And just like that, another school year has come to an end. My two big kids finished up 2nd and 3rd grade this year. In a different state than they started the year! How crazy is that? We started the year in Texas and ended it in Michigan.

The kids adjusted well and made a bunch of new friends. It helps that they had their cousins in their classes too! Oh and we move last month too. So it’s just been all around chaos here.

BUT! Being able to cook in my own kitchen again has calmed me down and helped with the stress of moving. I love being able to knock out a big meal for family and friends. High five for cooking therapy!

A few things to note –

There are 4 weeks of menus below. Each week has 6 main dishes, 2 sides and 1 dessert. Feel free to take recipes from any week and create your own menu plan. These recipes are for here to inspire your own menu plan.

I check all the ingredients and recipes that are gluten free, Keto, Paleo, or Whole30 are marked. I have also marked recipes that use a crock pot or Instant pot or are made using only one pot/pan.

You can also grab a free grocery list and menu planner printable below. Let’s get eating!

Week 1:

• Main dish – Copycat Chick-fil-a nuggets
• Main dish – Chicken schwarma
• Main dish – Original Mississippi roast – Crock pot/Gluten free
• Main dish – Italian steak kebabs – Whole30/Keto/Gluten free/Grill recipe
• Main dish – BLT pizza
• Main dish – Steak taco salad – Whole30/Keto/Gluten free
• Side dish – Roasted tomato Alfredo pasta
• Side dish – Creamy cucumber salad
• Dessert – Grilled pound cake with nectarines

Week 2:

• Main dish – Chicken fajita bowl – Leftover chicken recipe/Gluten free
• Main dish – Slow cooker cabbage rolls – Crock pot recipe
• Main dish – The classic burger – Whole30/Keto/Gluten free
• Main dish – Meatloaf recipe with ketchup – Gluten free
• Main dish – Salsa verde chicken – Crock pot/Gluten free
• Main dish – Skillet lasagna – One pot recipe
• Side dish – Traditional macaroni salad
• Side dish – Creamy pea salad
• Dessert – Key lime slab pie

Week 3:

• Main dish – Easy chicken stir fry – Gluten free
• Main dish – Shrimp boil foil packets – Whole30/Keto/Gluten free/Camping friendly
• Main dish – Chicken taco rice casserole – Leftover chicken recipe
• Main dish – Perfect grilled steak – Whole30/Keto/Gluten free/Grill recipe
• Main dish – BBQ chicken sloppy Joes
• Main dish – Mango shrimp tacos
• Side dish – Watermelon feta salad
• Side dish – Broccoli slaw
• Dessert – Crock pot apple cobbler

Week 4:

• Main dish – Taco pasta salad
• Main dish – Slow cooker Hawaiian chicken – Crock pot
• Main dish – Chicken teriyaki pizza
• Main dish – Crispy fried chicken
• Main dish – Stuffed zucchini boats – Keto/Gluten free
• Main dish – Chicken fajita salad – Leftover chicken recipe
• Side dish – Strawberry spinach salad
• Side dish – Lemon herb cheesy quinoa
• Dessert – No bake frozen strawberry shortcake

The post June Menu Plan appeared first on mom makes dinner.

We have two things that are super exciting this month. First is that we are OFFICIALLY MOVED INTO OUR NEW HOUSE! We got the keys the middle of last month and immediately started painting. We moved in a few days later and are probably 40 percent unpacked.

Of course my kitchen is totally unpacked, but none of the other rooms are totally done yet. That’s ok. We have time. I told Ryon we are NOT moving for a LONG, LONG time.

The second big thing is that Ryon and I celebrate 10 YEARS OF MARRIAGE THIS MONTH! Holy cow. How did that happen SO FAST?! It’s like yesterday that we were celebrating 5 years! Now we are up to TEN! Time flies when you’re having fun!

Enough about us, onto the May menu plan!

A few things to note –

There are 4 weeks of menus below. Each week has 6 main dishes, 2 sides and 1 dessert. Feel free to take recipes from any week and create your own menu plan. These recipes are for here to inspire your own menu plan.

I check all the ingredients and recipes that are gluten free, Keto, Paleo, or Whole30 are marked. I have also marked recipes that use a crock pot or Instant pot or are made using only one pot/pan.

You can also grab a free grocery list and menu planner printable below. Let’s get eating!

