Following a weekly meal plan is the best way to cook healthier for your family, save time and money! Each week I share six simple, healthy and family friendly recipes to help you simplify feeding your family!
Last week I was incredibly honored to be one of seven bloggers featured in Lowcountry Parent Magazine for my meal plan. In the article, Lowcountry Parent shares seven easy dinner recipes for busy families to kick off back to school. In honor of the women featured, I’m incorporating some of their delicious recipes into the meal plan this week as easy & family friendly is what DWTD is all about.
A few notes // If you are looking for additional ways to cut down on your grocery bill, definitely take a trip to Costco. A high percentage of recipe costs comes from spices. Purchasing the most used (garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, etc.) will seriously help you save. Snag olive oil and balsamic vinegar while you are at it!
Sunday, August 15th | Tortellini with Basil Tomato Sauce | Total Time: 15 minutes | Total Cost | $18.98 | Kate of Naptime Kitchen is one of the first bloggers I reached out to when I realized I wanted to start DWTD as she and I attended the same high school. I love how she sticks to her true self in everything she shares. This tortellini recipe consists of four ingredients – pre-made tortellini (on sale at Harris Teeter this week), jarred sauce, parmesan and basil. That’s it!
Monday, August 16th | Instant Pot Ribs with Roasted Potatoes and Side Salad | Total Time: 40 minutes | Total Cost: $40 | There’s no better time to pull out your instant pot than the week of back to school. My girls LOVE this rib recipe. It takes five minutes of prep and the remainder is hands off cook time. For potatoes: I like using baby dutch potatoes, about 1.5 lbs. Cut in half and toss with 2 tbsp. of melted butter. Sprinkle with a 1 tbsp. salt, 1 tbsp. garlic powder and a little pepper. Place on large baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until fork tender. Shake mid way thru cooking!
Tuesday, August 17th | Crock Pot Salsa Verde Chicken Bowls | Total Time: 4 or 8 hours | Total Cost: $27.45 | The Crockpot is synonymous with back to school. Natalie Mason of Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers puts her spin on a Taco Tuesday classic. Kid Tip: serve their chicken in a taco with their favorite toppings!
Wednesday, August 18th | One Pan Balsamic Chicken Veggie Bake | Total Time: 45 minutes | Total Cost: $28.00 | A reader favorite, this sheet pan recipe checks all of the boxes – healthy, family friendly, easy and de-constructible. Chicken thighs (or breasts) are marinated in an easy balsamic, mustard mix and cooked alongside customizable veggies. Use what you have on hand or use veggies you know your kids will tolerate. Don’t cut your carrots too thick – unless you prefer crunchy carrots.
Thursday, August 19th | Chicken Meatball Salad | Total Time: 15 minutes | Total Cost: $27. 32 | Sometimes simple is best. Actually simple is always best when it comes to trying to feed your family! Pre-made chicken meatballs topped with fresh mozzarella and the dreamiest Greek yogurt dressing. Such a light, yet filling, dinner idea. Kid Tip: double the meatballs and serve plain with dippy sauce and their most tolerable veggie and some garlic bread or purchase hoagies and make them meatballs subs!
Friday, August 20th | Italian Stromboli | Total Time: 30 minutes | Total Cost: $22.00 | I’m guessing we will all need a fun Friday after this week. Stromboli is basically a pizza sammie. Kid friendly both in eating and helping to prepare. Aimee Mars of Aimee Mars Living created this recipe with the family in mind!
This Week You Will Need:
Leave a Reply