Considering probably 75% of this blog used to be food focused back in the day, I still enjoy coming back to this topic a little more in depth every once in a while (and I know it’s also a highly requested topic from many of you, too!).
First up, let’s take a look at some recent dinners. Now that we’re back in the swing of school, I’m *trying* my best to keep on top of meal planning for at least a few nights a week. If I’m really on my game, I’ll try to plan a couple of larger meals that will give us leftovers for later in the week.
And if I’m really OFF my game, then the kids are getting chicken nuggets and the adults are searching around for whatever cooked meats/protein may be hanging out in the fridge. Or eggs. Or beer. I mean, you just never know.
Dinners
Here’s a look at a few recent meals that I remembered to snap some pictures of…
Grilled Pizza with side salads
Pizza on the grill will never, ever get old! We made a plain cheese and a BBQ chicken pizza and used our usual methods for cooking the pizza on the grill. Seriously, it’s so easy and SO good.
Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage with Peppers and Onions over Rice
It’s sorta ugly. Sorry. I have no particular recipe to link to for this one but it was crazy easy to put together. I cut up a few peppers and a red onion into larger chunks and drizzled them with some olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Then I also took a package of chicken sausages, cut them each into quarters, and tossed them around with the veggies.
Cooked ’em up for about 20 minutes at 375 degrees, and then decided last minute to use up some marinara we had in the fridge, so I tossed that in there too. We served it all over some brown rice and also topped it with some parmesan cheese. Nothing fancy, super easy, and quite tasty!
Also quite tasty is this Spaten Oktoberfest beer that you see pictured above there. Dare I say, this may just be my favorite Oktoberfest beer…???
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes with veggies
I came across this recipe on Pinterest while searching for something different to do with some ground beef I had on hand, and it totally worked. It was another quick and easy (one pan!) meal that worked great for a weeknight. I’d recommend!
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburgers with…more of the same veggies
These burgers came out SO delicious, all thanks to Jay. He mixed the ground sirloin with this Taste of Inspirations Sweet BBQ mix he found at Hannaford, and I would 100% recommend grabbing yourself some for the next time you’re cooking burgers. Paired with some bacon, provolone, sauteed red onions, and BBQ sauce, this burger was in-SANE.
Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast With Balsamic Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella Cheese + Perfect Rice Pilaf
Jay took care of this meal from start to finish once again, and I’m fairly certain I informed him that he should be in charge of cooking dinner for the rest of eternity. Seriously, he is just so good at it! And my horrendous iPhone photos are not doing the meal justice, so make sure to check out the original recipes linked above. I want this meal every single week now(!!).
Breakfast
I’ve also had a couple favorite breakfasts lately. On the weekends, I always love a good egg scramble paired with a piece of toast with peanut butter.
My scramble is typically 1 egg + 1/2 cup egg whites (protein, FTW!); always with a drizzle of ketchup, and occasionally with a sprinkle of Everything but the Bagel seasoning.
During the week/at work, I’ve actually gotten really into oatmeal again! Granted, it’s nothing like the fancy bowls of oatmeal I used to make back in the day, but oatmeal out of a cup still tastes (almost) just as good.
Most of the time, I’ll make it with hot water, then add a splash of almond milk and a scoop of peanut butter. Depending on what else is available in the office, I might add a little granola, some raisins, banana slices, or trail mix. But if I can make some time in the morning later this week, I’m totally going for a batch of my favorite Voluminous Oats!
Lunches
Salads. I’m so boring. But I really just love me a good salad come lunch time!
On a good week, I will have cooked up a pack of chicken to add to my salads for the week. If we’re out of chicken, I’ll usually add deli meat.
My usual veggies/extras include spring mix, cucumbers, tomatoes, shredded carrots, red onions, feta cheese, dried cranberries, and avocado (as long as I have a good, ripe one!).
My go-to salad dressing lately has been the Classic Ranch from Bolthouse Farms, followed closely by an sort of balsamic vinagrette (I really like the Ken’s Light Balsamic). Good stuff!
Aaaand since this post is already getting long enough, then maybe I’ll save my favorite snacks for another day. Yay? Nay? ; )
Kate says
How do you cook up your chicken for your salads?
Courtney says
We alternate between baking it and grilling it, depending on the weather. My quick/go-to is using a packet of Italian dressing/seasoning mix, and we mix it up with a little olive oil and water as the marinade :)
Rebecca says
Thanks for the great dinner ideas and yes to sharing snacks!
Lindsay says
I knew we were kindred spirits..I eat a salad at my desk for lunch every day also, and those are the two dressings I alternate. :)
I think I’m going to have to try that balsamic chicken this week! Thanks for sharing!
Courtney says
LOL!! :)
ErikaMC says
Thanks for sharing. I’m always looking for new supper ideas. The Philly Sloppy Joe looks like something my family will eat for sure and I love the one-pan meals. Yes, please share snacks too!
Steph says
I feel like I’m reading a food diary of my own life…thanks for the inspo! Fellow working mom and easy is always best :) Also I love how on-point your family’s burger game is.
Courtney says
Hahahaha, thanks! We take burgers VERY seriously :)
Rick says
Wolff’s Biergarten in Troy has that yummy Spaten Oktoberfest all year long on tap. Best Oktoberfest ever
Courtney says
Niiiiiiice. Thanks, Rick!
Sam says
Seems like way too much meat. Have you ever thought about reducing for health and the environment?
Lindsay says
Ummm… doesn’t seem like that at all actually. Seems like a very appropriate amount of eat. Would be perfectly appropriate if she ate more meat as well.
Courtney says
We eat a fair amount of meat in our home, but I’d hardly say that’s too much. Those dinners are all also over the span of about 6 weeks.
Stephanie says
Some people enjoy bringing more plant protein into their diet but not everyone does. Considering this is her blog and she is taking the time to share some of HER families meals and what works for them- it may not work for everyone. Courtney does a great job of incorporating plenty of veggies into her diet and has never claimed to be plant based. :)
With that being said- love these meal posts! I am 38 weeks pregnant expecting my first baby and love that I can look through your weekly meal plans for ideas for my family!
Shashaqueefa says
Have you thought about the rainforest and the bunnies and horses that can’t have mulch because of your salad buffet, Sam?
Melissa says
Lots of great meal ideas and for me, I’m a big fan of slow cooker recipes – they’re very convenient and versatile!