These themed dinner ideas help bring structure to your family’s meal planning making dinners during the week a breeze!
If you’re like me, then meal planning each week is just another to-do on the always-growing laundry list of things to get done. But let me tell you, as the CEO and executive chef in my house, if I don’t take time to meal plan, then our CFO [my husband] gives me the stink-eye when our VISA bill comes.
Why? Because I rely on takeout. Which is much more expensive than taking the time to plan and prepare meals at home. Or so that’s what he tells me…
So I’ve found a way to make meal planning a little more enjoyable, and much more structured. As I’ve shared time and time again, there ain’t much structure in the lives of toddlers. Or babies. And Mom needs all the structure she can get!
That’s why I’ve started relying on themed dinners, or giving each day of the week a specific theme for dinner. I now plan around a weekly theme dinner schedule Monday-Friday [Saturday’s are takeout night— hey, I guess that’s another themed dinner night] and Sunday’s we are usually at my parents.
And let me tell you, I’ve found a sense of structure and ease with this type of meal planning.
Yep, I’m actually enjoying meal planning!!! And cooking.
Am I starting to get my groove back?! Who knows… but I’m here to share a few of my favorite themed dinner ideas with you! Feel free to print off this list or pin the image below so you can easily keep these ideas as a reference.
I’ve also pulled together a few of our favorite “nights” with 1-2 recipes for each, just to give your meal plan a kick-start! Enjoy!
Pizza Night
Fig, Prosciutto, and Arugula Pizza
Pasta Night
Soup Night
Grill Night
Perfectly Grilled Chicken Breasts
Taco Night
Salad Night
Kale Caprese Salad [add chicken or fish]
Burger Night
Stir-Fry Night
20 Minute Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Slow Cooker Night
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
And if I’m missing any themed dinner ideas, share below! I’d love to add a few more to the list!
Make the most of meal planning by having themed dinner nights! Here are 15 ideas to get you started! Share on X
I also love themed nights! One of my top meal planning tips- makes life more fun and easier too! Hope you’re doing well w the baby and the boys Katie!
Yes! This is how I meal plan as well 🙂 so much easier!
Salad night
Mexican night
Handheld night
Breakfast night
Pizza night
And my wildcard night, because this mama loves to try new recipes 🙂
I love handheld night!
OH my goodness. I think I can actually wrap my brain around this one. Thanks! 🙂