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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: Instant Pot Meatballs and Gravy
Meal Prep Tip: This one starts with frozen meatballs straight from the bag, so there is almost no prep at all. Just make sure you have a bag in the freezer, and you are basically already ready for Monday night.
Customization: Serve over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. All three work beautifully with that rich brown gravy.
Tuesday: Creamy Mexican Spinach (Espinaca)
Customization: Dial the heat up or down by adjusting the chipotle in adobo. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice and add more to taste. Serve as a dip with chips, a side dish, or a topping over nachos or baked potatoes. I get a baked chicken or rotisserie chicken from my grocery store to serve with it. Sometimes I add in into the casserole or you can serve it along side it.
Wednesday: Alfredo Sauce
Meal Prep Tip: Freshly grated Parmesan makes a real difference here. Take a few minutes the night before to grate your cheese and mince your garlic so Wednesday night comes together fast.
Customization: Toss with fettuccine for a classic dinner, or add grilled chicken, shrimp, or steamed broccoli to make it a full meal.
Thursday: Tomato Tart with Puff Pastry
Meal Prep Tip: Mix the ricotta filling and store it in the fridge a day ahead. If your tomatoes are extra juicy, blot them with a paper towel before topping the tarts to keep the pastry from getting soggy.
Customization: Use whatever ripe tomatoes you have on hand. Cherry tomatoes, heirlooms, or a mix of colors all work great and make the tarts look beautiful.
Friday: Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
Meal Prep Tip: Slice your steak and saute your peppers, onions, and mushrooms the night before. Use shaved steak, and it comes together in minutes. Store them in the fridge, and Friday night assembly takes about 10 minutes.
Customization: Use ribeye for the most tender, flavorful result, but sirloin or even shaved steak from the freezer works great. Swap provolone for mozzarella or use a blend depending on what you have on hand.
Dessert: Banana Split Ice Cream
Meal Prep Tip: This is a no-churn recipe, so make it a day or two ahead and let it freeze solid overnight. It’s ready whenever you are.
Customization: Top it with your favorites. Chocolate sauce, peanuts, cherries, whipped cream, and pineapple topping. It’s a banana split, so pile it on!
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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