This Simple Family Meal Plan has everything you need for a stress-free week — two casseroles, a creamy chicken salad, crack burgers, honey glazed salmon, a make-ahead breakfast casserole, and orange soda cupcakes for dessert.

A flaky croissant is filled with a creamy chicken salad mixture, touted as the best chicken salad recipe, containing herbs and celery, garnished with fresh lettuce. The sandwich is served on a white plate alongside crispy potato chips.
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In a house with 8 kids a meal plan that covers the whole week without a lot of fuss is exactly what I need. This week has something for everyone from a quick chicken salad lunch to a special Friday salmon dinner. Having the plan set and the groceries bought means the hardest part of the week is already done before Monday even starts.

We hope you have loved our Weekly Meal Plans. If you have missed any, you can still check out Meal Plan 14, Meal Plan #13 and Meal Plan #12.

Why You’ll Love This Meal Plan

  • Five completely different dinners
  • Two casseroles this week mean two nights of easy one dish cleanup
  • The breakfast casserole can be made ahead on Sunday so breakfast is handled all week
  • Orange soda cupcakes are fun and budget-friendly at just $0.51 each
  • One grocery trip covers the whole week

Printable Shopping List

We have made it even easier using our meal plan, that we have created a shopping list that is sorted by categories. Click the button to save and print your shopping before heading to the store.

Monday – The Best Chicken Salad

We have the Best Chicken Salad Recipe and it is simple to make. This is so creamy and delicious. Serve it over lettuce or on croissants for a great meal everyone can enjoy.

Estimated Cost: $15.62 Recipe, $2.60 per Serving

A croissant sandwich filled with the best chicken salad recipe and leafy greens is served on a white plate. The sandwich is accompanied by a side of potato chips, and a small sprig of fresh dill is visible in the background. The setting is light and airy.
The Best Chicken Salad
This creamy and delicious chicken salad is perfect for potlucks or a weeknight dinner. It has the perfect blend of chicken, veggies, and seasonings.
The Best Chicken Salad

Tuesday – Keto Taco Casserole

With just a few ingredients, this Keto Taco Casserole comes together quickly and easily. This low-carb taco casserole can be served as is but we love to serve it with this Caesar Salad for an easy side dish.

Estimated Cost: $15.99, $2.00 per Serving

A serving of Keto Taco Casserole, topped with sliced jalapeños and green onions, sits on a white plate, surrounded by fresh tomato, green onions, and a casserole dish in the background.
Keto Taco Casserole
This Low Carb Taco Bake can be ready in under 30 minutes and the entire family will love it.
Keto Taco Casserole

Wednesday – Crack Burgers

This ground beef recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients. For your next cookout, make this Crack Burger for an impressive meal idea. Pair it with some Grilled Sweet Potatoes for a complete and amazing dinner or lunch!

Estimated Cost: $14.29, $3.57 per Servings

A close-up of a Crack Burgers hamburger with lettuce, tomato, and red onion on a bun, served on a dark plate with crinkle-cut fries. Other Crack Burgers and fries are visible in the background.
Crack Burgers
They are loaded with flavor and each bite is full of melted cheese, bacon, and delicious ranch flavors.
Crack Burgers

Thursday – Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole has everything you need for a delicious meal. The creamy chicken, seasonings, and pasta come together for the best comfort food. Plus, it is just so easy to make! Serve it with this Parmesan Roasted Green Beans for an amazing meal!

Estimated Cost: $15.99, $2.00 per Serving

square image of chicken spaghetti on a forrk
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
We love to use leftover chicken to make Chicken Spaghetti Casserole and it's a tasty way to stretch your budget. The recipe only calls for 3 chicken breasts but it can really feed a large family.
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Friday – Honey Glazed Salmon

Skip takeout and make this in less time and get a better meal as well. It pairs well with pasta that’s made with this Homemade White Pasta Sauce.

Estimated Cost: $28.75, $7.19 per Servings

Close-up of two honey lime salmon fillets with a golden-brown glaze, garnished with chopped parsley, on a dark surface.
Honey Glazed Salmon
Honey lime salmon is the perfect combination of sweet and tangy. Get dinner on the table in 15 minutes for an amazing weeknight dinner.
Honey Glazed Salmon

Breakfast – Breakfast Casserole with Bacon

I’m always looking for easy breakfast ideas and this Breakfast Casserole with Bacon Recipe is just that. This simple casserole is easy to throw together and a filling breakfast idea.

Estimated Cost: $10.28, $1.47 per Servings

A square slice of easy breakfast casserole recipe with eggs, cheese, and herbs sits on a white plate with a fork. Garnished with fresh parsley, the casserole appears moist and savory.
Breakfast Casserole with Bacon
This hearty breakfast casserole is loaded with flavor and can easily be made ahead of time. Everything you need for breakfast is baked in a baking dish. You have bacon, eggs, and hash browns.
Breakfast Casserole with Bacon

Dessert – Orange Soda Cupcakes

These orange soda cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. The orange flavor and fun color brings a smile to anyone.

Estimated Cost: $6.13, $0.51 per Servings

An Orange Soda Cupcake in a bright blue wrapper, topped with swirled orange frosting and an orange-striped straw, sits on a white plate. Orange soda and matching straws are visible in the background.
Orange Soda Cupcakes
If you love Orange Soda, you're going to love these delicious and easy Orange Soda Cupcakes. They combine homemade vanilla cupcakes with Orange Crush soda frosting to make delicious cupcakes that no one can resist.
Orange Soda Cupcakes

Prepare dinner even faster with our Lazy Day Cooking Club. We teach you how to spend about 2 minutes throwing dinner in the slow cooker in the morning and it is ready for you when return home.

Easy Side Dish Ideas

Ways to Use Leftovers

  • Chicken Salad – If you have leftovers, serve the chicken salad over garden salad or make it in a wrap.
  • Keto Taco Casserole – Take your taco casserole leftovers and serve them over tortilla chips for a delicious Ground Beef Oven Nachos.
  • Crack Burgers – My family loves to use the leftover burgers to make a delicious bowl that is loaded with a green salad, onions, diced tomatoes and avocados.
  • Honey Glazed Salmon – Dice the salmon and make Grilled Salmon Tacos for a delicious way to serve the leftovers.

This Simple Family Meal Plan keeps dinner easy, affordable, and stress-free all week long — one grocery trip and the whole week is handled.

If you try any of these recipes leave a star rating and a comment on the recipe — I love hearing which dinner became your family’s favorite this week!

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie Barnard — a professional food blogger with over 14 years of experience helping busy families make dinner fast, easy, and affordable.

At Eating on a Dime, I share simple, budget-friendly recipes that are tested in my own kitchen and approved by my 8 kids. With millions of readers each month, I’m here to help you cook real food for real families — without the stress.

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