This Week’s Menu Plan

by Crystal on June 13, 2011

After a number of busy weeks, we’re actually staying home a lot this week and have very few things on the calendar. I’m looking forward to getting to spend some extra time in the kitchen trying out some new recipes. Here’s our plan for the week:

Breakfasts
Amish Baked Oatmeal, bananas
French Toast Casserole (from the freezer), fruit
Cinnamon/Sugar Toasted Bagels, Pick-Me-Up Smoothies
Oatmeal Raisin Muffins, Scrambled Eggs, Berries
Cinnamon Roll Biscuits (using Homemade Baking Mix), fruit
Cereal
Whole Wheat Waffles (using Homemade Baking Mix), fruit

Lunches
Beef hot dogs, stuffed eggs, watermelon, corn
McDonald’s
PB&J, carrot sticks, strawberries
Beans & Rice with cheese, mixed vegetables, strawberries
Veggie omelet, fruit
Leftovers

Snacks
Watermelon Frosties
Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Fruit/Veggies

Dinners
Breakfast Burritos, fruit salad
Meatballs, steamed veggies, wild rice, fruit salad
Southwest Rollups, steamed veggies, fruit salad
Italian Pasta Bake, Bread Machine French Bread, green beans, watermelon
Steak on the grill, steamed veggies, Bread Machine French Bread
Asian Barbecue Chicken, rice, steamed veggies, fruit salad
Homemade Pizza, fruit, Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

Freezer-Cooking-In-An-Hour Plan (I’ll share pictures/details on how this goes on Thursday!)
Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
Chicken Stuffing Casserole
Corn Dog Muffins

What’s on your menu this week? Feel free to leave a link to your plan in the comments!

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{ 81 comments... read them below or add one }

Heidi June 13, 2011 at 09:21 pm

Love your menu plans Crystal!!! The Amish Baked Oatmeal is wonderful too. I made one for the weekend and I’m going to have to make a few to stock my freezer. yummmm…..
do you have a recipe for your cinnamon roll biscuits? I’d love to have that one!!!
Thanks!!!
- Crystal June 13, 2011 at 09:25 pm
  
  After I try them, if they are a success, I’ll definitely share the recipe.
bella June 13, 2011 at 09:22 pm

We love chicken stuffing casserole, it’s so fast and yummy.
- Rachel June 14, 2011 at 07:17 am
  
  I have never heard of it before, but definitely sounds like a must try!
Stacy June 13, 2011 at 09:23 pm

The Cinnamon Roll Biscuts sound awesome. Can you provide that recipie that you used.
- Crystal June 13, 2011 at 09:24 pm
  
  If they turn out, I’ll definitely share the recipe!
Jessie Brown June 13, 2011 at 09:26 pm

Here’s what we’re eating in our home this week:

http://tjandjessie.wordpress.com/
Jessica June 13, 2011 at 09:26 pm

Oh my goodness, Crystal, this just made my night!!! My husband is obsessed with corn dogs, and we are definitely going to make those corn dog muffins! Too cute
Colleen June 13, 2011 at 09:27 pm

Your detailed plan makes mine feel so plain! I need to jazz it up and start planning more of the the snacks and lunches too…getting the bare bones of the meal at least makes me feel like I have some sense of control! BTW, I am a huge breaakfast burrito fan, so I made your recipe, I feel like the eggs end up a weird texture after the microwave. Do you get that at all?

http://totallysaving.com/?p=644
- Crystal June 13, 2011 at 09:42 pm
  
  I baked the burritos in the oven to heat them up and every has raved about them so far. Eggs do change consistency a bit when frozen, though.
  - Colleen June 14, 2011 at 10:20 am
    
    Oh, great idea, I will try that I thought about trying egg beaters or something to see if they froze better to. You’re the best thanks!
Frugal Momma @ Live Joyfully June 13, 2011 at 09:27 pm

I’m glad that your new freezer is getting some good use with all your yummy freezer cooking recipes!!!

I made some of the best meatballs I’ve ever made yesterday, so I’m excited to use those as leftovers later in the week…possibly cut up and put in lasagna!

