This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
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.
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: Air Fryer Meatballs
Meal Prep Tip: Mix and shape the meatballs up to 24 hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge, then just air fry when you are ready for dinner.
Customization: Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or stir in a handful of shredded cheese for extra richness.
Tuesday: Mexican Chopped Salad
Meal Prep Tip: Roast the poblanos and make the cilantro lime vinaigrette a day or two in advance. Keep the dressing chilled and let it sit out about 30 minutes before serving.
Customization: Add grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this into a full meal, or swap in cotija if that is what you have on hand.
Wednesday: Balsamic Chicken
Meal Prep Tip: The sauce comes together right in the same skillet you cooked the chicken in, so there is no need to dirty another pan.
Customization: Swap the mozzarella for burrata or top with a handful of fresh basil right before serving.
Thursday: Salmon Bites – Air Fryer
Meal Prep Tip: Pat the salmon completely dry before seasoning so the panko crisps up instead of steaming.
Customization: Skip the Bang Bang sauce and go with a simple lemon dill drizzle if you want something lighter.
Friday: French Onion Pot Roast
Meal Prep Tip: Let the onions caramelize low and slow for the full 25 to 30 minutes. Rushing this step means less flavor in the end.
Customization: Serve it over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or with toasted baguette slices for dipping into that rich sauce.
Dessert: Chocolate Chip Cookie Candy Cream Pie
Meal Prep Tip: Use crunchy cookies like Chips Ahoy instead of soft bakery style cookies so the filling holds its shape.
Customization: Swap in whatever M&M colors and sprinkles fit the season, or keep it classic with plain chocolate chips.
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!
Save, Customize & Print This Meal Plan
Click the save button on the recipe card above to save this meal plan directly to your recipe collection. Then access it along with all your saved recipes and meal plans here.
Did you know you can also customize this meal plan, swap out recipes, see nutritional value and print a free shopping list ?
Register for a free account or log in to get started — then follow the steps below!
Customize if needed
Save it, then remove and swap out any recipes that don’t work for you.
Order groceries or print your list
If you’ve made any changes, generate a new shopping list and then order groceries or head to the store.
Learn More About How To…
Don’t forget if you make one of these recipes. I would really appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review on the recipe blog post. This helps others find our recipes, too!
Looking for blank meal planners? You can find them in our subscriber’s library. Don’t miss our past meal plans! Our recipe index offers lots more inspiration for adding to your menu!
My Most Recent Recipes
Enjoy Every Bite and Happy Cooking!








