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Meal Plan 96 is a simple, budget-friendly weekly dinner plan designed for busy families. Each meal uses easy pantry ingredients, keeps prep minimal, and helps you get dinner on the table without spending a fortune or making multiple trips to the store.
Weeks like this are exactly why I rely on meal planning. Between school nights, activities, and busy schedules, having a plan keeps us from ordering takeout and overspending. These are meals my family actually eats, and they use ingredients I already keep on hand.
For even more meals that are perfect for busy families, check out our Easy One Pot Dinners for Busy Families Series.
Why This Meal Plan Works
- Uses affordable, everyday ingredients
- Family-tested and kid-approved dinners
- Includes quick meals and hands-off options
- Helps reduce food waste and grocery bills
Print Shopping List
Before heading to the store, be sure to print this week’s shopping list. Don’t forget to check your pantry first—most of these meals use simple, everyday ingredients you may already have.
Monday – Cowboy Casserole
Cowboy Casserole layers hearty beef, cheesy goodness, and crispy, crunchy toppings so every bite feels like a cozy, flavor-packed dinner your whole crew will ask for again.
Tuesday – Marry Me Chicken Soup
Marry Me Chicken Soup mixes tender chicken, cozy broth, and flavor so good it might just become your go-to comfort dinner you’ll want to make over and over.
Wednesday – Arby’s Beef and Cheddar
Craving the classic Arby’s Beef and Cheddar? This homemade version is quick, simple, and brings that familiar flavor home, made even better with homemade Arby’s Sauce.
Thursday – Crockpot Mango Salsa Chicken
Crockpot Mango Salsa Chicken is a stress-free, saucy, tropical dinner you’ll want over fluffy Jasmine Rice for every last bite.
Friday – Blackened Alfredo Chicken
Blackened Alfredo Chicken brings spicy, smoky seasoning together with creamy Alfredo and tender chicken for a bold dinner that feels fancy but cooks up easily.
Breakfast – Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls turn an ordinary breakfast into something extra special without extra effort. Soft, gooey, and perfectly shaped, they’re a treat everyone will be excited to try.
Dessert – Heart-Shaped Cake
Turn any celebration into something extra special with this Heart-Shaped Cake. Fun to make and easy to decorate, it’s a dessert that will wow everyone before they even take a bite.
We make meal planning even easier with the Lazy Day Cooking Club. This meal plan lets you spend just a couple of minutes loading the slow cooker, then come home to a hot, homemade dinner ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all. These meal plans are meant to be flexible. Swap meals, change proteins, or adjust seasonings based on what your family likes or what you already have on hand.
Yes! Every meal included is family-tested and designed with picky eaters in mind, using familiar flavors and simple ingredients.
Absolutely. Many ingredients can be chopped, portioned, or even assembled the night before to make busy days even easier.
Ways to Use Leftovers
- Cowboy Casserole – Use your leftovers and make Stuffed Peppers for a delicious meal idea. Scoop the filling into halved bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender and bubbly.
- Marry Me Chicken Soup – We think this soup taste even better the next day. The broth will be thicker as it stores, so you can place the leftovers in a baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake.
- Beef and Cheddar – We love making Hawaiian Roll Sliders with our leftovers for a quick lunch the next day.
- Mango Salsa Chicken – Take your leftover and make Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe for an amazing meal idea.
Easy Side Dish Ideas
Easy Salad
Easy Caesar Salad Recipe
Easy Side Dishes
Easy Homemade French Fries
Easy Side Dishes
Parmesan Roasted Zucchini
f you try this week’s meal plan, we’d love to hear how it worked for your family! Leave a comment or star review on any of the recipes—your feedback helps other busy families and lets us know which meals are truly saving time and money.