In addition, we’re having Pioneer Woman’s Tuna Melts on English Muffins, Fresh Fruit Smoothies, and Carne Asada Tacos on Homemade Corn Tortillas. I’m also making Homemade Rosemary Bread.

The entire menu is here: http://www.savemoneylivejoyfully.com/2011/06/weekly-menu-june-12-18-2011.html
- Crystal June 13, 2011 at 09:41 pm
  
  Yum!
Shannon L June 13, 2011 at 09:29 pm

Are those stuffed eggs like deviled eggs? If not, could you explain? I found eggs for $.75 a dozen a week ago and I bought 5 dozen. They don’t expire for a little while, but I need some creative recipes to use them. Thanks.
- Crystal June 13, 2011 at 09:41 pm
  
  Yes, we just call them that as an alternative name.
  - charity crawford June 13, 2011 at 09:53 pm
    
    Ha Ha i do the same thing at my house and around others about not calling them deviled eggs and everyone looks at me weird when i try and explain to them what im talking about.
  - Carey June 14, 2011 at 12:01 am
    
    My husband’s grandmother calls them “dressed” eggs
    - Jane June 14, 2011 at 08:27 am
      
      I am 40yrs old and we called them egg salad boats!! Still do. Only way my 5 yr old will eat eggs!!!
  - Candice June 14, 2011 at 08:16 am
    
    Let’s all just call them what they really are. . . “delicious eggs” or “heavenly goodness”
    - charity crawford June 14, 2011 at 08:20 am
      
      Nice!
Ruthie June 13, 2011 at 09:42 pm

Have you heard of coconut porridge? It is a new favorite breakfast for me with sauteed apples/cinnamon and a little fresh whipping cream. Check out the recipe on www.thewholesomehome.com
Carolynn @ mylittlebitoflife.com June 13, 2011 at 09:52 pm

Glad you will be having a more relaxing week!

Here are my shopping deals and menu plan. I’ve kind of gotten away from coupons the past couple of weeks.

http://mylittlebitoflife.com/?p=1556
kristen June 13, 2011 at 09:54 pm

How do you freeze the french toast casserole?
- Stacy June 14, 2011 at 08:31 am
  
  I would also like to know this. I make french toast casserole, but do you freeze it before you cook it or after? How long does it take to cook straight out of the freezer?
  - Lindsay June 14, 2011 at 09:51 am
    
    I was thinking the same thing!! Please do tell!
- Stacy June 14, 2011 at 10:16 am
  
  Found the answer on last week’s menu: Crystal May 30, 2011 at 8:23 pm
  I baked it then froze it. I’m just thawing it and reheating it in the oven until warmed.
  - Lindsay June 14, 2011 at 10:18 am
    
    Thank you Stacy!
Nicole June 13, 2011 at 09:58 pm

Healthy chocolate peanut butter fudge?!?!

Lol, I didn’t know such a thing existed. Yum and YUM!
- charity crawford June 14, 2011 at 08:20 am
  
  ha ha me either.
Jess June 13, 2011 at 10:01 pm

I think I’m going to try those corn dog muffins! Are you planning to use your honey cornbread or the one she posted on her site? My plan is to use yours. We LOVE that recipe.
Emily June 13, 2011 at 10:06 pm

I have a few yummy meals planned this week, like Fiesta Chicken with Rice, Pepperoni Pizza Quiche, plus a few others:

http://ourfrugalhappylife.blogspot.com/2011/06/menu-plan-612.html

Love menu planning – simplifies my life soooo much!
Katie H June 13, 2011 at 10:27 pm

My daughter is going to love the corn dog muffins I can’t wait to try it! I will have to put it on the menu for next week and then freeze some of them as well. Thanks for your great ideas, I feel like I get in such a rut when planning meals. I also love that you do breakfast for dinner! We usually do that twice a month and it is always a hit!
A Thrifty Mom- menu plan this week June 13, 2011 at 10:37 pm

Sunday

late breakfast/ early lunch- Banana Cream Cheese Muffins, with apple juice
Dinner- Meat Loaf Patties, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob

Monday

Breakfast- Cinnamon Rolls
Lunch- Meat Loaf sandwiches, chips and Cantaloupe
Dinner- Southwest Chicken Navajo tacos

Tuesday

Breakfast- Scones
Lunch- left over scones, apples, and cantaloupe
Dinner- Half Price Happy Meal night at McDonalds for my nephews Birthday party
Wednesday

Breakfast- Left over Cinnamon rolls
Lunch- Egg salad sandwich, Apricots and cucumbers in ranch
Dinner-Oven Baked Cheese Nachos with left over chicken from Monday night

Thursday

Breakfast- Cold Cereal
Lunch- Broccoli & Grape salad
Dinner- Pork Chops with apple glaze, Mashed Yukon gold potatoes , frozen peas

Friday

Breakfast- Scrambled eggs and toast
Lunch- Peanut Butter and Honey sandwiches, grapes
Friday- Baked Chicken, Canned corn, Broccoli & Grape salad

Saturday

late breakfast/ early lunch- Doughnuts
Dinner-Sweet Shredded Pork Tacos
CB June 13, 2011 at 11:22 pm

I have seen the beans and rice with cheese a few times, how do you make that?
Jenn June 13, 2011 at 11:23 pm

I am making your lasagna casserole one night with all the spaghetti noodles I got for free with coupons. It’s so good and so easy!

http://mommysaidno.blogspot.com/2011/06/monday-menu.html
Malissa June 13, 2011 at 11:33 pm

My family LOVES those corndog muffins! I made a double batch the first time expecting to freeze some but (much like your house, it seems ) they didn’t quite make it to the freezer.

We are going to try the Amish Baked Oatmeal this week. Hopefully my family likes it as much as yours!
Evie June 14, 2011 at 12:17 am

I need to try that backing mix. Dh likes to make pancakes when I go to work, but I hate to buy the mix. Best of both worlds.

I did some corn dogs like those but backed them. In fact due to a play date today, I got home too late to cook my planned dinner, so I moved leftover night to tonight and pulled out some of the corn dogs from my freezer for my son.

Freezer cooking works great for night like tonight.
Here is my Menu for the week

http://raviandevie.blogspot.com/2011/06/menu-monday.html
Jessica June 14, 2011 at 12:46 am

How do you freeze the baked oatmeal?
Rae June 14, 2011 at 12:51 am

never thought to make corn dog muffins. That is genius! I would use mix instead but definitely want to try that soon
Kristen @ Different Shades of Green June 14, 2011 at 02:06 am

My In Laws arrive this week, and so I’m nervous about my menu plan. I hope I make enough for everyone! (And that they like it, of course.)
Thanks for sharing yours!
- Dee Wolters June 14, 2011 at 06:27 am
  
  I was intimidated to cook for my in laws too, because my MIL is such an great cook. But I learned to not sweat it and just cook what I could and what we could afford. I do plan larger amounts and if I cook too much just put it in the freezer for left overs when they are gone. Have a great time.
Allyson June 14, 2011 at 06:28 am

I made your Amish Oatmeal bake for Sunday school class on Sunday am and it was a HIT. I hesitate trying something new on other people, but it was awesome. I even substituted unsweetened applesauce for the butter and it tasted awesome. I think it could be tasty with 1-2 sweet apples diced!!

Thanks for the awesome recipe for ingredients I always have on hand!!
- Brenda June 14, 2011 at 01:14 pm
  
  I’m going to have to try this. We take breakfast for our Sunday School class about once a month & this would be something different to bring. Nice idea!
Dee Wolters June 14, 2011 at 06:29 am

My menu planning has been a bit tricky this summer because my four kids, ages 14-20, are coming and going all summer, so the number of people to feed keeps changing. This week it is just 2. Last week it was just me. We have VBS next week and I cook for 100+ all day, so don’t feel like cooking when I get home, so this week we are using up stuff in the ref so it does not spoil.
Menu plan:

http://dwolters.wordpress.com/2011/06/13/menu-plan-june-13-20-2011/
Michelle @ Simplify, Live, Love June 14, 2011 at 07:58 am

Thanks for sharing the Amish Baked Oatmeal recipe. I may have to try that. I’m always looking for easy breakfast ideas.

