Make-Ahead Meals for an Easy Week!

Welcome to the Weekly Meal Planner! Whether you work all day and are out of steam when the dinner hour hits, or are fresh out of ideas and in a cooking rut, we are here to make your life easier.

The fall is a busy time for everyone! This week’s meal planner features some simple one dish recipes that can be made ahead of time for easy weeknight dinners.

Also, enjoy a comfort food classic for your family’s Sunday supper – Drop Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie! Plus, don’t miss our no-bake dessert fake-outs that are fool-proof. Trust us.

Don’t know what to cook? Need help with a recipe? Feel free to ask us in the comments, on Facebook, or on Twitter.

Meatless Monday

Lunch: The childhood cafeteria classic goes vegetarian: Sloppy Veg-Head Joe is even better than the original.

Dinner: Polenta Vegetable Lasagna is a fun and unique twist on the classic Italian favorite.

Snack: Served warm, Everything Roasted Nuts are addictively delicious.

Tuesday

Lunch: White Minestrone with Fennel and Sausage is a hearty soup that’s perfect for brown bagging.

Dinner: Prepare this Make-Ahead Paella Casserole over the weekend and heat and eat tonight for a weeknight dinner that’s a breeze!

Snack: Try subbing your favorite veggies in Roasted Veggie Dip – a fabulous dipper or sandwich spread.

Wednesday

Lunch: Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is a satisfying and healthy lunch or dinner.

Dinner: Asian Barbecued Chicken Stir Fry with Peanuts and Rice is an all-in-one dish full of flavor. Pro tip: Have all of your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking because the meal comes together in minutes. Also, omit the nuts if you need to – the dish is still delish.

Dessert: The healthy, homemade apple cranberry sauce in Cranberry Sauce over Pound Cake A la Mode  would be delicious over ice cream or on its own!

Thursday

Lunch: Little ones will have fun helping make Chicken or Turkey Quesadillas Suizas (Pizzas). Pro tip: This method works with any toppings your family likes. 

Dinner: Chicken and Rice Pilaf Skillet Supper is a family-friendly one pot meal that you will make again and again.

Snack: Cracked Corn and Cheese Squares couldn’t be easier.

Friday

Lunch: More over deli roast beef sandwich. Roast Beef Salad transforms a favorite sandwich meat into a fabulous main course salad.

Dinner: Take advantage of warm temps while you still can and enjoy a summery meal al fresco, Gazpacho with Grilled Peel and Eat Shrimp. Pro tip: The gazpacho can be made up to a few days in advance. 

Dessert: No springform pan or water bath needed for this cheesecake recipe. Cheesecake Bars are no-fuss deliciousness.

Entertaining Saturday

Brunch: The secret ingredient in Spinach-Artichoke Waffles is the Boursin cheese in the batter that provides an herby flavor. Pro tip: This would be a fabulous lunch, too!

Dinner: Treat your guests to a super healthy and elegant meal tonight with Tuna Steaks with Raw Puttanesca Sauce.

Appetizer: Green Gobble-’Ems Garlic Bread Chunks are a tasty alternative to garlic bread.

Family Sunday

Brunch: Feed a crowd on a budget with this healthy brunch casserole. Panzanella Strata is sure to please.

Dinner: Enjoy a comfort food classic for Sunday Supper. Drop Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie is stick-to-your-ribs good. Pro tip: Make your own poached chicken (it’s easy – we promise!).

Dessert: Top off the weekend with a fun dessert fake-out: Elephant Ears with Caramel Dipping Sauce. No baking required!