausage Tortellini–  This easy pasta dish is made in minutes and filled with fresh and super cozy flavors. This is the epitome of a delicious and easy family pleasing weeknight dinner
  • Side Dish:
    • Garlic Bread– This are quick, classic, and so delicious! Highly recommend.
    • Tomato Mozzarella Salad– This salad is fast, delicious, and saves well if you have leftovers!

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Mississippi Roast Sliders– Cut sliders in half. Pile roast on the bottoms of the rolls. Add mozzarella, provolone, or fontina cheese. Top the rolls and brush with melted butter mixed with garlic salt, oregano, and minced onion. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the sandwiches are heated through.
    • Sides:
      • Baked Potato Wedges– Gives you that French Fry vibe with a lighter healthier baked option!
      • Side Salad with Ranch– This homemade ranch takes 5 minutes to make and is the BEST! It will 100% take your salad to the next level!

Friday

  • Main Dish: Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup– One of the all-time most popular recipes on my site- this easy potato soup recipe is a hit because it is amazingly delicious, but so easy to make!!
    • Side:
      • Chicken Pasta Caesar Salad– So simple, but so delicious! These flavors make quite the delicious side and can be a fantastic lunch the next day!
  • Dessert – Soft and Thick Sugar Cookies– These big, thick, bakery style cookies are a favorite, especially around the holidays. I love them best topped with my buttercream frosting!!

Appetizer

  • Crockpot Party Meatballs– This classic party appetizer always is around during the holiday season! With tangy flavors and the ease of a crock pot it is perfect whether you need to bring to a pot luck or have something your family can graze on throughout the day!

Meal Plan – Week 141

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Spinach Artichoke Chicken– With just minutes of prep, this this the most easy and delicious way to start off the week! The comforting flavors in this recipe are among some of my all time favorite. It doesn’t get much better than tender chicken smothered in creamy spinach and artichokes!
  • Side Dish:
    • Mashed Potatoes– Love serving the chicken on a bed of mashed potatoes to soak up all of that amazing creamy sauce!
    • Garlic Bread– My kids can’t have this meal without garlic bread and this is our favorite recipe.

Tuesday

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Brown Butter Spinach Tortellini–  The rich butter sauce makes this 20 minute tortellini pasta dinner over the top delicious. This meal is written as meatless, but you can add in diced ham or shredded (or rotisserie) chicken if you prefer more protein.
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Classic Taco Salad  – This easy meal gives Tuesday’s leftovers new life! This classic taco salad recipe is one of the only ways that my kids LOVE to eat salad! SO many of their favorite flavors they don’t even notice all the veggies they are eating!
    • Sides:
      • Guacamole– Tastes just like the restaurant kind and I love. topile it on top of this sald!
      • Ranch– This homemade ranch takes 5 minutes to make and is the BEST! It will 100% take your sald to the next level!

Friday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Wild Rice Soup– This soup is my best friend’s favorite recipe that I make. She tells me that she makes it at least once a week in the winter months. It is cozy, comforting, loaded with tender chicken, veggies, and rice and a family favorite!!
  • Dessert – White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies– These big, thick, bakery style cookies are almost irresistible!!

Appetizer

  • Crispy Toasted Tortellini– This is the last recipe on the list, but the #1 must try this week! These are so simple and perfect for snacking, an appetizer or even a fun lunch. Toasty, garlicky and crisp on the outside, and tender and cheesy on the inside. Trust me on this. You need these in your life!!

Meal Plan – Week 140

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs– This brand new recipe is already getting rave reviews! One reader says “TOTAL hit for dinner! Made 6 servings for 3 people and there were no leftovers! Fantastic! Will add this to our weekly meals!!”. With only 1 pan and 6 ingredients, it is perfect for a busy night!
  • Side Dish:
    • Rice– My #1 pick for this dish. You can do simple white or brown rice, or if you want to make it extra hearty, you can try our popular chicken fried rice or steak fried rice. You can also use cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
    • Green Beans– Try either the classic or asian style of these roasted green beans.

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Crockpot Mexican Shredded Beef– What I love most about this recipe is that each person can easily customize it for their taste preferences. For us, the kids get it served in tortillas, and the adults get it burrito bowl style.
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Cajun Chicken Pasta–  This creamy pasta is so quick and easy and SOOOOO GOOD! It can have a small kick depending on the cajun seasoning you use.
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Perfect Baked Chicken Tenders  – Comfort food without the guilt! This dish gives you all the flavor of a Big Mac, but made in a skillet at home in minutes. You can eat it as a salad (like me!) or on a bun (like my kids) so it is customizable for each person.
    • Sides:
      • Garlic Smashed Potatoes– Get the flavor of french fries in these oven baked potatoes!
      • Veggies and Ranch– These are great to snack on before the main meal or give a little extra wholesome boost to the dinner. The homemade ranch takes 5 minutes to make and is the BEST! You have to try it!

Friday

  • Main Dish: Loaded Potato Soup– This soup is a reader favorite and can be made in the slow cooker or Instant pot. Serve it up with a variety of toppings and let everyone make their own bowl topped with their choice of toppings.
    • Side:
      • Toppings- cheese, onion, bacon, sour cream, etc.
  • Dessert – Caramel Snickerdoodles– If you love Snickerdoodles, these take it up another delicious notch. They are a MUST TRY!

Appetizer

Meal Plan – Week 139

Monday

  • Main Dish: – French Onion Meatballs– All the classic flavors of delicious French onion soup in a super hearty, family friendly, ONE PAN dinner! These meatballs have so much flavor and are surprisingly easy to make.
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers– This is one of my favorites! Tangy peppers stuffed with cheese, chicken, black beans and corn. So much flavor, a little different than the norm, but quick to make!
  • Side Dish:
    • Mexican Rice– This one pan recipe is our FAVORITE!
    • Sautéed Peppers and Onions– This is one of my favorite quick and healthy sides. As a bonus I love to make extra so I can keep it in the fridge to pop into wraps, and salads through the week.

Wednesday

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Soup  – Let the slow cooker do the work for this simple and super yummy soup. Velvety broth with tender chicken, spinach, sun dried tomatoes makes the most amazingly delicious.
    • Sides:
      • Pesto Cheese Bread– This is a tasty twist on classic garlic bread and goes especially well with this soup!
      • Side salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette– A quick side salad is easy, and this homemade balsamic vinaigrette is so simple to make and a recipe people always rave about!
      • Baked potato

Friday

  • Main Dish: Steak Fried Rice– Use the leftovers from Wednesday to start this easy Friday meal. This steak fried rice is one of the top rated recipes by my readers! You definitely don’t feel like you are eating leftovers.
  • Dessert – Cornflake Cookies– These are the cookies I am known for. It may seem a little odd, but the cornflakes make these cookies irresistible!!

Appetizer

  • BBQ Chicken Drumsticks– These can be a hearty appetizer or a light meal. The one thing that is certain is that they disappear quickly because they are so tasty!

Meal Plan – Week 138

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Chicken and Stuffing Casserole– This casserole is SO EASY and SO DELICIOUS! Packed with veggies and savory fall flavors, this family-friendly casserole is the perfect weeknight meal.
  • Side Dish:
    • Jiffy Corn Casserole– This is my all time favorite side dish and perfect for making with Chicken and Stuffing Casserole!
    • Baked Asparagus– This simple veggie complements the flavors of the casserole well!
    • Squash Casserole– Comfort food with comfort food!

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

  • Main Dish: Creamy Cauliflower Soup– If you try any recipe this week, let it be this! Your kids may think they don’t like cauliflower, but this soup has changed many minds. It is just THAT good!!
    • Side:
      • Soup Toppings (pick a few)
        • Cheddar cheese
        • Crumbled bacon
        • Chives or green onions
        • Sour cream
        • Broccoli crowns
        • Chopped onions
  • Dessert –
    • Best ever Fudge Brownies– I can’t get enough of these, and neither can my friends and family. I get regular requests to make them every single week!

