The biggest challenge for home cooks is to keep things interesting. This week, the menu includes Chinese and Middle Eastern flavors in addition to some classic American favorites. When things stay this interesting, people will keep coming back to the table just out of curiosity if nothing else! They’ll come because they’re curious, they’ll stay because it’s delicious!
Don’t forget to “Grab Your Shopping List” by clicking the button above. I’ve listed everything so that you can be sure you have all you need. Just cross off what you already have and watch the list shrink.
If you like planning your meals for week, you might also like to check out other weekly menu planners. You’ll can check out Week 1 and Week 2 and stay tuned for more weeks to come. You’ll be able to find all the Weekly Menu Planners here.
(The planned menu and grocery list has quantities for a family of four. You can alter the recipe quantities by clicking on the plus or minus buttons next to the serving size on the recipe card.)
Monday: Creamy Corn & Tomato Orecchiette
This creamy corn & tomato sauce on pasta will remind you of creamed corn, but there’s no cream involved! Of course you can add cream and you can use frozen corn kernels too for that matter. Serve it on whatever shaped pasta you have on hand. I love the little ears of orecchiette which can hold more of the sauce in each bite. It’s a tasty pasta that will make you think of summertime.
Tuesday: Sweet & Sour Pork
You don’t have to call or wait for anyone to deliver this sweet and sour pork! This is take out night at home and it’s delicious. Just some white rice to accompany this will make it a perfect fun Chinese food night. You can substitute chicken for the pork and you could pan fry the coated meat chunks in oil on the stovetop if you don’t have an air fryer.
Wednesday: Chicken Thighs with Cipollini Onions & Proscuitto
This tasty braise is a twist on chicken marsala. If you don’t have marsala on hand, you can use white wine and if you don’t like to cook with alcohol at all, just increase the chicken stock. No prosciutto? No problem – just substitute some chopped bacon for a similar salty addition. For those of you who prefer white meat, use bone in chicken breasts, cut in half and judge your cooking time by the size of the chicken breast. It could be perfect at 20 minutes, or might take a little longer if the breasts are very large.
Thursday: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Who knew Thursday could be the most fun night of the week? This Sloppy Joe Casserole is definitely something to look forward to and is a whole lot less messy than traditional sloppy Joes. The buns bake on top of the meat so they don’t get soggy. Serve this with a green salad (or not).
Friday: Chicken Shawarma with Skinny Fries
I love sandwich night and this Chicken Shawarma is one of my favorite sandwiches. I’ve had these wrapped up in delicious naan and also served open face on mini pita breads too. Use what you have, but warm the bread or wrap for best results. If you’re going low carb, you can also make this into a delicious salad over chopped Romaine lettuce using the tahini sauce as a dressing. Skinny fries are also a perfect side for this kick off to the weekend.
Saturday: BBQ Baby Back Ribs with Easy Mac & Cheese
It’s full on weekend with this dinner! You can make the ribs in the pressure cooker OR in the oven and you’ll find directions for both methods on the recipe page. Tender and succulent, these BBQ baby back ribs never fail to please. You know what else never fails to please? Mac and Cheese! Make it in your pressure cooker or use the traditional method.
Sunday: Lasagna Roll Ups
You’ve made it to Sunday! Roll up the carpet and relax with these lasagna roll ups. When you roll the lasagna up, it’s much easier to serve. If you prefer a vegetarian version or just don’t want to make the traditional meat sauce, try the roasted squash lasagna roll up. Both are equally delicious.
Thank you so much for the fantastic menu plans and recipes. I am really enjoying them.
I have followed you since I saw you on QVC. (Bet you haven’t heard that one before)
Love your dogs, too.
Stay Healthy and safe,
so grateful to you and your puppies
Made your Sloppy Joe Casserole last night. Had to cut it down since there are only two of us but OMG! It is so delicious! It will be a repeated item that’s for sure! Thanks again!