Menu Planning Monday: My Menu Plan for the week of 10/6

Last week was a total bust in terms of menu planning.  My entire family ended up with the stomach flu which was NO FUN! This week I’m hoping to get back on track and experimenting with cutting fat and calories from some of my family’s favorite recipes!

See my menu plans from previous weeks here–> Menu Planning Monday

You can also view hundreds of meal plans each week at Orgjunkie.com

Do you like what you see here?  Make sure you also check out my favorite recipes board on Pinterest:

Melissa’s Bargains favorite recipes on Pinterest

– See more at: http://www.melissasbargains.com/category/menu-planning-monday/#sthash.BBAgR9lU.dpuf

creamy-chicken-enchiladas

SUNDAY:  Creamy Chicken Enchiladas – My brother and his family are in town right now and this is always a family favorite!  I used reduced fat ingredients for everything, including the cheese, and even used whole wheat tortillas.

MONDAY:  Broccoli Chicken Casserole – This recipe has been on my “to try” list for two weeks now.  It reminds me of a chicken divan recipe my mom used to make when we were little.  I can’t wait to try it out and to see what everyone thinks.

slow-cooker-steak-stroganoff

TUESDAY:  Steak Stroganoff  – Here’s another family favorite and it’s been quite awhile since we had it.

WEDNESDAY:  Baked Orange Chicken – I love orange chicken and I’ve been missing it.  I found this baked version and can’t wait to check it out.

 

 

slow-cooker-beef-tips

THURSDAY:  Slow Cooker Beef Tips – This is an easy and yummy slow cooker recipe and perfect for the fall!

 

baked-spaghetti

FRIDAY:  Baked Spaghetti – I made this for my family a few weeks ago and it was a huge hit!  We’ll be making it with whole wheat noodles and turkey pepperoni.

SATURDAY:  Slow Cooker Turkey Chili – We have a chili cook-off at church.  I’ll be making slow cooker turkey chili and trying out one of my new Mrs. Dash seasoning packets!

Menu Planning Monday: starting my Advocare 24 Day Challenge!

This week I had to put a LOT of planning into my meal planning.  I’m starting the Advocare 24 Day Challenge  You can find out more about that here-> Join me in the Advocare 24 Day Challenge

Screen Shot 2013-09-02 at 7.41.02 AM

I’ve learned that one of the biggest things that will make or break weight loss is being PREPARED!  So, I planned out my breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and even snacks for the whole week!  You can see my full menu here-> Advocare 24 Day Challenge Menu

See my menu plans from previous weeks here–> Menu Planning Monday

You can also view hundreds of meal plans each week at Orgjunkie.com

Do you like what you see here?  Make sure you also check out my favorite recipes board on Pinterest:

Melissa’s Bargains favorite recipes on Pinterest

MONDAY:  Lasagne – This is one of my favorite foods and is not “holiday” or BBQ related at all, but it’s what I wanted as my last mean so to speak before I start the 24 Day Challenge!  I just use the recipe on the back of the Barilla Oven Ready noodles.

italian-green-bean-and-chicken-bake

TUESDAY:  Italian Green Beans & Chicken Bake – I’m modifying this and using Fat Free Zesty Italian dressing instead of a dry seasoning packet and butter and I’m also using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes

WEDNESDAY:  Balsamic Chicken with Green beans – I found this when I was searching for Advocare friendly 24 Day Challenge recipes

melt-in-your-mouth-meatloaf

THURSDAY:  Slow Cooker Melt in Your Mouth Meatloaf – I’m going to modify this and use oats instead of bread crumbs and Splenda brown sugar for the sauce.  We always use turkey already!

FRIDAY:  Turkey Meatballs – I have actually tried this recipe before and it’s yummy!

SATURDAY:  Fajitas – It’s my birthday and I wanted something yummy and figured this was a safe bet!  I’ll have lots of veggies and/or a great salad with it!  I also found some 50 calorie whole wheat tortillas if I decide I want to splurge and have a tortilla!

Menu Planning Monday: my menu plan for the week of 6/24

I’m back in town after an AMAZING blogging conference that has left me inspired and ready to make lots of great changes to my site!  In the meantime, I haven’t gone grocery shopping in almost 2 weeks and struggled to throw together a menu plan this morning based on things that we, for the most part, already have around the house!

If you’re new to menu planning or would like tips for getting started, check out this post here–> Tips for menu planning

See my menu plans from previous weeks here–> Menu Planning Monday

You can also view hundreds of meal plans each week at Orgjunkie.com

Make sure you also check out my favorite recipes board on Pinterest:

Melissa’s Bargains favorite recipes on Pinterest

MONDAY: Baked chicken chimichangas – I have been wanting to try this recipe for a LONG time and it seems like every time I plan to make it, something comes up.  Hopefully today will be the day!

