The temps are chilly, and I’m doubling down on comfort food meal ideas with one of the best meatloaf recipes around and a stellar ground beef stroganoff! (Plus, there’s so much more…) Treat your family to a little dinner-time “heart and soul” this week.
This Week’s Secret To Success
The “Balance Strategy” is what makes this week’s meals work so well!
- Menu 1: Meatloaf is a bit more hands on than most recipes. That’s why I’m pairing it with a quick stove top macaroni and cheese!
- When one recipe takes a lot of energy, always serve it with something quick and easy to make the meal doable.
- You can also sear and form your meatloaf the day before, cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake to save a little time before the meal.
- I’m also thinking balance when it comes to food groups this week. We’re sneaking in extra fruits & veggies with the broccoli mac & cheese and the apple coleslaw.
- Plus, the green bean casserole is a “no canned soup” recipe! It’s super easy and trés delish!
- Buy a bulk package of ground beef to save a few bucks and have enough protein for both meals.
Swaps For Your Family
- Don’t this your family will go for those brussel sprouts? That’s ok! Make this Easy Roasted Broccoli instead. (Using broccoli here and in the mac n cheese will make sure there’s no wasted groceries this week!)
- If there’s plenty of leftover green bean casserole, don’t worry about making a second side dish!
- Stroganoff is one of my favorite comfort foods. But if you’ve got a picky eater who doesn’t like it, try making One Pot French Onion Beef & Noodles instead.
Getting The Most From This Menu
- Don’t need a breakfast recipe? Use the quiche to create a 3rd dinner! Serve it with this Blueberry & Spinach Salad with green apples for a complete meal!
- Go ahead and whip up those pecan pie bars, make the cheese ring and invite some family or friends over this weekend. Don’t forget the Rosemary Apple Cider!
- Last but not least, don’t forget about meatloaf sandwiches! They are a perfect way to use leftover meatloaf, and they make an outstanding lunch!
How I’m Setting My Table
Tasty & convenient recipes are only half of any dinner equation!
Having a few things at the ready that you really love to set the table with is THE KEY to making meal time enjoyable and inviting others over stress free.
Here is how I’m setting my table for Thanksgiving. You can see the full table in this Dinner with Friends: How to Host a Friendsgiving.
- Spode Woodland Dinner Plates (or buy from Replacements, Ltd. here)
- dark brown seagrass placemats
- gracious brown dinner napkins | Hen House Linens (20% off with code SOUTHERNDISCOURSE)
- Stewart tartan fringed throw blanket
- crystal cocktail pitcher (Note the size. This is a cocktail pitcher- tall and narrow. 34 ounces.)
- pewter pumpkin salt & pepper shaker set
- pheasant feathers
- wooden bowls (appetizer/dip size- holds 1 Cup/ 8 ounces)
- silver centerpiece
- brown glass stemware
- velvet ribbon
- paper loaf pans
Menu 1- Meatloaf + Mac & Cheese
Classic meatloaf done right is one of those ultimate comfort foods that always hits the spot. And this recipe has one or two secret tricks that truly make it the best meatloaf ever! Moist, tender, loaded with flavor, plus the perfect texture and a caramelized, smoky glaze, this is traditional southern meatloaf!
Menu 2- Ground Beef Stroganoff
Enjoy all the comforting classic flavors of rich beef stroganoff in an easy one pot recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, but special enough for guests, luscious sour cream sauce, savory ground beef & mushrooms and silky egg noodles make every night a warm comfort food night!
Dessert This Week
Turn traditional pecan pie into easy dessert bars with this simple Best Ever Pecan Pie Bars recipe! With a quick buttery pecan shortbread crust and a sweet, nutty no-cook pecan pie filling, Pecan Pie Bars take “pie at the holidays” to whole new level.
Breakfast Made Easy
This easy recipe for Sausage Mushroom Quiche bakes up delectable goodness every time. Loaded with savory Shiitake mushrooms, ground sausage, fresh spinach and sharp Parmesan cheese, this quiche is guaranteed to be your favorite for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Snack of the Week
Move over cheese boards! A marinated olives and cheese ring is a show stopping party appetizer that’s 100% gorgeously crave worthy, but ridiculously easy to make! Made with cream cheese and white cheddar slices, 2 types of olives, roasted red peppers and a simple marinade, it gives total muffuletta vibes and is perfect for the holidays or any time family and friends gather!
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