If I’m being honest, figuring out what to make for dinner every night gets old real fast.  Anyone else feel the same way?
So instead of overthinking it (or pretending I have some perfectly curated meal plan), I’m just sharing what I’m actually cookinig and eating this week. These are simple, family-friendly meals that don’t require a ton of effort….because that’s the only kind of cooking I’m interested in right now during these busy days.
If you’ve been staring into your fridge wondering what to make – this should help.
Monday: Chicken and Steak Kabobs
This is one of those meals that feels a little more put together than it actually is.
I’ll usually throw together chicken and steak in a quick marinade and add whatever veggies I have – bell peppers, mushrooms, onions and maybe even some zucchini. Grill it (or use an indoor grill pan like this one) and dinner is done!
Why I Love It:
Minimal prep, easy cleanup, and everyone can pick what they want. Serve it with rice as a side for a perfect, quick dinner.
Tuesday: Sheet Pan Pizza
This is my go-to when I want something easy that still feels like a “fun” dinner.
Store-bought dough, whatever toppings are in the fridge, throw it all on a sheet pan, and its ready in 20 minutes. No shaping, no stress, no perfection required!
What I Love It:
It’s fast, customizable, and no one ever complains about pizza!
Wednesday: Blackened Chicken Alfredo
This one feels a little more indulgent but still comes together so quickly!
I doctor up a store-bought sauce with some simple seasonings, add blackened chicken to the top, and dinner is DONE. Nothing complicated – just really good.
Why I Love It:
This dinner is literally done in about 20 minutes and is simple enough for a family dinner but sophisticated enough for company.  And did I mention it’s SO quick!
Thursday: Easy BBQ Chicken
This is a “bare minimum effort” dinner in the best way.
Chicken + BBQ Sauce + a few seasonings and you’re done. Pass it off to someone who knows how to use the grill (not me!) and pour yourself a cocktail knowing you’re about to please everyone in the family with a delicious dinner! Pair it with a simple salad or roasted potato.
Why I Love It:
The seasoning on the chicken makes it taste like its been cooking all day! And the store-bought BBQ sauce glaze is just so simple. It’s like summer on a plate!
Friday: New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp
This is one of my favorites when I want something a little different but sooo easy!
Don’t let the name fool you – there’s no BBQ in this dish. But there IS a delicious buttery, garlic sauce you’ll want to bathe in! Serve it with crusty french bread to soak up all the sauce and call it a day.
Why I Love It:
BIG flavor, minimal effort – one dish, a few ingredients and you have a meal that feels a little upgraded without being complicated.
This isn’t a perfect “meal plan”. It isn’t fancy food and its certainly not complicated. It’s really exactly what I’m eating this week and feeding my family.
If you’ve been needing a few ideas to get you through the week, save this post for later – you’ll thank yourself around 5 pm.
