Here is a week in the life of our meals at Gratefully Wild Home!
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Sunday: Pulled Pork Bowls (Camping Meal Idea)
That pulled pork – Here is the recipe -we made the previous week for friends? It made another meal!
Since I had frozen some leftover pulled pork, I packed it for our camping trip as an easy and hearty meal of pulled pork bowls. I cooked rice in bone broth and topped it with sautéed cabbage, shredded cheese, and BBQ sauce. I simply cut up the cabbage and sautéed it in butter with a little salt. The meal took about 30 minutes total.
We were camping at Shenandoah National Park, and the weekend was simple, relaxing, and refreshing. The weather was perfect for fall camping—cool, crisp, and energizing. We went with friends, and the weekend was filled with good conversation and easy meals. We didn’t explore much, but the campground scenery with the gorgeous fall foliage was all we needed.
Monday: Homemade Stromboli
Recipe inspiration: How to Make Homemade Stromboli – Sally’s Baking Addiction
Sally’s Baking Addiction is one of my go-to blogs. She has excellent step-by-step instructions for desserts and dinners alike.
We had just returned from our camping trip and didn’t have many groceries on hand, but I had the basics: flour, yeast, butter, and cheese. My 11-year-old actually made the dough earlier in the day. I later rolled it out and added the toppings. It is always loved by all. A great meal to double to pack for lunch the next day and I have also sent it as a baby meal!
Tuesday: Mexican Casserole (Feeds a Crowd!)
Recipe inspiration: Healthy Mexican Casserole – Well Plated
This filling and flavorful casserole was a life-saver. My three nieces and nephew were dropped off at 4 a.m. so my sister-in-law could head to the hospital to have her newest baby (they made it just in time—15 minutes to spare!).
That meant I had 11 kids to feed that day. Thankfully, I had planned ahead and doubled the casserole, baking it in my largest lasagna pan. It was the perfect big-batch meal.
Wednesday: Creamy Sausage & Pepper Pasta (Quick Karate Night Dinner)
Recipe inspiration: Sausage and Peppers Pasta – Charm Recipes
Wednesdays are always hectic with karate—three back-to-back classes for our four karate kids! Our oldest is preparing for his black belt this spring.
I like to do pasta or soup on these busy nights, and this simple sausage and pepper pasta did the trick. It was hearty, creamy, and easy to make—perfect after two full days of hosting cousins.
Thursday: Veggie Jambalaya with Chicken (Seafood-Free Cajun Dinner)
Recipe inspiration: Easy Vegetable Jambalaya – The Kitchn
I know when people think jambalaya, they usually think shrimp. But we’re just not a seafood family—though we’re from Maryland! I never liked the smell or effort it took to eat crab, and a few years ago Paul developed a seafood allergy. Our oldest does like shellfish and gets it occasionally at events.
This time I made a seafood-free veggie jambalaya and added chicken instead. It’s still a delicious, spicy, Cajun-style comfort food dish.
We had soccer that afternoon, so I chopped the vegetables and cooked the chicken ahead of time. When we got home, I tossed everything in. I did mess up the liquid ratio a bit and almost burned the bottom—but saved it at the last minute. So, watch your rice!
It’s a budget-friendly, one-pot family meal that works great on a busy fall weeknight. This is also a great one to cook in a Lodge Dutch Oven at a campsite!
Friday: Homemade Pizza Night (With Nonna’s Bread Recipe)
I had planned to make Pasta Fagioli for our meatless Friday, but I went out with some mom friends and the dads took over! Paul asked me to make pizza ahead of time, and I was happy to do it.
I used my Nonna’s homemade bread recipe to make pre-baked pizza crusts, then sent them along with sauce and toppings.
Nonna’s Bread Recipe (Perfect for Pizza Dough)
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup olive oil or butter
- 1 tbsp salt
- 6 cups flour
- 1 extra cup warm water (set aside)
Instructions:
- Mix 1 cup warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let proof for ~5 minutes until bubbly.
- Add flour, egg, oil, and salt. Slowly add more warm water until dough forms and is no longer sticky.
- Let rise until doubled in size.
- Divide into 6 small or 3 large pizzas. Spread onto pizza pans.
- Bake at 400°F for 5 minutes for pre-baked shells, or top with sauce and cheese and bake ~12 minutes.
Saturday: Pasta Fagioli (Family Classic Meatless Meal)
Pasta Fagioli has always been a family favorite. My mom would say it’s one of the few meals every child and adult would eat.
There are many versions online, but I love our family’s simple version:
- Sauté onions in olive oil and butter.
- Add garlic, then season with basil, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Blend two 28 oz cans of tomatoes and simmer with the onions/garlic mix.
- Add bone broth (eye-ball the amount) and simmer for at least 30 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta and northern beans. Serve with mozzarella and bread.
Final Notes
This week of meals was full of life, family, and flexibility. From camping in the Shenandoah to feeding 11 kids on a whim, I’m grateful for simple meals, well-loved recipes, and a little planning that goes a long way.
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