A Simple Framework for Easy Dinner Ideas Your Whole Family Will Love

Does this scenario sound familiar to you?

Sunday rolls around, and it occurs to you that you should put some effort into your menu for the next week. But then other things get in the way – family time, cleaning, prepping for the week, and so on.

All the sudden it’s Monday night and you’re looking into the deep void of your fridge, deciding what to make for dinner.

Decisions, decisions…   

One thing I’ve solidified over the past year into my routine and positive habits is planning out my and my family’s menu for the week ahead. Or at least for breakfast and dinner. Lunches are easier to fly by the seat of my (yoga)pants, personally.

I’ll get new cookbooks, rely on go-to food blogger recipes, or use the list of endless options created for my membership program and create the menu…

Or..

Or, I’ll follow this simple framework:

Protein + Carb + Veggie = Dinner

Now, I know this isn’t revolutionary, but that’s not where the framework stops. There’s a liiiiittle more planning involved.

1. Create a master list of proteins that you and your family enjoy

I.e. ground beef, salmon, shrimp, cod, beef stew meat, etc.

2. Add a few seasoning options or marinades that will work with each protein

I like to rely on TJ’s seasonings, seasoning packets, and quick and easy marinades (helloooo freezer packs of marinaded chicken tenders for easy thaw + cook nights!)

i.e. chorizo seasoning, garlic blend, cajun seasoning, italian seasoning, stuff to make meatballs, etc. I like to rely on TJ’s seasonings, seasoning packets, and quick and easy marinades (helloooo freezer packs of marinaded chicken tenders for easy thaw + cook nights!) )

3. Create a master list of carbs your family enjoys

i.e. sweet potatoes, parsnips, rice, quinoa, etc.

4. Create a master list of veggies your family enjoys

i.e. peas and tomatoes (tomatoes count??)

Ok, discounting my 1 year old:  peas, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, spaghetti squash, salad

5. Mix and match and make it dinner!

Things like pasta dinners and stir frys totally count here, too.

Easy peasy (pun always intended.)

Create that master list…you now have a system! Just plug it into your weekly routine.