Week 1:

• Main dish – Korean beef lettuce wraps – Keto/Gluten free/Whole30
• Main dish – Low Fodmap Chicken Fajitas – Low Fodmap
• Main dish – One Skillet Roast Chicken Adobo – Low Carb/Gluten-Free
• Main dish – Caprese Stuffed Pork Loin Roast – Low Carb/Keto/Gluten-Free
• Main dish – BLT Pizza
• Main dish – Pot roast enchiladas
• Side dish – Avocado Cucumber Tomato Salad
• Side dish – Homemade baked macaroni and cheese
• Dessert – White chocolate puppy chow

Week2:

• Main dish – Mexican skillet casserole – One pan
• Main dish – Steak and vegetable kebabs – Air fryer
• Main dish – Sriracha salmon tacos
• Main dish – Slow cooker ham and potatoes – Slow cooker/Gluten free
• Main dish – Low carb chicken recipe – Keto/Gluten free/Air fryer
• Main dish – Mango shrimp tacos
• Side dish – Italian Grilled Vegetables
• Side dish – Roasted butternut squash salad
• Dessert – Brazilian Carrot Cupcakes

Week 3:

• Main dish – Easy taco salad – Keto/Gluten free
• Main dish – Spinach ricotta manicotti
• Main dish – Quinoa berry salad – Keto/Gluten free
• Main dish – Mexican lasagna
• Main dish – Eggroll in a bowl – Keto/Gluten free/Whole30
• Main dish – Slow cooker green chili enchilada soup – Slow cooker
• Side dish – Oven roasted mushrooms
• Side dish – Creamy cucumber salad
• Dessert – White chocolate and raspberry blondies

Week 4:

• Main dish – Baked mostaccioli
• Main dish – Chicken Parmesan meatballs
• Main dish – Slow cooker whole chicken – Crock pot/Keto/Gluten free/Whole30
• Main dish – Roasted tomato skillet – One pot
• Main dish – Pizza chicken – Low carb/Gluten free
• Main dish – One pot creamy bacon spinach pasta – One pot recipe
• Side dish – Bacon roasted Brussels sprouts
• Side dish – Easy refried beans
• Dessert – Strawberry pie

The post May Menu Plan appeared first on mom makes dinner.

Hey there! Welcome to our April menu plan. This menu is fulllllll of ideas to help you fill out your menu plan. Whether you do a weekly or monthly plan, you are sure to find some new recipes here.

April is a big month in the Grant house – we celebrate Avery’s birthday and this month we are moving into our new house! (!!!!) We have been living with my (super amazing) in-laws while we looked for something up here in Michigan. Surprisingly, not a lot of people like to move in the winter. (It’s not a big surprise to everyone up here, but it was to this Texan.)

But we found our dream home and we can’t wait to move in! I am SOOO excited to have my own kitchen space again. I think I have missed my appliances the most during this transition. That’s not weird, right?! (You don’t have to answer that.)

A few things to note –

There are 4 weeks of menus below. Each week has 6 main dishes, 2 sides and 1 dessert. Feel free to take recipes from any week and create your own menu plan. These recipes are for here to inspire your own menu plan.

I check all the ingredients and recipes that are gluten free, Keto, Paleo, or Whole30 are marked. I have also marked recipes that use a crock pot or Instant pot or are made using only one pot/pan.

You can also grab a free grocery list and menu planner printable below. Let’s get eating!

Week 1:

• Main dish – Rueben in a bowl – Keto/Gluten Free
• Main dish – Crockpot Mexican shredded chicken – Whole3/Keto/Gluten free
• Main dish – Tuna, Olive and Caper Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs
• Main dish – Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Pork Chops & Potatoes
• Main dish – 3 Cheese Beef Pasta Bake
• Main dish – Crispy oven fried chicken
• Side dish – Roasted Radishes
• Side dish – Roasted Potatoes
• Dessert – Lemon and Oil Cakes
• Dessert – Butterfinger Dip with Chocolate Covered Potato Chips

Week 2:

• Main dish – Easy Mozzarella chicken – Keto/Gluten free
• Main dish – Instant pot lamb roast
• Main dish – Home-style Meatloaf Stuffed Poblanos
• Main dish – Hard Rock Cafe Twisted Macaroni & Cheese
• Main dish – Caribbean Jamaican Jerk Fish Tacos
• Main dish – Pizza Ortolana
• Side dish – Asparagus almondine
• Side dish – Mixed Tomato and Halloumi Salad
• Dessert – White chocolate cake batter fudge
• Dessert – Gluten free cookie dough bites

