Planning my meals a month at a time is one tool in my homekeeping arsenal that helps me get meals on the table without too much stress. My monthly list includes many meals made up for the freezer and ready for use later in the month. I did not always do it that way. Just having a checklist of options takes away a lot of the decision making. But, you may be asking, “where do I get all those menu ideas?”
First, start with the no-brainer meals. Pizza and tacos are always on our list. Chili, Lasagna, Chicken Noodle Soup are often on the list. Then you fill in the gaps with meals you can make from ingredients in the pantry and items in the freezer. The shopping ads at your local grocery store are also helpful. I keep a master list of my family’s favorite meals, meals that fit my budget, a few ‘seasonal’ meals we change out as the weather changes. Taking note of any or all these things, jot down a mastermind list for the upcoming month. And then . . .
I keep my favorite cookbooks handy and sometimes pull down my recipe box and file folder (yes, I have both. and both are busting at the seams. That is another post-in-the-making!) Then there is Pinterest – I visit my saved pins for inspiration as well.
Lately, though, I’ve been using a couple of meal planning subscription sites and menu plans from some really awesome ladies. Below I’ve listed a few of my favorite resources when it comes to planning out a month’s worth of meals. I keep a separate file on my computer just for my monthly cooking options. This gives me easy access not only to menu ideas but also recipes and websites. {An * indicates my affiliate links}
- Freezer to Slow Cooker Weekly Menu Plans from Sidetracked Sarah * I am currently receiving a menu plan each week, which includes recipes and how-to prep and shopping lists, with options for freezing or fixing or crockpotting (is that a word? it is now!) I’m LOVING these!
- ABC’s of Freezer Cooking* KM Logan has written out step by step instructions for successful freezer cooking, and included many great recipes (you’ll see a couple of mine included!)
- Slow Cooker Meal Plans from Lauren Greutman I own and use a couple different meal plans offered by Lauren, a.k.a. I’m That Lady. Her assembly-line style of putting the meals together was a HUGE game-changer for me. Truly!
- Batch Cooking & Recipes from Dana at A Slob Comes Clean I love this lady and all she’s shared over the years. Her tips for dealing with bulk meats and her family-friendly recipes are terrific.
- Build A Menu from Molly Green (this is a membership site but you can get a free 3-month trial for their weekly menus and shopping lists) *
A search on the internet will bring up loads more, and one day I may get around to trying others, but these are the resources that have been working for me.
Do you have a menu plan routine? What are your favorite resources?
We typically plan 2-3 weeks at a a time. A few days before we’re going to head out and grocery shop I pull out our calendar and our menu calendar. Make note of any nights we won’t be home for dinner and then we all take turns filling in meal ides. Each person gets to pick 2 meals they’d like– We rarely have a meal everyone likes but at least this way they don’t moan and complain knowing a meal they like is coming up soon.
sounds like a great plan! I love how everyone gets involved. I take requests as well. They all like seeing their meals come to table, and often pitch in to help with the prep! Thanks for stopping by today, Happy Meal Planning 🙂
Great tips! One of my favorites to share this week!