An Easy Weekly Meal Plan
SUNDAY
Build-your-own pizzas using ready-made crusts from the store. Lay out a variety of toppings — caramelized onions, bell peppers, pepperoni, grilled chicken, olives, mozzarella and goat cheese — and use a simple marinara as the base. Pair the pizzas with a peppery arugula salad dressed in a basic vinaigrette (try apple cider vinegar if you like a tangier dressing). This is a relaxed, customizable meal that’s perfect for family nights and gives everyone options.
MONDAY
Tonight is a school Book Fair family dinner, so we’ll be enjoying tacos and cupcakes at the event. If you’re cooking at home, keep dinner easy with a light, flavorful spaghetti squash cacio e pepe topped with marinara. Add roasted broccoli on the side and a green salad with a homemade vinaigrette for a well-rounded, simple meal. These components come together quickly and are great for a weeknight.
TUESDAY
After an evening event, a frozen batch of homemade bolognese will be a lifesaver. Thaw it in the refrigerator a day or two ahead, boil your favorite pasta, and you’ve got a comforting dinner with minimal effort. Making a large batch of bolognese and freezing portions saves time later in the week and makes planning easy for busy nights.
WEDNESDAY
Instant Pot night: a quick, hands-off dinner is ideal when you arrive home with children. Prepare a hearty chicken chili using ground poultry — you can substitute two pounds of ground chicken or dark meat turkey if preferred. If your butcher doesn’t have ground chicken, ask them to grind it or use another ground poultry option. Serve the chili over steamed short-grain rice; a scoop of rice mixed into the bowl is a kid-friendly way to stretch the meal and adds comforting texture.
THURSDAY
With an evening event planned, leave a simple, satisfying meal for the kids: grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. A tomato soup made with carrots and leeks creates a naturally creamy base, and a splash of coconut milk or a reduced amount of heavy cream will round the flavor. Set up a sandwich station with sliced bread, cheddar, provolone, mozzarella and deli meat so the kids can assemble their own panini to dunk into the warm soup.
FRIDAY
We’ll be heading out on a ten-day road trip through the South, visiting cities and relaxing along the way. For those following at home, I’ll share highlights and easy recipes on social media while traveling. A road trip is also a great opportunity to lean on simple, portable meals and plan a few make-ahead dishes to enjoy on the go.