Week 3:

• Main dish – Sausage with peppers and onions
• Main dish – Cheesy Chicken Tostadas
• Main dish – Low Fodmap Portuguese Style Chicken Skewers
• Main dish – One pot spaghetti
• Main dish – Tonkatsu
• Main dish – Slow Cooker Cheese Stuffed Turkey Meatballs
• Side dish – Best cauliflower mashed potatoes
• Side dish – Sicilian Bell Pepper Involtini
• Dessert – Sour Cream Chocolate Bundt Cake
• Dessert – Lemon pound cake

Week 4:

• Main dish – Beef patties with mushroom gravy
• Main dish – Instant pot French dip sandwiches
• Main dish – Easy enchilada casserole
• Main dish – Easy chicken pot pie
• Main dish – Citrus marinated carne asada tacos
• Main dish – Egg roll in a bowl recipe – Whole30/Keto/Gluten free
• Side dish – Pesto Pasta – Vegetarian
• Side dish – Deconstructed Green Bean Bundles
• Dessert – Strawberry cheesecake cups – Keto/Low carb/Gluten free
• Dessert – 3 Layer Magic bars

The post April Menu Plan appeared first on mom makes dinner.

Hey there! Welcome to our March menu plan. This menu is fulllllll of ideas to help you fill out your menu plan. Whether you do a weekly or monthly plan, you are sure to find some new recipes here.

A few things to note –

There are 4 weeks of menus below. Each week has 6 main dishes, 2 sides and 1 dessert. Feel free to take recipes from any week and create your own menu plan. These recipes are for here to inspire your own menu plan.

I check all the ingredients and recipes that are gluten free, Keto, Paleo, or Whole30 are marked. I have also marked recipes that use a crock pot or Instant pot or are made using only one pot/pan.

You can also grab a free grocery list and menu planner printable below. Let’s get eating!

Week 1:

Main dish – Air fryer Mongolian beef – Gluten free/Air fryer recipe

Main dish – Pressure cooker sweet and sour pork – Gluten free/Instant pot

Main dish – Bosnian burek

Main dish – Creamy vegan carrot soup – Vegan/Gluten free

Main dish – Baked crack chicken cups – Keto/Gluten free

Main dish – Italian chicken meatball subs

Side dish – Avocado wedge salad

Side dish – Blistered grape tomatoes

Dessert – Moist carrot cake

Week 2:

Main dish – Skillet shepherds pie – Gluten free

Main dish – Honey soy chicken – Gluten free/Keto/Sheet pan

Main dish – Sticky Chinese 5 spice wings

Main dish – Instant pot lasagna soup – Instant pot

Main dish – Best turkey chili – Gluten free

Main dish – Italian wedding soup – Instant pot

Side dish – Eggless Brazilian cheese bread

Side dish – Air fried asparagus spears

Dessert – Salted caramel brownies

Week 3:

Main dish – Jamaican jerk fish tacos

Main dish – Cheesy chicken broccoli and rice casserole

Main dish – Taco shrimp fajitas – Gluten free/Sheet pan

Main dish – Mushroom soup

Main dish – Chicken thighs with cabbage

Main dish – Baked chicken tacos – Gluten free/Keto/Whole30

Side dish – Baked sweet potato fries

Side dish – Mushroom stuffed portobellos

Dessert – Cinnamon swirl quick bread

Week 4:

Main dish – No peek chicken

Main dish – Healthy beef stroganoff – Crock pot/Gluten free/Keto

Main dish – Sweet and sour chicken stir fry – Gluten free

Main dish – Spiced pork tenderloin – Gluten free/low carb

Main dish – Baked chicken fajitas – Gluten free

Main dish – Turkey lasagna

Side dish – Buffalo cauliflower

Side dish – Tomato basil soup

Dessert – Butterfinger pie

The post March Menu Plan appeared first on mom makes dinner.

Hey there! Welcome to February! We made is past January! Yaaayyy! It’s like we speed through the holiday months and then there are 675 days in January.

But we made it and we are one month closer to summer time! Normally I wouldn’t be in a huge rush for summer but we just moved back up to Michigan and well, it’s cold. You will never, ever hear me complain about a Texas winter, ever.