TUESDAY: Smashburger – There is a grand opening for a Smashburger in my area and I get to attend, so free dinner!  I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m so excited to check it out!

chile-colorado-burritos

WEDNESDAY:  Slow cooker Chile Colorado Burritos – I made this for the first time several months ago and the whole family SERIOUSLY loved it!  The picture doesn’t do it justice.  It’s so easy to throw together, too, and perfect for a summer day when you don’t want to turn the oven on!

sweet-sour-pork

THURSDAY:  Sweet & Sour Pork – Super easy to make and kid friendly, too!

FRIDAY:  Bubble Pizza  – I made a version of this several years ago, but this is a new recipe for me (courtesy of Pinterest, of course!) and I can’t wait to try it!

tasty-baked-tacos

SATURDAY:  Tasty Baked Tacos – I love this recipe because it’s EASY!  My kids love it because they think it’s yummy!  It’s a win-win!

ReadySetEat

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.

Menu Planning Monday: My Menu Plan for the week of 3/17

My Spring Break was last week and I kind of fell off the menu planning wagon!  This week is going to be a busy one, so I mainly chose my tried and true quick fix and slow cooker recipes!

If you’re new to menu planning or would like tips for getting started, check out this post here–> Tips for menu planning

See my menu plans from previous weeks here–> Menu Planning Monday

You can also view hundreds of meal plans each week at Orgjunkie.com

rice-meatballs

SUNDAY:  Rice Meatballs – I got this recipe from my mother-in-law when I was first married.  It’s a tried and true family favorite that’s super easy to throw together!

chicken-licking-pork-chops

MONDAY:  Chicken Lickin’ Good Pork Chops – This is a super easy slow cooker pork chops recipe!  I usually serve it with a side of mashed potatoes and corn.

stacked-green-chicken-enchiladas

TUESDAY:  Stacked Green Chicken Enchiladas  This is a twist on a recipe my dad used to make when I was growing up.  I love it because it’s easy to throw together on nights when we’re busy, busy, busy!

WEDNESDAY:  Melt in Your Mouth Meatloaf  – Yes, it’s meatloaf and yet it’s a hit every time I make it…one of those recipes I can never go wrong with!

THURSDAY:  Chicken ranch tacos (slow cooker) – I made this recipe last week and we loved it so much that I decided to make it again this week!  It’s a totally easy “dump and go” recipe, too!  I’m all about simplifying things this week!

FRIDAY:  Country Style Macaroni Casserole – Every time I ask my family to help out with menu planning and give me recipe suggestions, this is always one of the things they choose.

Ingredients:

1 lb country ham slices or regular smoked ham in one piece (I just use whatever leftover ham we have on hand)
1 large onion, diced
1 lb elbow macaroni (whole wheat)
2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz) – I use reduced fat
1 cup sour cream (I use reduced fat)
1 can cream of chicken soup (I use 98% fat free)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) margarine, melted (I don’t use this when I make it)
1 cup dry plain bread crumbs

1. Heat oven to 400º.
2. Bring 4 quarts water and ham to boiling in large pot. Once water begins to boil,
remove ham to a plate. Add onion and macaroni to pot. Return water to boiling; cook 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Coarsely chop ham, discarding any fat and bones.
4. Drain macaroni and onion and return to pot. Add ham, cheese, sour cream and soup. Scrape into a 13x9x2 baking dish. Pour melted margarine over top. Sprinkle with bread crumbs.
5. Bake in heated 400º oven 30 minutes or until heated through and top is golden brown.
Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Note: Prepare in two 8×8 casserole dishes, bake one and freeze one (unbaked) for another day. If freezing, top with crumbs and margarine right before baking.

SATURDAY:  Slow Cooker Garlic Pesto chicken – I found this one on Pinterest and it looks SO YUMMY!  I can’t wait to try it!

See my menu plans from previous weeks here–> Menu Planning Monday

Looking for more quick fix menu ideas? Sign up for Ready, Set, Eat by clicking on the image below! It’s completely free and you’ll get recipe ideas delivered to you by e-mail!

ReadySetEat

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.

 

Menu Planning Monday: My Menu Plan for the week of 3/3

Last week I got back on track with menu planning!  This week is going to be a busy one, so I mainly chose my tried and true quick fix and slow cooker recipes!

