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Save yourself some time, money and stress by using this FREE Meal Plan that is full of amazing recipes. Each plan includes 5 dinner ideas, 2 side dishes, 1 dessert and a shopping list making meal planning easier than ever!!
WEEKLY MEAL PLAN #42
Each week, I share with you a FREE meal plan that consists of 5 dinner ideas (Monday-Thursday plus one Weekend meal), 2 side dishes, and 1 dessert!
Included is a grocery list with EVERY ingredient you need for all the items on the meal plan.
This is meant to help simplify menu planning, shopping, and cooking so you can more easily enjoy meals with your family throughout the week!
TIP OF THE WEEK
Fun fact! Did you know that eggplant is actually a type of fruit?
When picking out the pretty purple fruit for this week’s Eggplant Parmesan, look for eggplants that have smooth shiny skin. You can tell if it is ripe when you lightly press your finger on the skin it will leave an imprint. Also, smaller eggplants tend to be less bitter than larger ones.
Another pro tip! You’ll want to salt the eggplant as directed in the recipe. Why? Because the salt draws out the bitter juices. You’ll love this cheesy, vegetarian dish!!
BENEFITS OF MEAL PLANNING
There’s nothing worse than the dread every time a family members asks, “What’s for dinner??” And your answer is “I have no clue.” Having a meal plan for the week eliminates that completely, which is the number one benefit in my book!
Besides having a game plan in place, there are several other benefits of meal planning, including:
- Cost: When you have a plan set in place, and a specific list of groceries, you eliminate cost wasted on impulse items or produce that never gets used.
- Decrease Waste: No wasted money, and no wasted food! Having a set grocery list will help to avoid both of those issues.
- Variety: Our meal plans specifically include a lot of variety, with Mexican, Italian, Breakfast for Dinner, and so much more! You can expose your family’s palates to all kinds of meals.
- No Indecision: Did you know there’s such thing as “indecision fatigue”? The idea is that when you can’t make a decision on something (like what to make for dinner) it actually makes you mentally fatigued. When dinners are already planned out, though, you avoid indecision completely!
- Health: When you plan for/anticipate making well-rounded meals, you’re much more likely to actually make them rather than defaulting to convenient boxed meals, or unhealthy fast food!
As you can see, there are so many benefits to meal planning!
And if you want to create your own menu, be sure to check out all our recipes and visit our recipe pages, including: Main Dish, Side Dishes, Desserts, Appetizers and Breakfast!
Monday
carnitas tacos
Tender pulled pork makes up these delicious carnitas tacos! These tacos are super flavorful and really easy to make for dinner with the help of a crock pot.
We like to serve these on Homemade Flour Tortillas, and top it off with Pico de Gallo, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or some Homemade Salsa!
Tuesday
Eggplant Parmesan
Delicious baked eggplant parmesan is made with crispy coated eggplant slices smothered in cheese and marinara. This easy dish is sure to be loved by all!
You can use your favorite store-bought marinara sauce, or try our recipe for Homemade Marinara! And be sure to check out the tip of the week on picking out the best egg plants!
wednesday
Whole Wheat Pancakes
Tender & fluffy whole wheat pancakes are filled with grains and goodness. They are delicious and whip up in only 10 minutes!
Don’t forget to top off these healthy pancakes with some fresh fruit, and some homemade Buttermilk Syrup.
Thursday
Croque Monsieur
Croque Monsieur is not your typical ham and cheese sandwich! It has a dijon mustard spread, an egg coating, and is baked or fried into a hot and melty dish.
I like to serve this dish with simple/light veggie or fruit side. Easy Fruit Salad or Roasted Broccoli do just the trick!
Weekend
Best Chicken Marinade
This easy chicken marinade is the BEST way to marinate chicken breasts before grilling or cooking. It makes the meat juicy, tender, and so flavorful!
Both sides of the week, Green Bean Casserole with Bacon and Garlic Red Mashed Potatoes, are great additions to this chicken dish.
Sides of the week
Our Top Two Choices
Green Bean Casserole with Bacon is a yummy, classic side and with bacon, it’s takes it to another level. We love that this side is great for any holiday and perfect for bacon lovers.
If you’re not a fan of bacon, you can always try our original recipe for classic Green Bean Casserole, or try the crock pot version for easy prep!
Creamy Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes are packed full of flavor. They are a great side dish to any meal and are loved by all.
If you love red potatoes, but don’t want them mashed, you could also try Oven Roasted Red Potatoes, Brown Sugar Glazed Red Potatoes, or Parmesan Potatoes.
Dessert of the WEek
Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
Delicious Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies (AKA Peanut Butter Blossoms) are soft, chewy peanut butter cookies topped with a tasty Hershey’s Kiss! Everyone LOVES this yummy, simple cookie recipe.
For more Peanut Butter Cookies, try:
- Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
- Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
- Peanut Butter M&M Cookies
- Mini Peanut Butter Cookies
Download the Meal Plan!
Click the link below to download this week’s FREE Meal Plan!
And remember – if you want to create your own menu, be sure to check out all our recipes and visit our recipe pages, including: Main Dish, Side Dishes, Desserts, Appetizers and Breakfast!
Click HEre to Download the pdf!
