Meal Plan 44 - Prep Ahead


Click here to get a printable version of this week's meal plan and recipes

Grocery List:
The grocery list is color coordinated by meal so you can easily pick and choose which meals you would like to make. Either print and use the grocery list as is and make all the meals I have planned, or easily cross off the meals and corresponding ingredients you would rather not make.



I've been working harder in recent weeks to make my meal plans really "work" for me.  I've been using more slow cooker recipes, make ahead recipes, and big meals where you can transform the leftovers to make my week of meals easier to get on the table.  This meal plan is an example of that sort of organization to help you in your busy week.  Use a day when you have time to prepare three meals and store two of them in the fridge for the next two nights. The rest of the week is easy too with slow cooker and quick meals.   Have a super delicious (and easy) week!

This slow cooker meal is incredibly delicious. Make this dish at the beginning of your Prep Day so that your slow cooker will do the work for you while you prepare the other dishes.  That night after all your hard work, you'll be enjoying perfect take-out flavors at home.


Day 2:  Spicy Meatballs and Spaghetti with Caesar Salad
These meatballs make a big batch, so you can throw the extra meatballs into the freezer for a quick meal later in the month (like Meatballs Subs).  Make on your Prep Day and store them in the fridge for the next night when it will take 10 minutes to warm them up in some spaghetti sauce and boil some spaghetti.  Easy peasy!



Day 3: Creamy Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas with Taco Rice
These enchiladas could also be prepped on your Prep Day.  Just prepare without baking and cover with foil and place in the fridge (or freezer if need be). Later in the week throw them in the oven to bake and make the rice for another meal ready in a flash.


Day 4: Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup with Baguette
I like to throw all the ingredients of this soup into the crock pot stoneware the night before.  In the morning when I wake up, I take it out of the fridge and place on the counter to let it warm up while I'm getting ready.  Before I leave the house I place the stoneware in the element and turn on low to simmer all day.


Day 5: Pecan Crusted Tilapia with Honey Glaze and Garlic Scallion Noodles with Peas and Corn
To end the week, this is a quick meal that can be pulled together in 15-20 minutes.


For more great meal plans, check out my complete list of meal plans or the Menu Plan Monday links at Orgjunkie.