It’s been a long time since I’ve put my menu plan on here!  For my new readers – I post my menu plan (occasionally) to show how I feed my family with the good deals I find.  Planning a menu helps me in so many ways.  By having a plan I am less likely to pick up fast food because I don’t know what to fix for dinner.  Also, I don’t have to make any last minute dashes to the store to pick up ingredients.  Menu planning truly saves me a lot of money!  Do you menu plan?

Here’s what’s on the menu this week at our house….

Monday:  Roasted Pork Loin with Sweet Heat Glaze (Grilled Pineapple and Candied Jalapeno), Steamed Snow Peas, and Brown Rice

Tuesday:  Pasta Shells stuffed with Cheese (Free from Schwan’s!) with Pasta Sauce, Salad, and Homemade Breadsticks

Wednesday:  Beef Stroganoff, Fried Okra, Salad, and Bread

Thursday:  Lemon Garlic Tilapia, Whole Wheat Mac & Cheese (Free from Whole Foods!), and Salad

Friday:  Homemade Pepperoni Pizza

Saturday:  Chicken Enchiladas and Spanish Rice

Sunday:  Leftovers

For more Menu Plans visit I’m an Organizing Junkie!

Here’s what’s on the menu this week at our house….

Monday:  Loaded Baked Potatoes and Salad

Tuesday:  Beef Stew from the Freezer and Biscuits

Wednesday:  Chicken Parmesan with Salad and Breadsticks

Thursday:  Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans

Friday:  Pizza

Saturday:  Independence Day Festivities

Sunday:  Leftovers

For more Menu Plans visit I’m an Organizing Junkie!

Monday:  Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes, and Salad

Tuesday:  Grilled Chicken, Mixed Vegetables, and Bread Machine Rolls

Wednesday:  Spaghetti with Meatballs, Texas Toast, and Salad

Thursday:  Southwestern Chicken Layered Salad

Friday:  Homemade Pepperoni Pizza

Saturday:  Leftovers

Sunday:  You’ll here all about it soon!

For more Menu Plans visit I’m an Organizing Junkie!

The hubs is on vacation this week!  Yay!  That may mean that you won’t see too much of me, but I will definitely try to keep up with things on here!

A few repeats this week…

Monday:  Grilled Burgers and Oven Fries

Tuesday:  Parmesan-Crusted Chicken in Cream Sauce with Rice and Veggies

Wednesday:  Dinner Out

Thursday:  Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini, Veggies, and Bread

Friday:  Pizza

Saturday:  Leftovers

Sunday:  Chicken Alfredo, Breadsticks, and Salad

For more Menu Plans visit I’m an Organizing Junkie!

Another easy-peasy menu this week!  I really dislike cooking in the summer – it is just so HOT!  Is anyone else like that?

Monday:  Mini Pizzas

Tuesday:  Creamy Chicken, Veggies, and Noodles

Wednesday:  Parmesan-Crusted Chicken in Cream Sauce with Rice and Veggies

Thursday:  Sloppy Joes and Oven Fries

Friday:  Chicken Alfredo, Breadsticks, and Salad

Saturday:  Grilled Chicken, Baked Potatoes, and Steamed Veggies

Sunday:  Leftovers

For more Menu Plans visit I’m an Organizing Junkie!

My two adorable nieces are staying with us this week!  So, my plan is for simple, easy, and kid-friendly meals!

Monday:  Mini Pizzas

Tuesday:  Grilled Chicken, Steamed Veggies, Mac & Cheese, & Dinner Rolls

Wednesday:  Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches and Oven Fries

Thursday:  Chicken & Rice Bake with Salad and Bread

Friday:  Quesadillas with Beans & Rice

Saturday:  Grilled Porkchops, Baked Potatoes, and Corn on the Cob (maybe grilled?)

Sunday:  Leftovers

For more Menu Plans visit I’m an Organizing Junkie!

These past couple of weeks I have been SO busy!  In fact, I was so busy I even forgot to make a menu plan last week!  Big mistake!  The lack of planning caused me even more stress, and we ended up eating out and eating convenience foods most nights.  It was all because I didn’t have a plan.  Menu planning really does save me time, money, and sanity!  I am back to meal planning this week and NO more eating out for a while!

Monday:  BBQ Ribs, Potato Salad, Grilled Corn on the Cob, and Brownies

Tuesday:  Baked Steak Burritos and Spanish Rice

Wednesday:  Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Biscuits

Thursday:  Breakfast for Dinner

Friday:  Grilled Chicken, Steamed Broccoli, and Dinner Rolls

Saturday:  Dinner at Family Get-Together

Sunday:  Leftovers

For more Menu Plans visit I’m an Organizing Junkie!

