What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

We are starting to establish more of a school and work routine.  I would be lying if I said everything has gone completely smoothly, ha!  A couple of nights this past week after a full day at work, picking up the kids so we can do homework, dinner, get everyone settled into bed, I was exhausted and ready to go to bed as well.  Typically, I am good staying up late and love getting up early, but with the transition I have had to go to bed around 9 or 10 at night (for those who know me that is early)!

Thankfully we are getting settled into the routine.  I think this week will be easier now.  This week I have some special events going on and I need to utilize the items in my pantry.  Trying to keep it healthy, yet simple since several nights we are tighter on time.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree):  Beef, Tomato and Noodle Soup, French Bread
• Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree):   Baja Fish Tacos, Salad
• Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):   Sweet & Spicy Teriyaki Chicken, Steamed Rice
• Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook): BLT Sandwiches, Pasta Salad
• 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 pasta 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