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Meal Plan 97 is packed with easy weeknight dinners your family will actually eat. From creamy skillet chicken to quick one-pot pasta and sizzling fajitas, this week’s plan keeps grocery costs low while making dinner stress-free.
Every recipe uses simple pantry ingredients, minimal cleanup, and realistic cook times for busy nights. Make sure to also see how we turned our leftover into another meal to stretch our grocery budget.
These Weekly Meal Plans have been saving our readers time and money. If you love this meal plan, you may also love Meal Plan 96, Meal Plan 95 and Meal Plan 94. You may also love Easy One Pot Dinners for Busy Families Series for even more one pot recipes.
Why This Meal Plan Works
- Variety of Slow Cooker & One Pot Meals
- Uses affordable proteins like chicken and beef
- Leftover-friendly recipes
- Kid-approved comfort meals
- Minimal fancy ingredients
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 – Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is loaded with tender chicken and rich, buttery flavor, and it’s perfect served over Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes for an easy, comforting dinner. A one-skillet comfort dinner that tastes restaurant-quality but is simple enough for a weeknight.
Tuesday – Chicken Risotto
Chicken Risotto delivers cozy, creamy comfort with every bite, making an ordinary night feel a little extra special.
Wednesday – One Pot Spaghetti
Dinner doesn’t get much easier than One Pot Spaghetti, especially when it’s served with warm Homemade Garlic Bread to soak up every saucy bite. One pot means less cleanup and fewer dishes.
Thursday – Beef Tips and Noodles
Craving comfort food without fuss? Beef Tips and Noodles brings tender, savory beef and silky noodles together in a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for slow cooker or stovetop — great for flexible schedules.
Friday – Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Fajitas
Turn up the flavor with Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Fajitas, where juicy seasoned chicken and sizzling peppers all hit the pan for a quick, fiesta-ready dinner you’ll be excited to eat. A fast 30-minute dinner that feels like takeout night at home.
Breakfast – TikTok Cinnamon Rolls
If the viral craze has you curious, these gooey TikTok Cinnamon Rolls deliver that pillowy, Instagram-worthy swirl of cinnamon and sweetness you’ve been craving — no fancy skills required.
Dessert – Cool Whip Candy
Sweet, creamy, and wildly addictive, this Cool Whip Candy turns fluffy Cool Whip into little melt‑in‑your‑mouth treats that disappear way faster than you expect.
We make meal planning even simpler with the Lazy Day Cooking Club. Just spend a few minutes loading your slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a hot, homemade dinner ready to serve.
Leftover Tips for This Week
- Use extra fajita chicken in wraps or quesadillas.
- Turn leftover Beef Tips into beef and gravy sandwiches.
- Use extra risotto for stuffed peppers.
- Cool Whip Candy freezes beautifully for later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prep vegetables and cook proteins ahead to cut weeknight cooking time in half.
Yes! All of our meal plans are flexible — swap based on what’s on sale.
Several meals like Beef Tips and One Pot Spaghetti freeze beautifully.
Easy Side Dish Recipes
Easy Side Dishes
How to Steam Broccoli in Microwave
Easy Salad
Easy Caesar Salad Recipe
Easy Side Dishes
Parmesan Roasted Zucchini
If you try Meal Plan 97, we’d love to hear what your family loved most! Leave a comment or star review on any recipe, your feedback helps other families and shows how these simple meals are saving time and money.