Appetizer

  • Party Meatballs– These are a football watching tradition and perfect for the fall weather. Let the crock pot do all the work!

Meal Plan – Week 137

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Brisket Tacos–  These irresistible Brisket Tacos are made with leftovers from Monday. I Will tell you to make sure to have a brisket big enough to give you a good amount of leftovers because my kids fight over these tacos!!
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta – Bright and lemony, with super tender lightly breaded chicken, this pasta dish tastes like it is straight from a restaurant, not made at home in 20 minutes!
    • Sides:

Friday

  • Main Dish: Roast Beef Sliders– I shared this on Instagram this week and so many of you told me how much you love this recipe, so I thought it would be the perfect way to wrap up the week. If you have leftovers they can be reheated for lunch over the weekend too!
  • Dessert – Soft Bakery Style Sugar Cookies– These are soft and pillowy and just melt in your mouth! They are great alone and even better topped with buttercream frosting!

Appetizer

  • LOADED Queso– This isn’t any old boring queso dip… This loaded queso packs in the flavor and is simple to make in just one skillet!

Meal Plan – Week 136

*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: – Meatball Pasta Bake– As the season changes, this Meatball Pasta Bake becomes a go to at my house. First, because my kids are OBSESSED with it. And second because it is simple, hearty, filling, and crazy easy to make! Plus, you can prep it ahead, so it is ready to pop in the oven when you are.
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Burrito Skillet– Burritos are one of those meals that the ENTIRE family can agree on. Filled with flavor and packed with rice, beans, meat, and toppings, they are equally delicious and filling.This Chicken Burrito Skillet takes everything you love from those huge stuffed burritos and packs the flavor into one loaded skillet!
  • Side Dish:
    • Chips and Dip – Serve chips with your choice of salsa, guac, corn salsa, or queso!

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Blackened Fish–  This can be made in just 15 minutes and is the perfect mid week dinner to check all of the boxes- Quick, heathy, DELICIOUS!!
  • Side Dish:
    • Italian Quinoa Salad– This simple salad is a personal favorite because it has amazing flavor, and the leftovers are even better the next day, so I have extra delicious lunches ready to go.
    • Roasted Green Beans– The classic way. Simple and delicious!

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Baked Panko Chicken with Honey Drizzle  – It really doesn’t get much easier than this Panko Chicken! With less than 10 minutes of prep and about 15 minutes of bake time, you have a main dish with tender juicy chicken crusted in a smokey perfectly crisp panko topping. Then to make it pure perfection a little honey drizzle to finish it off.

Friday

  • Main Dish: Spinach Artichoke Quiche– This makes a perfect light and easy dinner.
    • Side:
      • Tomato Soup– It doesn’t get any easier (or more delicious!!) than this easy recipe!
      • Side salad– Most any salad will pair well, but one of my favorites is simple arugula with parmesan and lemon vinaigrette, or this kale salad.
  • Dessert – Cinnamon Swirl Cake– This is an amazingly delicious, tender, cake with the most yummy cinnamon swirl going through it. Perfect for a cozy night in…. or maybe even breakfast the next day!

Appetizer

  • Million Dollar Dip– This appetizer is perfect for football watching, a potluck, or a game night with family or friends. It is no cook and only takes minutes, yet has the BEST flavor! Does it live up to its rich name? Let me know what you think!!

Meal Plan – Week 135

Monday

  • Main Dish: – One Pan Tuscan Pork Chops – This recipe seems like something you would get at a restaurant, but only takes 20 minutes to make! Be prepared to be impressed with yourself when you make this easy dinner! {Pin it here}.
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Creamy Tomato Basil Soup–  This is my #1 soup recipe on my website, and it is AMAZING! It almost seems like cheating because this recipe is so easy, and so good!
  • Side Dish:
    • Garlic Cheese bread– Perfect for dipping, gives a grilled cheese vibe, but faster to make for a crowd!
    • Salad with Creamy Italian dressing– A side salad is perfect for keeping the meal light, although this dressing is so good it might keep you coming back for more!

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Big Mac Skillet  – Comfort food without the guilt! This dish gives you all the flavor of a Big Mac, but made in a skillet at home in minutes. You can eat it as a salad (like me!) or on a bun (like my kids) so it is customizable for each person.

Friday

  • Main Dish: Roast Beef Sliders– Quick. Easy. Perfect for some Friday fun! These little sandwiches pack in the flavor and can easily scale for a crowd.
    • Side:
      • Chips
      • Veggies and Ranch dip- Your choice of carrots, celery, peppers, broccoli, etc. Serve with my homemade ranch for a REAL TREAT!!
  • Dessert – Fudge Brownies– These are LITERALLY the BEST brownies I have ever had!! If you are a chocolate lover, you MUST make these soon!

Appetizer

  • Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pinwheels– These are absolutely perfect for a day of watching football. Tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, , all in a easy, finger food format. I think you will love these!

Meal Plan – Week 134

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Mesquite Chicken– This one dish recipe is packed with flavor and quick and easy to make. It is LOADED with all the good stuff and a great dinner idea the whole family will enjoy!
  • Side Dish:
    • Baked Potato Wedges – I love these for the feel of french fries but made a little healthier and the kids love them because they are DELICIOUS!
    • Broccoli Salad– this yummy cold salad can be prepared in advance and leftovers make great lunches for the week! 

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Beef Enchilada Soup– Perfect for the incoming fall weather, this soup is a hit with the grown up s and the kids.
  • Side Dish:
    • Toppings– Top it with your choice of avocado, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips.
    • Buttermilk Cornbread– If you have the time I 100% recommend this cornbread to go with the BBQ Chicken. SO GOOD!

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Tomato Basil Pasta– This quick and easy pasta has the most AMAZING creamy, rich, tomato-y sauce! Add that to the fact it can be made in as little as 20 minutes and it is the perfect busy-night, mid-week kinda meal.
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: BBQ Chicken Stuffed Baked Potatoes – Use leftovers from Monday, or grab a rotisserie chicken and use that! Cut and fluff freshly baked potatoes. Add chopped mesquite chicken breast, and top with additional cheese. Bake for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted then top with sour cream, bacon, chives, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce.

Friday

  • Main Dish: Skillet Ranch Chicken – This has been a family favorite for YEARS. Perfect for an easy Friday night, these “grown up chicken nuggets” are quick, healthy, and full of delicious flavor!
    • Side:
      • Smashed Potatoes– Crispy and delicious oven potatoes
      • Fruit Salad- Fresh, simple, and delicious.
  • Dessert – Key Lime Cookies– These sweet and tangy cookies are SO ADDICTING! Be warned!

Appetizer

  • Black Bean and Corn Salsa– The great thing about this dip is not only is it delicious, but it makes a great healthy option to keep in the fridge and snack on all week.

Meal Plan – Week 133

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Mississippi Pot Roast– There are many recipes for how to make a Mississippi Pot Roast out there, but this one is THE BEST! Made with only 5 simple ingredients and a crockpot, this recipe produces the most, tender, juicy, rich, flavorful, pot roast, and couldn’t be more quick and easy to make.
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Italian Turkey Meatballs–  Readers have been raving about how tender and delicious these are since they first posted years ago! Make a big batch because we will use them twice this week for ease!
  • Side Dish:
    • Pasta with marinara– Grab a package of your favorite pasta and a jar of marinara for a classic meal
    • Garlic Bread– This is THE BEST recipe! You have to try it!

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Hawaiian Steak  – Set the steak in the easy (super kid friendly) marinade, and then grill them up or cook them on the stove quickly when dinner time hits.

