Here’s the week 4 meal plan for January 24-30. This week it's all about loads of goodness and easy meals! Are you hungry? Let's dig in!
Find all of the weekly plans by clicking here.
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Meal planning and prepping tips
If you stick to the basics, meal planning can be a breeze!
- Choose your recipes.
- Make a list.
- Shop your refrigerator, freezer, pantry and spice cabinet before going to the store.
- Go grocery shopping!
One you get home, prep the items that you can - if you have time of course! If there are vegetables that can be cleaned, diced - do that now. Store them in reusable containers or ziplock bags in the refrigerator so they are ready when you need them.
Check your calendar before going shopping. Are there days when you'll be out late and take out is better? That's ok, just pick the recipes you want and cross off the items you don't need from the grocery list.
January 24
Taco Soup
I'm such a fan of this meal. Mom has made it for years it's the best taco soup recipe ever! What makes it especially yummy is it's pretty much brown the meat, then dump in the cans.
It's easy to make, leftovers are better on day two and freezes great. Speaking of freezing, be sure to free a quart for those days you don't want to cook.
January 25
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
This is a new recipe that you just have to try! Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a dump in the slow cooker and 8 hours later you'll have meal time perfection!
Serve it over rice, buttered noodles or mashed potatoes. Or.... these cheddar biscuits! They are super easy to make! Don't forget to add the ingredients to your grocery list below.
Save about two cups for a new meal on Thursday!
Easy Green Salad
I love this salad, it's filled with loads of crunch from the nuts and with citrus being in season it's the perfect time to enjoy a great salad.
Prep the greens and citrus on Sunday and enjoy this citrus salad recipe with the chicken and gravy - what a great combination!
January 26
Lemon Pasta Recipe
No secret how good AND easy this meal is! In the time it takes to boil the pasta, the sauce is done. It's so simple and really flavorful - 20 minutes to make!
Even my Dad who isn't a big pasta lover had seconds of this meal when they were in town last year. If you prefer some meat add some rotisserie chicken or grilled shrimp to this lemon pasta recipe - either way, it's delicious!
Leftover salad from yesterday? It will go great with this meal!
January 27
Turkey Pot Pie
Remember that leftover chicken from Monday night? Now's the time to make use of it by making Chicken Pot Pie!
Now don't worry if you don't have small ramekins. Just make it in a pie plate. There's no need to put a crust on the bottom (they just get soggy). Just add one to the top. OR if you have leftover mashed potatoes, add that instead and you'll have shepherds pie!
You'll need about one cup of leftover chicken and gravy or a cup of rotisserie chicken. Then simply follow the recipe for Turkey Pot Pie.
Grilled or Roasted Asparagus
Chicken pot pie is really a meal in itself, but if you'd like a side dish with it, how about some roasted asparagus? One of my favorite veggies! Of course I'm in California and here we'd just fire up the grill, but if you're not enjoying warm weather, here's what you need to do:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Toss the asparagus in olive oil, salt & pepper and roast for about 15 minutes. YUM!
January 28
Italian Pepper Soup
I always say something magical happens when bell peppers are cooked! Bell Pepper Stew has the most amazing flavor. It's vegetarian and costs just pennies to make. I know once you try it, you'll enjoy it as much as we do.
Save your leftovers for lunches the rest of the week. It doesn't freeze well, but will keep in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Serve this with some store-bought garlic bread. But only use the top of the bread. Save the bottom for pizza bread on Saturday night!
January 29
Skillet Chicken and Potatoes
This is such a great one-pan meal! The chicken gets a crispy skin and roasts on top of the potatoes imparting all that flavor. Delicious!
Cast Iron Chicken and Potatoes is so good, I think you'll really enjoy this recipe!
Steamed Brussels Sprouts
Serve it up with some steamed sprouts. You can make them on the stovetop or the microwave.
They are a super quick side dish or if you'd prefer roast them instead. Caramelized brussel sprouts are so delicious and why not? The oven is already heated up!
January 30
Easy Pizza Bread
This is one of my favorite "dinnertime hacks"! Using the bottom of garlic bread, topping it with pizza sauce or leftover spaghetti sauce and your favorite fixings!
Using a good mozzarella cheese makes all the difference. That melty cheese is so delicious!
Pizza bread is so easy! No need to make a crust and just top it with your favorites!
Dessert
Caramel Popcorn
You're thinking what? I buy that, I've never made it! Well let me tell you, it's SO GOOD and simple to make!
Bonus? It freezes great as well, make a double-batch because this is going to go super fast.
We love how easy this caramel popcorn is and how delicious too! It's a great snack all week long.
Grocery list Meal Plan Week 4 Jan 24-30
Copy and paste this list onto your phone or a paper so you’re ready to go shopping!
Don’t forget before you head to the store to shop your pantry first! Check to see what you have on hand in the pantry, freezer and refrigerator and cross them off the list.
Spices & oils needed: salt & pepper, garlic powder, 2 packets of chicken gravy mix, olive oil, corn oil, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, vanilla extract, baking soda
Condiments needed:
- dijon mustard
- balsamic vinegar
- red wine vinegar
- honey
Dairy:
- whipping cream
- mozzarella cheese
- butter
Pantry:
- sliced olives
- kidney beans
- pinto beans
- hominy or green beans
- corn
- canned jalapeños
- taco seasoning
- canned fire roasted tomatoes
- cream of chicken soup
- chicken stock
- vegetable stock
- spaghetti or linguine pasta
- tomato sauce
- stewed tomatoes
- kalamata olives
- pizza or spaghetti sauce
- canned mushrooms
- popcorn
- brown sugar
Proteins:
- ground beef
- boneless skinless chicken breasts
- chicken thighs
- pepperoni
Frozen food/Refrigerated section:
- pre-made pie crust
Vegetables, Fruits and Nuts:
- yellow onion
- red onion
- salad greens
- oranges
- hazelnuts
- shallot
- garlic
- parmesan cheese
- carrot
- thyme
- asparagus
- 2 green bell peppers
- yellow bell pepper
- 2 red bell peppers
- russet potatoes
- 3 lemons
- brussels sprouts
- basil and parsley (optional garnish ingredients)
Items to prep in advance
This week's meal prep is quite simple!
Yellow and red onions can be diced. Bell Peppers, carrots and celery can be diced as well. You can grate the parmesan and mozzarella cheese in advance.
For last week’s meal plan for week 3 January 17-23rd, click here.
What's your best tip for meal planning or meal prep? Please comment below, I'd love to hear from you!
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