Finding inspiration to create new menu ideas can be challenging for a lot of us. We know creating a meal plan will help us save time, money and stress.
But it can be overwhelming to come up with ideas for new meals that our family will enjoy and eat! Read on to learn more about creative meal planning ideas and 7 recipes that your family is sure to enjoy!
Check out the Weekly Meal Plans available to help you get dinner on the table for your family!
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Walking on Sunshine Recipes.
Deciding what to make for dinner every night doesn't have to be a chore. A good approach is to plan ahead and create a meal plan for the week or month in advance.
Knowing exactly what you have on hand and in your pantry by using our FREE printable pantry list guide will give you an idea of what you can make for dinner. That way when you come home from work or school, you're already prepared.
Additionally, take advantage of leftovers, mix and match recipes, and explore new cuisines—it can all add up to delicious meals with minimal effort.
Make sure you check out my popular Make Ahead Freezer Meal Plan to help you put together meals your family is going to love. Along with the Pantry List Printable, don't forget to grab the Freezer Inventory Printable.
Menu Ideas
Whether you're cooking for two or feeding a large family, there are plenty of tasty yet budget meal planning recipes that everyone will love.
With some thoughtful planning and creativity, you can easily find meals that your family will love!
This is just an example of how I like to meal plan. You could also incorporate a "leftover meal" or even "clean out the refrigerator" night. This is something we do at least once a week or every 10 days.
- Monday - Meatless, Vegetarian or even Leftovers from the weekend.
- Tuesday - Taco Tuesday
- Wednesday - Chicken, Beef or Fish
- Thursday - Pasta or Italian Night
- Friday - Sandwiches and Soup
- Saturday - Pizza or Eat Out, Order In
- Sunday - Comfort Food Meal
Top Tip
Assign each day of the week a different category and then plan a meal according to that category.
How to make a Dinner Menu for Home
So how does this easy menu planning ideas printable work? How do you figure out what to make for dinner every night?
To begin with you need to choose a meal that goes along with each category listed above. Look through the recipes available here on the site for you in the Main Meal Index. Once you've selected the recipe, write out the ingredients you need to make that recipe.
Now, pick a side dish to serve with the recipe. Side dishes should include one or two veggies or maybe a tossed salad with homemade ranch salad dressing.
Don't forget to add a starch such as mashed potatoes, rice or mac and cheese to the menu! Again, check out the side dish recipes available for you here that are my family's favorites.
Printable Meal Planner
Get organized and make delicious dinners with our FREE meal planner!
🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
Non-Stick Baking SheetPan and Cookie Baking Tray, Heavy Duty
Glass Mixing Bowl with Lids Set of 36-cup (cooked) One Touch Rice CookerExtra Thin Flexible Cutting Boards
🍽 Weekly Meal Plan Collection
LOVE these recipes? SAVE them for Later!
❤️Tap the heart icon in the lower right corner to add them to your recipe box.
Made any of them? A quick star rating or short review is always appreciated.
Want to save them on paper? The Ultimate Meal Planner & Recipe Binder helps you keep recipes organized in one easy place.
Crescent Roll Pizza Braid
Stuffed Zucchini with Beef and Cheese
Sheet Pan Chicken Cutlets
20 Minute Chicken Stir Fry
Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Chicken Alfredo
Healthy Homemade Sloppy Joes
Scarlet says
Thanks for the free printable with menu planning ideas. It will make things so much easier and cuter:)