If you’re new to menu planning or would like tips for getting started, check out this post here–> Tips for menu planning

See my menu plans from previous weeks here–> Menu Planning Monday

You can also view hundreds of meal plans each week at Orgjunkie.com

slow-cooker-chicken-noodle-soup

SUNDAY:  Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Noodle soup – This is the PERFECT comfort food and it’s super easy to make!

MONDAY:  Steak stroganoff (slow cooker) – My family LOVES this recipe!!

Ingredients:
2T flour
1/2 tsp Garlic powder
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1 3/4 lb. boneless round steak
2 cans 10 3/4 oz cream of mushroom soup (I use 98% FF)
2 c. water (or 1 can 100% FF beef broth for more flavor)
1 envelope beef stew mix
4 oz can mushrooms, sliced and drained
1/2 c. sour cream
1 T minced parsley

Combine flour, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika in slow cooker. Cut meat into 1 1/2 inch strips. Place in flour mixture and toss until meat is well coated. Add soup, water, and stew mix. Stir until well blended. Cover and cook on low 6-7 hours. Stir in mushrooms, sour cream, and parsley and then cook on high 10-15 minutes until heated through. Serve over egg noodles. (Depending on the consistency of the sauce, you may need to add cornstarch to thicken or add more water/broth to thin)

To freeze: Pour into gallon freezer bags (I used Ziploc containers for this one). Allow to cool before freezing.

To reheat: Thaw in refrigerator overnight. Warm on stove and serve over rice or egg noodles. (Add sour cream when warming if you left it out of the initial recipe)

TUESDAY:  Slow cooker chili  – It doesn’t get any easier than this dump and go recipe!

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (brown in skillet and then place in crockpot)
1 can dark kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can Ranch style beans
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can crushed tomatoes
1 packet chili spices

Mix all ingredients in crockpot and cook on high for 5 hours or low for 8 hours. Sprinkle cheese on top.

WEDNESDAY: Chicken enchilada casserole – This is a recipe that my sister came up with. She uses canned chicken when she makes it. I came up with a little bit of a variation.  It is so easy and kid friendly, too!

Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts (shredded) – or 1 can chicken
1 large can red enchilada sauce
corn tortillas
shredded cheese – I use reduced fat

Directions: (this is what I do) – I put my chicken and the enchilada sauce in the crockpot the night before and then shred it when I get up in the morning. If you are using canned chicken, you can just shred it as you are making the casserole. I spread some of the chicken/sauce mixture along the bottom of the casserole dish so it doesn’t stick. Break corn tortillas into four pieces and layer across the bottom of the casserole dish. Spread a layer of the chicken/sauce mixture and cheese. Add another layer of corn tortillas. Continue until you are out of the chicken/sauce mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

 

THURSDAY:  Melt in Your Mouth Meatloaf  – Yes, it’s meatloaf and yet it’s a hit every time I make it…one of those recipes I can never go wrong with!

FRIDAY:  Country Style Macaroni Casserole – Every time I ask my family to help out with menu planning and give me recipe suggestions, this is always one of the things they choose.

Ingredients:

1 lb country ham slices or regular smoked ham in one piece (I just use whatever leftover ham we have on hand)
1 large onion, diced
1 lb elbow macaroni (whole wheat)
2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz) – I use reduced fat
1 cup sour cream (I use reduced fat)
1 can cream of chicken soup (I use 98% fat free)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) margarine, melted (I don’t use this when I make it)
1 cup dry plain bread crumbs

1. Heat oven to 400º.
2. Bring 4 quarts water and ham to boiling in large pot. Once water begins to boil,
remove ham to a plate. Add onion and macaroni to pot. Return water to boiling; cook 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Coarsely chop ham, discarding any fat and bones.
4. Drain macaroni and onion and return to pot. Add ham, cheese, sour cream and soup. Scrape into a 13x9x2 baking dish. Pour melted margarine over top. Sprinkle with bread crumbs.
5. Bake in heated 400º oven 30 minutes or until heated through and top is golden brown.
Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Note: Prepare in two 8×8 casserole dishes, bake one and freeze one (unbaked) for another day. If freezing, top with crumbs and margarine right before baking.

SATURDAY:  Slow Cooker Lasagne – I’ve had this on my “to try” list for awhile, and since I’m off work today, I figured it would be a good day to try it!

See my menu plans from previous weeks here–> Menu Planning Monday

Looking for more quick fix menu ideas? Sign up for Ready, Set, Eat by clicking on the image below! It’s completely free and you’ll get recipe ideas delivered to you by e-mail!

ReadySetEat

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.