A few things to note –

There are 4 weeks of menus below. Each week has 6 main dishes, 2 sides and 1 dessert. Feel free to take recipes from any week and create your own menu plan. These recipes are for here to inspire your own menu plan.

I check all the ingredients and recipes that are gluten free, Keto, Paleo, or Whole30 are marked. I have also marked recipes that use a crock pot or Instant pot or are made using only one pot/pan.

You can also grab a free grocery list and menu planner printable below. Let’s get eating!

Week 1:

Main dish – King ranch chicken soup – Crock pot

Main dish – Sheet pan chicken and veggies – One pan/GF/Keto/Whole30

Main dish – Mushroom and mozzarella skillet chicken – Keto/GF/one pan

Main dish – One pot chicken quesadilla pasta – One pot

Main dish – Low Fodmap satay pork meatballs – Low Fodmap/GF

Main dish – Tuscan tortilla vegetable soup – One pot

Side dish – Honey glazed baby carrots

Side dish – Pan fried collard greens

Dessert – Strawberry cream pound cake

Week 2:

Main dish – Weeknight enchiladas

Main dish – Sweet heat chicken kabobs – Keto/GF

Main dish – Pasta with fried zucchini

Main dish – One pot chicken in lime coconut sauce – Keto/GF/one pot

Main dish – Buffalo chicken bread

Main dish – Lobster shrimp mac and cheese

Side dish – Roasted potatoes

Side dish – Asian red cabbage slaw

Dessert – Raspberry chocolate chip bars

Week 3:

Main dish – Skillet lasagna

Main dish – Sheet pan fajitas – Keto/GF/Whole30

Main dish – Minestrone – One pan/GF

Main dish – Buffalo ranch chicken wraps

Main dish – Pork patties with apples

Main dish – Slow cooker pulled pork tenderloin – Crock pot/GF

Side dish – Bacon mac and cheese

Side dish – Parmesan cauliflower

Dessert – Cranberry bliss bars

Week 4:

Main dish – Easy homemade shake and bake chicken

Main dish – Original Mississippi pot roast – Crock pot/GF/Keto

Main dish – Instant pot buffalo chicken sliders – Instant pot

Main dish – Grilled cream cheese stuffed chicken – Keto/GF

Main dish – Spicy chicken salad

Main dish – Chicken enchilada skillet – One pan/Keto/GF

Side dish – Roasted cauliflower

Side dish – Roasted vegetable nachos

Dessert – No bake Nutella tart

The post February Menu Plan appeared first on mom makes dinner.

And just like that – it’s the new year! Are you excited to start a new year of adventures?

I am huge believer in menu planning and I love being able to share my tips and tricks with y’all. If you need help getting started menu planning, check out THIS POST. I break it down and make it easy to get started. No need to fear the menu plan!

A few things to note –

There are 4 weeks of menus below. Each week has 6 main dishes, 2 sides and 1 dessert. Feel free to take recipes from any week and create your own menu plan. These recipes are for here to inspire your own menu plan.

I check all the ingredients and recipes that are gluten free, Keto, Paleo, or Whole30 are marked. I have also marked recipes that use a crock pot or Instant pot or are made using only one pot/pan.

You can also grab a free grocery list and menu planner printable below. Let’s get eating!