Friday

Appetizer

  • Garlic Chicken Bites– These are like grown up chicken nuggets! In my opinion, the BEST munchie for watching the big game!

Meal Plan – Week 132

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Crispy Ranch Baked Chicken Thighs– With only THREE ingredients and 5 min of prep, you can make the most tender JUICY chicken of all time. This recipe is a must try.
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Pineapple Salsa Chicken– This recipe is one I make ALL SUMMER LONG. It is perfect for the grill or in a skillet. Really, it is so, so, so good!!
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Million Dollar Pork Chops  – Comfort food without the guilt! This dish gives you all the flavor of a Big Mac, but made in a skillet at home in minutes. You can eat it as a salad (like me!) or on a bun (like my kids) so it is customizable for each person.

Friday

  • Main Dish: Cheater Homemade Alfredo Sauce– This fun Friday dinner gives you all the flavor of a rich delicious alfredo sauce in JUST MINUTES!! Optional make these Italian Chicken Cutlets to go with it!
    • Side:
      • Pasta- fettuccini is traditional, but any pasta you have on hand will be just as delicious.
      • Garlic Roasted Veggies–  I love these right on top of the pasta, but goes well on the side too!
  • Dessert – Caramel Snickerdoodles– If you love Snickerdoodles, these take it up another delicious notch. They are a MUST TRY!

Appetizer

  • Cajun Chicken Dip– I have been thinking of our neighbors to the west in Louisiana all week long. This might be the best dip you have ever had, and it is perfect for football watching!

Meal Plan – Week 131

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Lasagna Chicken Bake– This dinner is full of tender chicken breast and lots of cheesy, saucy goodness! I takes literal minutes of prep and brings all that delicious lasagna flavor to a quick and easy chicken dinner.
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Tex-Mex Chicken Fajitas– I was born and raised and in Texas, and this is my all time favorite way to make fajitas! I recently had a friend tell me “This is the best chicken I have EVER made! My husband is going to be so excited to eat dinner tonight!” Make sure to save some leftovers for dinner later this week!
  • Side Dish:
    • Tortillas – flour are traditional, but you can use corn as a gluten free option, or lettuce wraps to keep it healthy and lighter.
    • Fajita set up – The traditional restaurant style set up for fajitas includes, rice, refried beans, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole. I like to add shredded cheese to the plate too, but you can choose what ever you like!

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole–  The ultimate family friendly casserole (or hot dish depending where you are from!) It is loaded with ground beef, cheesy, green beans, and the most delicious sauce, then topped off with crispy tater tots to win over all the kids at the table.
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Baked Italian Sausage and Peppers – We made over this recipe to keep all the classic delicious taste, but in more of a quick and easy dump and bake kinda way for the busiest nights.

Friday

Appetizer

Meal Plan – Week 130

Monday

  • Main Dish: – BBQ Pork Sliders– Use this crock pot pulled pork recipe and grab some Hawaiian rolls to use as slider buns. This is a great way to start the week because the leftovers are so versatile!
  • Side Dish:
    • Watermelon – Quick and easy, and the best time of year to enjoy it.
    • Broccoli Slaw– You can pile this on the sandwich or eat it on the side. My kids really enjoy this version with apples! 

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet– This one skillet dinner has all the flavor and is perfect for a busy night and is perfect if you have a pound of ground beef ready to use. My husband and I like to eat it in a bowl with toppings, while my kids eat i wrapped in a tortilla.
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Alice Springs Chicken–  If you love Outback, you will LOVE this recipe! If you haven’t had Alice Springs Chicken, you are in for a treat with layers of tender chicken breast, honey mustard, sweet onion, and cheese.
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Pulled Pork Stuffed Baked Potatoes  – Use the leftovers from Monday to make this meal EASY! You can also grab pre-cooked pulled pork at the store (as in the video example.) Bake potatoes and split in half. Stuff with pulled pork and top with cheese. Bake in the oven at 350 until heated through and the cheese is melted. Remove and top with sour cream and green onions.
    • Sides:
      • Garlic Parmesan Broccoli– This easy roasted broccoli is the only way my kids like to eat it, and it can cook right alongside the potatoes.
      • Buttermilk Cornbread– A slice of this cornbread makes this dinner pure heaven!

Friday

  • Main Dish: Tuscan Tomato Tortellini Soup- This soup is so simple and so delicious. It is a great Friday night meal, and leftovers are always a hit for an easy lunch or dinner over the weekend.
  • Dessert – Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies- These are my go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe. I probably made 100 dozen cookies experimenting and finally got to this recipe which is the absolute BEST if you liek thick and chewy cookies!

Appetizer

Meal Plan – Week 129

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Lasagna Chicken Bake– Packed with ALL the delicious flavor of Lasagna, but WAY quicker to make, this protein packed chicken dinner is fast and filling for a busy week night win. Plus, the kids were obsessed with the cheesy sauce!
  • Side Dish:
    • Garlic Bread – You need this to soak up all the delicious sauce!!
    • Pasta- We like angel hair or penne pasta, or if you want to keep it lighter, you can use spaghetti squash, zoodles etc.

Tuesday

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Crockpot Tuscan Chicken– This recipe is a reader favorite! The combination of how easy it is to prep and how delicious the end result is to eat, is a rare combination!
  • Side Dish:
  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes – These work well if you want to scoop the meat and juices right on top!
  • Italian Tortellini Salad– Love this as a compliment, and the leftovers make great lunches.

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Steak Fried Rice  – This is a regular family request, and conveniently, one of my fastest recipes to make!
    • Sides:
      • Yum Yum Sauce– We can’t make it without the sauce that goes on top!
      • Sriracha Slaw– If you don’t mind a little spice, this is my favorite side (I actually put it right on top!)

Friday

  • Main Dish: Baked Chicken Tenders– Perfect for a fun Friday meal, these healthier chicken tenders are easy to make, easy to clean up, and so, so good.
  • Dessert – Smores Bars– All the great flavor in a campfire free version!

Appetizer

  • Jalapeno Ranch Dip– This recipe is used more at our house for dipping than it is for salad dressing. It is amazing with ruffles or tortilla chips, a veggie tray, or any type of fried food. I am “famous” for this recipe locally and always asked to bring it if I go somewhere! (You can adjust the heat so it is very mild, or more spicy based on your preference)

Meal Plan – Week 128

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Baked Feta Chicken– This dish was inspired by the viral Baked Feta Pasta recipe and it is definitely worth all the hype. Tender chicken is nestled in a rich and cheesy tomato sauce and can be served in a number of delicious ways. It is quick, easy, and most importantly, SO DELICIOUS!!
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Cheesy Taco Skillet– This one dish wonder is packed with flavor and kid approved! My favorite part is that you can serve it as tacos for the kids, and as a salad, burrito bowl or other lighter option for the grown ups.
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Creamy Chicken with Asparagus–  One of my husband’s all time favorite recipes. This was inpsired by a classic Italian dish. It is so simple, and just so delicious.
  • Side Dish:
    • Mashed Potatoes– This is our favorite pairing because. we spoon the chicken. and sauce right over the top.
    • Garlic Bread– The classic way. Simple and delicious!

Thursday

Friday

  • Main Dish: Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole– This classic comfort food is always a hit with everyone in the family. Tender chicken with fluffy rice all baked in a ridiculously delicious sauce. It is the perfect thing to make for Friday dinner then eat the leftovers all weekend long!
  • Dessert – Strawberry Oatmeal Bars– This is one of those recipes I look forward to making all summer long!! I can’t get enough!

Appetizer

  • Tomato Mozzarella Salad– This fresh salad is great for an appetizer (serve as a salad or with tooth picks.) Or serve it as a snack or light lunch. So good!

