Time to Get Back in the Kitchen . . . Weekly Meal Plans

Now that school is back in session, carpooling duties are in gear, sports practices and games are on the calendar and my days are getting busier, it's time to get out of vacation mode and back in the swing of things.  Get organized and back in the kitchen.   My normal routine is to plan three meals for the week.  I've found that if I plan and shop for more than that, things come up and I end up throwing out food or cooking for nothing.  That's a huge pet peeve.  This week I'll share what's on the menu around here.  Believe me, there's nothing too complicated, fancy or expensive.  But, I will warn you . . .since it's football season, dinners will definitely be heavy on the protein.On Sunday I shopped for three meals and re-stocked the basics.  I went without a set plan, but there decided on these three entrees for the week:   Crock Pot Pot Roast, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Grilled Chicken.  I'll round them out with salads and vegetables.  One of the meals is something I've been making for years and will share the recipe.  The others I will provide the link for you to check out for yourself.  I hope something looks good to you and saves you some time planning your own meals!If you know me, you know that if you come to  my house on Mondays you will typically smell food cooking all day long in the crock pot.  I am a big fan of "Crock Pot Mondays" because my day is usually too busy to think about much else.  So, I decided I might as well get the crock pot out and do one of my favorites.1.  My Crock Pot Pot Roast (Something I've been making for years and never get tired of!)1 Chuck Roast - or whatever cut you like, with most of the fat cut awayChopped Carrots - 2 handfuls2 Chopped Medium Onions2 handfuls Red Potatoes, halved1 can Beef Consomme'1 package Lipton Onion Soup MixSpray the inside of your crockpot with olive oil.  Place the meat in the bottom and pepper generously.  Top with the onion soup mix and pour the can of Beef Consumme over the meat.  Throw in the vegetables.  Cover and cook on High 6-7 hours.  Turn down to Warm until ready to serve.Could it get any easier than that?  I don't even sear the meat before cooking it!  It never fails to come out moist, tender and falling right off the fork.  It's the perfect comfort food or anytime you want something "down home", savory and delicious.  And if you are wondering about Beef Consomme', here is the nutritional info.  It is lower in sodium than beef broth and about the same amount of  calories.2.  Spaghetti and Meatballs using the recipe from Make Healthy Easy for 6 Ingredient MeatballsI found this Brown Rice Pasta that I've liked using lately, too.

3.  Ina's Tequila Lime Grilled Chicken

I've even made this without the tequila and didn't miss a thing!  It's a great recipe to have on hand any time!

That's it.  At least I have three meals covered and can wing it another day.  Heck, by then it will be Friday, no cooking during Football Season Friday Night Games and then it's the weekend!

How do you tackle your weeknight meals?  Do you meal plan?  Prepare for how many meals?  Ready for some Football?  I'm wondering if this could be a weekly post . . .if I could get that organized . . . 

Enjoy Your Day!