I know most of us are cooking more than usual these days during this unprecedented time in our country. Although I have been a menu planner for a long, long time I still am constantly on the outlook for inspiration when it comes to getting dinner on the table. Some of my favorite blog posts include daily menus so I thought I would share with you what is on our menu for the last half of March in case you are looking for inspiration of your own.
Last week when I realized we would be staying in for a while I did an inventory of our freezer and pantry. I usually keep both fairly well stocked so these menus were based mostly on what I had available. I did make a run to the store, like everyone else in America, but mostly bought fruit and dairy supplies.
Since I just cook for Dave and I these days, many of these meals provide leftovers for lunch.
Sunday Slow Cooker Taco Soup – there are many variations of this soup but the one I made you can find here. It is simple, thick and so very good. The leftovers were my lunch for several days.
Monday Breakfast Casserole/Sausage Links– I love breakfast for dinner. The recipe linked here was the inspiration but I added 1/3 cup each of sauteed green pepper, onion and mushroom, used regular milk instead of evaporated and left out the ham. Leftovers provided a couple of breakfast also.
sourceTuesday Honey Garlic Chicken Thigh Sheet Pan Dinner – this EatingWell recipe came across my facebook feed. The recipe can be found here.
Wednesday Salmon/Long Grain and Wild Rice/Cut-up veggies – Dave is in charge of making salmon (or any fish) in this house. He found this recipe and uses it all the time.
Thursday Homemade Pizza
Friday Tacos
Saturday Taco Salad – using the leftovers from friday night’s dinner.
Sunday Grilled Cheese/Tomato Soup – We ordered carry-out from our local BBQ restaurant for lunch so went lighter for dinner.
Monday Breaded Shrimp/ Sauteed Rice/Caprese Salad – going to try the shrimp in the air fryer. The rice recipe can be found here. The Caprese Salad is my own version, sliced up grapes tomatoes with grated mozzarella or Parmesan cheese, tossed with Zesty Italian dressing or Olive Oil. An even better version of this salad can be found here but I do not have any avocados right now.
Tuesday Pork Tenderloin/Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes and Steamed Broccoli – Dave will eat the pork leftovers for his lunch this week.
Wednesday Spaghetti with Meat Sauce/Salad – this pasta sauce I froze a few weeks ago when I made sugu (Italian marinara sauce recipe from a family member). I always double the recipe when I make this and freeze half for a later date.
Thursday Hamburgers on the Grill/French Fries – I am going to try the frozen Red Robin fries I found at Wal-mart in the air fryer.
Friday Beef Lo Mein – I have never tried this before, but it was on sale last time I went to the store so I thought I would give it a try.
Saturday Chicken Marsala/Mashed Potatoes/Green Beans- Here is a link to the recipe. I have not tried this before but it looks really good. I will probably substitute the fresh mushrooms with canned and use evaporated milk unless I get to the store before I make it.
Sunday Black Bean Soup/Cornbread – this Black Bean soup is so easy and so good. I usually make it in the crockpot but it could just as easily be made on the stovetop. Here is the recipe I shared a while back.
Monday Garlic Steak Bites- this is an EatWell recipe that I have made several times, here are the instructions. The first time I made it I also made the Lemon Zucchini Noodles and they were good also. I do not have any zucchini on hand right now so will have to find a different veggie to go with it.
Tuesday Chicken Thighs on the Grill/Pasta Salad
I hope this provides you with some ideas for your dinners each night. Let me know what you are cooking! Please stay home and stay safe!!!
So glad I saw your post — I was definitely looking for something new to try in the kitchen! The Honey Garlic sheet pan dish will be served at my house tonight — I will use chicken breast instead of the thighs…again thanks so much for sharing!