Menu Planning Monday: My Menu Plan for the week of 2/17

Last week, after 3 weeks of NOT eating out at all, I fell off the wagon.  If I don’t get things prepared in the mornings before I leave for work, it’s usually a disaster when I get home from work.  Add in kid activities and needing to be in various places all at once, and it didn’t go as well as planned.  I’m going to get back on track this week with some tried and true quick fix recipes!

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

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

Cheesy-Baked-Ravioli

SUNDAY:  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!

MONDAY:  Sweet potato foil pack tacos ~ I found this recipe on Marci’s blog.  My family was skeptical the first time we tried these, but once they actually tasted them, they were a hit, even with my kids! (and that’s not an easy feat!)

Ingredients:
1/2 lb ground beef or turkey
2-3 T taco seasoning
1/2 cup tomato sauce (4 ounces)
1 can black, kidney, or pinto beans, drained (I used black)
2-3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 6 cups total)
2 T butter
salt
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh spinach
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
sour cream, salsa, and/or guacamole for garnish
6 12-inch long pieces of aluminum foil

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Brown ground meat in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and beans. Set aside.

To assemble packets, spray the foil with non-stick spray. Place 1 cup sweet potato cubes in the center of each piece. Top with a small piece of butter (about 1 tsp) and a pinch or two of salt.

Sprinkle some chopped spinach over the sweet potatoes, followed by about 1/3 cup of taco meat and sprinkle of cheese. Fold the sides in, then bring the top and bottom ends of the foil together in the center and fold, sealing the packet.

Repeat with remaining ingredients, placing the packets on a rimmed cookie sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Serve with sour cream, salsa, and/or guacamole.  Makes 6 servings.

TUESDAY:  French dip sandwiches – I enlist my family’s help with recipe suggestions each week when I’m making my menu plan and this was my daughter’s pick this week.   This is another easy “dump and go” recipe!

WEDNESDAY:  Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli – I’ve had this one pinned for awhile, but I wasn’t sure how my non-broccoli eaters would feel about it.  I’m testing it out this week and I’ll let you know!

chicken-tortilla-soup

THURSDAY:  Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla soup – This is a family favorite and so easy to make!

FRIDAY:  Spinach tortilla wraps

SATURDAY:  Stacked green enchiladas – This is a modified version of a recipe my dad makes

Ingredients:
1 can green enchilada sauce
1 can cream of chicken soup (I use 98% FF)
1 can Rotel (drained)
3-4 chicken breasts
corn tortillas (one dozen)
monterrey jack cheese

I place the chicken breasts, enchilada sauce, cream of chicken soup, and Rotel in the crockpot on low all day. When I get home, I shred the chicken and add it back to the mixture. Then, you can either do stacked enchiladas (pour some of the mixture on a corn tortilla/add cheese and repeat for as many layers as you would like) or do rolled enchiladas (place some of the mixture in the corn tortilla, roll, and place in a pan….repeat 9 times…then, pour the remaining sauce mixture over the top and top with cheese and bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes).

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.

Menu Planning Monday: My Menu Plan for the week of 2/10

We have now gone three weeks without eating out!  I love that we’re saving money and having dinner together as a family, too!  What’s amazing is that now that we are eating at home more, we’re realizing that we really haven’t missed eating out!  The highlight of eating at home for me was when my 5 year old who ordinarily hates and resists veggies asked for more!

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

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

SUNDAY:  Hawaiian Chicken – I saw this recipe on Pinterest and wanted to try something different.  We like things “saucy” around here and so I was a bit disappointed in that respect.  Plus, I used frozen chicken breasts when I made this, which left it kind of watered down.  Next time, I will probably use fresh chicken breasts and double the recipe for the sauce!

MONDAY: Melt in Your Mouth chicken – I have been seeing this recipe all over Pinterest and figured it was worth checking out!  I’ll be serving it with Roasted Parmesan Asparagus and a salad.


TUESDAY:  Black Bean & Chicken burritos – When I use my slow cooker, I love quick fix “dump and go” recipes because I never have enough time in the mornings!  Prep time on this one is about 2 minutes…seriously!

WEDNESDAY:  Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli – I’ve had this one pinned for awhile, but I wasn’t sure how my non-broccoli eaters would feel about it.  I’m testing it out this week and I’ll let you know!

THURSDAY:  Baked Ravioli – I always make something “red” for Valentine’s Day.  This year is a bit of a challenge because my daughter has choir practice right after school and we won’t be home until 6.  We’ve tried this recipe once before and it was quick and easy to throw together and everyone loved it, too.

FRIDAY:  French dip sandwiches – I enlist my family’s help with recipe suggestions each week when I’m making my menu plan and this was my daughter’s pick this week.  I figured it would be perfect for a Friday because I never have much energy left by the end of the week!  This is another easy “dump and go” recipe!

SATURDAY:  Bourbon Chicken – I discovered this recipe a few years ago and it’s still a hit every time I make 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.

Menu Planning Monday: my menu plan for the week of 2/3

We have now gone two weeks without eating out AT ALL!  I love that we’re saving money and having dinner together as a family, too!  This week, the bonus challenge for the weight loss group that I belong to is to not eat out all week, so I’m hoping I’ll go another week without eating out!