Week 1

Main dish – Stove top beef stew – GF option

Main dish – Red beans and rice – Instant pot/GF

Main dish – Shrimp pasta – GF

Main dish – Grilled chicken breasts – Keto/GF/Whole30/Paleo

Main dish – Shrimp coconut fried rice

Main dish – Meatball Marsala

Side dish – Basmati rice – Instant pot

Side dish – Roasted sweet potatoes – GF

Dessert – Chili’s toffee fudge brownie skillet

Week 2

Main dish – Loaded potato and cauliflower soup – Whole30/GF

Main dish – Cheesy chicken enchiladas

Main dish – Mexican chili verde – Keto/GF/Whole30/Paleo

Main dish – Bruschetta turkey sliders

Main dish – Baked cod in cheese sauce

Main dish – Meat pie recipe

Side dish – Buttered potatoes

Side dish – Lemon basil roasted vegetables

Dessert – Chocolate pot de creme – Vegan/Paleo

Week 3

Main dish – Goulash – Paleo/GF

Main dish – Vegetable fajitas – GF

Main dish – Steak taco salad – Keto/GF/Whole30/Paleo

Main dish – French onion burgers and gravy – Instant pot recipe

Main dish – Vegetarian Mediterranean wrap

Main dish – Crock pot Italian Swiss steak – crock pot/GF/Whole30

Side dish – Cheesy garlic bread

Side dish – Spicy cucumber salad

Dessert – Coconut oil brownies

Week 4

Main dish – Pork ribs – Instant pot

Main dish – Easy steak chili – GF/Paleo

Main dish – Chicken orzo spinach skillet

Main dish – Loaded Zuppa Toscana – crock pot/GF

Main dish – BBQ meatballs – Instant pot

Main dish – Chicken taco rice casserole – GF

Side dish – Buffalo cauliflower

Side dish – Parmesan roasted cabbage

Dessert – Tiramisu pound cake

The post January Menu Plan appeared first on mom makes dinner.

Hey there! Welcome to our December menu plan! I had this crazy idea to create a menu for the whole month and y’all seemed to like it too! I rounded up some of my food blogging friends and together we create a monthly menu plan. 

I am huge believer in menu planning and I love being able to share my tips and tricks with y’all. If you need help getting started menu planning, check out THIS POST. I break it down and make it easy to get started. No need to fear the menu plan!

A few things to note –

There are 4 weeks of menus below. Each week has 7 main dishes, 2 sides and 1 dessert. Feel free to take recipes from any week and create your own menu plan. These recipes are for here to inspire your own menu plan.

I check all the ingredients and recipes that are gluten free, Keto, Paleo, or Whole30 are marked. I have also marked recipes that use a crock pot or Instant pot or are made using only one pot/pan.

You can also grab a free grocery list and menu planner printable below. Let’s get eating!

Week 1

Main dish – Sheet pan salmon and asparagus – Keto/Whole30/GF/ Paleo

Main dish – Molasses short ribs

Main dish – Slow cooker salsa verde chicken tacos – GF/Crock pot

Main dish – Chinese sweet and sour pork meatballs

Main dish – Easy steak fajitas – Keto/Whole30/GF/Sheet pan dinner

Main dish – One pot coconut noodle soup – GF/Dairy free

Main dish – Instant pot pot roast – Instant pot/GF

Side dish – Southern corn bread

Side dish – Blistered grape tomatoes

Side dish – Brown butter twice baked sweet potatoes

Dessert – Chocolate turtle cupcakes

Dessert – Slow cooker cinnamon sugar candied almonds

Week 2

Main dish – Pierogi lasagna

Main dish – Meatloaf with brown gravy

Main dish – Turkey noodle casserole – Instant pot recipe

Main dish – Herb rubbed prime rib – GF recipe

Main dish – Spaghetti squash boats – Keto/GF

Main dish – Chili recipe – GF recipe

Main dish – Skillet shepherds pie – GF recipe

Side dish – Garlic herb rolls

Side dish – Crispy edamame

Side dish – Spicy cheddar sausage balls

Dessert – Mint chip sugar cookies

Dessert – Holiday peppermint cake

Week 3

Main dish – Easy chicken stir fry

Main dish – Easy Swedish meatballs

Main dish – Green bean casserole soup – GF recipe

Main dish – Pork fajita bowl – Keto/Whole30/GF/ Paleo

Main dish – Crock pot lemon chicken – Crock pot recipe

Main dish – White Castle casserole

Main dish – Tequila lime shrimp – GF/Keto

Side dish – Ham and cheese baked rice

Side dish – Spicy zucchini noodles

Side dish – Mashed potatoes

Dessert – 3 ingredient chocolate fudge

Dessert

Week 4

Main dish – Pasta bake

Main dish – Easy baked chicken recipe – Keto/Whole30/GF/ Paleo

Main dish – One dish baked salsa chicken casserole – GF recipe

Main dish – Ham mac and cheese – Instant pot recipe

Main dish – Loaded potato baked soup

Main dish – Italian stuffed peppers – GF recipe

Main dish – Instant pot turkey recipe – Instant pot/Keto/Whole30/GF/ Paleo

Side dish – Creamy slow cooker scalloped potatoes

Side dish – Garlic roasted broccoli

Side dish – Baked mac and cheese

Dessert – Chocolate chip cookie bars

Dessert – Caramel stuffed sugar cookies

The post December Menu Plan appeared first on mom makes dinner.

Hey there! Welcome to our November menu plan! I had this crazy idea to create a menu for the whole month and y’all seemed to like it too! Our October menu plan was the first monthly menu plan we did and it was a huge success. 

