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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: Easy Creamed Hamburger Gravy
Meal Prep Tip: This one comes together in under 20 minutes, so it’s best made fresh. The drippings from the beef are what make that gravy rich and flavorful, so skip the make-ahead on this one.
Customization: Serve over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, biscuits, or toast, depending on what sounds good that night.
Tuesday: Ground Beef Doritos Casserole
Meal Prep Tip: Brown and season the beef the night before and refrigerate. When you get home, layer and bake.
Customization: Set out toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and jalapeños so everyone can build their own bowl.
Wednesday: Salmon Patties
Meal Prep Tip: Mix and shape the patties ahead of time, then refrigerate for up to a day. Chilling them before frying helps them hold together and get that golden crust.
Customization: Swap the saltines for Ritz crackers for a slightly richer flavor, or add a little diced onion if you like a bit of texture.
Thursday: Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Meal Prep Tip: Assemble this the night before and refrigerate. Pull it out in the morning and bake when you’re ready.
Customization: Use sausage, bacon, or diced ham, depending on what you have. Sharp cheddar or a blend both work great here.
Friday: Pizza Pasta Bake
Meal Prep Tip: Cook the pasta and brown any meat ahead of time. Assemble and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready for dinner.
Customization: Use your favorite pizza toppings to make it your own. Pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives all work well.
Dessert: Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
Meal Prep Tip: Make this at least a few hours ahead or the night before so it has time to set up in the freezer.
Customization: Use whatever fresh berries look best at the store. Blueberries or raspberries would be just as delicious layered in here.
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 ?
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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…
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Enjoy Every Bite and Happy Cooking!
