This round of meal plans is a little smaller than usual. With Thanksgiving just 11 short days away, I will do a separate Thanksgiving post including my entire menu for the day and plans for the leftovers! Having said that, since I typically gain about 5 pounds on Turkey day alone, I tried to keep this batch a little on the lighter side. Tried anyway ;)
Dinners
Bacon and Eggs
Because it's freaking easy. Seriously, if you're not baking your bacon yet- try it! It's cleaner, easier and just as good!
Personally, I preheat my oven to 400, lay down a layer of aluminum foil on a big baking sheet, lay down the bacon and throw it in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. (I don't wait for the oven to actually preheat either.) If you really want to decrease the amount of grease, cook your bacon on a cookie cooling rack on top of a baking sheet in the oven. -Use foil though, either way. Bacon grease is disgusting to clean.
Broccoli and Beef (in the crockpot)
https://www.keyingredient.com/recipes/185716238/crock-pot-beef-and-broccoli/
Big Chicken Salad
I like to buy the big plastic container of salad mix, toss in some craisins, sliced almonds, cooked chicken, fresh veggies and we are currently on an Olive Garden Italian dressing kick. Obviously, you know how to make a salad and can make it however you'd like! But since it's the star of the show this night, I like to splurge on some extra add-ins to liven it up a little.
Baked Chicken and Rice
Whatever baked chicken recipe you like. Growing up, I ate a lot of baked chicken coated in Ritz crackers crumbs. May be a winner if you've got littles running around (Ritz Chicken). Or keep it super simple with some olive oil, seasoning and bake at 350 for 30 minutes or so. Additionally, we really like the Rice-a-Roni rice pilaf with some toasted almonds thrown in. Don't forget a vegetable :)
Lasagna
I cheat and buy the Barilla No-Boil noodles. They're kind of a life saver. Shaving like 20 minutes off the prep time for this meal. Also, I use the basic recipe on the back of the box. Which I'll include here if you throw the box out and don't want to dig it out of the box 8 more times while you're making it like I do.
**I know what you're thinking... "I thought you said 'light' meals". Which I totally did so to keep this recipe lighter you can make some easy swaps. Instead of noodles, try thinly sliced zucchini (just slice lengthwise, sprinkle with a little salt and toss in a colander to drain while you prep the rest of the goodies. Use as you would regular noodles.) You can also opt for the low fat ricotta or cottage cheese instead of the full fat ricotta. Lastly, you can omit the meat or use ground turkey instead of beef.
Easy Chicken and Dumplings
http://eatathomecooks.com/2009/07/homemade-chicken-and-dumplings-its-easy-really/
I like to add in Mrs. Dash for more flavor.
Deconstructed Stuffed Mushrooms.. kind of
We just made this up one day and it has become a part of our regular cycle.
I cook up some brown or white rice. I slice 2 containers of mushrooms thinly, sauté in a little olive oil until nice and brown. Move to a bowl. Brown some spicy sausage. Toss it all together and sprinkle with feta cheese. If you hate feta, you can use whatever cheese or omit the cheese. It's just a simple quick dish.
Chicken, Apple, Sweet Potato & Brussel Sprout skillet
http://www.wellplated.com/chicken-apple-sweet-potato-and-brussels-sprouts-skillet/print/
This is another that regularly makes our fall routine. Everything is in season right now and easy to find. (I skip the bacon)
Creamy Cauliflower (Alfredo) Pasta
http://pinchofyum.com/creamy-cauliflower-sauce
It's time to jump on the cauliflower band wagon. Seriously, this is a really good sauce! We usually add in chicken or shrimp.
Snacks for this time-
we are making Spinach Muffins (because my toddler is refusing to eat vegetables...) Honestly, they are pretty good! They don't taste like spinach at all and freeze well.
Oatmeal Energy Bites (I omit the flax seed because I'm cheap.)
and a personal house favorite Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Dip with homemade granola, for dipping apples or just plain.
Like I said, it's a short list this time. Check back soon for my Thanksgiving post!!
Grocery List
Produce
2 heads of broccoli
Garlic clove
Salad
2 large zucchini (if you want that for your lasagna)
2 granny smith apples
2 sweet potatoes
Brussel sprouts
1-2 heads of cauliflower
2 mushrooms
1 onion
Middle of the store
Soy sauce
Sesame oil
Brown sugar
Cornstarch
Beef broth
Craisins
Sliced almonds
Salad dressing
Mrs. Dash
Flour
Baking powder
Rice Pilaf
2 jars spaghetti sauce
Fettuccine noodles
No boil lasagna noodles (if you're going that route)
Brown rice
Cooler Area
Butter
Milk
Eggs
Mozzerella
Parmesan
Feta cheese
Ricotta cheese
Meat
1lb beef chuck
6 or so chicken breasts
1lb ground beef or turkey
1lb spicy ground sausage
***If you're not finding my meal plan super helpful but like the idea of meal planning-, start an "on the menu" board on pinterest. Pin 5-10 meals or so and all week your recipes are easy to find. While you pin them, jot down the ingredients and you're done. If you like the recipe, pin it to a board called "repeat meals" if you hated it, delete it and forget it ever happened. Every week or two just delete the contents and start over. ***
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