Meal Plan – Week 127

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Creamy Pesto Caesar Pasta– This recipe takes the cake for my favorite new summer recipe. It is quick, easy and filled with light and refreshing flavors. With only 6 ingredients, 1 bowl, and 15 minutes you can have this DELICIOUS meal on the table. (This pasta is the BEST for making it!)
  • Optional Protein:
    • Baked Chicken Cutlets – These are fast, light and you can chop them up and serve it right on top.
    • Rotisserie Chicken- To make it extra quick, grab a rotisserie chicken. Pull and chop or shred into bite sized pieces. Serve on top or mix into the

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Burrito Skillet– This all in one dinner is a favorite because everyone in the family can agree it is delicious. Perfect for picky eaters, you can serve it up in a number of ways to make it any way your kids like.
  • Serving ideas:
    • Tortillas – My kids like to roll it up in tortillas
    • Burrito Bowl – My husband and I eat it in a bowl topped with guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream. SO GOOD!

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Tuscan Pot Roast–  This is not the same old boring crock pot pot roast. This tender, juicy pot roast gets RAVE reviews. The perfect comforting meal you can feel great about.
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole  – Chicken and ham married in the most amazing (and amazingly easy to make) sauce. This dinner is one of the best!

Friday

  • Main Dish: Easy Pot Roast Patty Melts- Using the leftovers from Pile the leftover Tuscan Pot Roast between 2 slices of bread and add cheese (my favorite is mozzarella) then butter each side and grill over medium heat until golden.
    • Side:
      • Chips
      • Fruit Salad- Fresh, simple, and delicious.
  • Dessert – Boston Cream Pie– Cold desserts are made for hot summer days!

Appetizer

  • Party Meatballs- I love that these because they can pull double duty for lunches throughout the week.

Meal Plan – Week 126

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Firecracker Chicken–  This is such a crowd pleaser and just one of those recipes that feels impressive when you make it. As if you should have gotten it at a restaurant, not made it in your own kitchen. But it is simple and quick, and you can have it on the table in no time!
  • Side Dish:
    • Rice– I serve the chicken right over a bed of rice (or cauli rice)
    • Roasted Green Beans– Make these and toss with a little soy sauce for the perfect compliment to the chicken.

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole  – If you have a pound of ground beef, this is the best way to use it! This simple casserole is a hit with the whole family!
    • Sides:
      • Garlic Mashed Potatoes– Get the flavor of french fries in these oven baked potatoes!
      • Roasted Broccoli– These are great to snack on before the main meal or give a little extra wholesome boost to the dinner.

Friday

  • Main Dish: Hawaiian Chicken Tacos– Use the leftovers from Tuesday to start this easy Friday meal. Grab your favorite wrap and layer the chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and drizzle with honey mustard.
  • Dessert – Lemon Meltaway Cookies– These are among the best cookies I have ever had in my life! They are soft, melt in your mouth, and the perfect combo of sweet and tangy! If you haven’t tried them, do it ASAP!!

Appetizer

  • Antipasto Salad– This is everything you love about a big Italian charcuterie platter in an easy and delicious salad form.

Meal Plan – Week 125

Monday

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Salsa Chicken– You can count the number. of ingredients in this recipe on ONE HAND! One of the best recipes with the fewest recipes out there!
  • Side Dish:
    • Black beans – this crock pot recipe can’t be beat.
    • Cilantro Lime Rice – Tastes just like Chipotle! This rice makes a great bed to serve the chicken on top of so you get all the delicious juices.

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Italian Sausage Tortellini–  This simple pasta dish is loaded with flavor (and sneaky veggies!)
  • Side Dish:
    • Side salad– This salad is made over the top delicious with this homemade creamy Italian dressing! It makes just 5 minutes to make and I promise it will absolutely make the salad!!
    • Garlic Bread– The classic way. Simple and delicious!

Thursday

Friday

  • Main Dish: Spinach Sausage Quiche– I think quiche may be one of the most under-rated dinners out there. This recipe is fast, easy, luscious and packed with flavor and protein, this meal does not disappoint!
    • Side:
      • Broccoli Bacon Salad– This salad is packed full of fresh broccoli in. alight an creamy dressing.
      • Italian Tortellini Salad– Tortellini salad adds a filling extra to this meal. Both of these salads are great for leftovers the next day too!
  • Dessert – S’mores– Summer is the perfect time to make smores! Use a campfire, a backyard fire pit, or even the flame on your stove.

Appetizer

  • Marinated Mozzarella– My personal favorite, this easy appetizer is simple and a crowd pleaser. I probably make this app more regularly than any other on the site because friends and family request it so much!

Meal Plan – Week 124

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Lazy Lasagna– All you have to do is layer 4 ingredients to get this crowd pleasing casserole! My kids love this dinner and ask for it regularly.
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Mexican Spinach Chicken Bake– This one dish dinner is loaded with veggies, cheesy goodness, and tons of Mexican flavors.
  • Side Dish:
    • Pinto beans – a side of beans makes it extra hearty
    • Mexican Rice – Tastes just like your fav Mexican restaurant!

Wednesday

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Big Mac Skillet  – Comfort food without the guilt! This dish gives you all the flavor of a Big Mac, but made in a skillet at home in minutes. You can eat it as a salad (like me!) or on a bun (like my kids) so it is customizable for each person.
    • Sides:
      • Garlic Smashed Potatoes– Get the flavor of french fries in these oven baked potatoes!
      • Veggies and Ranch– These are great to snack on before the main meal or give a little extra wholesome boost to the dinner.

Friday

Appetizer

Meal Plan – Week 123

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Cream of Mushroom Chicken– This dish is classic comfort food ALL THE WAY! It takes literal minutes to get it in the oven and is packed with flavor and creamy goodness. I say this one is a must try!
  • Side Dish:
    • Garlic Roasted Vegetables – Easy, fast, garlicky, and so delicious. A winning combo for. aside dish!
    • Rice- We like to serve the chicken right over the rice so that it soaks up every last drop of that delicious sauce. 

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Southwest Pork Chops– These easy pork chops can be made bone in or boneless based on what you have on hand. They are packed with delicious flavor and perfect for a refreshing summer meal.
  • Side Dish:
    • Pineapple Salsa – Top it with this pineapple salsa for a ridiculously delicious combo.
    • Black Beans – You. can heat up a can, or make a big batch of this recipe in a crockpot!

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Easy Steak Fried Rice–  This recipe. isa reader favorite because it is quick, easy, and everyone in the family loves it!
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Grilled BBQ Chicken Breast – We try to use the grill ast least oncec a week durinng the warm summer months. This recipe is our go-to for makign BBQ chicken on the grill.

Friday

  • Main Dish: BBQ Chicken Nachos– Use the leftovers from Thursday to make this family favorite Friday meal. 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 – Key Lime Cookies- You MUST TRY these cookies! They are seriously some of the best I have ever made and I get asked for the recipe by anyone who tried them!

Appetizer

  • Hawaiian Meatballs– These are perfect for grazing since they can sit in the slow cooker and make a very hearty appetizer.

Meal Plan – Week 122

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Cheesy Lasagna Skillet  – All the great flavor of Lasagna with none of the work! Best part is each person can customize how they want to eat it so it is perfect for families with special dietary needs or even picky eaters!
    • Sides:
      • Pasta– Use regular or a healthy alternative like zoodles or spaghetti squash!
      • Garlic Bread– Nothing better to go with lasagna, and this is the BEST recipe.
      • Sautéed Spinach– Quick and delicious side to get some veggies in!

Friday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad– This is absolutely the best summer recipe. It is light but hearty and will keep you full. You can eat it right away or take it in a container on the go. And it is a great way to get even picky eaters to enjoy salad!
  • Dessert – Peanut Butter Swirl Bars– These are a retro recipe we have been making in my family for my whole life! They have a tender light peanut butter bar with the perfect swirl of rich chocolate going through them.

