From the feedback I’ve gotten so far, it sounds like I’m not alone in my desire to make dinnertime less stressful. And while once-a-month-cooking is awesome, I thought that we might get our feet wet with two week’s worth of meals. I’m glad you’re joining us! (If this is all news to you, be sure to read my first Two-Week Cooking Project post before you start into this one.)
As promised, I’m here to share my menu plan for our Two-Week Cooking Project. Please understand that I’m only sharing this as a basic outline. You’re welcome to jump in with us while using your own menu plan. In fact, if you have a well-stocked pantry, you might be able to create some meals using what you have on-hand. However, if you’re new to the whole idea of cooking ahead, you’re quite welcome to go with my plan meal-for-meal!
The Meals
These are listed in no particular order. I simply chose 14 meals that my family enjoys. For a couple of them, I’ll be making a double batch and stragetically using planned leftovers. The * by some dishes is your cue that the meal needs a veggie side dish to complete it. I’ll share my sides, but feel free to mix it up if you like something else better.
1 & 2 – Southwest Chicken Roll-Ups by Money Saving Mom (double batch)
3 – Hamburger Stroganoff (recipe to come) with Corn on the Cob*
4 & 5 – Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan by Erin at $5 Dinners (double batch)
6 – Grilled BBQ Chicken with Baked Yams and Green Beans
7 – Grilled Chicken Salads (big ones!) made from leftover chicken
8 – Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo (recipe to come – Don’t let the name scare you! It’s SOOOO easy!) with Side Salads
9 & 10 – Homemade Pizza (recipe to come) (double batch)
11 – Chicken Stir Fry
12 – Crock Pot Ground Beef & Beans Casserole (recipe to come)
13 – Pizza Stuffed Peppers (recipe to come)
14 – Crock Pot Chicken Sausage Stew (recipe to come)
You’ll notice that I have a lot of all-in-one meals but not necessarily a ton of casseroles. I thought that might be easier for anyone who’s new to cooking ahead.
My next post will include a complete ingredient list by meal and a complete shopping list by grocery store aisle. If you’re planning to use my meal plan, you’ll have a ready-made list. You can browse through your own pantry and fridge and mark items off the list. You’ll be left with a grocery shopping list.
My plan is to shop on Friday and cook on Saturday. You don’t have to follow that exact schedule! Make it work for you.
Feel free to share your menu plans in the comments section. I’m sure that you all have some awesome recipes to share! If you’re a blogger who is planning to join us for the Two-Week Cooking Project, feel free to link up your menu plan below. You’re welcome to grab the graphic at the top of this post for your own site.
How do you freeze and store your products? Do you use freezer bags or containers, etc? I have been thinking of trying to do a few of your meals to keep until school starts back. I I do get to do them, I won’t be able to cook until Monday.
I’m a Ziploc freezer bag kind of gal. I know that some people use the disposable pans or their own glass pans, but I can get the freezer bags free or almost-free. So I go that route. So far everything I’ve tried has worked well in the freezer bags. Glad you’re thinking of jumping in! 🙂