I had such a wonderful weekend!  My husband and I celebrated our 6 year Wedding Anniversary, AND it was Mother’s Day.  If you are guessing that I was pampered – you are right!

Monday:  Leftover Roast, Carrots, and Potatoes from Sunday Lunch

Tuesday:  Ravioli, Salad, and Crusty French Baguette

Wednesday:  Chicken Marsala, Veggies, and Leftover Baguette

Thursday:  Sloppy Joes and Oven Fries

Friday: Baked Steak Burritos and Spanish Rice

Saturday:  Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Biscuits

Sunday:  Leftovers

For more Menu Plans visit I’m an Organizing Junkie!

Monday:  Leftovers

Tuesday:  Chicken Alfredo, Breadsticks, and Salad

Wednesday:  Grilled Steak, Baked Potatoes, and Veggies

Thursday:  Upside Down Pizza (recipe below) and Salad

Friday:  Italian Porkchops, Veggies, and Dinner Rolls

Saturday:  Dinner at Family Get-Together

Sunday: Mother’s Day + Wedding Anniversary = I’m not cooking ~

Upside Down Pizza

Ingredients:

2lb. hamburger
1 c. chopped onion
2 8oz. tomato sauce
1 pk. dry spaghetti sauce mix
1 8oz. sour cream
2 c. mozzarella cheese (shredded)
pepperoni slices (optional)
sliced mushrooms (optional)
1 pk. refrigerated crescent rolls

Directions:

Brown beef and onion in pan.  Stir in tomato sauce and spaghetti sauce mix.  Cook over low heat for 10 minutes, stir occasionally.

Spoon meat mixture into greased 9×13 pan.  Layer with desired amount of mushrooms and pepperoni (optional).  Top w/ sour cream and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.  Unroll and top with crescent rolls (it might not fit the entire pan, it’s ok if there are some gaps around the edges.

Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes until the crescent rolls are cooked through and golden.

For more Menu Plans visit I’m an Organizing Junkie!

Sorry I’ve been MIA the last few days!  I had so much going on that I barely had time to sit down and check my email, much less blog!  I’m looking forward to a relaxing couple of days of straightening up my neglected home and blog!

If you remember last week I mentioned I was doing a meal swap with my friend.  It worked out really well and we are going to do it again!  I’ve decided not to include her meals in my plan this week so that I can save them for days when I don’t feel like cooking.  I’m thinking about “not feeling like cooking” today so that I can try her Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo – it looks SO good!

Monday:  Sloppy Joes and Oven Fries (recipe below)

Tuesday:  Mexican Skillet Tacos

Wednesday:  Lemon Chicken Oregano with Veggies and Crusty French Baguette

Thursday:  Baked Ziti with Fire Roasted Tomatoes, Salad, and Leftover Baguette

Friday:  Slow Cooker Roast Pork, Mashed Potatoes and Veggies

Saturday: Pepperoni Pizza

Sunday: Leftovers

Oven Steak Fries

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 Teaspoon Paprika
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
1 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
4 Large Baking Potatoes

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Combine oil, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper in large bowl.   Stir well.   Cut potatoes in quarters, then quarter them again, cut quarters crosswise in half to form wedges.  Transfer wedges into bowl with seasonings.  Coat potatoes evenly.  Place potatoes on ungreased large baking sheet without crowding.  Bake until well browned and fork tender – about 40 minutes to 1 hour.  Serve immediately.

For more Menu Plans visit I’m an Organizing Junkie!

My friend and I have teamed up in an effort to spend less time cooking and get out of our “dinner ruts.”  We will each be cooking three meals this week and doubling them to give each other three different meals.  Cooking double doesn’t take much extra time or money and we’ll get to try some of each other’s recipes!  I’m really excited to get to try her meals next week!

Monday:  Pizza

Tuesday:  Roast with Carrots and Potatoes (recipe below), Crescent Rolls, and Salad

Wednesday:  Cheesy Chicken Potato Chowder and Crusty French Baguette x2

Thursday:  Easy Italian Pasta Bake with Salad and Garlic Bread x2

Friday:  Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini with Veggies x2

Saturday:  Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Biscuits

Sunday:  TBD

I love my roast recipe!  The meat comes out juicy and tender and I always eat too much of it!  I love that it is so easy too!

Crockpot Roast Beef

Ingredients

Roast
Baby Carrots
2 cans Whole Potatoes
1 pkg Lipton Onion Soup Mix
2 cans Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 can Beef Broth

Directions

Place carrots and potatoes in crockpot.  Place Roast on top of vegetables. Pour soup mix, cream soup, and beef broth on top of roast.  Cook on low for 8 – 10 hours.  Enjoy!

For more Menu Plans visit I’m an Organizing Junkie!

