March 25, 2015

Busy Week Menu Plan – Take 2 – 7 More Time Saving Meals for a Busy Week

This post is one of those bossy posts where I tell you to try menu planning. If you don’t menu plan and you need a reason to, these seven recipes are it. Seriously, go to the links, print them out and make them. You probably only need to choose your favorite 5 or 6 recipes because there’s most likely going to be leftovers from a couple of them. Plan for leftovers – it’s the secret to easy menu planning! Once you’ve printed out the recipes, put them in order for the week ahead and make a shopping list of what you’ll need. Take the list to the store, buy your ingredients and get ready to sail through dinnertime in the next week. If you love the recipe, save the print out and put it in your menu planning rotation. Last week I shared another roundup of some of my favorite busy week meal ideas, perfect for busy spring schedules (and spring cleaning!).

I menu plan for the week, I take a look at our schedule, our busier days and days that may allow for a little more time in the kitchen. We stick to a fairly healthy diet without a lot of boxed and prepackaged foods loaded with who-knows-what. All of these meals are kid friendly and fan favorites – enjoy!

GRILLED CAPRESE SANDWICH VIA I HEART NAPTIME
Fancy up your sandwich routine with a grilled Caprese sandwich. Serve with a side of fruit for a 10 minute meal!

CAESAR CHICKEN WRAPS VIA THE BAKER UPSTAIRS
We are big fans of these delicious Caesar Chicken Wraps in my home. They come together in under 10 minutes and the kids love them too! I like to use a rotisserie chicken to keep it even easier or pull out some precooked, cut up chicken from the freezer. Make a double batch for company or to guarantee leftovers.

ONE POT BAKED ZITI VIA NUMBER 2 PENCIL
One pot meals are perfect for those nights when you want minimal prep with minimal clean up. This one pot baked ziti comes together in a snap and can be easily modified using ground turkey or made vegetarian if you want.

GREEN CHILE CHICKEN ENCHILADA STACKS VIA MEL’S KITCHEN CAFE
These green chile chicken enchilada stacks provide just a little bit of heat with a lot of creamy, delicious flavor. Prep the sauce ahead of time if you are short on time in the evening and simply stack and bake.

GREEK SALAD VIA DAMN DELICIOUS
Served with a baguette or crusty bread, this Greek Salad with homemade lemon dressing comes together in a hurry. Perfect for when you want a light meal.

CHEESE TORTELLINI SOUP VIA LIFE IN GRACE BLOG
In the mood for a hearty, healthy soup that comes together in 30 minutes? This Cheese Tortellini Soup from Life in Grace is easy to put together and makes enough for leftovers!

CROCK POT BEEF SANDWICHES VIA THIRTY HANDMADE DAYS
These crock pot beef sandwiches are absolutely delicious! I like to make a double batch and freeze half to use for another night or use in enchiladas or quesadillas. If you are feeling extra fancy, make a batch of homemade rolls to go with!

If you need a little help with your menu planning, I have an adorable menu planning notepad in my shop and menu planning kits as well. Click on the images below to see them in my shop.