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: Rotisserie Chicken
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Sunday: Slow-Cooker Butter Chicken
This slow-cooker butter chicken recipe is similar to the Middle Eastern version I had in Malaysia. I spent several years there eating a variety of Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian food. Butter chicken was one of my favorite dishes while I was there! —Shannon Copley, Upper Arlington, Ohio
Monday: Chicken Ranch Mac & Cheese
Prep once and feed the family twice when you double this chicken mac and cheese and freeze half of it. I created it for people I love most, using ingredients they love best. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Tuesday: Chicken & Bean Chili
Chili Time is any time you want to make a hungry crowd happy. This creamy chili is a must at my soup party every year. —Theresa Baehr, Williamsburg, Michigan
Wednesday: Favorite Sloppy Joes
I've prepared these sandwiches for years. I've tried many sloppy joe recipes, but this one is the best by far. It also travels well for picnics or potlucks. —Eleanor Mielke, Snohomish, Washington
Thursday: One-Dish Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
I'm still settling into married life and learning how to balance our busy schedules. This quick one-dish ground turkey sweet potato skillet helps keep us on track throughout the week. —Shannon Barden, Alpharetta, Georgia
Friday: Steak Stir-Fry
No one would guess this elegant entree is a snap to prepare at the last minute. To save even more prep time, use frozen mixed veggies instead of fresh. Sometimes I substitute chicken, chicken bouillon and curry for the beef, beef bouillon and ginger. —Janis Plourde, Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario
Saturday: Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin
My husband and I think this roasted pork tenderloin tastes like a fancy restaurant dish, but it couldn’t be simpler to make at home. The maple-mustard glaze makes it extra special. It's a modification of a recipe we first tasted at a friend's house. —Colleen Mercier, Salmon Arm, British Columbia. Find more 7-day meal plans here.Last Week's Plan: Fall Flavors
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Sunday: Pumpkin Lasagna
I especially like this comforting fall dish because it's vegetarian. Even friends who aren't big fans of pumpkin are surprised by this delectable lasagna. Canned pumpkin and no-cook noodles make it a cinch to prepare. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama
Monday: Cinnamon-Apple Pork Chops
When I found these pork chops and apples recipe online years ago, it quickly became a favorite. The ingredients are easy to keep on hand, and the one-pan cleanup is a bonus. —Christina Price, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Tuesday: Cheeseburger Soup
A local restaurant serves a similar cheeseburger soup but wouldn't share its recipe with me. So I developed my own, modifying a recipe for potato soup. I was really pleased with the way this all-American treat turned out. —Joanie Shawhan, Madison, Wisconsin
Wednesday: Inside-Out Stuffed Cabbage
Preparing stuffed cabbage rolls can be time-consuming, but this version with butternut squash has the classic flavors —and it’s table ready in just 30 minutes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Thursday: Spicy Roasted Sausage, Potatoes and Peppers
I love to share my cooking, and this hearty meal-in-one has gotten a savory reputation around town. People have actually approached me in public to ask for the recipe. —Laurie Sledge, Brandon, Mississippi
Friday: Pretzel-Coated Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets with a crushed pretzel crust have a guaranteed wow factor. Have them as a quick weeknight supper or serve 'em as a party app. —Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New Jersey
Saturday: Squash & Chicken Stew
We created a satisfying stew that’s nutritious, loaded with flavor and family-friendly. Slowly simmer chicken thighs with stewed tomatoes, butternut squash, green peppers and onion for meal-in-one convenience. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Find more 7-day meal plans here.September 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