Last week went okay up until the weekend when I suddenly lost all motivation to cook.  My awesome hubby stepped in and cooked two nights in a row!  How awesome is he?  This week I will be taking it easy with some family favorites!

Monday:  Crockpot Roast Sticky Chicken with Cheesy Broccoli and Rice

Tuesday:  Mini Pizzas

Wednesday:  Spaghetti, Salad, and Texas Toast

Thursday:  Roast with Carrots and Potatoes, Crescent Rolls, and Salad

Friday:  Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas with Rice and Beans

Saturday:  Grilled Steak, Potatoes, and Veggies

Sunday:  Leftovers

For more Menu Plans visit I’m an Organizing Junkie!

Hubby will be grilling 2 nights this week!  I am definitely loving the warmer weather!

Monday: Sweet & Spicy Chicken Stirfry with Rice (didn’t make last week)

Tuesday: Mini Chicken Pot Pies (from the freezer)

Wednesday: Grilled Steak, Potatoes, and Veggies

Thursday: Crockpot Roast Sticky Chicken with Cheesy Broccoli and Rice

Friday: Grilled Porkchops and Veggies with Leftover Rolls

Saturday: Mini Pizzas

Sunday: Leftovers

For more Menu Plans visit I’m an Organizing Junkie!

Monday:  Mini Pizzas

English Muffins: 93¢
Mozzarella: $1.98
Sauce: $1
Pepperoni: Free

Total Cost: $3.91

Tuesday:  Slow Cooker Corned Beef Brisket with Cabbage and Potatoes

Brisket: $7.88
Cabbage: 15¢
Potatoes: 10¢

Total Cost: $8.13

Wednesday:  Corned Beef and Cabbage Chowder with Biscuits

Leftover Brisket: $0
Leftover Cabbage: $0
Leftover Potatoes: $0
Carrots: 67¢
Onion: 46¢
Chicken Broth: 78¢
Cream of Potato Soup: $1.44
Milk: 12¢
Biscuits: 22¢

Total Cost: $3.69

Thursday: Spaghetti with Garlic Toast and Salad

Ground Beef: $1.31
Sauce: 67¢
Noodles: 50¢
Toast: 69¢
Lettuce: 50¢
Tomatoes: 50¢
Dressing: 50¢

Total Cost: $4.67

Friday:  Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Dinner Rolls

Beef: $1.14
Carrots: 67¢
Potatoes: Free
Green Beans: Free
Onion: 46¢
Cream of Mushroom: 29¢
Cream of Celery: 94¢
Tomato Soup: 29¢
Flour: 25¢
Egg: 5¢
Yeast: Free
Butter: 25¢

Total Cost: $4.34

Saturday: Sweet & Spicy Chicken Stir Fry with Rice

Chicken: $1.59
Veggies: Free
Dressing: 29¢
Hoisin Sauce: 18¢
Rice: 25¢

Total Cost: $2.31

Sunday: Leftovers

Total Cost: $0

For more Menu Plans visit $5 Dinners who is hosting Menu Plan Monday this week!

Last week’s Corned Beef and Cabbage Chowder was SO good!  I froze the leftover half to have another week, but we ended up eating it this week anyway!  Seriously. SO good!

Monday: Rosemary Roasted Chicken and Potatoes and Salad (didn’t make last week)

Tuesday:  Sloppy Joes and Oven Fries

Wednesday: Roast, Potatoes and Carrots

Thursday: Chicken Fajitas and Spanish Rice

Friday: Steak, Baked Potatoes, and Veggies

Saturday: BBQ Ribs, Corn on the Cob, and Baked Beans (didn’t make last week)

Sunday: Leftovers

For more Menu Plans visit I’m an Organizing Junkie!

I’ve started doing my grocery shopping on Tuesdays, so until I get the hang of things, I won’t be posting the price breakdowns. I hope to start doing a monthly menu plan soon!

Last week went really well (aside from getting 2 days behind)! I now have 2 meals worth of mini chicken pot pies, 1 pasta bake, and 2 lasagnas in the freezer! That is so much better than having them as leftovers! My kids loved the pasta bake and asked if they could have it every night! It was really easy to make and didn’t cost much.

Monday: Tacos, Beans & Rice (didn’t make last week)

Tuesday: Corned Beef Brisket, Potatoes, and Carrots

Wednesday: Corned Beef and Cabbage Chowder and Biscuits

Thursday: BBQ Ribs, Corn on the Cob, and Baked Beans

Friday: Homemade Pepperoni Pizza

Saturday: Rosemary Roasted Chicken and Potatoes and Salad

Sunday: Leftovers

For more Menu Plans visit I’m an Organizing Junkie!

I haven’t had a chance to go to the store yet this week, so I don’t know the prices of all the ingredients for my menu. I’m just going to post it without the cost breakdown. Also, we’ve been getting tired of eating so much leftover food, so this week we will have only one leftover night. I will be freezing half of almost every single meal this week. That should make the next few weeks much easier!

