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. Looking to get ahead or need more ideas? Browse all my weekly meal plans or come say hi on my about page.
Long weekend energy is in the air, and honestly, that is the perfect excuse to fire something up outside before the season really starts winding down. This week gives you one foot in cookout mode and one foot in cozy comfort food, so no matter which day of the week it is, dinner has you covered.
Grab the grocery list, get the extra day off to your advantage, and let’s get into it.
To see EACH RECIPE post, CLICK ON the PHOTO BELOW
This Week’s Tips for Success
Monday: Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil (If you want to grill on Monday for Labor Day -swap Tuesday’s meal)
Meal Prep Tip: The staged cooking is what makes this work. Potatoes go in first, then sausage and corn, then shrimp last so nothing overcooks. Give everything room on the pan so it roasts instead of steams.
Customization: Swap the Old Bay for Cajun seasoning if you want more heat, or choose andouille over kielbasa for a smokier bite.
Tuesday: Best Grilled Chicken Marinade (This works indoor on a grill pan too)
Meal Prep Tip: Set aside a portion of the marinade before it touches raw chicken so you have a clean batch for basting or a quick sauce later. Aim for 4 to 6 hours in the fridge for the best flavor.
Customization: This marinade works just as well on pork. Simmer the reserved portion down into a glaze to drizzle over the top before serving.
Wednesday: Mini BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf
Meal Prep Tip: Mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing is what makes meatloaf tough, and going mini already cuts the cook time in half.
Customization: No chili sauce on hand? Ketchup works in a pinch, and any BBQ sauce you already love is perfect for the glaze on top.
Thursday: Clam Chowder
Meal Prep Tip: This one is even better made a day ahead and reheated gently on the stove. If you like it extra thick, let it simmer a little longer or mash a few potatoes right in the pot.
Customization: Swap the bacon for salt pork for a more traditional flavor, or add an extra can of clams if you like a clammier bowl.
Friday: Crock Pot Country Steak with Gravy
Meal Prep Tip: Cook on low, not high, for the most tender result. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry about 30 minutes before serving to thicken up that gravy.
Customization: Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles, whatever you are in the mood to soak up gravy with.
Dessert: Strawberry Pizza
Meal Prep Tip: Let the cookie crust cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer, or it will melt right off.
Customization: Mix in other fresh berries along with the strawberries, or add a drizzle of chocolate for something extra sweet.
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
My Signature Fall Dinner Dishes!
FREE EMAIL BONUS: My greatest hits: bold, cozy, and brag-worthy.n
Enjoy Every Bite and Happy Cooking!