Appetizer

  • Loaded Taco Dip– We can’t ever get enough of this! It is always the first thing gone at the party!

Meal Plan – Week 121

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Mango Salsa Chicken– This dish is our family’s ALL TIME FAVORITE summer recipe. As soon as the weather warms up this goes on the menu and repeats all summer long! Even if it isn’t quite as warm as you want yet, this one will at least have you feeling like it!
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Cheesy Taco Skillet– One pan FAST dinner that everyone loves. The best part is that each person can customize their plate just how they like it!
  • Side Dish:
    • Bases– Shredded lettuce, tortillas, chips, rice, etc
    • Toppings – Tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, diced olives, shredded cheese, jalapeno ranch, etc!

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Sauce–  This is one of those meals that feels fancy, but really is just too easy! Transform a basic pork tenderloin into a flavor-packed tender, juicy cut drizzled in a mouth-watering garlic sauce, using every day ingredients and just one pan!
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: BBQ Chicken Casserole  – Comfort food at its finest! This dish gets rave reviews from readers and might be the EASIEST recipe of all time!
    • Sides:
      • Garlic Bread– Get the flavor of french fries in these oven baked potatoes!
      • Broccoli Bacon Ranch Salad– These are great to snack on before the main meal or give a little extra wholesome boost to the dinner.

Friday

Appetizer

  • Homemade Blender Salsa- This is another recipe I like to make in a big batch at the beginning of summer and let the kids eat on it whenever they are hungry.

Meal Plan – Week 120

Monday

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Crockpot Green Chile Chicken– This easy slow cooker meal is packed with flavor. I like to serve it “burrito bowl” style but you can use it in tacos, burritos, nachos, etc.
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Cajun Butter Steak– This recipe has a little kick, but it is OH SO GOOD. Fast to make and packed with flavor, you might eat every last crumb of this meal. Bonus- I love to make wraps, salads, and on the go meals if there are any leftovers.
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Big Mac Skillet  – Best way to have take out without the take out! This dish gives you all the flavor of a Big Mac, but made in a skillet at home in minutes. You can eat it as a salad (like me!) or on a bun (like my kids) so it is customizable for each person.
    • Sides:
      • Garlic Smashed Potatoes– Get the flavor of french fries in these oven baked potatoes!
      • Veggies and Ranch– These are great to snack on before the main meal or give a little extra wholesome boost to the dinner.

Friday

  • Main Dish: Loaded Chicken Cobb Salad– This loaded salad has all the good stuff! Layers of chicken, bacon, and tons of veggies. It is hearty enough to get you full, but light enough not to weigh you down. I also love it if you are feeding a crowd because you can make a big platter easily and it looks super pretty!
    • Side:
  • Dessert – Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bakes- I absolutely crave these when it has been too long. I love the rich flavor combined with the chewy texture of the oatmeal. So irresistible!

Appetizer

  • Layered Greek Dip– My all time favorite summer dip. I could eat this stuff all day every day.

Meal Plan – Week 119

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Crock Pot Thai Pork– This dish is one of my husband’s favorites! It is the perfect dump and go recipe to switch up the dinner rut and get some new and exciting flavors on the table. Bonus- This recipe has the best leftover ideas!
  • Side Dish:
    • Jasmine rice- You can make plain white rice, or do cilantro lime rice for more flavor.
    • Sriracha Slaw– This has a kick but I LOVE it served with the pork! 

Tuesday

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Thai Pork Wraps-  Use leftovers from Monday to make this easy and very delicious meal (plus it is great on the go!) Spread mayo on a large flatbread or tortilla. Add leftover pork, then top with pickled veggies such as radishes, carrots, or cucumbers. Add shredded cabbage for crunch. Garnish with cilantro and spicy mayo if desired.
  • Side Dish:
    • Potato Chips– good when you need a meal fast!
    • Edamame- These are healthy, portable, and can be bought in the freezer section of almost any store!

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Baked Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner  – This dinner has it all on one baking sheet. Tender garlic parmesan coated chicken, lots of fresh veggies, and of course lots of flavor!

Friday

  • Main Dish: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad– This stuff is SO GOOD and so easy to make! It is the perfect cool and easy meal for warmer weather. It is perfect to make a big batch so you can eat and snack on it all weekend long!
  • Dessert – Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies- These are absolutely to-die-for! They are a no fail recipe for super thick, soft, luxurious chocolate chip cookies!

Appetizer

  • LOADED Taco Dip– Is it a dip? Is it a meal? It is up to you!

Week 118 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Healthy Baked Chicken Tenders– These are a staple at our house! They have all the delicious flavor of tender, white meat chicken tenders, but are baked to make them lighter and more wholesome. And did I mention they are DELICIOUS!?
  • Side Dish:
    • Roasted Potato Wedges – These are a light & easy way to serve “french fries” with your chicken tenders.
    • 4 Bean Curried Quinoa Salad– This salad is a summer favorite! It is packed with flavor and so easy to make! Plus, the leftovers make great lunches all week.

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Burrito Skillet– We LOVE this one skillet meal! It packs in so much flavor in a kid-pleasing, easy to make dinner.
  • Side Dish:
    • Chips and dip – Corn Salsa, guacamole, and jalapeno ranch are some of our favorites!
    • Tortillas – My kids like to pile it on a tortilla. I just like it in a bowl. It is up to you!

Wednesday

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad – Probably my personal favorite dinner, this simple meal idea takes the flavors of a caesar salad and packs it full of protein and pasta to make it extra hearty! My son doesn’t care for salad usually, but he even enjoys this one!
    • Sides:

Friday

  • Main Dish: One Pan Teriyaki Beef and Rice– This meal is delicious and even quicker than take out on Friday night! All those delicious Asian style flavors packed in fast and easy to clean up one pot meal.
    • Side:
  • Dessert – Magic Cookie Bars– These classic bars have layer upon layer of deliciousness baked right in!

Appetizer

  • Italian Tortellini Salad– This is perfect to start any meal. It is a hearty salad filled with tender tortellini, veggies, and an irresistible dressing.

Week 117 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Italian Chicken Pasta– This crowd pleasing pasta dish is filled with tender pan seared chicken and a creamy red sauce. Kids and and adults will agree it is SO GOOD!
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Jalapeno Popper Chicken–  If you love Outback, you will LOVE this recipe! If you haven’t had Alice Springs Chicken, you are in for a treat.
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Big Mac Skillet  – Comfort food without the guilt! This dish gives you all the flavor of a Big Mac, but made in a skillet at home in minutes. You can eat it as a salad (like me!) or on a bun (like my kids) so it is customizable for each person.
    • Sides:
      • Oven Baked Potato Wedges– Get the flavor of french fries in these oven baked potatoes!
      • Veggies and Ranch– These are great to snack on before the main meal or give a little extra wholesome boost to the dinner.

Friday

  • Main Dish: Caprese Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner– Deliciosu fresh flavors all made super simple on just one sheet pan. This one might make the regular rotaion!
    • Side:
      • Rice
  • Dessert – Caramel Snickerdoodles– If you love Snickerdoodles, these take it up another delicious notch. They are a MUST TRY!

Appetizer

  • Mexican Style Spinach Dip– This dip is super cheesy, extra creamy, packs in lots of spinach and is made extra delicious with a zesty twist!

Week 116 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Hawaiian Chicken– Perfect for spring weather, this dish brings in sweet and tangy flavors and couldn’t be easier!
  • Side Dish:
    • White rice – I like to serve the chicken right on top.
    • Broccoli Cauliflower Salad- Simple, easy to make, and leftovers make a great lunch throughout the week.

