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Menu Planning Monday: my menu plan for the week of 4/7

April 8, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Last week I was sick most of the week, so I didn’t get much cooking done.  This week is going to be a busy one, so I mainly chose my tried and true quick fix and slow cooker recipes!

If you’re new to menu planning or would like tips for getting started, check out this post here–> Tips for menu planning

See my menu plans from previous weeks here–> Menu Planning Monday

You can also view hundreds of meal plans each week at Orgjunkie.com

SUNDAY:  Leftovers

MONDAY:  Creamy Chicken tortilla soup – When I need a quick and easy meal, this is my “go to” recipe and as an added bonus, my entire family loves it!  It’s dump and go and you can’t go wrong with it!

TUESDAY:  Eat out – We’ll be celebrating my son’s birthday and we let him pick a restaurant

country-style-macaroni-and-cheese

WEDNESDAY:  Country Style Macaroni and Cheese Recipe – This is a long time family favorite and a GREAT way to use up leftover ham!

Cheesy-Baked-Ravioli

THURSDAY:  Cheesy Baked Ravioli – This is a “quick fix” meal that’s easy to throw together when you don’t really feel like cooking!  You can’t go wrong with Ravioli!

stacked-green-chicken-enchiladas

FRIDAY – Stacked Green Enchiladas – This is a quick and easy way to make enchiladas when you need a “fix”

SATURDAY – My son’s birthday party

 

See my menu plans from previous weeks here–> Menu Planning Monday

Looking for more quick fix menu ideas? Sign up for Ready, Set, Eat by clicking on the image below! It’s completely free and you’ll get recipe ideas delivered to you by e-mail!

ReadySetEat

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.

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Menu Planning Monday: my menu plan for the week of 3/31

April 1, 2013 by Leave a Comment

This week is going to be a busy one, so I mainly chose my tried and true quick fix and slow cooker recipes!

Make sure you check out my leftover ham recipe tips here–> Leftover ham recipes

If you’re new to menu planning or would like tips for getting started, check out this post here–> Tips for menu planning

See my menu plans from previous weeks here–> Menu Planning Monday

You can also view hundreds of meal plans each week at Orgjunkie.com

easy-ham-glaze

SUNDAY:  I don’t make Easter dinner often because my parents live here and usually make it, but they were out of town this year, so this was my Easter dinner menu

Super Easy Ham Glaze  – completely fail proof!

Mashed Potato Casserole  – Super yummy, especially if you’re in the mood for some comfort food!

Pistachio Fruit salad  – This is a family favorite that has always been a part of our family gatherings.  It’s perfect for summer potlucks, too!  My kids think it’s a dessert!

Cheesy-Baked-Ravioli

MONDAY:  Cheesy Baked Ravioli – This is a “quick fix” meal that’s easy to throw together when you don’t really feel like cooking!  You can’t go wrong with Ravioli!

TUESDAY:  Easy Sweet & Sour Pork recipe  – This is a great way to use up your leftover ham from Easter!

WEDNESDAY:  Melt in Your Mouth Meatloaf  – Yes, it’s meatloaf and yet it’s a hit every time I make it…one of those recipes I can never go wrong with!

country-style-macaroni-and-cheese

THURSDAY:  Country Style Macaroni and Cheese Recipe – This is a long time family favorite and a GREAT way to use up leftover ham!

FRIDAY: Crockpot chicken and rice – I came up with this recipe after experimenting a bit and couldn’t come up with a more original name.  It’s yummy and easy to make!

Ingredients:
2-3 frozen chicken breasts
1 pkg McCormick Zesty Herb chicken seasoning blend (sometimes I substitute the Good Seasonings Italian dressing blend if I have it on hand)
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 c. hot cooked rice
Grated cheese
Tomatoes
Celery
Bell peppers

Place frozen chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Mix ingredients for McCormick seasoning according to directions on the packet and pour over the top of chicken. Cook on low for five hours. Shred chicken in crock pot using a knife and fork. Add cream of chicken soup. Let cook for one more hour. Service over rice with additional toppings as desired (we add cheese, celery, tomatoes, bell peppers, etc. depending on what we have on hand).

SATURDAY:  Pepper Steak

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Menu Planning Monday: My menu for the week of 3/24

March 25, 2013 by Leave a Comment

This week is going to be a busy one, so I mainly chose my tried and true quick fix and slow cooker recipes!

If you’re new to menu planning or would like tips for getting started, check out this post here–> Tips for menu planning

See my menu plans from previous weeks here–> Menu Planning Monday

You can also view hundreds of meal plans each week at Orgjunkie.com
country-style-macaroni-and-cheese

SUNDAY:  Country Style Macaroni and Cheese Recipe – This is a long time family favorite and a GREAT way to use up leftover ham!

