If you need recipe inspiration or are looking for new ways to make your life run a bit smoother in the kitchen, here are some great ways to make meal planning fun and easy.

Planning is the key to success

Create a meal plan and shopping list at the beginning of each week. Try to create a selection of different meals using various proteins, vegetables, grains, and dairy products. We like to start our meal planning by viewing the local grocery ads to see what is on sale. Sale items tend to feature products that are plentiful, fresh, and in season. Sales and grocery ads are a great way to find inspiration and an excellent way to make your meal planning and grocery shopping a success.

Don’t run out of salt

There is nothing more frustrating than starting a recipe and then realizing you don’t have a staple item on hand. Keeping your pantry and refrigerator well-stocked, so you don’t run out of the basics is essential. Review your pantry weekly and keep a running list of items to add to your grocery list. Your pantry should always have various grains, pasta, your favorite canned goods, oils, sauces, and seasonings. Keep that refrigerator full of fresh veggies and fruits, eggs, and dairy, including different varieties of Challenge Butter to use in your recipes. By doing this, you will always have options for making delicious, well-thought-out meals for your family.

Two can be better than one

When creating a meal, consider doubling your recipe to have extra for the next day. Here are some great ways to simplify your meal planning and make a “Take Two” meal plan. We have a variety of quick and easy “One-Pot Wonders” available in our recipe collection for you to consider adding to your recipe library.

  • If you make our bold flavored Mississippi Pot Roast or Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs, shred the leftover meat and place it on top of tortilla chips on a baking sheet to create a new take on nachos. Sprinkle on some shredded cheese and warm in a 400-degree oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the meat has warmed through. Serve your nachos with salsa and guacamole for a family-friendly meal idea.
  • You definitely want to make a double recipe of our Instant Pressure Pot Butter Chicken to use the next day for this recipe idea. Place a scoop of leftover Butter Chicken in the center of a square of premade pizza dough. Fold the dough over the Butter Chicken filling, seal the edges, and bake as directed on the dough packaging for an exotic take on a calzone.
  • Are you trying to eat more veggies? After making the Sheet Pan Jambalaya, stuff cored bell peppers or hollowed-out zucchini halves with the leftover Jambalaya. Cover with foil and bake in a 400-degree preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers or zucchini are cooked through. If desired, before baking, pour on a jar of your favorite pasta sauce and top with some shredded cheese for a saucy version.
  • For a perfect pasta idea, cut the remaining items from the Sheet Pan Surf and Turf Steakhouse Dinner into bite-size pieces. Toss with your favorite cooked pasta and use the remaining Smoked Paprika Flavored Butter and a splash of cream to create a luxurious creamy pasta sauce.
  • Day one, the One Pan Chicken Piccata, gets to be the star of the show. The next day it debuts as a delicious side dish when you add 2 cups of your favorite bite-size cooked vegetable such as broccoli or asparagus. After dinner, consider placing leftovers in a reusable sealed container for a grab-and-go lunch idea.