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If you are trying to get dinner on the table without the nightly scramble, 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 these plans 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.
Looking to get ahead or need more ideas? Browse all my weekly meal plans or come say hi on my about page
To see EACH RECIPE post, CLICK ON the PHOTO BELOW
This Week’s Tips for Success
Monday: Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Meal Prep Tip: Season the pork the night before so it can sit in the fridge and soak up flavor, then just load the crock pot in the morning. Save some of the cooking liquid to pour back over the meat when you shred it so it stays juicy.
Customization: Serve it plain and let everyone add their own sauce, or turn leftovers into loaded baked potatoes or quick tacos later in the week.
Tuesday: Cheesy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Meal Prep Tip: Dice the peppers and mince the garlic ahead of time so this comes together even faster. Keep the lid on while the rice simmers so it cooks through evenly.
Customization: Swap in ground turkey for a lighter version, or stir in a can of corn or black beans for extra bulk.
Wednesday: Hot Chicken Salad Casserole
Meal Prep Tip: This one is great to assemble a day ahead. Just hold off on adding the crunchy topping until right before it goes in the oven so it stays nice and crisp.
Customization: Use rotisserie chicken to save time, and leave out the water chestnuts if you have picky eaters at the table.
Thursday: Kentucky Hot Brown
Meal Prep Tip: Cook the bacon and make the sauce ahead of time and keep them separate in the fridge. Wait to assemble the sandwiches until you are ready to eat since they do not hold up well once put together.
Customization: No turkey on hand? Sliced deli turkey or leftover roasted chicken works in a pinch.
Friday: Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
Meal Prep Tip: Brown the beef, mix the sauce a day ahead, and store it in the fridge; then just layer and bake when you are ready. Keep the tater tots in a single layer on top so they get nice and crispy.
Customization: Add extra pickles or a drizzle of sauce on top after baking for even more of that classic flavor.
Dessert: Cake Brownies
Meal Prep Tip: Let these cool completely before slicing, or they will fall apart on you. A wooden pick should come out clean when they are done, usually right around the 30-minute mark.
Customization: Stir in chocolate chips for extra gooeyness, or top with chopped pecans the moment they come out of the oven.
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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Enjoy Every Bite and Happy Cooking!