Monday: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, and Veggies

Tuesday: Mini Chicken Pot Pies

Wednesday: Easy Italian Pasta Bake, Veggies, and Crusty French Baguette

Thursday: Cheesy Chicken Potato Chowder (from the freezer) and Crusty French Baguette

Friday: Slow Cooker Lasagna, Salad & Breadsticks

Saturday: Tacos, Beans, and Rice

Sunday: Leftovers

For more Menu Plans visit I’m an Organizing Junkie!

For those who don’t read $5 Dinners – you are truly missing out! Erin’s mission is to make dinners that cost $5 or less every night. Not only that – her meals are wholesome and delicious and her kids have special diets. Talk about a challenge!

This weekend, Erin graced Texas with her lovely presence and hosted a $5 Dinner workshop – right in my area!! How could I not go?

At the workshop Erin talked about all the different aspects of meal planning, how she uses coupons to acheive her $5 goal, and even cooked up some yummy chicken and veggies!

It was so great watching her in action! I learned so much about menu planning and I can’t wait to try my hand at cooking the chicken she made!

Some of my favorite tips from her:

• The protein should make up no more than 1/2 the cost of the meal: $2.50.
• Boil your chicken bones to make homemade chicken stock!
• A healthy serving of protein is about the size of your fist.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment!

If you want to learn how to make $5 Dinners every night, stop by her blog – you’re sure to find a great new recipe!

After the workshop I got to hang out with a few fellow bloggers from my area!

From the left: Me, Alyssa, Amber, Erin, and Rachel

It was so wonderful to finally meet them! We had a great time and I hope we are all able to do it again!

Monday: Leftovers

Total Cost: $0

Tuesday: Upside Down Shepherd’s Pie and Bread Machine Dinner Rolls

Ground Beef: $1.30
Potatoes: 92¢
Onion: 57¢
Tomato: 41¢
Corn: Free
Cheese: 28¢
Flour: 25¢
Yeast: Free
Butter: 25¢

Total Cost: $3.98

Wednesday: Leftovers

Total Cost: $0

Thursday: Crockpot Roast Sticky Chicken, Veggies, Baked Potatoes, and Leftover Rolls

Chicken: $3.39
Potatoes: 92¢
Veggies: Free
Rolls: Free

Total Cost: $4.31

Friday: Porkchops, Baked Potatoes, Veggies, and Leftover Rolls

Porkchops: $2.94
Potatoes: 92¢
Veggies: Free
Rolls: Free

Total Cost: $3.86

Saturday: Leftovers

Total Cost: $0

Sunday: Cheesy Chicken Potato Chowder (made enough last week to freeze 2 meals worth) and leftover Crusty French Baguette

Total Cost: $0

For more Menu Plans visit I’m an Organizing Junkie!

**If you are a local reader (DFW, TX), Saturday I will be attending a $5 Dinner Workshop in Grapevine hosted by Erin of $5 Dinners. For just $5, you can learn how to make $5 dinners every night! Check out Erin’s blog for registration details. Hope to see you there!

Monday: Sloppy Joes and Oven Fries

Buns: 50¢
Ground Beef: $1.30
Sauce: 20¢
Potatoes: 99¢

Total Cost: $3.12

Tuesday: Cheesy Chicken Potato Chowder (modified) and Crusty French Baguette

Potatoes: 99¢
Chicken: $1.99
Chicken Broth: Free
Frozen Broccoli: Free
Cheese: 74¢
Flour: 25¢
Yeast: Free
Egg: 8¢

Total Cost: $4.05

Wednesday: Mexican Chicken Casserole (modified) and Corn

Chicken: $1.50
Salsa: 50¢
Cream Cheese: 25¢
Beans: 25¢
Tomato: 35¢
Tortillas: 26¢
Cheese: 19¢
Corn: Free

Total Cost: $3.30

Thursday: Leftovers

Total Cost: $0

Friday: Pizza and Salad

Bisquick: 50¢
Sauce: $1
Cheese: 74¢
Pepperoni: 50¢
Lettuce: 35¢
Tomatoes: 33¢
Dressing: 10¢

Total Cost: $3.52

Saturday: Valentine’s Dinner at Home with Hubby! (kids eat early) Steak, Baked Potato, Corn on the Cob, and Bread Machine Rolls

Steak: $2.66
Potatoes: 46¢
Corn: 66¢
Flour: 25¢
Yeast: Free
Butter: 25¢

Total Cost: $4.28

Sunday: Valentine’s Dinner Out with Hubby! (kids eat with Grandma)

Total Cost: Using a gift card!

For more Menu Plans visit I’m an Organizing Junkie!