It’s time to get a head start on your meal plan for next week. From a layer-and-bake Mexican Casserole to a quick Shrimp Stir Fry that may become a weekly staple, we’ve got 5 easy weeknight dinners that will get you through the week. So grab a pen, make your shopping list, and stock up before the weekend’s over.
Top: Zucchini and Herbed Ricotta Flatbread at Sally’s Baking Addiction |Mediterranean Lamb Burgers at Salt & Wind | Shrimp Fried Rice at Bon Appetit
Related: Meal plan: 5 easy dinners from a raw pasta sauce to a go-to sheet pan meal.
Kick off the week with this #MeatlessMonday Zucchini and Herbed Ricotta Flatbread at Sally’s Baking Addiction. Sally makes the flatbread from scratch—and I have to say, it looks pretty simple as dough goes—but you can easily substitute store-bought flatbread or pizza dough. Then, the rest of this summery meal comes together in a snap.
Think you can’t serve two vegetarian meals in one week? This Mexican Tortilla Casserole from one of our favorite cookbooks, The Mom 100, featured at Cup of Jo, will make you think twice. Layer and bake a whole bunch of tasty ingredients including black beans, corn, tortillas and, of course, cheese, and dinner is done.
I know the pull to order take-out, especially mid-week when it seems like you might not make it over the hump, but this quick and tasty recipe for Shrimp Fried Rice at Bon Appetit will help you through and sate your take-out cravings at the same time.
Related: Meal plan: 5 easy dinners from a summery corn pasta to the best sheet pan chicken dinner.
I love nothing more than being able to plop a single, hearty bowl of food in front of my family knowing that it, alone, has everything a well-rounded meal should have, which is why I love this Pesto Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Roasted Asparagus at Damn Delicious. Asparagus isn’t in season right now, so swap in green beans, zucchini, or whatever summer vegetable you can roast. If you’re a stickler for protein at every meal, do what Chungah does and top this with a fried egg or add a sliced mozzarella and summer tomato salad on the side—both options only take 5 extra minutes.
Back to school may be starting for some of you, but there’s no reason not to keep summer grilling alive. Hit the backyard on Friday night and grill up one of these mouthwatering burger recipes that we found. I’m personally eyeing these Mediterranean Lamb Burgers with feta cheese, cucumbers, and red onion at Salt & Wind, but there are plenty of options from salmon to chicken to vegetarian if lamb isn’t your family’s cup of tea.
