The Best Menu Planning Strategy EVER
I really enjoy cooking and baking. It is relaxing (when done during naptime!) and I like having something to show for my hard work. However, what I don’t like about the cooking process is coming up with what to cook each night. Most Sunday nights I would ask III what he would like for dinner that week. Other times I planned based on what’s on sale at the grocery store. But all that changed a few months ago. Yall, this is the best menu planning strategy ever. Can’t believe I just figured it out.
We sat down and made a list. A list of our 30ish favorite meals to eat. Here are a few that I included on our list…
Lasagna
Chicken Paninis
Omelets
Tacos
Sausage, Spinach & Tomato Pasta
Grilled Chicken on Salad
Breakfast (Waffles)
Nachos
Homemade Pizza
Pasta with Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Veggie Plate
After making my list I arranged the list that made the best sense for using similar ingredients. For example, I might buy a rotisserie chicken at the beginning of the week. I can used that chicken for both chicken enchiladas and chicken fried rice. I always do breakfast at least once a week. Sometimes I’ll make a batch of homemade spaghetti sauce and use it at the beginning of the week for spaghetti and at the end for homemade pizzas.
It takes the hardest part out of menu planning. I no longer have to come up with “what to cook.” I just rotate through the meals every month. When fall comes around I add in soups and more hearty meals perfect for cooler weather. This discovery makes me happy & I hope it does you too!
