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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This Week's Plan: 10 Recipes with 10 Ingredients
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From budget to prep time, there are a lot of factors that go into meal planning. That's why we've done the dirty work for you and put together a no-frills meal plan that relies on 10 core ingredients, plus a few pantry staples. You'll get 7 delicious dinner ideas, plus 3 tasty sides. Here's what you'll need: Groceries:
- Salsa (You could make your own homemade salsa, too!)
- Rice
- Cheese
- Avocados
- Frozen corn
- Tortillas
- Pork chops
- Ground beef
- Enchilada sauce
- Baking potatoes
- Lemon juice
- Canola oil
- Dijon mustard
- Bread crumbs
- Salt
- Pepper
- Taco seasoning (Make your own with spice cabinet staples.)
Enchilada Casserole
Every time I serve this dish, I get satisfied reviews—even from my father, who usually doesn't like Mexican food. Plus, it smells delicious while baking. —Nancy VanderVeer, Knoxville, Iowa Ingredients: Ground beef, enchilada sauce, salsa, tortillas, frozen corn, cheese
Salsa Corn
All you'll need for this corn salsa recipe is corn and pico de gallo—a simple and effective solution for last-minute guests. —Danielle Lee, Sewickley, Pennsylvania Ingredients: Frozen corn, salsa
Taco Baked Potatoes
Stuffed with your favorite fixin's, this taco baked potato recipe is an easy meal in one. Make it vegetarian by using smashed black beans instead of ground beef. —Anne Ormond, Dover, New Hampshire Ingredients: Baking potatoes, ground beef, taco seasoning, water, salt, pepper, salsa, cheese, avocado
Simple Guacamole
Because avocados can brown quickly, it’s best to make this guacamole just before serving. If you have to make it a little in advance, place the avocado pit in the guacamole until ready to serve. —Heidi Main, Anchorage, AK Ingredients: Avocados, lemon juice, salsa, salt
Special Pork Chops
I work 9 hours a day, so I need delicious and simple recipes like this one. My husband thinks I work hard fixing meals, but these chops are good and easy. In summer, I can my own salsa and use some to top these chops.—LaDane Wilson, Alexander City, Alabama Ingredients: Pork chops, canola oil, salsa
Smothered Burritos
My brother-in-law teased that I only knew five ground beef recipes. I proved him wrong with my inventive spicy burritos. —Kim Kenyon, Greenwood, Missouri Ingredients: Enchilada sauce, salsa, ground beef, tortillas, cheese
Dijon Pork Chops
A crumb coating is all you need to turn pork chops into a wow-worthy family dinner. Try the breading on chicken breasts, too. —Chris Rentmeister, Ripon, Wisconsin Ingredients: Dijon mustard, pork chops, bread crumbs, pepper
Salsa Rice
It's a snap to change the spice level in this popular rice side dish by choosing a milder or hotter salsa. It's a delicious way to round out burritos or tacos when the clock is ticking. —Molly Ingle, Canton, North Carolina Ingredients: Water, salsa, rice, cheese
Beef 'n' Rice Enchiladas
When there are young children in the house, you want foods that are a snap to prepare. Loaded with ground beef, cheese and a flavorful rice mix, these enchiladas fit the bill. But they’re so good that I make them to serve to company, too. —Jennifer Smith, Colona, Illinois Ingredients: Rice, ground beef, enchilada sauce, tortillas, cheese
Cheesy Quesadillas
We serve these quesadillas as chili dippers or load them up with salsa and sour cream for a super starter. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado Ingredients: Tortillas, cheese, salsaLast Week's Plan: Fall Casseroles
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Sunday: Cabbage Roll Casserole
I layer cabbage with tomato sauce and ground beef lasagna-style to create a hearty casserole that tastes like cabbage rolls but without all the work. —Doreen Martin, Kitimat, British Columbia
Monday: Effortless Black Bean Chili
My mom found the inspiration for this chili in a slow-cooker cookbook. After a few updates, all of us love it (even those of us who steer clear of beans). We think it's even better served over rice. —Amelia Gormley, Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Tuesday: Tater Tot Casseroles
Ground beef, sausage and cheese make this tater tot casserole with green beans a crowd-pleaser. Cayenne pepper and hot Italian sausage give it a pleasant kick. —Ryan Jones, Chillicothe, Illinois
Wednesday: Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Salad
My mom made the best salads, and that's where my love for them started. I’ve turned her side salads into awesome meals with protein, veggies, nuts and cranberries. —Lindsay Tanner, Cathedral City, California
Thursday: Asian Ramen Shrimp Soup
This ramen noodle recipe makes a quick dinner with shrimp and carrots. This is delicious and so quick to fix. —Donna Hellinger, Lorain, Ohio
Friday: Pizza Ring
Mom made a ring with chicken and broccoli one night. I said I’d rather have pizza. That’s how this recipe was born! —Tricia Richardson, Springdale, Arkansas
Saturday: Roast Pork with Apples & Onions
The sweetness of the apples and onions nicely complements the roast pork. With its crisp skin and melt-in-your-mouth flavor, this is my family's favorite weekend dinner. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia Find more 7-day meal plans here.October Meal Plans
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August Meal Plans
July Meal Plans
June Meal Plans
May Meal Plans
April Meal Plans
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