Welcome to the Weekly Meal Planner! Whether you work all day and are out of steam when the dinner hour hits, or are fresh out of ideas and in a cooking rut, we are here to make your life easier.
This week, we’re featuring healthy homemade versions of some of your restaurant favorites like chimichangas and burgers, along with flexible anytime recipes that are perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner.
And a confession: We’re still in the mood for pumpkin, aren’t you? Check out both a savory pumpkin Sunday supper and a healthy pumpkin bread that’s great for a snack or even a breakfast on-the-go. If you’re cooking at home over the weekend and looking for inspiration, don’t miss our picks for Saturday night which are sure to please a crowd.
Don’t know what to cook? Need help with a recipe? Feel free to ask us in the comments, on Facebook, or on Twitter.
Meatless Monday
Lunch: Make a batch of thick and hearty Kal-iflower Stoup over the weekend and enjoy for lunch all week long.
Dinner: Topped with acacia honey and blue cheese, you can serve Butternut and Apple Galette anytime of day with an easy side salad for a complete meal. Pro tip: Store-bought pie crust is an easy short cut here.
Snack: Seasonal and healthy, Pumpkin Bread (Lactose-Free) is a great snack or breakfast.
Tuesday
Lunch: Egg-Battered Asparagus, Ham and Cheese Sandwiches are delicious for brunch, lunch or dinner. Cook’s note: Rye or pumpernickel bread would be delicious with this sammie, too.
Dinner: Prepare the tasty sauce in Cincinnati Spaghetti up to two days ahead for an easy weeknight meal. Just make the pasta and reheat the sauce when you are ready to serve. Voila – dinner is done!
Snack: Kickstart your afternoon with a Green Machine Avocado Smoothie.
Wednesday
Lunch: Make a healthy version of your favorite Mexican indulgence for a quick weekday lunch you can make in the toaster oven – genius! Smoked Turkey Baked Chimichangas will hit the spot.
Dinner: Just a few flavorful ingredients turn this chicken dinner into something special. Tumeric Chicken with Sumac and Lime really is a winner.
Dessert: Delicious individual Apple Pot Pies will delight everyone at the table.
Thursday
Lunch: Destined to become a family favorite, Potato Soup with the Works – Budget-Friendly Version is your favorite loaded baked potato in a bowl. Bonus – it costs under $10 to make a generous batch. What are you waiting for?
Dinner: Enjoy a main dish salad for a lighter dinner tonight. Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Salad is crunchy, spicy and definitely satisfying.
Snack: Zippy Italian Popcorn is dangerously addictive. You won’t want to share!
Fun Friday
Lunch: Two favorite sammies in one, BLT and Deviled Egg Salad Sandwiches is a perfect combo.
Dinner: Celebrate the weekend with this decadent-tasting Turkey Meatloaf Burger that is actually healthy. Pro tip: Make this burger even healthier and substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream in the sauce.
Dessert: With just eight ingredients and one bowl, Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake comes together in a snap.
Entertaining Saturday
Brunch: Spicy Chocolate Monkey Bread couldn’t be easier. Kids will have fun assembling this breakfast treat!
Dinner: Short Ribs with Pasta e Pagiolo is a fantastic one-pot meal that’s special enough for weekend entertaining. Cook’s note: The short ribs need to roast for 2 1/2 hours, so plan your time accordingly!
Appetizer: Everyone loves deviled eggs! A unique twist on an old favorite, Caesar-Stuffed Eggs will disappear before your eyes.
Family Sunday
Brunch: Feed a crowd with this Rosemary Potato Frittata.
Dinner: Decadent Pumpkin Gnocchi is a comfort food delight packed with fall flavors.
Dessert: Bake a classic dessert for the family tonight - Coconut Cake or Cupcakes is a throw-back favorite.
