The Best Way to Make a Meal Plan (Plus a FREE Meal Plan Template)
Updated: Jun. 26, 2019
Putting meals on the table has never been easier.
Always have an answer to the question “what’s for dinner” with this beginner’s guide to meal planning. Our process is simple, and it can help you save both time and money. Here’s how to start meal planning like a pro.
Download our free meal plan template here.
Step 1: Determine a Timeframe
Before you start planning, figure out how many meals you need to account for. If your family eats cereal for breakfast every day, or if everyone is on their own for lunch, then there’s no need to include those meals in your plan. (Just make sure to add cereal to the grocery list!) While you’re at it, get a dinner recipe for every weeknight of the year.
Step 2: Check Your Fridge
Do you have a carton of eggs that’s about to expire? Or is your pantry overflowing with canned black beans? Look for recipes that include those ingredients. Psst! Here’s why expiration dates don’t matter as much as you think.
Step 3: Watch the Sales
Once you know which ingredients you already have, start planning for the ones you need. Check local grocery store flyers for any mega sales that can trim down your grocery bill. If you know you want tacos, for example, pick a protein based off what’s on sale. These grocery store tips will help you go shopping like a pro.
Step 4: Be Realistic
For a meal plan to work, you need to manage your own expectations. If you know Tuesdays are hectic, don’t plan a complicated from-scratch meal for that night. There’s no shame in picking up pre-made staples, or better yet, reaching for one of our 15-minute dinner recipes. The most important part is sticking to your plan.
Step 5: Plan Your Menu
Here comes the fun part—actually plan your meals! Now that you know what ingredients you have to work with, search for recipes that complement those items.
Write the name of each dish in the designated spot of our meal plan template, then stick the finalized plan on the fridge. This easy-to-see spot will let the whole family know what to expect for dinner. Plus, it’s a gentle reminder to cook Pad Thai tonight instead of ordering a pizza. When your meal plan is complete, it’s time to shop! Finalize a grocery list, then hit the store.
Short on planning time this week? Check out some of our ready-made meal plans. Here are our favorites:
- The Meat-and-Potato Lover’s Meal Plan
- Low-Carb Meal Plan
- A Year’s Worth of School Night Dinners
- Vegetarian Dinners Meal Plan
- A Year’s Worth of After-Church Meals
If you need more inspiration, check out our meal planning hub to learn more about the process and get great recipe ideas.
Cook Once, Eat All Week with These Recipes
Keep our top meal planning secrets in mind, too!
Easy Chicken EnchiladasThis chicken enchiladas recipe is so quick and easy, and I always receive a ton of compliments. It quickly becomes a favorite of friends whenever I share the recipe. Modify the spiciness with the intensity of the salsa and the green chiles to suit your taste. —Kristi Black, Harrison Township, Michigan
Chicken-Stuffed Cubanelle PeppersHere's a different take on traditional stuffed peppers. I substituted chicken for the beef and used Cubanelle peppers in place of the green peppers that are usually featured in such a dish. —Ron Burlingame, Canton, Ohio
Favorite Chicken PotpieThis is the best chicken potpie recipe! Chock-full of chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California
Seafood CioppinoIf you're looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic cioppino recipe is just the ticket. It's brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and is fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
Pierogi QuesadillasWhen I had hungry children in the kitchen and nothing but leftovers, I invented these quesadillas. Now it's how we always use up our potatoes, meats and sometimes veggies. —Andrea Dibble, Solon, Iowa
Ham Potato PuffsThis is a different way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. It was an instant hit with our teenagers. —Brad Eichelberger, York, Pennsylvania
Meatball PizzaI always keep meatballs and pizza crusts in the freezer to make this specialty on the spur of the moment. Add a tossed salad and you have a delicious dinner. —Mary Humeniuk-Smith, Perry Hall, Maryland
Dressed-Up MeatballsFrozen meatballs and a jar of sweet-and-sour sauce make this microwave meal a last-minute lifesaver when racing against the clock. The flavorful sauce is dressed up with a hint of garlic and nicely coats the colorful mixture of meatballs, carrots, green pepper and onion. —Ivy Eresmas, Dade City, Florida
Easy Stuffed ShellsI threw this recipe together one day when we had unexpected guests. It was an immediate hit and is now a family favorite. Get the kids involved when putting together this simple, savory dish. —Dolores Betchner, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Herbed Turkey BreastLike many of you, I always serve turkey for our family's Thanksgiving meal. But instead of roasting a whole bird, I opt for a turkey breast since most of us prefer white meat. The herb butter basting sauce keeps it so moist, and it's easy to carve. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Crescent Turkey CasseroleHow do you make a dinner of turkey and vegetables appealing to kids? You turn it into a pie, of course! My version tastes classic but doesn’t take any time at all. —Daniela Essman, Perham, Minnesota
Turkey BundlesThis recipe is definitely a must-try, and all you do is bundle up creamy turkey filling in crescent dough. I usually double the recipe so I have extra for lunch the next day. —Lydia Garrod, Tacoma, Washington
Turkey Biscuit StewThis chunky stew makes a hearty supper, especially in the fall and winter. It'salso a great way to use extra turkey during the holidays. —Lori Schlecht, Wimbledon, North Dakota
Pork Chile VerdePork slowly stews with jalapenos, onion, green enchilada sauce and spices in this flavor-packed Mexican dish. It's wonderful on its own or stuffed in a warm tortilla with sour cream, grated cheese or olives on the side. —Kimberly Burke, Chico, California
Originally Published: June 25, 2019
