27 Recipes I Put In My Meal Plan Every Week Because My Family Never Turns Them Down
As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, Easy Homemade Life may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This comes at no additional cost to you, and all the prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.
Tired of making meals no one touches? These are the best recipes I put in my meal plan every week because my family never says no to themโand yours wonโt either. Theyโre easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to keep everyone at the table happy, making your meal planning stress-free and a total win.
Potato Skins
These potato skins are always a win in my weekly meal plan because my family canโt get enough of them. Crispy potato halves loaded with melty cheese, bacon, and fresh green onions are the definition of comfort food. Theyโre so easy to make and so delicious, everyone at the table cleans their plate every time.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins
Air Fryer Pork Chops
Air fryer pork chops are a must in my meal plan because theyโre foolproof and family-approved. With a golden, crispy outside and tender, juicy inside, theyโre done in just 9 minutes but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Every week, theyโre a hit at the dinner tableโno complaints, just clean plates.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Chops
Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, cheesy, and buttery mashed potatoes that you can prep ahead? These make-ahead mashed potatoes are a permanent fixture in my meal plan because theyโre stress-free, easy, and guaranteed to impress. My family always digs in like itโs a holiday meal, no matter the day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Apple Cinnamon Cake
This apple cinnamon cake is in my weekly meal plan rotation because itโs a dessert my family canโt resist. Moist, fluffy, and packed with warm spices and tender apples, it feels like a cozy hug in cake form. The best part? Itโs foolproof, making me look like a star baker with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Cake
Pumpkin Pasta
Pumpkin pasta makes a weekly appearance in my house because itโs a one-pot wonder of creamy, cheesy goodness. The fall-inspired flavors of pumpkin, cream cheese, and a sprinkle of spices are comforting, delicious, and a huge hit with everyone at the table. Itโs so simple and satisfying, my family asks for it again before the week is even over.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pasta
Cinnamon Rolls
Homemade cinnamon rolls are on my weekly breakfast treat list because my family simply canโt say no to them. Gooey cinnamon sugar swirls and a creamy glaze make them irresistible, and the recipe is so foolproof even I can pull it off effortlessly. These rolls disappear faster than I can bake themโdefinitely a meal plan MVP.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls
Sweet Potato Fries
These air fryer sweet potato fries are a weekly snack or side dish staple in my home because theyโre guilt-free and totally crave-worthy. Tossed in a simple mix of olive oil and spices, they come out crispy, tender, and full of flavor every time. My family loves them so much, they never miss plain fries again.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Copycat Lawsonโs Chip Dip
This 3-ingredient Lawsonโs chip dip is a permanent fixture in our snack-time rotation because itโs creamy, tangy, and ridiculously easy to make. My family devours it with chips, crackers, or veggiesโno matter what I pair it with, itโs always a hit. With such big flavor and so little effort, itโs one recipe I never skip in my meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Lawsonโs Chip Dip
Copycat Ruthโs Chris Stuffed Chicken
Stuffed chicken that tastes like a restaurant-quality meal but is so easy to make? Yes, please! This copycat Ruthโs Chris recipe is always on my meal plan because itโs cheesy, savory, and guaranteed to get my family excited for dinner. Itโs so delicious, theyโd never believe itโs a budget-friendly homemade recipe.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ruthโs Chris Stuffed Chicken
Broccoli Rice Casserole
This broccoli rice casserole is a weeknight favorite in my meal plan because itโs creamy, cheesy, and loaded with family-friendly flavor. Tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and gooey cheddar come together in a dish thatโs as easy as it is irresistible. Itโs always a crowd-pleaser, and there are never any leftoversโmy family wonโt let it happen.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole
Pepper Gravy
This pepper gravy is a weekly go-to for turning simple meals into something extraordinary. Creamy, bold, and perfectly spiced, itโs ideal over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or fried chicken. My family always lights up when they see it on the table, and I love how easy it is to whip up with just five ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Pepper Gravy
Copycat Jimmy Johnโs Bread
This Jimmy Johnโs bread recipe makes my meal plan every week because itโs the perfect base for sandwiches my family loves. Soft, fluffy, and versatile, itโs so much better than store-bought and costs way less. Whether itโs a quick lunch or a hearty sub dinner, this bread keeps everyone happy and full.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jimmy Johnโs Bread
Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders
These Popeyes blackened chicken tenders are a spicy, flavorful addition to my weekly meal plan because theyโre perfect for everything from meal prepping to family dinners. Juicy, tender, and packed with Cajun seasoning, theyโre so good, my family asks for them on repeat. Plus, theyโre so easy to make, I never mind saying yes.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders
Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
This Longhorn Steakhouse rice is always in my weekly rotation because itโs an easy, flavorful side dish that pairs with just about anything. The tender rice, colorful veggies, and savory seasonings make it a hit with my family every time. Itโs one of those recipes they never get tired ofโand neither do I.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
Bruschetta Al Pomodoro
Bruschetta al pomodoro is my go-to appetizer in my meal plan because itโs fresh, flavorful, and super easy to make. Juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and crispy bread create a light dish that always wows my family. Itโs so good, they keep going back for more, no matter how often I serve it.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Al Pomodoro
Breakfast Sausage
Breakfast sausage is a staple in my weekly meal plan because it starts the day on the best possible note. Juicy, flavorful, and hearty, itโs perfect for Saturday mornings or making any weekday feel special. Whether itโs paired with eggs or stuffed into a breakfast sandwich, my family devours it every single timeโitโs the kind of no-fail recipe that keeps mornings happy and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Sausage
Wingstop Ranch Dressing
This Wingstop ranch dressing is the MVP of my meal plan because my family canโt get enough of its creamy, dreamy goodness. With just four ingredients and five minutes, itโs perfect for dipping veggies, wings, or drizzling over salads. Itโs so good, my family swears it tastes better than the original, and it saves me from buying store-bought dressings every week.
