This past week around 5 am , I woke up to hear noises from the bathroom. I opened the bathroom door to find 3-year-old, Gregory standing there with a bag of chocolate chips from the freezer. He looked up at me, knowing he was caught, and exclaimed, “I’m so hungry!” In my half-awake state, I said, “Gregory, I can get you breakfast!” I was a bit in shock, wondering how many times he’d snuck chocolate chips. I couldn’t help but chuckle at how he thought chocolate chips would feed him.
So, I thought I would pot a weekly meal plan from our family of 9 to share help feed the “I’m so hungry!” consistent mantra. Here are recipes that will keep kids and parents happy and fed! Recipes and links included!
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Sunday: Philly Cheesesteak
Flat Iron Philly Cheesesteak
I love Philly cheesesteaks, and they’re always a go-to if I see them on a menu. My sister-in-law had a baby, and I had a craving for Philly cheesesteaks, so I decided to make them and bring them to her as a dinner and to meet my new nephew. Unfortunately, I got sick and couldn’t go, but I sent the food with the rest of my family, and it was a hit! I even made the rolls:
➡️ Sourdough Sandwich Rolls – Farmhouse on Boone
Monday: Quiche
Perfect Quiche Recipe (Any Flavor!) – Sally’s Baking Addiction
On Mondays, I need an easy, budget-friendly meal. Quiche was the perfect solution, and the kids devoured it. Breakfast for dinner is always a great choice!
Tuesday: Taco Bowls
Mexican night! Taco bowls are great because the kids can pick and choose what they want. It’s funny how, as kids, everything has to be separated, but as adults, we want everything combined so we can taste it all at once!
I usually throw together ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning and tomato paste, black or pinto beans, peppers and onions (if I have them), cheese, sour cream, and avocados (if available).
Wednesday: Spaghetti
Pasta night! We needed something super quick since Samantha had an appointment at 4 p.m. and it was another busy day of homeschooling. Here’s my go-to red sauce recipe for any pasta:
Simple Red Sauce for 2 lbs of pasta:
- 2 (28 oz) cans diced or whole tomatoes
- 1 cup bone broth
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 tsp salt (I love buying Frontier spices in bulk!)
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2–3 chopped garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- Olive oil or butter (to sauté onion and garlic)
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage (optional)
Directions:
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil or butter.
- Add meat if using.
- Blend diced tomatoes in a blender.
- Once the onion and garlic are sautéed and the meat is cooked, add the blended tomatoes and spices.
- Lastly, add the bone broth and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes.
Serve with whatever pasta you have on hand. This recipe is for 2 lbs of pasta and is always a crowd-pleaser!
Thursday: Teriyaki Stir-Fry
Veggie Teriyaki Stir-Fry with Noodles – Cookie and Kate
I’ve come to love homemade Asian food. I used to dislike it, but Paul loves it, so I started making it from home and have come to enjoy it. I always use Cookie and Kate’s recipe for Teriyaki and have added chicken and steak to her base since we’re meat lovers. I also substitute aminos for soy sauce.
It’s a flexible recipe that you can adjust to your family’s tastes.
Friday: No Cooking – Friends Night!
We went to a friend’s house for a movie night, so no cooking for me!
Saturday: Sourdough Pizza
Sourdough Pizza Dough – Farmhouse on Boone
Pizza is usually a weekly staple in our house. I love Farmhouse on Boone’s sourdough pizza dough. It’s easy to throw together in the morning, and the dough rises throughout the day. It always rolls out beautifully.
This time, I baked the pizza in the oven, but it’s also a great recipe for an Ooni pizza oven. The dough slides easily on and off the peel. Pro tip: sprinkle a little cornmeal or rice flour under the dough to help it slide!
This wraps up a week in our life. From toddler shenanigans to easy meal ideas, I hope you find inspiration for your own family!
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