Boy, do I have some great dinner ideas for you! White Ravioli Casserole (short cut lasagna made with easy short cut ingredients) is a family pleaser, while pork tenderloin and fried cabbage brings all the homestyle vibes. Plus, I’ve got tips for making the budget and this menu stretch even farther! What’s for dinner?? You’ve got that covered!
This Week’s Secret To Success
- This week’s meal planning ideas rely on convenience! I’ve chosen recipes that use short cut ingredients and the crock pot/ slow cooker to make getting dinner on the table as easy as possible.
- It’s also time to start thinking about spring! I’ve got lemon cookies, fruit salad and fruit dip on the menu!
- Double up when buying fruit for your fruit salad and you’ll be ready to serve fruit dip too!
- Stretch the budget! One pound/package of bacon should be all you need to make both fried cabbage and the quiche. Buy a larger package (Wright’s Thick Cut Bacon comes in 1 ½ pound packages) and use the extra bacon in the black eyed peas instead of purchasing ham
In The Know
Sometimes when meal planning, I plan the “ideal,” but when reality hits, i.e. time gets tight or maybe energy levels are running low, what’s on the table might look different than the plan. THAT’S NOT A FAIL.
It’s actually win. It means we’re flexible, adaptable and we don’t let the little things knock us out of the game.
Here are some easy ways to adapt any menu:
- Look for sides you can skip. Are there side dishes that would be nice to make, but aren’t necessary for the meal to be complete? Make it easy on yourself and skip those!
- Look for side dishes that could go with both meals. Don’t make all new side dishes every night if leftovers from the night before would fill the spot just as well.
Ways to Get MORE From this Menu:
- Buy ingredients to make a green salad. Serve it with the quiche to create a 3rd dinner idea OR as a sub for one of the menu dinner ideas that you aren’t wild about.
- Keep the quiche as a breakfast idea and serve it this weekend with the fruit salad from Menu 1 and Pineapple Orange Fizzies for a tasty brunch!
How I’m Setting My Table
Tasty & convenient recipes are only half of any dinner equation! So, don’t forget to make a plan for your family table with your meal plan!
Having a few things at the ready you really love is THE KEY to making every meal time enjoyable and inviting others over stress free. Here are my suggestions with links you can shop!
Menu 1- White Ravioli Casserole
This easy White Ravioli Casserole recipe is full of shortcuts! Layers of spinach, frozen cheese ravioli, sausage crumbles, Alfredo sauce & cheese are baked to a golden, bubbly perfection in no time flat to create a delicious lasagna-style family meal. With just 6 ingredients and 2 steps, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, but special enough for guests! Serve it with Italian Green Beans and a Classic Fruit Salad for a delicious meal!
Menu 2- Pepper Crusted Pork Tenderloin
This easy-to-follow Pepper Crusted Pork Tenderloin recipe uses a simple, wonderfully aromatic cracked peppercorn rub, plus Dijon mustard, to create a delightful main dish that is perfect for weeknight family meals. First, seared in a cast iron skillet to seal in the juices then baked in an oven, this Perfect Pepper Crusted Pork Loin is melt in your mouth tender with a fiery little pepper kick! Go old school and serve it with fried cabbage and crock pot black eyed peas for a savory meal that satisfies!
Dessert This Week
Calling all my lemon lovers! These light and lemony sweet, Lemon Drop Crinkle Cookies are just for you! These pretty little bites of sunshine are just bursting with that sweet tartness that puts the pucker in all good things lemon! Plus, with just 6 ingredients, these crinkled classics are so easy to bake, they’re sure to become your new favorite lemon dessert.
Breakfast Made Easy
This easy breakfast BLT Quiche isn’t just for mornings; it’s perfect for lunch and dinner too! Loaded with bacon, tomatoes, spinach, green onions, feta and cheddar cheese, it’s one heckuva BLT!
Snack of the Week
So light and fluffy, this Marshmallow Champagne Fruit Dip is a sweet cloud of heavenly goodness just begging to be scooped up by berries, grapes and all manner of fruit. This dreamy dip comes together in just 5 minutes or less with only 4 ingredients!
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