Another week – another meal plan. Meal planning is one of my favorite organizational tips and something that genuinely helps me manage my time and my grocery budget. I hope you enjoy this week’s menu and pick up a new idea or two.
Sunday: Beef Chimichangas, Crockpot Refried Beans, Fruit Salad
Being a pastor’s family, we are normally all exhausted on Sunday evenings, and typically don’t have a big meal. However, we had my parents over for dinner last Sunday. First try making chimichangas and love my tried and true crockpot beans.
Monday: Salmon, Quinoa, Orange Jello
Our neighbor was kind enough to bless us with a fresh-caught salmon – and it was delicious! I kept it simple with just a bit of lemon. This was our first time having quinoa. We all decided that it tasted okay, but we weren’t crazy about the texture.
Tuesday: Ravioli with Homemade Marinara, Applesauce, Banana Bread Muffins
I never said all my meals were classy. =) My husband works late on Tuesday nights, so the kids and I keep it simple and eat foods my husband isn’t crazy about. Would I normally serve banana bread with pasta? No. However, my daughter baked a batch on her own from start to finish, and we just couldn’t resist trying it. *I totally used frozen ravioli! Give yourself permission to “cheat” once in awhile! You’re busy! It’s okay!!
Wednesday: Crockpot Italian Chicken, “Souper” Rice
It doesn’t get any easier than this chicken – and if you cook it for just about 3 hours, it stays so moist and juicy. The rice dish was ok….just a tad on the salty side.
Thursday: Out to Dinner
Every year my family heads to beautiful Hood River, Oregon and travels on the “Fruit Loop.” It’s a series of 20 or so farms and fruit stands. We get just about the best apples you’ll ever taste and have a blast together. It’s one of my favorite fall traditions. We always stop for dinner on the way home.
Friday: Cranberry Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Homemade Crescent Rolls, Sliced Apples, Death by Chocolate Bundt Cake, Quick Apple Crisp
Yep. TWO desserts. Some of our friends were going through a hard time, so we invited them over to sit around the fire and enjoy the quiet of the country. It wasn’t super quiet once the 7 kids we have between us got together, but at least I fed them a lot of dessert! =)
Saturday: Chicken Burgers and Tots
We brought it back to the elementary school cafeteria with this one. It was so nice to have a simple-to-make dinner that we could eat while watching the Buckeyes take on Penn State. I love to top my chicken burger with American cheese (‘cuz America..), pickles, ketchup, and mustard!
Need more menu planning ideas? Check out my Weekly Menu Archives!