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Beef Enchilada Skillet– All the flavor of beef enchiladas with less time and less mess! What I love most though is that each family member can serve this just how they like it with no extra effort.
  • Side Dish:
    • Sides/toppings – Tortillas, shredded lettuce, black olives, pico de gallo, tortilla chips, sour cream, etc
    • Crock Pot Black Beans – So much flavor and usually enough to freeze for later!

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Baked Chicken Parmesan–  This is my EASY go to way to make chicken parmesan in the oven. It is light, loved by everyone in the family, and SO DELICIOUS!
  • Side Dish:
    • Pasta w alfredo sauce– My cheater alfredo sauce on pasta is my son’s absolute favorite way to have this meal!
    • Baked Garlic Veggies– Made EASY the classic way. Simple and delicious!

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Steak Fried Rice  – This recipe always gets awesome reviews from readers. It has the trifecta for dinner… easy + family friendly + delicious!
    • Sides:
      • Sauce– A drizzle of yum yum sauce for mild or a drizzle of spicy mayo if you like a kick! Adding the creamy sauce on top really takes it to the next level!
      • Sriracha Slaw– I love to add some extra veggies to the meal with this super simple sriracha coleslaw. I like mine right on top, but my husband eats it on the side.

Friday

  • Main Dish: Baked Chicken Parm Subs– Use the leftovers from Wednesday to start this easy Friday meal. Split sub rolls and spread with butter and garlic salt. Broil for 3-5 min or until they are crispy and browned around the edges. Layer on the leftover chicken parm with additional sauce and cheese if desired, then bake at 350 until everything is heated through and the cheese is melted.
  • Dessert – Peanut butter Pretzel Brownies- These start with a mix and have the BEST combo of flavors! SO CRAZY GOOD!

Appetizer

Week 115 Meal Plan

MONDAY

  • Main Dish: – Baked Buffalo Chicken Nuggets– This wholesome twist on a classic is not only delicious, but can be made super quick for s busy night. The whole family wins when it is chicken nugget night! (check out the leftover recipes at the bottom of the post too!! YUM!)
  • Side Dish:
    • Veggies and dip – Celery, carrots and cucumbers are a perfect match. Have ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing or both for dipping!
    • Garlic Smashed Potatoes– My absolute favorite way to eat potatoes. 

TUESDAY

  • Main Dish: Loaded Taco Salad– This is one of my favorite dinners. My oldest doesn’t love salad so we do the same thing as a wrap for him.
  • Side Dish:

WEDNESDAY

  • Main Dish: Chicken Pomodoro–  This quick one skillet meal is super fast, but you actually make the most delicious sauce from scratch! It is hard to believe something SO DELICIOUS could be so easy.
  • Side Dish:
    • Pasta– I like to toss it with a little butter, garlic salt, and parmesan
    • Baked Asparagus– The classic way. Simple and delicious!

THURSDAY

  • Main Dish: Southwest Pork Chops – These are not only super delicious, but when served with a scoop of mango salsa and some cilantro lime rice, it is an over the top delicious meal.
    • Sides:
      • Mango Salsa– Get the flavor of french fries in these oven baked potatoes!
      • Cilantro lime rice– These are great to snack on before the main meal or give a little extra wholesome boost to the dinner.

FRIDAY

  • Main Dish: Hawaiian Steak– Use your favorite cut with this marinade. We got this recipe from one of our favorite little restaurants we used to frequent when we were young and stationed in the middle of nowhere. It was SO GOOD!
  • Dessert – Cinnamon Swirl Cake– The bonus on this one is that it doubles as breakfast!

APPETIZER

  • Spinach + Feta Dip– This cold dip is perfect for making ahead and snacking on with friends or family. It goes well with veggies, crackers and pita chips.

Week 114 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Mozzarella Chicken– This dish xxxxxxxx.
  • Side Dish:
    • Pesto Roasted Vegetables – These are fast and oh, so delicious.
    • Pasta- We like angel hair or penne pasta 

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Tex-Mex Chicken Fajitas- This marinade is a family favorite and can be made on the grill, or in a skillet.
  • Side Dish:
    • Side salad – Top it with this amazing jalapeno ranch dressing
    • Mexican Rice – Tastes just like your fav Mexican restaurant!

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Best Alice Springs Chicken-  If you love Outback, you will LOVE this recipe! If you haven’t had Alice Springs Chicken, you are in for a treat.
  • Side Dish:
    • Mashed Potatoes– This recipe is super simple and extra creamy
    • Baked Asparagus- The classic way. Simple and delicious!

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Big Mac Skillet  – Comfort food without the guilt! This dish gives you all the flavor of a Big Mac, but made in a skillet at home in minutes. You can eat it as a salad (like me!) or on a bun (like my kids) so it is customizable for each person.
    • Sides:
      • Garlic Smashed Potatoes– Get the flavor of french fries in these oven baked potatoes!
      • Veggies and Ranch– These are great to snack on before the main meal or give a little extra wholesome boost to the dinner.

Friday

  • Main Dish: Honey Mustard Chicken Wraps– Use the leftovers from Tuesday to start this easy Friday meal. Grab your favorite wrap and layer the chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and drizzle with honey mustard.
    • Side:
      • Chips
      • Fruit Salad- Fresh, simple, and delicious.
  • Dessert – Caramel Snickerdoodles- If you love Snickerdoodles, these take it up another delicious notch. They are a MUST TRY!

Appetizer

  • Green Chile Cheddar Dip- Grab these with a bag of chips and you have the beginning of a delicious day.

Week 114 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Italian Sausage Tortellini Skillet– Packed with cheesy tortellini, savory sausage, wholesome veggies, and a rich red sauce, this quick and easy dinner is loaded with all the good stuff AND so quick and easy to make.
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Crock Pot Green Chile Chicken– This highly rated creamy dreamy green chile chicken couldn’t be easier! Just dump, cook, mix, ENJOY!
  • Side Dish:
    • Cilantro Lime Rice – My favorite way to serve it is scooped over rice! Then add any/all the toppings!
    • Toppings – Sour cream, pico de gallo, shredded cheese, guacamole and crushed chips are all favorites!

Wednesday

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Saucy Stuffed Peppers  – This recipe has been a a great way to get my family to fall in love with peppers! The familiar taste of the saucy meat mixture combined with the tender, sweet peppers makes a winning combo.

Friday

  • Main Dish: Sundried Tomato Turkey Wraps– This super flavorful wrap can be made with or without turkey for a light and easy dinner. Not only is it delicious but these look so impressive!
  • Dessert – Lemon Meltaway Cookies– These have been one of the most popular recipes on my site for a long time! They are light, brightly flavored, and just melt in your mouth!

Appetizer

  • Marinated Mozzarella– Especially perfect for spring, this light snacking cheese is marinated in garlic and fresh herbs for an amazingly delicious treat!

Week 113 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Brown Butter Tortellini– This is a great recipe because it is quick and yummy. But, even better if you have leftover Easter ham! Just cube it up and add it right in!
  • Side Dish:
    • No Yeast Dinner Rolls– These take less than 30 minutes and make the most delicious, fluffy, buttery roll!
    • Side salad with Balsamic dressing– This dressing is 100%% worth the 5 minutes it takes to make!
    • Antipasto Salad– This is a great salad to pair with the dish because it is hearty and compliments the flavors well! 

Tuesday

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: – Mozzarella Chicken– This dish is a personal favorite! If you love Italian food, it is definitely a must try. Best part? It is so quick and easy even though the sauce is made from scratch!
  • Side Dish:Pesto Roasted Vegetables – These are fast and oh, so delicious.
  • Garlic Bread– This recipe is irresistible! 

Thursday

Friday

  • Main Dish: Hawaiian Style Steak– Use your favorite cut of steak in this marinade for a wonderful twist on the classic grilled steak.
    • Side:
      • Broccoli Slaw– This healthy side is packed with so many great flavors it is hard to stop eating!
      • Crispy Brussels Sprouts- There is just something about the crispy edges on these that makes the whole family love them.
  • Dessert – White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies– Nothing pairs better with that Hawaiian Steak, than this delicious cookie!