And also congrats on the freezer! Mine was fixed yesterday so I get to pick up my beef today!! So excited to have a freezer full of meat again and to be able to freezer cook and buy in bulk. I can’t beleive how limiting it has been with no freezer.
Here’s what we’re eating this week:

http://simplifylivelove.blogspot.com/2010/12/buying-local-fresh-meat.html
Trish Conard June 14, 2011 at 07:59 am

Even though I have been planning our meals for the last year, I still feel new to the whole process. I have just begun planning our lunches in addition to our dinners.

Here is our (very simple) menu plan for the week:

http://paconard.blogspot.com/2011/06/our-weekly-menu.html
Kimberlee@ThePeacefulMom.com June 14, 2011 at 08:15 am

Thanks for posting your menu Crystal. It gives me some new ideas to try.

Here’s our regular menu (feeding six for $100/week)

http://thepeacefulmom.com/2011/06/10/fun-friday-menu-61011/

and here is our Gluten Free Menu for my daughter:

http://thepeacefulmom.com/2011/06/14/simple-gluten-free-gluten-free-menu-613/

Her menu is basicallythe same with a few tweaks.
kj June 14, 2011 at 08:17 am

We have an abundance of strawberries in our garden this year, so I made this recipe for strawberry coffee cake. It was an instant hit! I substituted applesauce for the butter in the batter. Very good!

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Strawberry-Coffee-Cake/Detail.aspx
Kim June 14, 2011 at 08:19 am

Watermelon frosty……does watermelon become mushy after you freeze it??
amy@twobgardening June 14, 2011 at 08:22 am

Oh My, those watermelon frosties look delicious. I’ll have to sneak in some spinach to give my daughter her fiber. Shhh, she’ll never know.

Here is my freezer cooking day:

http://twobgardening.blogspot.com/2011/06/end-results-of-freezer-cooking-day.html
Kris June 14, 2011 at 08:27 am

It’s not a complete meal plan, but I’ve just started posting weekly meal ideas featuring ingredients on sale each week in the Chicago area. They would work for anyone shopping at Safeway or Albertson’s stores as well.

http://frugalmomskitchen.blogspot.com/2011/06/cooking-deals-june-9-15.html
Christine June 14, 2011 at 08:46 am

I love your recipes and, of course, your website! You’ve helped me out a lot with couponing and I love that I can also get great recipes to try! I’m newly engaged and haven’t ventured into the kitchen much other than the things my mother taught me how to cook and I stick to those things pretty regularly, haha. I’m sure my fiance is getting sick of the same thing over and over.. I’m SO glad that I found your website! :] Keep the recipes and links coming, please! I can’t wait to try this week’s!
Heather June 14, 2011 at 09:05 am

Planning a week’s worth of meals doesn’t work for us, but I just posted my simple recipe for Chicken Salad. I tried to recreate a sandwich I ordered at a fancy restaurant, and it is a pretty close copy! So good served cold on these hot, hot days…..

http://thirtythreemom.com/2011/06/12/simple-chicken-salad-recipe/
Joy Y. June 14, 2011 at 09:26 am

Here’s our real food meal plan for our family of 7–also we are on a tight budget, so those of you desiring healthy food but think you can’t because of cost…..here are some ideas you may enjoy.

http://vimandvigor.typepad.com/vim-and-vigor/2011/06/mealplanideas.html

Blessings,

~Joy~
Lucky June 14, 2011 at 09:33 am

I’m going to try those corn dog muffins. Thanks!