I am huge believer in menu planning and I love being able to share my tips and tricks with y’all. If you need help getting started menu planning, check out THIS POST. I break it down and make it easy to get started. No need to fear the menu plan!

A few things to note –

There are 4 weeks of menus below. Each week has 7 main dishes, 2 sides and 1 dessert. Feel free to take recipes from any week and create your own menu plan. These recipes are for here to inspire your own menu plan.

Recipes that are gluten free, Keto, Paleo, or Whole30 are marked. I have also marked recipes that use a crock pot or Instant pot or are made using only one pot/pan.

You can also grab a free grocery list and menu planner printable below. Let’s get eating!

Week 1:

Main dish – Korean beef

Main dish – Old fashioned beef vegetable soup – Keto/Whole30/GF/ Paleo

Main dish – Laughing cow stuffed chicken breasts

Main dish – Baked chicken Parmesan – gluten free

Main dish – Smoked beef tenderloin – Keto/Whole30/GF/ Paleo

Main dish – Lamb kofta curry

Main dish – Crock pot chicken tortilla soup – Keto/Whole30/GF/ Paleo

Side dish – Best ever garlic bread

Side dish – Avocado black eyed pea salad – GF recipe

Dessert – Arroz con leche

Week 2:

Main dish – Turkey cranberry sliders

Main dish – Easy chicken Marsala – Crock pot/Keto/GF recipe

Main dish – Instant pot Swiss steak – Instant pot recipe

Main dish – Taco soup recipe

Main dish – Stuffed chicken breasts – Keto/GF recipe

Main dish – Bacon basil tomato pasta

Main dish – Easiest IP beef stew – Instant pot/Paleo/GF recipe

Side dish – Slow cooker mashed potatoes – Crock pot/GF recipe

Side dish – Sheet pan roasted veggies – Keto/Whole30/GF/ Paleo

Dessert – Easy ruby apple pie

Week 3:

Main dish – Chicken enchilada skillet – One pan/GF recipe

Main dish – Cheesy chicken potato soup – Instant pot

Main dish – Buffalo chicken bread

Main dish – Smoked turkey – Keto/Whole30/GF/ Paleo

Main dish – Quick easy shrimp and grits – GF recipe

Main dish – Instant pot beef stroganoff – Instant pot

Main dish – Butter chicken – Keto/GF recipe

Side dish – Maple glazed carrots – GF recipe

Side dish – Brown butter Brussels sprouts – Keto/GF recipe

Dessert – Caramel apple crisp magic cookie bars

Week 4:

Main dish – Instant pot cheeseburger macaroni – Instant pot

Main dish – Corn and potato chowder

Main dish – Skillet lasagna – One pot recipe

Main dish – Crock pot chicken Alfredo – Crock pot recipe

Main dish – Chicken noodle pot pie casserole

Main dish – Instant pot pumpkin soup – Instant pot/Keto/Whole30/GF/ Paleo

Main dish – One pot Brazilian shrimp stew – One pot/GF recipe

Side dish – Crock pot sweet potatoes – Crock pot/GF recipe

Side dish – Oven roasted garlic green beans – Keto/Whole30/GF/ Paleo

Dessert – Hershey chocolate bundt cake

The post November menu plan appeared first on mom makes dinner.

Hey there! I am so excited to share a new feature here at mom makes dinner – a monthly menu plan! In the past I did a weekly menu plan with a group of bloggers and I loved it. I loved being able to share a bunch of yummy recipes ideas with yall. Instead of a week, I am sharing a whole month of menu ideas!

Why?

I fully believe that menu planning is not only a money saver but a sanity saver as well! It’s great for busy weeknights and helps reign me in at the grocery store. I love knowing (or having a general idea) of what I am going to make for dinner that day. That’s why I love sharing a menu plan with yall as well! (Psst.. check out my how to get started with meal planning post HERE.)

A few things to note –

There are 4 weeks of meal plan ideas. Each week has 7 main dish recipes, 3 side dish recipes and 2 dessert recipes. Use whatever recipe you would like for whatever day! Get creative with it and mix it up and make each recipe your own.

Recipes that are gluten free, Keto, Paleo, or Whole30 are marked on the side with italics. I’ve also noted when a recipe is made in the crock pot or Instant pot.

Be sure to grab my free menu printable and grocery planner below so you can jot down your recipes for the week. I hope yall enjoy!

