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If you are trying to get dinner on the table without losing your mind, you are in the right place. Every Thursday, I drop a fresh weekly meal plan with five weeknight dinners, a dessert, and tips to help you prep ahead and make each meal your own. Looking to get ahead or need more ideas? Browse all my weekly meal plans or come say hi on my about page.
These are recipes I actually cook and trust, and I have been putting this plan together every single week for years. New here or a regular, the goal is always the same. Good food, less stress, more time for everything else.
To see EACH RECIPE post, CLICK ON the PHOTO BELOW
This Week’s Tips for Success
Monday: Root Beer Pulled Pork – Slow Cooker
Meal Prep Tip: Apply the rib rub to the pork shoulder the night before and refrigerate it uncovered. The rub will absorb into the meat overnight and give you even more flavor when it hits the slow cooker in the morning.
Customization: Serve it on toasted buns with coleslaw for sandwiches, or pile it over baked potatoes or nachos for a completely different meal with the same batch of meat.
Tuesday: Chicken Enchilada Casserole – Crock Pot
Meal Prep Tip: Cut your corn tortillas into strips the night before and store them in a zip-top bag on the counter. That is one less thing to do when you are assembling the casserole in the morning.
Customization: Use mild enchilada sauce and salsa verde to keep it family-friendly, or add chopped jalapeños and a hotter sauce if your crew likes heat. Top with sour cream, fresh cilantro, or diced avocado right before serving.
Wednesday: Oven Baked Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops
Meal Prep Tip: Mix the Parmesan (if you are using shelf stable), panko, garlic, and spices ahead of time and store in a zip bag or airtight container. If using freshly grated cheese stir it in just before using. When you are ready to cook, just pat the chops dry, rub with olive oil, press on the coating, and bake. Dinner is on the table in about 30 minutes.
Customization: Bone-in or boneless both work here. Bone-in chops take a few extra minutes in the oven, so use a meat thermometer and pull them at 145°F for the juiciest result. I prefer the way boneless pork chops crisp up better.
Thursday: Teriyaki Chicken
Meal Prep Tip: Mix the marinade and add the chicken the night before so it soaks up all that flavor while you sleep. Set aside a separate small portion of the marinade before adding the chicken so you have a clean, safe portion ready to brush on while it cooks.
Customization: Serve over steamed rice with a side of stir-fried or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Chicken thighs work great here too if you prefer a little more richness than breasts. This can be done on the stovetop or the grill.
Friday: Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches
Meal Prep Tip: Get the roast in the slow cooker early in the day so the beef has a full 8 to 10 hours to get tender and juicy. It only takes a few minutes to throw together, and it will be ready and waiting when Friday evening rolls around.
Customization: Pile the beef on hoagie rolls with melted provolone and giardiniera for the classic version. Or skip the bun entirely and serve it over mashed potatoes or rice. For a lower-carb option use cauliflower rice or serve on lettuce wraps.
Each meal plan includes five dinner recipes the whole family will love, with a nice variety to keep things interesting. Add a side dish or salad, and you have a complete meal!
If you are looking for extra sweets to curb that craving, head over to try some of our tasty desserts!
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