This 7-Day Easy Meal Plan contains easy to cook recipes using simple ingredients that also make great freezer meals for the entire family. I’ve also included some ingredient substitutes and recipes to make out of it to make it more family-friendly.
I remembered how life was 3 weeks ago for me. I even attended a conference with fellow food bloggers. Then all of a sudden my son’s classes were suspended, people were panic buying at the groceries, and friends and family were flying home just before we were told to stay put.
Today is indeed a tough time for all of us.
But one thing we can do for ourselves is to keep calm and stock our pantries with essential food and other important items as we don’t know when would this be over.
And so I’ve handpicked, for now, 7 easy dinner recipes that are either freezer-friendly or can be repurposed. Versatile, easy to prepare, comforting, and delicious recipes coming your way to get you through the next few days.
1. Easy Lasagna
Classic family-favorite dinner with lasagna noodles, cheeses, and rich meaty sauce. This casserole dish is a fantastic make-ahead and freezer meal that can be stored in whole or in smaller portions in case there are just a few of you at home. You can freeze this lasagna dish for up to a month.
2. Shredded Chicken
Perfectly moist and seasoned chicken breast shredded into bits and can be used in a variety of ways. And it freezes well for your weekly meal plan. This easy chicken recipe saves pretty well and can be used in different ways such as fillings for Chicken Quesadilla, toppings for your chicken salads, stuffings for Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels, or as add-ons to Brunswick Stew.
3. Chili Recipe
Stocked up some canned beans in your pantry? Awesome! Coz you can always rely on this rich, hearty, and filling beef chili recipe to feed your family for the next few days. And the best part is you can freeze it for 2-3 months or add some macaroni and cheese and make this into Chili Mac and Cheese.
4. Chicken Noodle Soup
Super easy and flavorful homemade chicken noodle soup made from scratch with chunks of tender chicken and loads of fresh vegetables topped off with egg noodles. No egg noodles? Don’t worry, swap it with any pasta or noodles you have on hand and use leftover roast chicken instead of chicken thighs. Such a very comforting soup that also reheats well!
5. Baked Meatballs
Weekly meal plans wouldn’t be complete without meatballs on the list. These well-seasoned and succulent meatballs are baked until beautifully browned on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. You can easily freeze them and serve either with pasta, in tomato sauce, or on their own.
6. Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
One pantry essential that I stock up is rice. And one of my favorite ways to use it is this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. A warm, filling, and healthy one-pan meal that is super easy to make. A perfect dish to sneak in some veggies especially when you have kids. And yes, it’s also a freezer-friendly dish that reheats well for lunch or dinner.
7. Split Pea Soup
Simple yet hearty and comforting soup with split peas, carrots, potatoes, ham, seasonings, and aromatics. You can store this soup in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Swap ham with bacon bits and throw in whatever vegetables you have on hand.
Go to the grocery store as soon as you can and stock up on ingredients with a longer shelf life that can be used in different ways. Right now, I primarily have canned beans, pasta, canned tomatoes (and other vegetables), canned tuna, and flour to name a few. Stay tuned for more round-up recipes like this and basic how-tos to make your stay at home more worthwhile. Keep safe and healthy, everyone! ❤️
Heather says
Thank you, Imma! I’ve made so many of your delicious recipes for the past 4 weeks. I am truly a fan! ❤️
imma africanbites says
Thank you, too, Heather. I appreciate it. Keep safe and healthy!
Sita says
Thank you for theses delicious recipe s. Stay safe . Stay blessed.
Denise van den Berg says
Thank you ever so much for these.
ImmaculateBites says
You are welcome. Stay safe
Khaleesi says
Thank you Imma, this will come in handy since everyone is home
ImmaculateBites says
Agree Khaleesi. Make and freeze, then reheat as needed.
Janice says
Thanks for the recipes. We need the easy recipes to help us during these times.
Debra Thomas says
Thanks cousin Emma we appreciate your help thanks again stay safe I know we sisters in Christ Jesus peace and love.
Pamela says
Very tasty and easy to prepare selections.
ImmaculateBites says
THanks Pam.
Jaiah says
Thank you for this posting these dinner ideas! I’ve been trying to figure out how I can use what I have already & that way if I absolutely need something from the grocery store, I can make a list.
Chris says
ALWAYS ENJOY TRYING MANY OF YOUR DISHES.
SELF-ISOLATING THESE DAYS AT MY AGE (OLD, OLD!!!)
THANKS FOR THE IDEAS I CAN EXPERAMENT WITH
IN THE KITCHEN.
Claire Dalton says
Thanks so much Imma, we are having to self-isolate, so this email of recipes has brightened my day! Going to try your Challah bread recipe too.
Aisha keeney says
Ah brilliant, thank you for sharing my kids are going to be extra healthy this period. please keep safe .
Pam says
Perfect…thanks! Stay home and stay well…
ImmaculateBites says
You too Pam! Be safe .
Winston says
This was a very thoughtful meal plan esp. at this
time when we are told to be indoors. It is inexpensive
and I know will be delicious .easy to make & utilize
many items we have in stock.and do not have to hassle
in the current rush at the grocery.