Some weeks call for ambitious recipes and lots of time in the kitchen.

This is not one of those weeks.

This meal plan is all about dinners that are simple, satisfying and realistic for busy days. I’ve gathered seven completely new recipes—including quick skillet meals, an easy slow-cooker dinner and a Friday-night favorite—plus something sweet for dessert.

Click any underlined recipe title to go directly to the complete recipe.

 

This Week’s Meal Plan: 7 Easy Dinners + Something Sweet

Does anyone else feel like figuring out what’s for dinner is half the battle?

That’s exactly why I love putting these meal plans together. Instead of standing in front of the refrigerator at 5:30 wondering what sounds good, here are seven dinners already planned for you — plus something sweet.

This week, every recipe is brand-new to the meal plan. There are quick 30-minute dinners, two easy one-pan meals, a slow-cooker favorite and a fun Friday-night option.

Click any underlined recipe title to go directly to the complete recipe.

Monday: Creamy Beef & Shells

Let’s start the week with something quick, creamy and comforting.

Tender pasta shells and seasoned ground beef are tossed in a creamy tomato and cheddar sauce. It has the familiar comfort of those boxed beef-and-pasta dinners many of us grew up with, but with a richer homemade flavor.

It’s ready in about 30 minutes. Add roasted broccoli, green beans or a simple salad and Monday dinner is done.

Tuesday: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Tuesday gets a dinner that feels a little special without requiring a lot of extra work.

Chicken, creamy Parmesan orzo, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach all cook in one skillet. The orzo cooks right in the sauce, which means more flavor and fewer dishes to wash.

Serve it on its own or add warm garlic bread and a simple green salad.

Wednesday: Cheesy Beef Enchilada Rice Skillet

Midweek feels like a good time for another one-pan dinner.

Seasoned ground beef, rice, enchilada sauce and corn cook together in one skillet before everything gets topped with plenty of melted cheese. You get all those familiar enchilada flavors without filling and rolling individual tortillas.

Put out sour cream, avocado, cilantro and crushed tortilla chips and let everyone add their favorite toppings.

Thursday: Teriyaki Chicken Noodles

Thursday night, we’re skipping the takeout.

Tender chicken, noodles, broccoli and red bell pepper are tossed in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. The whole dinner is ready in about 30 minutes, and you can easily change the vegetables based on what you already have in the refrigerator.

Chicken, noodles and vegetables all in one dish — done.

Friday: Baked Italian Sliders

Friday calls for something easy and fun.

Hawaiian rolls are layered with ham, salami, pepperoni and provolone, then brushed with a buttery Parmesan and Italian-seasoning topping before being baked until warm, melty and golden.

Serve them with a salad, fresh fruit or chips. These would also be perfect for a football night or casual family get-together.

Saturday: Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken

Saturday gets crispy chicken without the mess of frying.

Thin chicken breasts are coated with Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs and ranch seasoning, then baked until crunchy on the outside and juicy inside.

Add mashed or roasted potatoes and your favorite vegetable. You can even roast broccoli on a second sheet pan while the chicken cooks.

Sunday: Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken

Sunday dinner without spending Sunday afternoon in the kitchen? Yes, please.

Chicken cooks slowly with sweet onions, French onion soup, beef broth and seasonings before being topped with melted provolone. It’s warm, savory and exactly the kind of cozy dinner that starts sounding good when Spokane evenings begin to cool down.

Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice or buttered egg noodles so none of that delicious sauce goes to waste.

And Now for Something Sweet

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

This dessert tastes like you spent far more time making it than you actually did.

Sweet strawberry filling, a creamy cheesecake layer and a buttery golden cake topping come together in one baking dish with only about 10 minutes of prep.

Serve it while it’s still a little warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s easy enough for a family dinner but good enough to bring to a potluck or gathering.

Your Grocery List

Before heading to the store, check your refrigerator, freezer and pantry. You probably already have quite a few of these ingredients.

Produce

• 1 large sweet onion
• 1 small onion
• 1 red bell pepper
• 2 cups broccoli florets, plus more if serving as a side
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 7 cloves garlic
• Green onions, optional
• Avocados, optional
• Fresh cilantro, optional
• Fresh strawberries, optional
• Salad greens, potatoes, green beans or other side vegetables of your choice
• Fresh fruit, optional for slider night

Meat

• 2 pounds ground beef
• About 6½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or cutlets
• 6 slices deli ham
• 6 slices salami
• 12 slices pepperoni

Dairy & Refrigerated

• 1¼ cups heavy cream
• About 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
• 1 cup shredded or sliced provolone cheese, plus 6 additional slices
• 2 eggs
• 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese
• 15 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• Sour cream, optional
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, optional — but highly recommended

Bread, Rice & Pasta

• 12 ounces medium pasta shells
• 1 cup orzo
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 12 ounces spaghetti, linguine or lo mein noodles
• 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian rolls
• Mashed potatoes, rice or egg noodles for the French onion chicken
• Garlic bread, optional
• Tortilla chips, optional

Frozen

• 1 cup frozen corn

Sauces, Soups & Canned Goods

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed French onion soup
• 2½ cups beef broth
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• ½ cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 (21-ounce) cans strawberry pie filling

Pantry & Seasonings

• Olive oil or cooking oil
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 1 box yellow or white cake mix
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Dried thyme
• Sesame oil, optional
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Black pepper

Dinner Is Planned

There you go.

Seven brand-new dinners. One easy dessert. One grocery list.

Hopefully that means a little less time figuring out what to make this week and a little more time actually enjoying dinner.

Save this meal plan before you head to the store and send it to a friend who could use a few easy dinner ideas too.

And while I’m helping make dinner a little easier, I’m always happy to make Spokane real estate a little easier too.

If you’re wondering what your home might be worth, thinking about making a move, or simply curious about what’s happening in your Spokane neighborhood, reach out anytime.

I’m always happy to be a resource, and I’m never too busy for a phone call.

509.979.5894
Ronda