Meal planning makes grocery shopping and weeknight dinners less hectic, and we could all use a little less stress in our lives. If you’re new to meal planning or just need some new inspiration, our weekly meal plans are a great place to start.
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Check out the Expert’s Guide to Meal Planning for tons more plans, recipes and tips that’ll keep you organized.
This Week's Plan: Meals Made with Kitchen Appliances
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Sunday: Pressure-Cooker Beef Carnitas
I came up with this recipe while cleaning out my refrigerator and trying to figure out what I could do with a pot roast that had been in the freezer. I LOVE how easy this is.—Ann Piscitelli, Nokomis, Florida
Monday: Grilled Lemon Chicken Kabobs
When I see Meyer lemons in the store, it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
Tuesday: Slow Cooker Thai Chicken
These very tender and moist chicken thighs come with a tangy peanut butter sauce that is irresistible. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Wednesday: Hash Brown Waffles with Fried Eggs
Refrigerated hash brown potatoes will help you make quick work of these crunchy waffles. Put out lots of toppings so everyone can design their own. —Nancy Judd, Alpine, Utah
Thursday: Microwave Meat Loaf
I combined a few great-tasting meatloaf recipes to create this flavorful 15-minute version, which my husband loves. And because it's made in the microwave, the entree is perfect for busy nights. For an extra boost, I flavor the meatloaf with onion soup mix.—Deb Thompson, Lincoln, Nebraska
Friday: Blender Butternut Squash Soup
My hearty soup uses herbs and vegetables from the garden along with convenient pantry items, so it’s easy, fast and mostly fresh. Your family will devour it. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Saturday: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
I took all of the components of a loaded baked potato—cheddar, potato, bacon, sour cream and chives—and turned it into my latest quick and easy dish. Every kid will love these air-fryer chicken tenders! —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida Find more 7-day meal plans here.Last Week's Plan: Cozy September Dinners
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Sunday: Grampa’s German-Style Pot Roast
Grampa was of German heritage and loved the old-world recipes given to him by his mother. I made a few changes to give this recipe an updated flavor and to use my slow cooker instead of the oven. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Monday: Apple-Topped Ham Steak
Sweet apples combine nicely with tangy mustard in this dish to create a luscious topping for skillet-fried ham steak. I especially like to serve this to guests in fall. —Eleanor Chore, Athena, Oregon
Tuesday: Pressure-Cooker Risotto with Chicken and Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms add an earthy flavor to this creamy classic, while shredded rotisserie chicken makes it a snap to prepare. You'll savor every bite. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Wednesday: Chicken and Swiss Stuffing Bake
I love to cook but just don't have much time. This casserole is both comforting and fast, which makes it my favorite kind of recipe. I serve it with a green salad. —Jena Coffey, Sunset Hills, Missouri
Thursday: Rigatoni with Sausage & Peas
With a tomato-y meat sauce and tangy goat cheese, this weeknight wonder is my version of comfort food. You want to have bowl after bowl. —Lizzie Munro, Brooklyn, New York
Friday: Slow-Cooker Meatball Sandwiches
Our approach to meatball sandwiches is a simple one: Cook the meatballs low and slow, load them into hoagie buns, and top with provolone and pepperoncini. —Stacie Nicholls, Spring Creek, Nevada
Saturday: Fish and Fries
For an awesome crunch and golden color without deep frying, we coat fish with cornflake crumbs and bake it. Try it with homemade french fries for a fun spin on fish and chips. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado Find more 7-day meal plans here.August Meal Plans
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Next up: How to Stock Your Pantry According to Our Kitchen Expert
The post Your Weekly Meal Planner appeared first on Taste of Home.
Emily Racette Parulski