Appetizer

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

Week 112 Meal Plan

Monday

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Mexican Style Shredded Beef– This crocck pot reccipe is great for making burrito bowls, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, you name it! Quick and easy with the slow cooker this is perfect for mid week meal.
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Tuscan Garlic Chicken–  This dish has been a reader favorite for YEARS! With tender chicken, lots of veggies and Italian cheeses, it doesn’t get much more delicious than this!
  • Side Dish:
    • Garlic Bread– our family favorite recipe
    • Pasta- Do classic pasta or a lighter option like spaghetti squash or zoodles.

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Mexican Beef Casserole– Using leftovers from Tuesday, mix shredded beef with prepared rice, black beans, canned chopped green chiles and cream cheese. Spread in a casserole dish and top with cheese and crumbled tortilla chips. Bake at 350˚F for 20-30 minutes until the casserole is heated through and the topping is crispy. .
    • Sides:
      • Side salad – make a simple side salad and pair it with this Jalapeno ranch. It is so good the kids may even eat salad!
      • Chips and Salsa– my kids think they hit the jackpot when we get chips and salsa with our dinner (and so do I, ha!)

Friday

Appetizer

  • Greek Layered Dip– Grab these with a bag of pita chips for one of the most surprisingly delicious appetizers ever!

Week 111 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet– Packed with family friendly flavors, this dish is a crowd pleaser, but the best part is that it can be ready in as little as 20 minutes!
  • Side Dish:
    • Ranch Smashed Potatoes – These are one of my favorite ways to make potatoes. They give you the french fry feel but are baked instead.
    • Easy Oven Roasted Vegetables– This vegetable medley can be baked quick and easy for a delicious veggie rich side to serve with this meal. 

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas– This one pan wonder meal is requested by my kids weekly. This is the easiest version of my tried and true chicken fajita recipe.
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Baked Feta Chicken–  This is a protein packed way to try the viral Tiktok recipe that has been selling grocery stores out of ingredients.
  • Side Dish:
    • Mashed Potatoes– This recipe is super simple and extra creamy
    • Sautéed Spinach– I like to serve the chicken right on top of a bed of spinach. The flavors go together so well and it makes for a super wholesome meal.

Thursday

Friday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Fajita Nachos– 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 chicken fajitas (and veggies) and more cheese. Bake at 425˚F for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and nachos are heated through. Top with sour cream, guacamole and pico de gallo.
  • Dessert – Smores Magic Cookie Bars– I can’t wait to try this recipe from my friend Lisa at Simple Joy!

Appetizer

  • Cajun Chicken Dip– This is one of my husband’s all time favorite apps! It is creamy, packed with flavor, and made hearty with chopped chicken. Serve with yellow corn tortilla chips for an grazing appetizer that you can’t stop eating!

Week 110 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Italian Beef Casserole– This dish is loaded with flavorful ground beef, tender rice, veggies and topped with cheese. Perfect for a busy night and leftovers make for easy lunches!
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Fajita Casserole– This one pan wonder meal is quick to put together and REALLY, REALLY, tasty!! With tender chicken, bell peppers, onions, and rice all baked to bubbly in a creamy fajita sauce, this is one everyone in the family devours!
  • Side Dish:
    • Mexican Roasted Veggies – This is such a great (and easy!) way to add some extra veggies on the plate and they go perfectly with this meal.
    • Chips– My kids love to crumble them over top and use them to scoop up bites of the casserole.

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Instant Pot Chicken Chili–  My go to recipe for a quick and easy chicken chili!
  • Side Dish:
    • Toppings– Our favorites are sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and diced avocado.

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Chili Pie  – A perfect night 2 dish for leftover chili! This recipe makes eating leftovers lots of fun! What kid doesn’t want to eat pie for dinner?!
    • Sides:
      • Side salad– serve it up with a little side of this cilantro ranch. SO YUM!

Friday

  • Main Dish: Cast Iron Garlic Strip Steak– I once heard cast iron steak called “the original fast food.” This is so true! Steak may be “fancy,” but it is actually super quick and easy to make a really great steak!
  • Dessert – Lemon Cheesecake Cream Pie– This no bake fresh lemon pie wants it to be spring just as much as we do!

Appetizer

  • Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs– These are great as an appetizer, snack, or even a grazing type meal. I always get rave reviews when this recipe is served!

Week 109 Meal Plan

Monday

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: BBQ Pulled Pork– This easy crock pot recipe just keeps giving and giving, as you can use leftovers to make some pretty delicious lunches or dinners later in the week.
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Thai Style Chicken–  This Thai style chicken is made easy in the crock pot. With tender chicken, sweet peppers, and a delicious combination of asian flavors, this dish is a family favorite!
  • Side Dish:
    • Jasmine Rice– This recipe is super simple and extra creamy
    • Toppings- chopped cilantro, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, spicy Japanese mayo or yum yum sauce, chopped peanuts

Thursday

  • Main Dish: BBQ Pork Pizza  – On a pre-made pizza crust, spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce. Dollop the shredded pork over the top, then top with shredded cheese (I like cheddar or colby jack) Add your choice of thinly sliced red onions or chopped red bell pepper. Then drizzle more BBQ sauce over the top and bake per crust directions.

Friday

Appetizer

Week 108 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Catalina Chicken– I was skeptical when someone gave me this recipe, but it is SO GOOD! Plus only 5 ingredients and one dish to make it. For those curious, it has kind of a sweet and savory taste like BBQ sauce (but different!) Make sure to let me know (in the comments) if you try it!
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Cheesy Beef Enchilada Skillet– I serve this in tortillas for the kids and as bowls for my husband and me. This gets great reviews not only from my fam, but many readers too!
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Parmesan Casserole–  All the flavor of the original in casserole form, so it is a quick, easy and family friendly meal.
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Beef Enchilada Nachos  – Make classic or “lighter” pepper nachos with the leftovers from Tuesday. Cut mini sweet peppers in half and remove the seeds and stems. Stuff each pepper full of the ground beef mixture. and top with cheese. Bake at 425˚F until the cheese is melted, the meat is heated through, and the pepper is softening.
    • Sides:
      • Toppings– Top with sour cream, guacamole and salsa fresca.
      • If you have any leftover rice and beans, you can heat those up too!

Friday

  • Main Dish: BBQ Chicken Drumsticks– My kids ask for these over and over again! I like to make a double batch to have extra for them to eat through the weekend.
  • Dessert – Texas Sheet Cake– I love this because it is WAY easier than a regular cake, but every bit as delicious!

Appetizer

  • Mexican Style Spinach Dip– Not your same old boring spinach dip. This one is LOADED with zesty flavors and is heaven with a bag of chips!

Week 107 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Chicken Pomodoro– Quick and easy but feels kinda fancy. This dinner is filled with tender chicken smothered in a tender roasted garlicky tomato sauce… all made in about 20 minutes!
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: LOADED Beef Enchilada Soup– Made with ground beef, tomatoes, corn, black beans and a velvety enchilada broth, this one pot soup has been on repeat at our house!
  • Side Dish:

Wednesday

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Big Mac Skillet  – Comfort food without the guilt! This dish gives you all the flavor of a Big Mac, but made in a skillet at home in minutes. You can eat it as a salad (like me!) or on a bun (like my kids) so it is customizable for each person.
    • Sides:
      • Garlic Smashed Potatoes– Get the flavor of french fries in these oven baked potatoes!
      • Cajun Vegetables– These are great to pack in the flavor and get your veggies in! They do have a little kick to make them extra delicious!