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

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

SUNDAY:  BBQ hot dogs and pasta salad

MONDAY:  Chicken enchilada casserole –  This is a recipe that my sister came up with. She uses canned chicken when she makes it. I usually cook my chicken in the slow cooker, but this week I actually have some leftover chicken from chicken ranch tacos, so I’m using that.

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.

TUESDAY:  Hobo StewThis is an easy slow cooker recipe.  It’s like beef stew but with meatballs!

WEDNESDAY:  Easy Sweet & Sour pork recipe – This is a recipe from my mother in law.  It’s quick and easy to make and kid friendly, too!

THURSDAY:  Melt in Your Mouth Meatloaf – This is a favorite recipe in my house and I love it because you can just dump it in the slow cooker and let it cook all day!

FRIDAY:  Oven Tacos – My family loves tacos, and I’m always looking for new recipes to try.  I found this one on Pinterest a few weeks ago and can’t wait to try it!

 

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.

Menu Planning Monday: My Menu Plan for the week of 11/4

 

I’ve had a lot of fun lately looking for new recipes to experiment with.  Our menu plan this week includes some old favorites that we haven’t had in awhile as well as some new recipes that I think are perfect for fall!  I can’t wait to try them out and to share my reviews with you!

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

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

SUNDAY:  Slow cooker chili  – My original plan for today was slow cooker lasagne, but I realized I forgot to buy lasagne noodles on Saturday when I went grocery shopping, so this was a quick and easy alternative!  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.

MONDAY:  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).

TUESDAY:  Easy enchirito – This recipe was originally posted on Blessed with Grace.  It’s been awhile since we’ve had it, but it’s easy to make and very yummy!

Ingredients:
* 1 package burrito-sized flour tortillas
* 1 package burrito OR taco seasoning (OR your best homemade version)
* 1 lb lean hamburger meat
* 1 can re-fried beans (I used fat-free.)
* 1 15 oz can Enchilada sauce (I only used 3/4 of this can.)
* 2 cups shredded cheddar (I used Mexican blend)
* 4-5 green onions, chopped

Directions:
Preheat oven 350. Prepare 9×13 casserole dish with non-stick spray.

1. Brown hamburger meat and season, per package instructions, with the burrito seasoning packet.
2. Make one burrito by spreading re-fried beans on one tortilla. Then layer with the seasoned hamburger meat and a small portion of cheddar cheese. Wrap the burrito and place in casserole dish.
3. Repeat step 2 until the casserole dish is full.
4. Pour enough enchilada sauce to completely cover the burritos.
5. Add a layer of cheddar cheese.
6. Finally, top with chopped green onion.
7. Cook at 350 for 30 minutes.

WEDNESDAY:   Rice meatballs – This is favorite family recipe that I got from my mother-in-law.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

THURSDAY:  Chicken and stuffing (slow cooker) – This recipe is easy to throw together and super yummy!

Ingredients:
4 to 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can 98% fat free cream of chicken soup
1/3 cup milk
1 pkg (6 oz.) chicken-flavored stuffing mix
1 2/3 cups water

Directions: Place chicken in greased slow cooker. In a separate bowl, combine soup and milk, then pour over chicken. Combine stuffing mix and water. Spoon over chicken and soup mixture. Cover and cook on low heat 6-8 hours. Makes 4-6 servings.

FRIDAY:   Turkey Parmesan Meatloaf – My family loves meatloaf (seriously) and I’m always looking for new recipes!  I found this recipe on What’s Cookin’ Chicago and it sounded yummy, so we’re going to give it a try.  We’re using ground turkey instead of ground chicken.

SATURDAY:  Cheeseburger Soup – This is a Taste of Home recipe although I’m planning to incorporate some things from other recipes I’ve found, too.  Stay tuned for my recipe review!

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.

Menu Planning Monday: My Menu Plan for the week of 10/7

I was at a blogging conference in Atlanta for four days last week.  I learned lots of great stuff, but I’m ready to get back to my family and to meal planning!  I’m trying several new recipes this week and most of the recipes can be made in your slow cooker!

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

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

 

SUNDAYSlow 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.

MONDAY – Slow Cooker London Broil – I found this recipe on Allrecipes.  I plan on changing it up some by using Golden Mushroom soup instead of Cream of Mushroom soup and adding some additional seasonings.  I will let you know how it goes!

TUESDAY:  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!

WEDNESDAY:  Ranch House Crock Pot Pork Chops with Parmesan Mashed potatoes – My kids have really been loving pork chops lately, so I’ve been looking for new recipes to try!  This one comes from Picky Palate.  As an added bonus, you can make it in the crock pot!

THURSDAY:  Hobo Stew (slow cooker) – This is another new recipe for us. I ‘m always on the hunt for new recipes I can make in the slow cooker.  I plan on using frozen meatballs for this one to save time and I have a few other variations in mind that I’ll share when I do my recipe review!

FRIDAY:  BBQ chicken

SATURDAY:  Avocado Cilantro Lime enchiladas – I am a sucker for enchiladas and love trying new recipes.  I can’t wait to try the avocado sauce on this one!  I plan on making my own “filling”

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.