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Coming up with new dinner ideas each week can feel overwhelming—between planning, grocery shopping, and cooking, it can become a chore. As a busy mom, I know the struggle of getting dinner on the table while juggling a household. That’s why I’ve put together 7 easy weeknight dinner ideas that are simple, delicious, and use leftovers efficiently to minimize waste.
In my Meal Planning Made Simple post, I shared how having pantry staples makes meal prep easier. I focus on proteins, grains/starches, and veggies while using up leftovers to create fresh meals. Below, I’ll show you how to do this practically, plus provide a free printable with recipes and a grocery list to make your week even simpler!
Monday: Roasted Pork with Rice and Mixed Veggies
Starting the week with a hands-off meal is ideal.
- Season a pork roast and slow-roast it in the oven at 350°F for a few hours.
- Near dinner time, cook rice and microwave mixed vegetables.
- Serve and enjoy a balanced, no-fuss meal.
Tuesday: Taco Tuesday – Pork Tacos
Use the leftover pork from Monday to create delicious tacos.
- Warm tortillas and fill them with shredded pork.
- Add homemade pico de gallo, refried beans, and corn, or your favorite toppings.
- Top with cheese, avocado, or any of your favorite toppings.
Wednesday: Roast Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, and Broccoli
A classic meal that’s easy and loved by all.
- Roast a whole chicken or use drumsticks/thighs for an affordable option.
- Make creamy mashed potatoes.
- Serve with steamed or roasted broccoli (or any preferred veggie).
Thursday: Chicken Noodle Soup
Use Wednesday’s leftover chicken to make a comforting soup.
- Simmer chicken bones for a flavorful homemade broth.
- Add shredded chicken, noodles, and veggies.
- Short on time? Simmer everything for 30-60 minutes and enhance with chicken bouillon for quick flavor.
Friday: Easy Homemade Pizza
Homemade pizza night is always a hit!
- Prepare homemade pizza dough around lunchtime for a good rise.
- Top with sauce, cheese, chopped veggies, and fresh basil.
- Bake to perfection on a pizza stone or a perforated pizza pan for crispy results.
I use a recipe from Nutrient Matters for my pizza dough
Tip: Want that perfect thin, crispy crust? A perforated pizza pan is the best investment!
Saturday: Eat Out or Make Sandwiches
Saturday is a day to relax, so keep dinner easy.
- If eating out isn’t an option, make sandwiches and pair them with canned soup.
- Simple ideas include grilled cheese, turkey & avocado, or a classic BLT.
Sunday: Grill Out or Crockpot Meal
Living in Texas means grilling is an option year-round, and my husband takes charge of this meal.
- If the weather isn’t great, I throw something in the crockpot—like a roast or chili—and let it cook all day for an effortless dinner.
Free Printable: Recipes & Grocery List
Click here to download your free printable meal plan with recipes and a grocery list to make your week stress-free!
Kitchen Essentials to Simplify Dinner Prep
These products make cooking easier and are great for any kitchen:
- Instant Pot: Perfect for quick meals and doubles as a slow cooker.
- Perforated Pizza Pan: The best way to get crispy, thin-crust pizza at home.
- Cast Iron Skillet: A versatile, durable pan that cooks everything evenly and can go from stovetop to oven.
- Crockpot: Essential for effortless meals—just set it and forget it!
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: Prepping ingredients is faster and safer with a high-quality knife
Want the recipes and grocery list? Sign up below to get your free 7-day meal plan!
Make Dinner Stress-Free!
Coming up with dinner ideas doesn’t have to be hard. By focusing on simple ingredients, repurposing leftovers, and planning ahead, you can create easy, delicious meals without the stress.
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