Friday

  • Main Dish: Monterey Chicken– Tender Chicken layered with BBQ sauce, bacon and cheese…. Hope you weren’t planning on left overs! This is so good, it usually gets devoured no matter how much I make!
  • Dessert – No Bake Cookies– My favorite for when I am really craving chocolate!

Appetizer

Week 106 Meal Plan

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Chicken Quesadillas  – Use leftovers from Tuesday to pack between tortillas and cheese for a super quick family-friendly meal. You can pack in leftovers of black beans if you have those too!

Friday

Appetizer

  • Layered Greek Dip– Grab these with a bag of pita chips and snack on this all weekend long.

Week 105 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta– Your family may not even believe you made this because it tastes just like a restaurant! The best part though, is that it only takes 20 minutes and a few pantry staples to make!
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Mexi Beef and Rice Skillet– All the flavor, in a family approved quick cooking dish!.
  • Side Dish:
    • Black beans – or refried if your family prefers
    • Mexican Veggies – these are fast and I LOVE using them in leftovers (if you have any!)

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Southwest Bone In Pork Chops–  If you love Outback, you will LOVE this recipe! If you haven’t had Alice Springs Chicken, you are in for a treat.
  • Side Dish:
    • Mango Salsa– Serve a scoop right on top of the pork chop
    • Cilantro lime rice– Put the pork chop right on top with the salsa. Get a bite of all 3 and it is HEAVEN!!

Thursday

Friday

  • Main Dish: Southwest Ranch Pork Quesadillas – Use the leftovers from WEDNESDAY to start this easy Friday meal.  Chop leftover pork chops. Place over half of a large tortilla. Add chicken, shredded cheese, and your choice of corn, black beans, and drained diced green chiles. Melt butter over medium heat, and once the skillet is hot, fold the tortilla in half and grill until golden brown on each side. Serve with ranch for dipping.
  • Dessert – Chewy Chocolate Brownies– If you haven’t made brownies from scratch… now is the time, and these are some of the best!

FOOTBALL FOOD & Appetizers

Week 104 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Crispy Panko Chicken with Honey Drizzle– This is one of my husband’s personal favorites! Tender chicken, crispy seasoned panko bread crumbs and a sweet honey drizzle make this recipe so easy but SO GOOD!
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Baked Chicken Fajitas- One of the all time reader favorites on my site, this is the EASIEST way to make chicken fajitas!
  • Side Dish:
    • Refried beans – change it to black, or pinto if preferred
    • Mexican Rice – Tastes just like your fav Mexican restaurant!

Wednesday

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Teriyaki Beef Skillet  – This 20 minute meal combines ground beef with, rice, broccoli, and veggies and all simmers in a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce.
    • Sides:
      • Spicy Sriracha Coleslaw– This is a perfect flavor compliment and tastes even better with leftovers the next day!

Friday

  • Main Dish: Fajita Chicken Nachos– Use the leftovers from Tuesday to start this easy Friday meal. Chop up the chicken and peppers. Grab a sheet pan and layer on chips, cheese, and the chopped chicken fajitas. Optional: Add sweet corn, black beans, chopped red pepper or onion. Bake at 425˚F for 8 minutes.
  • Dessert – No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake– Don’t have time to heat up the oven? No problem! This is equally easy and delicious!

Appetizer

Week 103 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Bacon Ranch Chicken Chili– You will not believe how GOOD this tastes and how EASY it is to make! Your chili has just leveled up!
  • Side Dish:
    • Buttermilk Cornbread – Love this classic buttermilk style recipe.
    • Toppings- Sour Cream, green onions, cilantro, diced avocado, etc.

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: AMAZING Turkey Tacos– This is our go-to recipe for tacos. It packs in so much flavor with just a few minutes of time. We love it so much, I always make extra so we can have leftovers!
  • Side Dish:
    • Mexican Roasted Vegetables – Perfect side to give the meal a nutritious and delicious boost! Also add leftovers to wraps and omelets for a yummy twist.
    • Mexican Rice – Tastes just like your fav Mexican restaurant!

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: Cast Iron Steak-  Steak may sound fancy for a Wednesday, but it is really the original fast food! This can go from fridge to fork in as little as 10 minutes!
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Classic Taco Salad  – Use leftovers from Tuesday to make this drool-worthy salad. You can feel good about eating it since it is loaded with veggies, but it is also, hearty and super filling!

Friday

Appetizer

  • Veggies and homemade ranch– Perfect for grazing or watching the big game, if you haven’t tried homemade ranch, you haven’t lived.

Week 102 Meal Plan

Monday

Tuesday

  • Main Dish: Chili Ranch Chicken Skillet- This dinner can be ready in as little as 15 minutes and is a family favorite!
  • Side Dish:
    • Cilantro Lime Rice – the perfect side for this chicken
    • Corn Salsa – Tastes just like chipotle, and is amazing layered on top of the chicken!
    • Cornbread – This little cornbread hack is our favorite way to eat it!

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: One Pan Teriyaki Beef-  Quick, easy and full of protein, veggies, rice, and delicious Asian flavors! Since it is all in one pan, the only thing I add is a little sauce to drizzle on top. My favorites are below!
  • Side Dish:

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Creamy BBQ Chicken  – This is a fun twist on a classic crock pot meal. The BBQ gives s tangy flavor and the creaminess gives it a richness that makes an irresistible combo!
    • Sides:
      • Garlic Smashed Potatoes– Get the flavor of french fries in these oven baked potatoes!
      • Corn on the cob– easy and classic.

Friday

  • Main Dish: BBQ Chicken Nachos– My kids personal favorite meal! This uses leftovers from Thursday. Grab a sheet pan and layer it with chips, cheese, BBQ chicken, corn, and black beans, then another drizzle of BBQ sauce. Bake at 425˚F for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
  • Dessert – Peanut Butter Cookies– I’m told these are the best… let me know if you agree!

Appetizer

  • LOADED Taco Dip– All the best flavors loaded up for a super hearty dip that can double as lunch!

Week 101 Meal Plan

Monday

  • Main Dish: – Green Chile Pork Chops– So good and SO quick! These pork chops are smothered in a creamy green chile sauce and baked to tender perfection.
  • Side Dish:

Tuesday

Wednesday

  • Main Dish: 7 Layer Taco Casserole–  If you love seven layer dip, you will be a big fan of this dinner! Seven luscious layers of Mexican favorites, layered up into the perfect casserole! YUM!
  • Side Dish:
    • Mexican Roasted Veggies– This recipe is super simple and adds a great
    • Tortillas- We like extra for scooping up all the goodness!

Thursday

  • Main Dish: Slow Cooker 15 Bean Soup  – This is the best comfort food! You can use leftover ham if you still have it in the fridge or freezer, or another meat. This soup cooks low and slow for an incredible amount of flavor and is PACKED with protein and fiber!
    • Sides:
      • Garlic Bread– Our favorite recipe!
      • Side salad– If you want something extra, you can add a side salad. I like to pair this soup with salad topped with homemade ranch. It is quick to make and SO WORTH IT.

Friday

  • Main Dish: Greek Chicken Flatbreads– Make this with leftovers from Tuesday! Spread a flatbread (like naan) with a thin coat of olive oil and a smear of garlic. Top with a sprinkle of mozzarella and feta cheese then top with chopped leftover chicken and veggies. Bake at 425˚F for 8-12 minutes or until heated through.
    • Side:
      • Veggies and dip
  • Dessert – Oatmeal Raisin Cookies- These cookies are so good! They regularly get 5 star reviews like this one from Krista “Love this recipe. Oatmeal raisin is my Hubby’s favorite. I am always on the lookout for a recipe that makes really soft cookies the way he likes. Search over. These turned out great. My cookie snob, oatmeal hating Daughter ever liked them! Score. Thanks!!” TRY THEM ASAP!!

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