Get the Recipe: Wingstop Ranch Dressing
Herb-Crusted Chicken
Herb-crusted chicken is a weekly dinner hero in my house because itโs flavorful, foolproof, and loved by all. Juicy chicken breasts coated in a golden crust of herbs and black pepper are quick to make but taste like a gourmet meal. Whether served with veggies or rice, my family always cleans their plates, making it an easy favorite for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken
Copycat Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise
This spicy mayo is the unsung hero of my weekly meal plan, turning simple meals into something extraordinary. Tangy, sweet, and with just the right kick, itโs the perfect addition to burgers, fries, and chicken sandwiches. My family always raves about how much better it tastes than the fast-food version, and I love how ridiculously easy it is to make.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise
Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Muffins
These pumpkin and cream cheese muffins are the reason my family actually looks forward to breakfast during the week. Soft, buttery, and packed with warm fall spices, theyโre a cozy treat stuffed with smooth cream cheese and topped with crunchy pumpkin praline. Every bite feels like a hug, and my familyโs smiles make them a no-brainer for my weekly baking rotation.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Muffins
Outback Potato Soup
This Outback potato soup is the warm, comforting dish my family requests week after week. Creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and rich cheddar cheese create a bowl of happiness thatโs impossible to resist. Itโs quick to make, hearty enough for dinner, and so good, my family never believes itโs homemadeโitโs that close to the restaurant version.
Get the Recipe: Outback Potato Soup
Copycat McDonaldโs Biscuit
These buttery, fluffy biscuits are a game-changer for my meal plan because they work for breakfast, dinner, or anything in between. Whether served with honey or sausage gravy, theyโre always a crowd-pleaser at my table. My family canโt believe theyโre homemade every timeโespecially when they taste just like the fast-food favorite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat McDonaldโs Biscuit
Dirty Chai Tea Latte
This dirty chai tea latte is the drink my family and I crave all week long because itโs cozy, rich, and just the right amount of indulgent. The warm chai spices and espresso make it the perfect pick-me-up for mornings or afternoons that need a little love. Itโs so good, itโs like a hug in a mug, and everyone always asks me to make โjust one more cup!โ
Get the Recipe: Dirty Chai Tea Latte
Banana Bread
This banana bread is a weekly staple in my kitchen because itโs easy, delicious, and uses up those ripe bananas I always have on hand. Soft, moist, and with just the right amount of sweetness, itโs perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. My family never gets tired of itโthey call it โthe best banana bread ever,โ and Iโm not arguing.
Get the Recipe: Banana Bread
Lobster
Cooking lobster might sound fancy, but this easy recipe makes it a weekly treat my family always gets excited about. Perfectly juicy and tender with simple, classic flavors, itโs restaurant-quality right at home. Whether itโs a special family dinner or just because, theyโre always impressed and asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Lobster
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are my familyโs favorite treat, and this recipe makes them a regular part of my weekly meal plan. Gooey, chewy, and packed with chocolatey goodness, theyโre the dessert that never fails to impress. My kids call them โthe best cookies ever,โ and honestly, I canโt disagreeโthey disappear in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies
Roasted Turkey
Roasted turkey is a surprisingly easy addition to my weekly meal plan when I want to keep things hearty and wholesome. With crispy skin, juicy meat, and simple flavors like garlic, butter, and herbs, itโs always a table winner. My family is so impressed every timeโthey think Iโve gone all out, but itโs actually foolproof.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey