What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

It’s another packed full week, but we are looking forward to a three day weekend.  This is the first Memorial Holiday weekend that we have not traveled in quite awhile.  We are hoping to have some fun family time at home plus get some projects done that have been on our list for awhile.  The kids have their last full week of school (and 2 more partial weeks) which is full of homework, tests, and quizzes.  I want to keep the menu simple so we can get a lot done during the week and be prepare for this weekend.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Pork Entree): Crockpot Roast, Mash Potatoes
• Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Hamburgers, French Fries
• Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Stuffed Chicken Breasts, Garlic Bread
• Thursday (Pasta or Seafood Entree): Pasta Casserole, Steamed Vegatables
• Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or seafood entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

Photo by Liz