Meal planning makes grocery shopping and weeknight dinners less hectic, and we could all use a little less stress in our lives. If you’re new to meal planning or just need some new inspiration, our weekly meal plans are a great place to start.
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Check out the Expert’s Guide to Meal Planning for tons more plans, recipes and tips that’ll keep you organized.
Sunday: Tangy Tropical Chicken
In this colorful dish, exotic fruits such as mango and pineapple beautifully complement the chicken and lend a pleasant hint of sweetness that’s balanced by a bit of soy sauce. —Christina Aho, Naples, Florida
Monday: Portobello Ropa Vieja
I created this version of a Mexican favorite for my family, using meaty portobello mushrooms to mimic meat. Serve with rice to round out the meal. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Tuesday: Tangy Pork Chops
When my husband and I had our first child, we found this recipe so convenient. I could start it during nap time and we’d enjoy an easy, satisfying dinner that night. —Karol Hines, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
Wednesday: Louisiana Red Beans and Rice
Smoked turkey sausage and red pepper flakes add zip to this saucy, slow-cooked version of the New Orleans classic. For extra heat, add red pepper sauce at the table. —Julia Bushree, Georgetown, Texas
Thursday: Shrimp Gumbo
A crisp green salad and crusty French bread complete this shrimp gumbo meal. I always have hot sauce available when I serve this and have found that the instant microwave rice packages make the process a little easier. —Jo Ann Graham, Ovilla, Texas
Friday: Greek Tilapia
While on a trip through the Greek islands, my husband and I had a dish that we loved. I tried to duplicate it by combining several different recipes and came up with this. —Sally Burrell, Idaho Falls, Idaho
Saturday: Easy Pad Thai
Skip the take-out restaurant and give this pad thai recipe a try if you need an easy and quick meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Find more 7-day meal plans here.Start the week by steaming a big batch of rice to portion and serve with Sunday, Monday and Wednesday’s dinners.
Sunday: Slow-Cooker Roast Chicken
It's easy to make a whole chicken in a slow cooker. We save the shredded chicken to use during busy weeks. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Monday: Baked Chicken Chimichangas
I developed this quick and easy recipe through trial and error. I used to garnish it with sour cream, too, but I eliminated it in order to lighten the recipe. My friends all love it when I cook these chimichangas, and they're much healthier than deep-fried. —Rickey Madden, Clinton, South Carolina
Tuesday: Easy Fried Rice
This easy fried rice recipe really captures the flavor of fried rice served in restaurants. Use leftover chicken for a satisfying meal that's easy to put together. —Lori Schweer, Mapleton, MinnesotaWednesday: Spicy Fajita Chili
You’ll want to serve this with rolls or cornbread to soak up every delicious drop. Like more heat? Just use spicier versions of V8 juice and chili beans.—Cathy Bell, Joplin, Missouri
Thursday: Pinto Bean Zucchini Boats
Zucchini shells take center stage when filled with vegetables, beans and sauce.
Friday: Pressure Cooker Caribbean Pot Roast
This dish is definitely an all-year recipe. Sweet potatoes, orange zest and baking cocoa are my surprise ingredients. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Saturday: Spicy Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
I make this spicy shrimp pasta a lot because it's a something my family never seems to get tired of. The sauce is so fast to make I can get it done while the fettuccine is cooking. In the past, I have added red peppers and spinach, but who's to say you could not add mushrooms or more or less spice. —Stephanie Beluk, Sharpsburg, Georgia Find more 7-day meal plans here.Ease your way into dinners for the week by using the slow cooker to prepare a whole chicken that can be used throughout the week.
Want to make your own plan? Check out our meal plan template.
February Weekly Meal Plans
February may seem dull and dreary, but it does have some holidays and events. If you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with your special someone or observing Lent, we’ve got a meal plan for you. And if you’re in the mood to use your favorite small kitchen appliances—like the Instant Pot and slow cooker—to cook up some comfort food, you’ll find lots of ideas this month.
January Weekly Meal Plans
January is all about starting fresh—and that applies to your meal plans, too! We’re enjoying lots of lightened-up meals, as well as classic comfort foods to keep us warm on cold nights. January is also a great month to experiment in the kitchen, whether that means trying a new global recipe or finally putting your Dutch oven to work. Stay warm out there!
December Weekly Meal Plans
If you ask us, December is the best month of the year. And whether you’re craving something healthy in between bites of Christmas cookies or you need ideas for using up leftovers, these meal plans have you covered. Plus, they’re all easy! (We know you’ve got your hands full with holiday prep).
November Weekly Meal Plans
We look forward to November all year long. And while Thanksgiving Day is a major food holiday, the rest of the month doesn’t have to be quite as laborious. That’s why we love these oh-so-simple meal plans for sheet pan suppers, 5-minute meals and more. There’s nothing wrong with taking it easy!
October Weekly Meal Plans
Fall is in full swing, and we are loving seasonal ingredients. This month, incorporate pumpkin, squash, Brussels sprouts and more autumnal produce into your meals. This is also a great month to dig into cozy casseroles and hearty German eats (Hello, Oktoberfest!).
September Weekly Meal Plans
September brings a lot of change—cooler weather, back to school and shorter days. Make the most of it with prep-ahead meals, global eats and plans that incorporate your favorite kitchen appliances.
August Weekly Meal Plans
The dog days of summer are here. Cool off with summer meal plans built around grilled meats, family favorites and simple ingredients. This is a great month to take advantage of peak seasonal produce, too. (We’re serving sliced watermelon with almost every meal!)
July Weekly Meal Plans
Lazy summer days are coming right up. Enjoy easy, no-cook meals, 30-minute plans and more. Plus, since we know your garden is bursting, find creative ways to utilize fresh basil or mushrooms. Our goal is to help you cook less so you can enjoy more time outdoors.
June Weekly Meal Plans
Longer, warmer days have us wanting to eat a little lighter. This month we’re enjoying simple meals and meat-free entrees. At the store (or farmers market!), keep an eye out for tons of fresh summer fruits and leafy greens.
May Weekly Meal Plans
See ya spring—and hello summer! May is a great transition month and the perfect time to start experimenting with fresh flavors in your kitchen. Put seasonal ingredients to work, like tomatoes and grilled chicken, and enjoy time well spent on the patio.
April Weekly Meal Plans
A warm up is on the way! Celebrate spring this month with recipes featuring Mediterranean flavors, roast chicken and more. April is also a great month to get thrifty and experiment with making meals out of pantry staples or minimal ingredients. (After all, we’ve been saving up for spring break!)
How do I make my weekly meal plan?
In the mood to make your own meal plan? We suggest starting with a few core ingredients that you can use throughout the week. Roast chicken, for example, can work as a Sunday night dinner, a Monday night taco filling and a Tuesday soup starter. We also recommend picking simple, family-friendly meals. After all, meal planning is supposed to make your life easier—don’t feel pressured to whip up a 27-step gourmet meal after a busy day.
Editor’s tip: If you’re on a budget, use grocery store sale flyers to guide your ingredient selection.
What meals can I cook for a week?
Most meal plans focus on dinner, but you can also meal plan for breakfast and lunch—or all three! To save time, we recommend repeating meals for breakfast and lunch. Overnight oats are a great meal prep option to enjoy all week. And a big batch of grains, roasted veggies and grilled chicken prepared on Sunday can feed you for lunch the entire week.
If you’re looking for meal plans that fit a particular lifestyle, check out our low-carb meal plan, vegetarian meal plan and vegan meal plan. We also have tips for creating a healthy meal plan, too.
Next up: How to Stock Your Pantry According to Our Kitchen Expert
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