My menu plans have changed a lot over the years; primarily to meet the needs of my family. I have done once a month planning and cooking, a bimonthly rotation, a weekly plan that included breakfast and lunch, and a very loose plan where we had certain planned nights (i.e. Italian, Mexican, Pizza, salad, etc.), but I actually winged the meals at the last minute. I now plan my menus based on what I have in my pantry, freezer, and what was on sale the last time I went shopping. On some nights I cook, so that I won’t have leftovers like when I make the Ahi Tuna. I will cook a one pound filet and after my teenage son has seconds, there will not be any remaining. Other nights I intentionally make extra, so that I can use the leftovers as a base for another meal. No matter how I have made my menus, I feel that they have saved me time, money, and minimized food waste. As you view my menu, please know that this is what works for my family now, and in my opinion, the only right way to plan a menu is to create one that works for your family.
Monday – Old Country Pie and Salad
Tuesday – Tacos, Mexican Fried Rice, and Black Beans. Make extra rice and black beans.
Wednesday – Ahi Tuna, Rice, Hawaiian Sweet Potato Salad
Thursday – Use leftover taco meat and black beans to make Taco Salad
Friday – Pizza Casserole and Salad.
Saturday – Beef and Broccoli and use leftover rice to make Yangzhou Fried Rice
Sunday – Grilled Honey-Lime Chicken (weather permitting), Savory Roasted Sweet Potatoes, and use leftover broccoli stems to make Broccoli Slaw
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Alea says
We all enjoyed it! I didn't have cabbage, so I used extra carrots, asparagus, cauliflower, and celery to make up the 1 1/2 cups. I made a gluten free crust and used gf flour. I used the cottage cheese, but served sour cream on the side. I think this will be a regular addition to our summer menu, because it is so flexible.
Angela says
I'm curious how you liked the country pie. I just made it last night with fresh CSA carrots, rainbow swiss chard, and celery root. It was fabulous! We love that recipe.
Melissa says
That all sounds good! You're right that it's important to plan in a way that works for our own families, because everyone's needs are different.
Shana says
I really should do this so I am not scrambling. I do plan my meals and buy accordingly but I end up wasting a lot of leftovers. I am going to work harder at this.
Mary says
You really keep on top of things. I'll bet it makes life a lot easier. Have a wonderful day. Mary