MONDAY:  Slow Cooker Chile Colorado burritos – I discovered this recipe on Pinterest and it has become a family favorite.  I could make it once a week and no one would complain!

Cheesy-Baked-Ravioli

TUESDAY:  Cheesy Baked Ravioli – This is a “quick fix” meal that’s easy to throw together when you don’t really feel like cooking!  You can’t go wrong with Ravioli!

WEDNESDAY:  Melt in Your Mouth Meatloaf  – Yes, it’s meatloaf and yet it’s a hit every time I make it…one of those recipes I can never go wrong with!

THURSDAY:  Crockpot chicken and rice – I came up with this recipe after experimenting a bit and couldn’t come up with a more original name.  It’s yummy and easy to make!

Ingredients:
2-3 frozen chicken breasts
1 pkg McCormick Zesty Herb chicken seasoning blend (sometimes I substitute the Good Seasonings Italian dressing blend if I have it on hand)
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 c. hot cooked rice
Grated cheese
Tomatoes
Celery
Bell peppers

Place frozen chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Mix ingredients for McCormick seasoning according to directions on the packet and pour over the top of chicken. Cook on low for five hours. Shred chicken in crock pot using a knife and fork. Add cream of chicken soup. Let cook for one more hour. Service over rice with additional toppings as desired (we add cheese, celery, tomatoes, bell peppers, etc. depending on what we have on hand).

tasty-baked-tacos

FRIDAY – Tasty Baked Tacos – A quick and easy recipe to round out the week!  This has become a family favorite!

SATURDAY:  Slow Cooker Garlic Pesto chicken – I found this one on Pinterest and it looks SO YUMMY!  I can’t wait to try it!

See my menu plans from previous weeks here–> Menu Planning Monday

Looking for more quick fix menu ideas? Sign up for Ready, Set, Eat by clicking on the image below! It’s completely free and you’ll get recipe ideas delivered to you by e-mail!

ReadySetEat

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.

 

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Menu Planning Monday: my menu plan for the week of 3/10

March 11, 2013 by Leave a Comment

SUNDAY:  Grilled cheese and tomato soup  – Complete with Goldfish crackers in the soup, which I think is my kids’ favorite part!  I have been sick and didn’t feel like cooking, so this was a quick fix!

MONDAY:  Rice Meatballs – This is a recipe from my mother in law and it’s always a hit when we make it.

Ingredients:
1 cup uncooked minute rice
1 lb ground beef (I use 93/7)
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 t. grated onion
2 t. salt (I cut this in half)
1/8 t marjoram
dash pepper
2 1/2 cups tomato juice (or two 8 oz cans tomato sauce mixed with 1/2 cup water)
1/2 t sugar

Combine rice and all other ingredients except tomato juice and sugar. Form balls and arrange in skillet. Pour tomato juice & sugar over meatballs. Bring to boil. Reduce heat & simmer uncovered 15 minutes.

Rice Meatballs – This is a recipe from my mother in law and it’s always a hit when we make it.

Ingredients:
1 cup uncooked minute rice
1 lb ground beef (I use 93/7)
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 t. grated onion
2 t. salt (I cut this in half)
1/8 t marjoram
dash pepper
2 1/2 cups tomato juice (or two 8 oz cans tomato sauce mixed with 1/2 cup water)
1/2 t sugar

Combine rice and all other ingredients except tomato juice and sugar. Form balls and arrange in skillet. Pour tomato juice & sugar over meatballs. Bring to boil. Reduce heat & simmer uncovered 15 minutes.

TUESDAY:  It’s my dad’s birthday and my mom is cooking!

WEDNESDAY:  Slow Cooker Garlic Pesto chicken – I found this one on Pinterest and it looks SO YUMMY!  I can’t wait to try it!

THURSDAY:  Taco Pasta Bake – This is another recipe I found on Pinterest.  It sounds easy enough and has ingredients that sound kid friendly, too!

FRIDAY:  Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli – I pinned this awhile ago and tried it a few weeks ago and it was an absolutely disaster.  I’m thinking it was because it cooked for too long!  The meat had basically disintegrated by the time I got home from work!  I’m going to try it again and see if it works out better with fewer hours of cooking.

SATURDAY:  A-mazing Chicken Avocado Enchiladas – this recipe is simply AMAZING and the sauce is so good that you’ll want to lick your plate clean!

See my menu plans from previous weeks here–> Menu Planning Monday

Looking for more quick fix menu ideas? Sign up for Ready, Set, Eat by clicking on the image below! It’s completely free and you’ll get recipe ideas delivered to you by e-mail!

ReadySetEat

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.