I’m trying to bring a better attitude towards feeding my family this week. The Italian beef I made last night was a hit so we’re off to a good start! Here’s my menu:

http://cookingluck.blogspot.com/2011/06/menu-plan.html
Meredith June 14, 2011 at 09:35 am

Our plan for suppers: brats with mashed potatoes; Chicken Tetrazini – Thanks Crystal – very similar to the chicken spaghetti I make, but I think I like your recipe better! I also used this recipe to make the cream of soup with a non-dairy margarine and rice milk http://www.cheapcooking.com/Recipes/homemade-cream-of-soup.htm because I’ve given up cows’ dairy for nursing (had to cook it at a higher temp for a little longer, but it came out great); Lasagna Soup; Pizza Bubble (was going to make this last week but my little one had an upset tummy, so I swapped it for fiesta chicken & rice); Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff I; Friday we’ll do take-out (with a coupon!), and Saturday my husband is making ground beef tacos with fried plantains. Not the healthiest… but OH SO YUMMY! It’s always so great to look at other people’s ideas and recipes – have a great week all!
Tammy @ Skinny Mom's Kitchen June 14, 2011 at 09:36 am

Your menu plan looks fabulous!!

Here is mine http://www.skinnymomskitchen.com/2011/06/13/weekly-weight-loss-family-friendly-weight-loss-menu-plan/

I am still keeping it under 1500 calories to work towards my weight loss goals. I am almost there!
- Crystal June 14, 2011 at 09:50 am
  
  Woohoo!
Katy June 14, 2011 at 10:03 am

I just posted my groceries/menu for these next 2 weeks! I’m challenging myself to stay under $250 for the month of June.

http://purposelyfrugal.wordpress.com/2011/06/14/groceriesmenu-june-challenge-update-2/
Jen June 14, 2011 at 10:07 am

I am new to the freezer cooking and have a question when it comes to freezing taco meat. How do you reheat it? Do you thaw in the frig then microwave it? Sorry if this is a trivial question, but I am new to freezer cooking…
Mary June 14, 2011 at 10:14 am

I love how you’re taking the kids to McD’s for lunch one day!
- Erica @ Just Call Me Cheap June 14, 2011 at 11:31 am
  
  My kids think that when I take them to McDonald’s once in awhile that it is their treat but little do they know that it is actually a treat for me- no lunch to make and no dishes to clean up!
Yasmin June 14, 2011 at 01:07 pm

Love the variety in your plan! I was wondering if I can make the Asian chicken in a crock pot? I have to go into the office tomorrow and would love to be able to setup the meal before I leave!
Brenda June 14, 2011 at 01:42 pm

I was so excited when I saw the Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge recipe on your menu that i immediately went & made some I did make a couple of changes. Instead of using the food processor, i put everything in a stainless steel bowl & set it over a pan of simmering water (to make a double boiler). This helped it combine a little easier, as it melted a bit. I also just poured it into a 5″x7″ Pyrex dish that i lined with parchment paper & buttered. Cut into small pieces after it’s cooled in the refrigerator. So simple! My husband & i really liked it. I’ve made a recipe in “The Maker’s Diet” by Jordan Rubin that we also like that’s very similar. It’s a bit more fudgy. Here’s the recipe if anyone’s interested:
Coconut Almond Fudge (altered)
1/2 c. coconut oil
1/2 c. coconut milk (the kind in a can)
3/4 c. cocoa
1/4 c. almond butter
1/4 c. honey
1 T. vanilla

Combine ingredients using a whisk in a stainless steel bowl set over simmering water until combined & smooth in texture. Pour into a small, buttered serving dish. Allow to cool & become firm in refrigerator. Cut & serve. Store in refrigerator.
Kelly June 14, 2011 at 01:54 pm

We made the Asian BBQ chicken last night and it was DELICIOUS! We used thighs which made it a very economical dinner!
Kassi June 14, 2011 at 02:53 pm

I love simple and easy recipes. Thank you for giving me meals ideas. Southwest roll-ups on my menu for this week. The Italian bake looks really good. I am going to put it on my meal plan for next week.
jen June 14, 2011 at 06:14 pm

Just wanted to share what I made today for lots of quick summer dinners. I’ve been getting loads of free bottles of BBQ sauce lately and my family loves Pulled Pork/Chicken sandwiches… So I threw a bunch of chicken breasts in the crockpot with BBQ sauce this morning and let it work all day. I shredded it all up in a big bowl and portioned it into quart size freezer bags. It will make for quick (no-oven) meals between buns or even as a BBQ chicken pizza… I might even put some on salad. It was quick, easy, relatively inexpensive so thought I’d share. Love reading all your ideas-Crystal AND the readerss!
Mary Ann June 14, 2011 at 06:35 pm

We love those corndog muffins! Not eating them now since we’re not doing many grains, but they are yummy!

