It’s time to start thinking about your meal plan for next week. From a lighter Orange Chicken to an easy winter classic, we’ve got five weeknight meals that will get you through the week ahead. So grab a pen, make your shopping list, and stock up before the weekend’s over.
Top: Spaghetti and Drop Meatballs by Mark Bittman | Photo by Melina Hammer for the New York Times
Related: Meal plan: 5 easy dinners from a soul warming roast to pasta with Awesome Sauce.
#MeatlessMonday can be easy when you rely on simple pasta, but really getting in the spirit — and heaping on the veggies — can make it a more challenging endeavor. That’s when you call in the big guns. And by guns I mean rainbows. Calling nearly any meal “rainbow” does the trick in my house, so I’m all about these Rainbow Winter Quinoa Bowls with Maple Dijon Balsamic Dressing at Good Life Eats. Cook whatever veggies your kids like best and let them choose which goes in their bowl for a win.
And if you’re iffy on cooking quinoa, fear not: our foolproof method for how to cook quinoa so that it’s mild, fluffy, and delicious has you covered.
Spicy Sweet Tacos with Lime Sour Cream | Mamagourmand
If you haven’t seen already, I’ve been inspired by the Taco Cleanse. Because, yes, it’s really a cleanse cookbook that has you eating tacos all day and all night, and who wouldn’t be inspired by that. So this week, I’m whipping up these Spicy Sweet Tacos with Lime Sour Cream that Caroline found at Mamagourmand while rounding up fiesta-worthy Mexican recipes last Cinco de Mayo. Full disclosure: Taco Cleanse tacos are supposed to be vegan and these aren’t, but you know…I’m just easing into things.
Wednesday is always the day I want to call for take out. Thankfully, I don’t have to with this quick, easy, and healthier recipe for Lighter Orange Chicken at Little Spice Jar. Cook some rice, steam some broccoli, and call it a night. Phew.
Related: Meal plan: 5 easy dinners from a 30-minute skillet chili to a genius use of tater tots.
Eggplant Tomato Curry with Buttered Millet | My Darling Lemon Thyme
Are you as tired of the quinoa, rice, and pasta routine as I am? If so, you have to check out Jane’s brilliant (and quick!) overview of five other super healthy, family-friendly grains. They’re all pretty mild and easy to cook, especially millet, which is why the Eggplant Tomato Curry with Buttered Millet at My Darling Lemon Thyme is at the top of my to-make list. My kids like eggplant well enough, so I’m going to make this as is, but you can easily add chicken if you have picky eaters.
Spaghetti and Drop Meatballs by Mark Bittman | Photo by Melina Hammer for the New York Times
Sometimes on a cold, winter Friday, you just want to keep it cozy and classic. If you’re feeling that this week, too, this recipe for Spaghetti and Drop Meatballs by Mark Bittman at The New York Times is in order. I can think of no better way to usher in the weekend than with this meal and a family movie. Except maybe if you throw in my garlic cheesy bread too.
