This Favorite Meals List Is My Best Meal Planning Hack

Ever sit down to plan your meals for the week and draw a blank? You’re not alone. Meal planning can feel like a daunting task, especially when juggling busy schedules, picky eaters, and a desire to eat something other than spaghetti… again. This Favorite Meals List will simplify your meal planning and help you avoid dinner ruts. Get your copy below!

Why You Need a Favorite Meals List

Think of it as your meal planning cheat sheet. Instead of reinventing the wheel every week, you have a go-to list of meals that your family already enjoys, that you know how to make, and that you can get on the table without too much effort. Here’s why this little list is a game-changer:

  • Saves time – No more staring at a blank page trying to think of dinner ideas.
  • Reduces decision fatigue – Less mental energy spent on “What’s for dinner?”
  • Encourages variety – Rotating meals is easier and keeps you from getting stuck in a rut.
  • Helps with budgeting – Sticking to meals you know helps avoid impulse purchases and food waste.

How to Create Your Favorite Meals List

This list doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated. In fact, the simpler, the better!
Here’s how to start:

  1. Brainstorm family favorites: Write down meals that everyone (or mostly everyone) enjoys and that you feel comfortable making. Think weeknight go-to’s, meals that make great leftovers, freezer favorites, and slow cooker recipes.
  2. Categorize for easy reference: You might organize your list by quick weeknight dinners, freezer-friendly meals, Instant Pot meals, or easy lunches and snacks.
  3. Store it somewhere easy to access: Keep it in the back of your planner, on your fridge, in a kitchen drawer, or even in a digital note on your phone.
  4. Use it weekly: Each time you meal plan, pull out your list and choose a few meals to plug in. You’ll be surprised how much easier (and faster) the process becomes!

Bonus Tip

Write the key ingredients for your favorite meals on the back to save time writing your grocery list each week!

Favorite Dinner Ideas to Include on Your List

If you need some inspiration, here are some meal categories and ideas to get you started:

Quick & Easy Dinner Ideas

  • Tacos or burrito bowls
  • Stir-fry with rice and veggies
  • Sheet pan chicken breasts and roasted veggies
  • Pasta with a simple homemade sauce
  • Grilled salmon with quinoa and roasted vegetables
  • Steak fajitas or shrimp tacos

Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Dinner Recipes

  • White Chicken Chili or black bean soup
  • Pulled BBQ chicken
  • Beef stew or pot roast
  • Curry with rice and tofu
  • Slow cooker honey garlic chicken

Comfort Food Staples

  • Macaroni and cheese
  • Broccoli casserole
  • Oven-fried chicken and mashed potatoes

Freezer-Friendly Dinner Recipes

  • Lasagna or baked ziti
  • Breakfast burritos
  • Meatballs and sauce
  • Homemade pizza dough
  • Cheese and rice burritos with black beans

Kids’ Lunch & Snack Ideas

  • Quesadillas
  • Smoothies
  • Egg bites
  • Peanut butter & banana roll-ups
  • Mini homemade pizzas

What meals will you be adding to your list?

Share them in the comments, and let’s build our go-to meal rotation together!

Author: Elle Penner M.P.H., R.D.

I'm Elle, Registered Dietitian and minimalism-obsessed mama with a thing for simplifying, particularly when it comes to clutter, calendars, and family meals. Favorite things include carbs, cooking, kid-free workouts, and high-waisted yoga pants.

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