I’m planning a Quick and Easy Weekly Meal Plan to simplify dinnertime now that school and evening football practice are starting. I don’t want to scramble each night or resort to fast food, so I’ve put together a few simple, tasty dinners for the week plus something a little extra for the weekend.
Below are several easy recipes with brief notes to help you prep or adapt them for busy evenings. Each entry links to the full recipe for details.
Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki Burgers
These chicken teriyaki burgers come together quickly—mix the ingredients, form patties, and let the air fryer do the work. You can even mix the burger mixture the night before and form patties the day you plan to cook for an easy evening.
Italian Pressed Sandwiches
These pressed sandwiches taste like deli classics but are cheaper and quicker than heading out. They take only minutes to assemble and a few more in a panini press. They’re also portable—handy when you’re rushing to practice.
Sweet Lemon Chicken
If you marinate the chicken the night before, this sweet lemon chicken takes only a few minutes to assemble and then bakes while you get other things done. Line the pan with foil for easy cleanup.
Good sides: Orzo with almonds or Air Fryer garlic parmesan zucchini.
Coffee Rubbed Flank Steak
For the weekend I like to make something a bit special but still low-effort—coffee-rubbed flank steak fits the bill. It’s flavorful and quick to cook, so you can relax after a busy week.
Try Garlic Herb oven-roasted potatoes or grilled corn brushed with olive oil, salt, and pepper as sides.
More ideas from last week
If you’re looking for kid-friendly options, check out last week’s Kid Friendly Meal Plan for simple family-approved dinners and inspiration for packing meals that please picky eaters.
Frozen foods made great in the air fryer
The air fryer is also excellent for frozen convenience foods—crispy, fast, and satisfying when nights are extra hectic.
Prepared meal options to keep on hand
Prepping a few meals ahead saves evenings. Here are a few make-ahead staples that reheat or assemble quickly:
Bang Bang Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
Chicken Veggie Meal Prep with Homemade Healthy Ranch
Turkey Taco Meal Prep Salads
Connect for more quick and easy recipes
For more weekly meal plan ideas and quick recipes, follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Also consider joining the Grilling and Smoking Facebook Group for tips, recipes, and community cooking encouragement.
New cookbook announcement
My new cookbook is available now. It’s full of approachable recipes and ideas to make weeknight cooking easier and more enjoyable.