Feeling stressed every afternoon when dinnertime rolls around? If that's you, then this family meal plan with help to lighten your load and simplify the evening hours!
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Who Needs A Meal Plan?
Creating a family meal plan might be helpful for you if...
- You find yourself stressfully or frantically throwing dinner together every night.
- It feels like a huge mental load to figure out what to cook for dinner.
- Staying organized and writing out lists is something that you enjoy.
- Members of your family are often wondering what's for dinner this week and you need something to point them to for clarity.
- The late afternoon/evening hours are often busy for your family.
- You'd like to save money on groceries and quit buying excess ingredients that never get used.
There's many reasons why someone may want to create a family meal plan, but ultimately it comes down to this: a meal plan is meant to simplify your life.
I usually sit down for 5-10 minutes either Saturday or Sunday afternoon to write out my meal plan. All I do is look at what ingredients I already have in my fridge and pantry. Then, I come up with simple recipes I can make with those and create a grocery list of things I'll need to buy. It's that easy!
*Do you want a free printable meal plan? Let us know in the comments, we'd love to create one for you!
Your Family Meal Plan
Here's 10 easy and healthy family friendly dinner recipes for you to use in your family meal plan over the next two weeks. The plan includes 5 recipes for 5 nights of the week with 2 nights left open for leftovers!
Meal #1: Crockpot Salisbury Steak
Let the crockpot do the work with this crockpot salisbury steak recipe! It's a hearty meal, commonly known as "poor man's steak," and so delicious. Mashed potatoes and a serving of steamed broccoli complete this dish.
Meal #2: 30 Minute One Pan Chicken Feta Pasta
Save yourself the task of washing loads of dishes by making this one pan chicken feta pasta. You'll love the burst of flavor that this meal has to offer. Plus, it hits protein, carbs and veggies all in one. Round out the meal with a homemade caesar salad.
Meal #3: Easy Beef Stew Recipe In The Crockpot
Beef stew in the crockpot is a well loved recipe in our home, especially when we eat it with homemade no knead bread or a freshly baked loaf of sourdough bread (my favorite recipe from Little Spoon Farm)! Investing in a crockpot is a must for homemakers, too. Here's an affordable crockpot from Amazon!
Meal #4: The Best Salmon Patties With Homemade Sauce
These salmon patties are a delicious, budget friendly dinner! They're made with simple ingredients and pantry staples. Roasted red skin potatoes would be the perfect side dish for this recipe.
Meal #5: Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers Recipe
In just a little over 30 minutes you can have a high protein, nutrient dense meal on the table! These ground beef stuffed peppers are incredibly easy to assemble and use simple ingredients you most likely already have on hand.
Week Two Recipes
Meal #1: Easy Sheet Pan Chicken And Veggies
Sheet pan meals like this one save you so much time and energy! You only need one pan to make these chicken and veggies. Plus, the oven will do most of the work, leaving you with a healthy supper to enjoy. Pairing it with a red cabbage and apple salad sounds great!
Meal #2: Juicy and Flavorful Bacon Meatloaf
Meatloaf is another classic, well-loved dish in our home. Topping the meatloaf with bacon adds an extra depth of flavor that you don't want to miss out on. It's also a really easy recipe to prep the night before or morning of and store in the fridge until you're ready to cook!
Meal #3: Best Roasted Butternut Squash Tortellini With Sausage And Kale
Perfect for pumpkin season, this roasted butternut squash tortellini is cozy, filling, and tasty all in one! Utilize the abundance of butternut squash and kale you may have in your garden or at a local stand this time of year.
Meal #4: The Best Cheesy Hamburger Helper
A classic twist on the beloved boxed tv dinner. Our version is healthier without sacrificing the cheesy goodness you know and love. Pair this dish with a light quinoa cucumber salad!
Meal #5: Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
Bone in chicken thighs are so juicy and full of flavor! You'll love how the skin gets very crispy but the chicken is pull apart tender. Steamed carrots and stovetop white rice make the perfect well rounded meal along with this main dish!
Love These Recipes?!
Let us know which recipe in this family meal plan was your favorite! Also, don't forget to save this post to Pinterest and follow along for more easy dinner recipes.
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