Week 1:

• Main dish – Chicken pot pie soup- one pot dinner
• Main dish –Instant pot beef tips and rice
• Main dish –Taco boats – Keto/Paleo/Whole30/GF recipe
  
• Main dish – Chicken bacon ranch naan pizza
• Main dish – Slow cooker cabbage rolls – crock pot recipe
• Main dish – Chicken enchiladas
• Main dish – Easy steak recipe – oven recipe
• Side dish – Greek pasta salad
• Side dish – How to make corn on the cob – Instant pot recipe
• Side dish – Cauliflower mashed potatoes – Keto/Instant pot recipe
• Dessert – Halloween swirl cream cheese brownies
• Dessert – Chai cheesecake

Week  2 :

• Main dish – Instant pot chicken and rice soup – Instant pot recipe
• Main dish – Pressure cooker Mexican pork – Crock pot or instant pot recipe/Keto friendly
• Main dish – Sheet pan maple Dijon pork – One pan dinner
• Main dish – Cornbread chicken casserole
• Main dish – Sausage bread
• Main dish – Zucchini boat turkey tacos – Keto dinner recipe
• Main dish – One pot chicken lemon rice – One pot dinner
• Side dish – Creamy ranch potatoes
• Side dish – Instant pot carrots – Instant pot recipe
• Side dish – Kale pasta salad
• Dessert – Fried apple cobbler bars
• Dessert – Pumpkin oatmeal chocolate chip cookies

Homemade Ground Beef Meatloaf with Ketchup and Spices

Week 3:

• Main dish – Meatloaf recipe with ketchup – family favorite       
• Main dish – Slow cooker lean pork stroganoff – crock pot dinner/GF friendly
• Main dish – Baked chicken Milanese
• Main dish – Chicken and broccoli stir fry – GF recipe
• Main dish – Salsa verde chicken enchiladas – GF recipe
• Main dish – Copycat KFC chicken recipe
• Main dish – Instant pot salmon – Instant pot/GF/Paleo/Keto recipe
• Side dish – Best potato salad recipe
• Side dish – Garlic tomato green beans – Paleo/Keto/GF/Whole30 side
• Side dish – Roasted mushrooms – Keto/GF side
• Dessert – No bake pumpkin cheesecake pie
• Dessert – Slow cooker baked apples

Week 4:

• Main dish – Traeger prime rib roast – Paleo/Keto/GF/Whole30 recipe
• Main dish – Crock pot honey bourbon chicken – Crock pot/GF recipe
• Main dish – White chicken chili
• Main dish – Tuna and tomato pasta
• Main dish – Instant pot Mediterranean chicken – GF/Instant pot recipe
• Main dish – Crock pot Swiss steak – Crock pot/GF/Keto/Whole 30 recipe
• Main dish – Make ahead pepperoni pizza sliders
• Side dish – Baked zucchini fries
• Side dish – Roasted Brussels Sprouts – GF side
• Side dish – Italian style salad
• Dessert – Sugar free pecan pie
• Dessert – Oreo pound cake

Want more recipes ideas? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to have them delivered right to your inbox! I’ll also send out the monthly menu plan to you as well! (Double plus, you will get a FREE menu planner and grocery list printable.)

The post October menu plan appeared first on mom makes dinner.

Have you thought about meal planning but just don’t know where to start? It can sometimes seem overwhelming in the beginning. I know, I’ve been there. I wasn’t sure how to even begin! But I’ve been menu planning for a few years and it does get easier. And fun! It’s fun to sit down and plan out our meals now. Let me show you how to set a weekly menu plan and actually enjoy it!

Why create a weekly menu plan

There are a few reasons to set a weekly menu plan and vary among each person. Some people meal prep each week to help them lose weight and stay healthy. It’s easier to prep their menu and food one day a week and have it ready throughout the week. It reduces the chances of poor eating and helps promote healthy eating habits.

Other people meal plan to help save money. The more you eat at home the less money you spend going out to eat for meals. A solid meal plan and grocery trip reduce the number of trips to the drive thru.

Another reason to meal plan is to keep yourself organized. It saves time and energy when you know what you are making for dinner that morning and know you already have all the ingredients. This is my favorite reason to meal plan! It helps save my sanity with three kids running around.

Your reason to meal plan may be something totally different then the reasons above and that’s ok! Everyone has their own reason to get create a weekly meal plan for their family.

