Easy Meals for Beginner Cooks Meal Plan

    Printable shopping list

    If you’ve ever stared into your fridge and thought, “Why does dinner feel so hard?” this is for you. Whether you’re just learning to cook or just need something easy (hi, same), this simple meal plan is packed with easy recipes that taste amazing.

    Collage of images from the different recipes that are included in this weeks meal plan.

    What’s for Dinner?

    I’ve been there. It’s 5 p.m., no dinner plan, and hungry people are asking what’s for dinner. That’s why I made this meal plan. The recipes are simple, beginner-friendly, and they just work. Let’s make dinner feel easier.

    • Monday: Million Dollar Spaghetti
    • Tuesday: Easiest Vegetable Stir Fry
    • Wednesday: Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken with Pasta
    • Thursday: The Best Swedish Meatballs
    • Friday: Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls
    printable meal plan and shopping list

    Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

    4.20 from 5 votes
    Spaghetti and meat sauce are classic, but my special million dollar creamy cheese layer is what makes my Million Dollar Spaghetti unforgettable!
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    Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe

    4.80 from 94 votes
    With my easy vegetable stir fry recipe, you can use whatever veggies you have on hand for a quick 30-minute meal your whole family will love.
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    Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken

    3.96 from 75 votes
    This Olive Garden crockpot chicken is to die for! The juicy and tender chicken cooked with some pasta is insanely delicious! Plus, it's super easy which is a total win-win!
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    The Best Swedish Meatballs

    4.73 from 435 votes
    The Best Swedish Meatballs are smothered in the most amazing rich and creamy gravy. With so much delicious flavor, you will agree these are the best you have ever had!
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    Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls

    4.89 from 693 votes
    Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls are so incredibly easy to make and will become a family favorite! This makes the perfect weeknight meal.
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    How Many Does This Meal Plan Feed?

    Kick off your week with exactly what you need. It provides five meals that will feed about 4-6 people. It also includes a shopping list! With fresh new ideas and easy-to-make recipes, having a weekly menu plan will be a lifesaver.

    Why Should I Meal Plan? 

    • Time Saver: No more 4:00 PM panic about dinner. With a menu plan, you know exactly what’s on the menu, what you need, and how long it takes to cook.
    • Money Saver: Meal planning works wonders for your wallet. When you organize your shopping list for the week, you’ll easily spot opportunities to buy in bulk and creatively repurpose leftovers for future meals. It’s a clever approach that keeps more money in your pocket.
    • Bye-Bye Takeout: When your dinners are planned ahead of time and groceries are stocked, you’re less likely to hit the drive-thru. Cooking at home means more savings and healthier eating. Win-win!

    Simple Sides for Easy Dinners