I love to cook.
But what I hate it think of what to cook.
Especially when Little Boy refuses to eat most of what I make.
What I need is an easy way to simplify meal planning. So to save my sanity and my family, I created a quick and easy cheat sheet of dinners we like.
Main Meals are divided by the type of meat needed to cook the dish.
The meat categories are:
- Beef
- Hamburger
- Chicken
- Pork
- Fish/Shrimp
- No meat
Next I listed all the starchy sides and vegetables we like. 
To think of all the choices, I sat down with my best cookbooks and reviewed my Pinterest boards. Then I asked Honey to look it over. He is the main meat cooker so he was able to add a few options. Finally I asked the boys what their favorite dinners are.
Since we are tailgate in the fall and pretty much party year round (holidays, couple’s parties, Mom Night In), I really should add a munchie/appetizer section.
I use our list to meal plan and make the grocery list.
This simple printed list has saved me on many nights. So take a few minutes and make your family’s list of meals.
Because one Tuesday night in the near future you will be standing in front of your refrigerator wonder what the heck to cook for dinner.
Trust me.
I love to share my projects with these fabulous blogs:
Happiness is Homemade Linky Party with A Peek into My Paradise
@ Just a Girl and Her Blog, Friday Favorites @ I’m Not A Trophy Wife, Make Monday @ Kitchen Table Art, Inspiration Monday Party @ I Should Be Mopping the Floor, Too Cute Tuesdays @ Funky Polka Dot Giraffe, Pin Me Linky Party @ Diana Rambles, What I Whipped Up Wednesdays @ Sugar and Dots, BeBetsy, It’s a Party @ A Creative Princess, Southern State of Mind, What we love Wednesday @ Soda Pop Avenue Work, It Wednesday @ The Blissful Bee, Give Me the Goods Monday @ Rain On a Tin Roof & So Much Better with Age, Shine on Fridays @ Young and Crafty, Inspire Me Tuesdays @ A Stroll Thru Life, Savvy Southern Style, Crystal and Co. with The Mommy Club: Share Your Resources and Solutions , The Chic and Crafty Linky Party with The Frugal Girls & Share Your Creativity Saturdays with Aimee at It’s Overflowing, My Love for Words Lovely Ladies Linky Party.
Love this idea!! This would be great list for me to keep in the front of my binders. I have several that have plastic sleeves where I out recipes that I print out/tear out. They are separated by Sides/Pasta, Apps/Drinks, Main Courses with meat or fish and Desserts/breads/breakfast. But, I also have several go-to items in cookbooks so this would help me to remember what those are all in one place!!!
Hey sweet lady! Yes, you need to do this. It’s easy and super helpful when planning that big grocery list. 😉
{hugs!}
Ashley
What a great idea! I might have to make a list too.
Making a list of dinners your family already loves is a great way to meal plan. So glad you liked the idea!
Ashley
What a great idea!!!
Hey Amanda! So glad you liked my “what’s for dinner” list!
Ashley
Ashley- Your Target post made me laugh out loud!!! I love the budget buster #! Laura
Thanks so much, Laura! I was so traumatized by the Target trip we haven’t left the house for days. Only 3 more days until the boys go back to school! Wahoo!
I got to line #2 and shouted, “Amen, sister!” I hate deciding what to cook. I usually map the week out on Monday which makes it so much easier, but I love the idea of laying it out by category! Think I know what I’ll be doing tomorrow before I make my list! XO
I’m so glad you liked the idea! This little list really has helped me on those night when I have no idea what to cook. I loved your Top 10 Projects, especially the back yard makeover! Talk about a transformation!
Ashley
Great idea!! Thanks for sharing at Happiness is Homemade, Hope to see you back on Sunday!
Thanks so much for hosting! I’ve got posts and projects ready to share. 😉
Great idea!! Thanks for linking up to the “Get Your DIY On” link up party! Remember to come back on February 2nd with your simple décor projects you love!
Hey April! Thanks so much for hosting! I love themed parties because it keeps me focused. 😉 Loved your Tips for Photographing Young children. I’ve got 3 and getting a picture for our Christmas card with all three smiling was awful. So I settled for individual shots of each. One of these days they are all going to smile at the same time!