Our frugal low-carb menu plan and also some simple freezer cooking plans for the week:

http://mrsmaryannshouse.blogspot.com/2011/06/planning-monday_13.html
Melinda June 14, 2011 at 07:21 pm

Hi Crystal!

First I want to thank you so much for all of your posts. I read other blogs but you inspire me the most to try new things. I love it!

I wanted to share a modification to the Southwest Roll Ups we are doing. My family loves it . My daughter prefers to just use it as a dip with tortilla chips. I love it because it increases the amount of tortillas I can make without increasing the cost much.

I follow the recipe as shown but add a can of black beans, a can of corn, and some fajita seasoning. YUMMY, it’s baking in the oven now. Can’t wait to eat it.
Amy June 15, 2011 at 04:00 pm

Oh girl! So many fantastic recipe suggestions! I will be working on my menu and shopping list tonight anyway, so this gives me a lot of new things to try!

Thanks!
Tonya McNeely June 16, 2011 at 09:56 am

These recipes are great! My family ate the chicken stuffing casserole last night and loved it. I also made one for the freezer. I picked several of the recent recipes and had a cooking day, yesterday. I made two batches of the corndog muffins which were AWESOME! I also made the Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies, Breakfast Burritos, Southwest Rollups, Amish Oatmeal Bake, Lasagna Casserole, Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins, and two loaves of homemade bread in the bread machine (my recipe). It felt so good to put meals in the freezer knowing it will save me time and effort.
Thanks for all the recipes and encouragement. By the way – My kids are now smoothie addicts! They loved the pick-me-up smoothies. They woke up asking for more!
- Crystal June 16, 2011 at 10:01 am
  
  So glad you’re enjoying the recipes. By the way, we had those same smoothies for breakfast this morning!
mrs. lynn June 16, 2011 at 11:15 am

I really like baked oatmeal and was inspired buy your menu plan to make it again but I wanted to add a healthy twist to it. I’m an older “money-saving mom”, my youngest baby is 19. I’m at the time of life I need to make sure I am eating and adding the right kind of foods into my diet. I added two scoops of whey protein to the milk before I added it in to the mixture. I added 1/4 cup of flax seed meal with the oatmeal, and I added some walnuts. I cut back on the sugar and added some dried fruit. I used canola oil instead of butter. I’m also a preschool teacher and know that many kids would probably not like the nuts or be allergic to them and they may not like the dried fruit either. Just thought I pass along these ideas anyway. It’s never to early to develop healthy eating habits in our children’s lives.
Blaire Ruch June 16, 2011 at 04:06 pm

love that McD’s is on there!
- Crystal June 16, 2011 at 04:11 pm
Amy June 17, 2011 at 07:04 am

Crystal,
Have you posted the Amish Baked Oatmeal freezer friendly recipe? I want to make them to put in the freezer but didn’t know if I needed to tweek the recipe. Thanks!
- Crystal June 17, 2011 at 07:34 am
  
  Yes, it’s here: http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/06/freezer-friendly-baked-oatmeal-recipe.html
  
  Enjoy!
Amy June 20, 2011 at 11:54 am

Do you bake the chiken stuffing casserole then freeze and heat up when ready to serve?
Amy June 20, 2011 at 12:04 pm

*chicken* oops:)
Katie June 23, 2011 at 01:22 pm

I love these menus! Thanks for sharing and keep them coming!
Hollie June 25, 2011 at 01:07 am

Thank you so much for devoting so much of your time and effort into your blog. Your blog has to be my favorite of all times. I’m a mother to an 18 month old and you inspire me beyond belief. Yesterday I made time for freezer cooking and you would have thought I was getting ready for a bake sale, haha. All of the recipes turned out fabulous! My daughter loves beans and rice. I performed a search on here and found a post of the various ways to eat on beans and rice for 1 week. I’m curious of which method your kiddos enjoy eating the most. Also, do you freeze the beans and rice recipe?