I was just thinking the other day about how I never, ever used to meal plan. I’d think of a meal here or there that I knew I wanted to make for the week, but I was never one to write everything out or plan for a full week.
Then again, that was before kids. They always say everything changes once you have kids, right? Haha.
Even though I’m pretty much back on the meal planning train, one thing that I haven’t been doing a great job of is making sure we have more color and veggies. A lot of the time I’ll plan for doing something like a side salad or roasted veggie on the side, but then we get a late start cooking, or someone is having a meltdown, and it just boils down to us needing to get something in our stomachs. One of these days, we’ll be able to have a nice, quiet dinner all together, right?
I know, I’m laughing too.
Anywho…I have a few new recipes that we tried this past week, so let’s get to it!
Sunday: BLT’s with french fries
Always love the classic BLT…the only thing that was missing was avocado (we were out!).
Monday: Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops with homemade red mashed potatoes and veggies
The pork chops were SO easy (I used this “recipe” from Pinterest). I know that condensed soups aren’t really everyone’s thing., and try not to rely on them TOO much, but I figured I’d give it a shot. They were a bit salty from the soup, but overall, I really liked them and would probably make them again just for the mere reason that they’re so stinkin’ easy.
Tuesday: Crockpot 3 Ingredient Hawaiian Chicken
This was another one that was loosely based off of another pin I saw on Pinterest; here’s what I did:
- Cut up a package of chicken (about 1-3/4lbs) into 1-inch chunks and coated in some cornstarch.
- Layer in the bottom of the crockpot (I used a crockpot liner)
- In a bowl, mix 1 can (20oz) of pineapple chunks (undrained), 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/3 cup soy sauce.
- Cook on low for about 4 hours (check your crockpot though, they’re all different!)
- When finished, I mixed in a little BBQ sauce for some extra flavor
- Serve over rice and you’re DONE!
Another super easy one, and one I’ll definitely do again! Just add some veggies on the side and you’re good to go.
Wednesday: Leftovers…honestly can’t even remember what I had?!
Thursday: One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni
This recipe was pretty good, although I felt like it was missing a little something. We meant to have side salads with this, but then life happened and all we cared about was getting something on the table quickly so we could get the kiddos to bed. #lifewitha3yearoldand3monthold
Friday: Takeout from our FAVORITE – Testo’s!
We used to order from Testo’s ALL THE TIME back in our old house, but when we moved, they no longer delivered to us. Over the summer, however, they opened up a new location which totally delivers to us and it just makes me so happy. I absolutely LOVE their pasta fagioli!
Saturday: Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Burgers with beans and carrots
I’d definitely have to say that these chicken burgers have quickly become the favorite out of all of my chicken burger recipes!
What’s on YOUR menu for the week ahead? Got any good recipes to share? Feel free to link ‘em up below!!
haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine says
That Hawaiian Chicken sounds like a dream. I need to hop on the meal plan boat for this week!! (adding all things pumpkin)
Beth says
Hi Courtney
Long time reader. I have 2 kiddos each a year older than yours. I work and I am struggling to find time to workout and constantly find myself obsessing about it. Any advice?
Courtney says
Hey Beth! I’ve found that, honestly, I’ve just had to lower my expectations on how often I work out. Since I’ve done that, it makes me feel a lot better about what I CAN get in…not necessarily what I can’t. There are certain days that I know a workout just isn’t in the cards, and that’s okay. Right now, I am for 3-4 days a week and usually, I have about a half hour max. You could always try breaking up your workouts into smaller chunks throughout the day? A quick HIIT in the morning and evening? On a lunch hour (<-- although sweat is certainly a factor!). I wish I had better advice for you, but I've just come to terms with the fact that while fitness will always be a part of my life, right now, it's just not at the forefront.
Emily says
I need to start meal planning, but I actually love going to the market everyday to buy our food (we live in Antigua). Thanks for giving me some great ideas!
Fiona says
Since being back to work and having a toddler that demands food ASAP, meal planning and prepping has become my Sunday chore..I kind of hate it but I know it makes life WAY easier in the end.
I made this last week and he ATE IT multiple times..soo I call it a win!
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/70931762860955747/
Courtney says
That looks awesome, thanks for sharing! Just pinned it myself :)
Shayla says
Curious about how you are cooking your veggies? Always trying to find new ways!
Courtney says
Haha we just usually do steambags – quick and easy!
Shayla says
Well they look very fresh! Lol
Kalley says
I tried that one pot hamburger helper copy cat recipe tonight – at first taste I definitely agreed with you that it was missing something. I tried adding worcestershire and that helped! Just made it more hearty.
My husband also added a lot of hot sauce, which he also loved.
Just wanted to share, because I thought the Worcestershire sauce helped a lot!
Love these posts.
Courtney says
Ooooo, good to know! Thanks for the heads up on that!
basketball stars says
At first tasting, I absolutely concurred with you that the one-pot hamburger helper recipe was lacking something. Worcestershire was added, and that worked. Simply made it heartier. In addition, my husband generously added hot sauce, which he also enjoyed. I just wanted to let you know that I really thought the Worcestershire sauce was helpful! I enjoy your posts.