Balancing work, family, and weeknight dinners can be challenging, especially on busy days. Fortunately, with Kroger’s versatile meal ideas, you can prepare stress-free, delicious dinners that keep your family satisfied.
Whether you’re looking for stir-fries, pasta, sheet pan meals, or slow cooker recipes, this guide provides quick and easy options for every night of the week.
Weekly Meal Plan for Busy Families
Kroger’s suggested meal plan below includes options for each night of the week, designed to save time and add variety to your meals:Easy Meal Ideas by Day and Meal Type
Monday
- Stir Fry: Garlic Beef & Asparagus
- Pasta: Zucchini Pesto Pasta
- Sheet Pan: Chicken Fajitas
- Slow Cooker: Stuffed Shells
Tuesday
- Stir Fry: Chicken & Vegetables
- Pasta: Shrimp Pasta Primavera
- Sheet Pan: Chipotle Shrimp
- Slow Cooker: Cheesy Rice & Chicken
Wednesday
- Stir Fry: Beef, Broccoli & Carrot
- Pasta: Spicy Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Sheet Pan: Hoisin Chicken Tenders
- Slow Cooker: Red Wine Beef Stew
Thursday
- Stir Fry: Buckwheat & Vegetables
- Pasta: Cheesy Chicken Penne
- Sheet Pan: Roasted Veggies & Sausage
- Slow Cooker: Chicken Parm Meatball Sandwiches
Friday
- Stir Fry: Thai Cashew & Red Pepper
- Pasta: Cheesy Chicken Penne
- Sheet Pan: Sriracha Ranch Chicken
- Slow Cooker: Beef Stroganoff
Tips for Stress-Free Dinners
Plan Theme Nights
Keep weeknight meals exciting and predictable by designating a theme for each day. For example:
- Stir Fry Mondays: Start the week with quick and nutritious stir-fries, like Garlic Beef & Asparagus.
- Pasta Tuesdays: Choose a crowd-pleasing pasta recipe, like Shrimp Pasta Primavera, for an easy mid-week boost.
- Sheet Pan Wednesdays: Simplify dinner with one-pan meals, like Hoisin Chicken Tenders.
- Slow Cooker Thursdays: Set it and forget it! Try Chicken Parm Meatball Sandwiches for a cozy, no-fuss meal.
- Fun Fridays: Use favorites like Beef Stroganoff to celebrate the end of the week with a comforting dinner.
Batch Prep and Cook
Consider preparing larger portions of versatile ingredients—such as chicken breast, rice, or pasta—earlier in the week. This way, you can quickly put together different meals without starting from scratch.
Freeze for the Future
Double recipes when possible and freeze extras for another busy night. Casseroles, soups, and pasta dishes can be easily stored in the freezer, making dinner as simple as reheating.
Shop Smart with Kroger
Kroger offers a wide range of fresh and affordable ingredients that make it easy to create these meal ideas without overspending. Take advantage of Kroger’s online shopping for quick pickups or deliveries, especially if you’re short on time.
Final Say
With these meal options and tips, you can simplify your weeknight cooking routine and keep your family dinners exciting. Explore more recipes on Kroger’s website for even more inspiration! Enjoy more time with your loved ones and less time worrying about dinner.