7-Day Balanced Meal Plan for Weeknight Meal Prep

Save time, money, and stress with this FREE weekly meal plan filled with delicious, family-friendly recipes. Each plan includes five dinner ideas, five side dishes, and one dessert to make meal planning simple and enjoyable.

A graphic showing multiple meal plans.

WEEKLY MEAL PLAN #180

Each week we share a FREE meal plan featuring five dinner ideas (Monday–Thursday plus one weekend meal), five side dishes, and one dessert. The goal is to simplify menu planning, grocery shopping, and cooking so you can enjoy more family meals with less stress.


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Monday

Crock Pot Chicken Enchiladas

Warm, cheesy, and comforting, crock pot chicken enchiladas are an easy weeknight favorite. Let the slow cooker do the work for tender, flavorful chicken wrapped in tortillas and smothered in cheese and sauce.

Canned Refried Beans

Elevate store-bought refried beans into restaurant-style perfection by adding just a few simple ingredients. Creamy and flavorful, they pair perfectly with enchiladas.

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Tuesday

Crockpot Tortellini Soup

This rich, creamy tortellini soup combines tender pasta, spinach, and a savory broth for a comforting meal that preps quickly and simmers slowly for deep flavor—ideal for busy evenings.

Baguette Recipe

An easy-to-follow baguette recipe that yields a chewy, authentic loaf. Perfect for novice bakers and a wonderful accompaniment to soup or salads.

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Wednesday

Christmas Pancakes

Fun and festive pancakes studded with red and green sprinkles—perfect for holiday mornings and easy enough for kids to help prepare. They bring color and cheer to breakfast.

Breakfast Potatoes

Crispy seasoned breakfast potatoes make a satisfying side. Golden and flavorful, they complement sweet or savory breakfasts alike.

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Thursday

Orange Chicken

Homemade orange chicken delivers crispy, saucy goodness that rivals takeout. This simple recipe makes a tangy-sweet dinner the whole family will love.

Asian Noodle Salad

A vibrant Asian noodle salad combines crunchy coleslaw, tender linguine, sliced chicken, and crispy wonton strips tossed in a flavorful homemade dressing—great for barbecues or as a light side.

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Weekend

Easy Prime Rib Recipe

This straightforward prime rib method—roasted in the oven with a clever technique—yields exceptionally tender, juicy meat that’s perfect for a special weekend meal.

Christmas Salad

A festive salad bursting with seasonal fruit and crisp greens, finished with a bright homemade balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a fresh complement to a hearty main course.


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Dessert of the Week

Christmas Cupcakes

Festive cupcakes topped with candy melt trees are cheerful and simple to make. These sweet treats are a hit at holiday gatherings and easy to customize.

For more Christmas treats, try:

  • Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe
  • Christmas Wreath Cookies
  • Brownie Christmas Trees
  • Rice Krispie Wreath

Download the Meal Plan

Download this week’s FREE meal plan to get the full menu and printable version for easy reference while shopping and cooking.

If you’d like to customize your own menu, explore a wide range of recipes across main dishes, side dishes, desserts, appetizers, and breakfast ideas to build the perfect weekly plan for your family.

Click here to download the PDF

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CLICK HERE FOR ALL MEAL PLANS.