Some reasons to meal plan include:

• Help with weight loss
• Save money
• Stay organized
• Save sanity
• and more!

How to get started meal planning

The first step to meal planning is to get yourself organized. You want to sit down with a notebook, pen and calendar to get started. Take a look at the calendar and find any days that you know you won’t be home to cook. Baseball practice, ballet, date night, etc. Mark those on your calendar so you know what days you don’t have to cook that week. This helps take some of the stress off of having to cook every night during the week.

That’s the point of meal planning yall. To take some of the stress and anxiety out of dinner. The first thing I do is figure out what days I don’t need to cook or prepare a meal for the whole family. Then I start to tackle the days that are left on the calendar.

Create a recipe bank

The easiest way to plan out your menu is to pull from a recipe bank you’ve created. In your notebook jot down your family favorite recipes. Grandma’s spaghetti and your famous meatloaf recipe go in the bank. Write down all the recipes that you know how to make and that your family already enjoys each week.

Use those family favorites to fill in spots on your menu calendar for the week. Or if you grocery shop every two weeks, fill in two weeks at a time on your menu plan. It’s totally customizable to your family. 

You’ve crossed off your no-cook days and filled in some blanks with family favorites – now what?! Below are some methods to help you fill in your menu plan and have fun doing it!

Use sales and specials

Help fill out your menu plan for the week based on what is on sale at the grocery store. Look through your local grocery ad and make a list based on the deals you find. Chicken on sale this week? Great! Put chicken Alfredo on your menu and add the items needed to make that dinner to your grocery list.

This helps fill out your menu and your pantry with one quick look at the sales and specials at the store.

Shop your pantry

Take inventory of what you have in your pantry on day. If you notice that you have tons of beans then you can add a stew or chili recipe to your menu. Tons of rice? Try a chicken and rice casserole this week!

This method is similar to using sales and specials but you get to use what you already have on hand!

Use seasonal produce

Another way to help fill out your meal plan for the week is to use seasonal produce in your menu. You can find great seasonal produce at your local farmer’s market or grocery store. Seasonal produce also tends to be cheaper since there is typical an abundance of it during that season.

For example, if you find asparagus at the store then you can add asparagus pasta or roasted asparagus to your menu. You can build your menu based on what produce is in season during the year.

Use a guide like Seasonal Food Guide to help find the best produce for your area.

Try a theme night

Theme nights are a fun way to fill out your menu plan for the week. Not sure what theme night is? Here are some suggestions:

Monday – meatless Monday

Tuesday – taco Tuesday

Wednesday – we love pasta Wednesday

Thursday – throw back Thursday (a classic dinner recipe)

Friday – pizza night

Using a theme helps fill in your menu schedule. You can go with a tried and true recipe or you can get creative and try a new one!

Also, don’t forget to plan in a leftover night if your family likes leftovers. We are big leftover fans here so once or twice a week I don’t cook and we enjoy leftovers from the week. It’s a win-win!

Get inspired

Now you may be wondering, “where are all these new recipes for my menu plan coming from?” The good news is that you can find new dinner time recipes EVERYWHERE! My favorite places to get inspired and find new ideas are:

Social media – Pinterest or Facebook or Instagram. All of these social media sites are teeming with new recipes for you to try! Pinterest is my favorite and I even have an easy dinner time ideas board you can scroll through.

Cookbooks – I love browsing through cookbooks, new and old. There are always delicious new recipes to add to your meal plan. You can also check out food magazines to get inspired.

Friends and family – Looking for a recipe with beef? Ask your friends and family! People love sharing their recipes with others. All you have to do is ask for some new ideas and your friends and family will help you out!  

Don’t stress

Are you still with me? I know it seems like a lot, especially if you are just starting to meal plan. The great thing about meal planning is that it is totally customizable to you and your family. Also, once you get started with it each week becomes easier to plan. You figure out what your family likes and start to try new recipes that fit in.

Here is a quick recap of how to get started menu planning:

• Get organized – grab a notebook and pen!
• Start a recipe bank – jot down your go to recipes
• Fill in the blanks by using:
  • Sales and specials
  • Your pantry
  • Seasonal produce
  • Theme nights
  • New recipes to try

No matter the reason you start meal planning, I hope that it helps you and your family! I’ve included a free meal planner and grocery list printable to help. Enter your email below and I will send them right over!

Happy meal planning!

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