What’s for dinner? I used to stare blankly into my fridge, utterly uninspired, every single evening. Then, scrambling to put something together with whatever was on hand (usually pasta…again!) When did you discover the magic of the universe?What is a weekly menu?Is it a game changer? Is there a secret weapon against dinner chaos? Think of it as the organized cousin of those impulse takeout orders – only way healthier and saves a lot of money.
What is weekly menu planning?
What exactly is *is*?What is a weekly menu?What is the best way to decide what to eat for dinner? ) for the entire week, all in one go. Think of it as mapping out your culinary journey for the next seven days. What is a Meal Plan? It’s not about rigid rules or fancy cookbooks. What is the best way to create a roadmap for your life? Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure book, but with yummy food instead of dragons. How can I relieve stress from my shoulders?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are the reasons I love you so much?What is a weekly menu?Is it a true lifesaver?
- Stress Relief:What’s for dinner each night?
- Saves Time: When you know what you’re making, you can prep ingredients in advance. Think chopped veggies, marinated meats – all ready to go!
- Budget FriendlyWhat is the best way to save money when shopping at the grocery store?
- How can I be healthierIf you have a plan in place, you’re more likely to stick to it. Plus, it encourages you to try new recipes and incorporate more fruits and veggies!
- How can we reduce food waste?How do I stop food from wilting in the fridge?
- Family Harmony: WhatDoes having a variety of meals help with dinner time squabbles? Can planning make everyone happy?
What I love about weekly menu planning is the freedom and the time it gives me back. We actually look forward to dinnertime now. And even the kids enjoy being part of the whole process.
How do I make weekly menu planning work?
Quick Overview
What’s the basic rundown of a Set aside some time (30 minutes is usually enough) to brainstorm meals for the week. What’s already in your pantry and fridge? Make a list, check your pantry, make your shopping list and then get cooking during the week! What is the beauty of simplicity?
Ingredients
Since What is a weekly menu?is a process and not ‘a recipe’, the ingredients needed will vary. To begin the process of weekly menu planning, these are some of the items you will need to start with.
For planning and organization:
- What is a meal planning template (either printed or digital)?
- What is a note taking app?
- Pens or pencils.
- What are your favorite cookbooks and websites?
For Pantry Stock:
- Olive oil and salt.
- Pasta, rice, and couscus
- Canned beans and tomatoes are great for cooking
- Basic spices
What are the steps to
Step 1: Choose Your Planning Day
Pick a day that works for you – usually if you have some downtime. I like Sunday afternoons. Grab a cup of coffee or tea. Put on some music. Make it enjoyable! Is this your time?
Step 2: Assess Your Resources
What is in your fridge, freezer, and pantry? What do you already have on hand that needs to be used? How do I avoid buying duplicates and reduce food waste?
Step 3: Brainstorm Meals
Where does the fun begin? What is your family’s favorite meal, any dietary restrictions or preferences, and what you’re currently doing. I’m in the mood to cook. Check your cookbooks, search online, or ask your family for suggestions. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Think of theme nights – taco tuesday, pasta wednesday etc.
Step 4: Fill in the Template
Using your template, assign each meal to a specific day. Be realistic about your schedule. If you know you’ll be short on time on Tuesday, choose a quick and easy meal for that night. What are some ways to use leftovers?
Step 5: Write Your Shopping List
Now that you know what you’re making, create a detailed shopping list. Organize it by grocery store section (produce, meat, dairy, etc.) to make shopping easier. What is the best way to save money by sticking to the list?
Step 6: Shop Smart
What are some tips for going to the grocery store if you have a list in hand. Compare prices and look for sales. Consider buying in bulk if you know you’ll use the ingredients often.
Step 7: Prep Ahead
If you have time, do some prep work as soon as you get home from the store. Chop veggies, marinate meat, or cook grains. This will save you time during the week when you’re busy.
Step 8: Cook & Enjoy!
Follow your meal plan each day and enjoy the delicious food you’ve prepared! Don’t be afraid to make adjustments as needed. Life happens, and sometimes you need to swap meals around or order takeout. That’s okay!
Step 9: Repeat
At the end of the week, start the process all over again. Tweak your plan based on what worked well and what didn’t. Over time, you’ll develop a repertoire of go-to meals and a system that works perfectly for you.
What to Serve It With
Honestly, the beauty of weekly menu planning is that it’s all about the main courses! But here are a few ideas for accompaniments to make your meals even more special:
For Lighter Fare: [Fresh salads, roasted veggies, crusty bread]
For Heartier Meals: [Creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, quinoa]
For Dessert: [Fresh fruit, a simple cookie, or a scoop of ice cream]
Don’t forget the drinks!: [Water, iced tea, lemonade, or a glass of wine]
We have been making it a point to eat together around the dinner table and focus on family time. This is one of the main goals that weekly menu planning has assisted us in accomplishing! I hope you are able to experience the same joy.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Weekly Menu Planning
Here are a few things I’ve learned that will set you up for success!
Be realistic: Don’t plan elaborate meals every night if you know you won’t have time to cook them. Choose recipes that fit your lifestyle and schedule.
Consider leftovers: Plan to use leftovers for lunch or another dinner. This will save you time and money.
Don’t be afraid to repeat meals: It’s okay to eat the same thing every other week or so. This will make your planning process easier.
Involve your family: Ask your family for meal suggestions. This will make them more excited about the plan and more likely to eat what you make.
Be flexible: Life happens, and sometimes you need to deviate from the plan. That’s okay! Don’t beat yourself up about it. Just get back on track the next day.
Track your meals: Write down what you eat each week. This will help you identify your go-to meals and make planning easier in the future.
Use technology: There are tons of great meal planning apps and websites out there. Experiment with different options and find one that works for you.
Storing and Reheating Tips
While weekly menu planning is focused on planning, thinking about how to store your prepped ingredients or leftovers is a must. It can all be overwhelming, I know!
Ingredient Storage: Store prepped veggies and marinated meats in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Meal Storage: Store cooked meals in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Freeze leftover meals in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat meals in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop until heated through.
These tips are a game changer and help to reduce food waste and save time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Weekly menu planning has truly transformed my dinner routine, and I genuinely believe it can do the same for you. It’s about taking control of your time, your budget, and your health – all while enjoying delicious, home-cooked meals. So, give it a try! You might be surprised at how much easier (and more enjoyable) dinnertime can be. Plus, it gets everyone to be more open to trying new things.
If you are already a planner, this step will make your life much easier.
Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear about your own weekly menu planning adventures. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know how it goes!
weekly menu planning
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 cup Chopped Onion
- 0.5 cup Diced Tomatoes
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes.
