Meal Plan Mondays #24: Recipes for Weeknight Meals

The temperature is finally cooling off and fall is in the air so I've been cooking and baking with pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, and other fall flavors.

I'm starting to get back into the groove of working, making dinner, and running J to soccer several nights a week. That means I have several nights where I can take a little bit longer to cook but then there are 2 nights a week I need something fast so that we can get out the door on time.

I've found that one night a week we have something simple like bagel sandwiches, grilled cheese and soup, or a frozen pizza. It's just something that cooks quickly, is filling, and is simple for when we are busy.

I often keep things on hand for just this reason. My pantry always has 2 or 3 types of soup in it, there's always a frozen pizza in the freezer, and there's always some type of filled pasta in the freezer with sauce in the pantry.

This week my meal plan has a decidedly fall vibe to it. The main entrees are designed to warm you up but are easy enough to make during the week yet good enough to make on the weekend.

My side dishes are great for an everyday meal or you could even make them at the holidays. The desserts are full of spices and chocolate. The bonus recipes are great for game day and sipping during a fall happy hour.

For entrees I'm sharing my favorite Banh Mi Meatballs. They can be served over rice, on a baguette, or on their own. Then I have a crispy gnocchi in a fabulous brown butter sauce. Followed by a flavorful Shaking Beef with Red rice.

My Instant Pot Chili Lime Chicken is an easy and flavorful meal when paired with rice or mashed potatoes. Then we finish it off with Chicken Caprese which is great with salad or vegetables.

For side dishes my Butternut Squash mashed potatoes are totally worth the time to make them. They are great for a casual dinner or for the holidays. Choirzo fried rice is a good choice with Mexican meals. The roasted potatoes has a nice brightness from the lemon juice.

On the dessert front I have a fabulous fall White Chocolate Pumpkin Blondie. Then I'm serving a caramel pudding parfait that is so creamy and delicious. Finally I'm finishing it off with a no bake chocolate pie.

Bonus recipes are focused on Game Day or after school snacks. Nothing beats these simple Pizza Popper Rolls. Then there's the crab dip that kids and adults won't want to share. Lastly I have a Caramel Apple Sangria that's perfect for sipping on a cool fall night.

So are you ready to put a little fall in your menu? Grab a pen and get ready to make your first fall menu plan this week!