 

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Menu Planning Monday: My Menu Plan for the week of 3/3

March 4, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Last week I got back on track with menu planning!  This week is going to be a busy one, so I mainly chose my tried and true quick fix and slow cooker recipes!

If you’re new to menu planning or would like tips for getting started, check out this post here–> Tips for menu planning

See my menu plans from previous weeks here–> Menu Planning Monday

You can also view hundreds of meal plans each week at Orgjunkie.com

slow-cooker-chicken-noodle-soup

SUNDAY:  Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Noodle soup – This is the PERFECT comfort food and it’s super easy to make!

MONDAY:  Steak stroganoff (slow cooker) – My family LOVES this recipe!!

Ingredients:
2T flour
1/2 tsp Garlic powder
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1 3/4 lb. boneless round steak
2 cans 10 3/4 oz cream of mushroom soup (I use 98% FF)
2 c. water (or 1 can 100% FF beef broth for more flavor)
1 envelope beef stew mix
4 oz can mushrooms, sliced and drained
1/2 c. sour cream
1 T minced parsley

Combine flour, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika in slow cooker. Cut meat into 1 1/2 inch strips. Place in flour mixture and toss until meat is well coated. Add soup, water, and stew mix. Stir until well blended. Cover and cook on low 6-7 hours. Stir in mushrooms, sour cream, and parsley and then cook on high 10-15 minutes until heated through. Serve over egg noodles. (Depending on the consistency of the sauce, you may need to add cornstarch to thicken or add more water/broth to thin)

To freeze: Pour into gallon freezer bags (I used Ziploc containers for this one). Allow to cool before freezing.

To reheat: Thaw in refrigerator overnight. Warm on stove and serve over rice or egg noodles. (Add sour cream when warming if you left it out of the initial recipe)

TUESDAY:  Slow cooker chili  – It doesn’t get any easier than this dump and go recipe!

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (brown in skillet and then place in crockpot)
1 can dark kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can Ranch style beans
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can crushed tomatoes
1 packet chili spices

Mix all ingredients in crockpot and cook on high for 5 hours or low for 8 hours. Sprinkle cheese on top.

WEDNESDAY: Chicken enchilada casserole – This is a recipe that my sister came up with. She uses canned chicken when she makes it. I came up with a little bit of a variation.  It is so easy and kid friendly, too!

Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts (shredded) – or 1 can chicken
1 large can red enchilada sauce
corn tortillas
shredded cheese – I use reduced fat

Directions: (this is what I do) – I put my chicken and the enchilada sauce in the crockpot the night before and then shred it when I get up in the morning. If you are using canned chicken, you can just shred it as you are making the casserole. I spread some of the chicken/sauce mixture along the bottom of the casserole dish so it doesn’t stick. Break corn tortillas into four pieces and layer across the bottom of the casserole dish. Spread a layer of the chicken/sauce mixture and cheese. Add another layer of corn tortillas. Continue until you are out of the chicken/sauce mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

 

THURSDAY:  Melt in Your Mouth Meatloaf  – Yes, it’s meatloaf and yet it’s a hit every time I make it…one of those recipes I can never go wrong with!

FRIDAY:  Country Style Macaroni Casserole – Every time I ask my family to help out with menu planning and give me recipe suggestions, this is always one of the things they choose.

Ingredients:

1 lb country ham slices or regular smoked ham in one piece (I just use whatever leftover ham we have on hand)
1 large onion, diced
1 lb elbow macaroni (whole wheat)
2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz) – I use reduced fat
1 cup sour cream (I use reduced fat)
1 can cream of chicken soup (I use 98% fat free)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) margarine, melted (I don’t use this when I make it)
1 cup dry plain bread crumbs

1. Heat oven to 400º.
2. Bring 4 quarts water and ham to boiling in large pot. Once water begins to boil,
remove ham to a plate. Add onion and macaroni to pot. Return water to boiling; cook 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Coarsely chop ham, discarding any fat and bones.
4. Drain macaroni and onion and return to pot. Add ham, cheese, sour cream and soup. Scrape into a 13x9x2 baking dish. Pour melted margarine over top. Sprinkle with bread crumbs.
5. Bake in heated 400º oven 30 minutes or until heated through and top is golden brown.
Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Note: Prepare in two 8×8 casserole dishes, bake one and freeze one (unbaked) for another day. If freezing, top with crumbs and margarine right before baking.

SATURDAY:  Slow Cooker Lasagne – I’ve had this on my “to try” list for awhile, and since I’m off work today, I figured it would be a good day to try it!

See my menu plans from previous weeks here–> Menu Planning Monday

Looking for more quick fix menu ideas? Sign up for Ready, Set, Eat by clicking on the image below! It’s completely free and you’ll get recipe ideas delivered to you by e-mail!

ReadySetEat

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.

 

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