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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.
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: Beef Ragu
Meal Prep Tip: The beef simmers low and slow in the slow cooker, so this is a great one to load up in the morning and forget about. It also tastes even better the next day, so leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch.
Customization: Serve it over pappardelle like we do, but it is just as good over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes if that is what you have on hand.
Tuesday: Honey Garlic Chicken
Meal Prep Tip: This one comes together in under 30 minutes, so it is perfect for a night when you need dinner done fast. Cook the chicken bites ahead in the air fryer or oven and just toss them in the sauce right before serving.
Customization: Add a pinch more red pepper flakes if your crew likes a little heat, or leave them out entirely for the kids. We love it over white rice.
Wednesday: Classic Meatloaf
Meal Prep Tip: Mix everything up the night before and keep it covered in the fridge so all you have to do is pop it in the oven. Just be careful not to overmix the meat or it can turn out dense.
Customization: Round it out with instant pot mashed potatoes and green beans, or keep it lighter with a simple garden salad.
Thursday: Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
Meal Prep Tip: You can mix the creamy chicken filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge, but hold off on the cracker topping until right before baking so it stays crisp and buttery.
Customization: No poppy seeds on hand? Leave them out, the buttery cracker topping still does all the heavy lifting.
Friday: Mummy Meatball Crescent Bites
Meal Prep Tip: These come together in about 15 minutes in the air fryer, so save this one for a night when everyone is running in different directions. Great for a casual dinner alongside a simple side salad or veggie tray.
Customization: Swap in your favorite marinara for dipping, or let the kids help place the olive eyes for a fun little activity before dinner.
Dessert: Halloween Peanut Butter Brownies with Eyeballs
Meal Prep Tip: Bake the brownies a day ahead and let them cool completely before decorating, this way the ganache sets up nice and clean.
Customization: Use whatever Halloween candy you have on hand or leftover from all the parties of the season, chopped chocolate bars or peanut butter cups work great on top too.
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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