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27 Recipes I Put In My Meal Plan Every Week Because My Family Never Turns Them Down

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Tired of making meals no one touches? These are the best recipes I put in my meal plan every week because my family never says no to them—and yours won’t either. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to keep everyone at the table happy, making your meal planning stress-free and a total win.

Potato Skins

A plate of potato skins topped with melted cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and chopped chives.
Potato Skins. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

These potato skins are always a win in my weekly meal plan because my family can’t get enough of them. Crispy potato halves loaded with melty cheese, bacon, and fresh green onions are the definition of comfort food. They’re so easy to make and so delicious, everyone at the table cleans their plate every time.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins

Air Fryer Pork Chops

A serving of seasoned pork chops with a side of mashed potatoes on a white plate.
Air Fryer Pork Chops. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Air fryer pork chops are a must in my meal plan because they’re foolproof and family-approved. With a golden, crispy outside and tender, juicy inside, they’re done in just 9 minutes but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Every week, they’re a hit at the dinner table—no complaints, just clean plates.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Chops

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with chopped chives on a wooden board, accompanied by a spoon and a small dish of chives.
Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Creamy, cheesy, and buttery mashed potatoes that you can prep ahead? These make-ahead mashed potatoes are a permanent fixture in my meal plan because they’re stress-free, easy, and guaranteed to impress. My family always digs in like it’s a holiday meal, no matter the day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Apple Cinnamon Cake

A slice of moist apple cinnamon cake with chocolate chunks is lifted from a whole cake.
Apple Cinnamon Cake. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This apple cinnamon cake is in my weekly meal plan rotation because it’s a dessert my family can’t resist. Moist, fluffy, and packed with warm spices and tender apples, it feels like a cozy hug in cake form. The best part? It’s foolproof, making me look like a star baker with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Cake

Pumpkin Pasta

Pumpkin Pasta. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Pumpkin pasta makes a weekly appearance in my house because it’s a one-pot wonder of creamy, cheesy goodness. The fall-inspired flavors of pumpkin, cream cheese, and a sprinkle of spices are comforting, delicious, and a huge hit with everyone at the table. It’s so simple and satisfying, my family asks for it again before the week is even over.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pasta

Cinnamon Rolls

Close-up of a cinnamon roll on a spatula, covered in white icing, with a tray of similar cinnamon rolls in the background.
Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Homemade cinnamon rolls are on my weekly breakfast treat list because my family simply can’t say no to them. Gooey cinnamon sugar swirls and a creamy glaze make them irresistible, and the recipe is so foolproof even I can pull it off effortlessly. These rolls disappear faster than I can bake them—definitely a meal plan MVP.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls

Sweet Potato Fries

A basket of seasoned sweet potato fries with a bowl of ketchup in the background.
Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

These air fryer sweet potato fries are a weekly snack or side dish staple in my home because they’re guilt-free and totally crave-worthy. Tossed in a simple mix of olive oil and spices, they come out crispy, tender, and full of flavor every time. My family loves them so much, they never miss plain fries again.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Copycat Lawson’s Chip Dip

A bowl of chip dip garnished with chopped green onions.
Copycat Lawson’s Chip Dip. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This 3-ingredient Lawson’s chip dip is a permanent fixture in our snack-time rotation because it’s creamy, tangy, and ridiculously easy to make. My family devours it with chips, crackers, or veggies—no matter what I pair it with, it’s always a hit. With such big flavor and so little effort, it’s one recipe I never skip in my meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Lawson’s Chip Dip

Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken

Ruth chris stuffed chicken on a plate, resting on a bed of creamy, cheesy spinach mixture.
Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Stuffed chicken that tastes like a restaurant-quality meal but is so easy to make? Yes, please! This copycat Ruth’s Chris recipe is always on my meal plan because it’s cheesy, savory, and guaranteed to get my family excited for dinner. It’s so delicious, they’d never believe it’s a budget-friendly homemade recipe.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken

Broccoli Rice Casserole

A wooden spoon holds a serving of broccoli rice casserole from a baking dish.
Broccoli Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This broccoli rice casserole is a weeknight favorite in my meal plan because it’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with family-friendly flavor. Tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and gooey cheddar come together in a dish that’s as easy as it is irresistible. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and there are never any leftovers—my family won’t let it happen.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole

Pepper Gravy

Pepper gravy on pork chop with black pepper garnish and fresh rosemary.
Pepper Gravy. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This pepper gravy is a weekly go-to for turning simple meals into something extraordinary. Creamy, bold, and perfectly spiced, it’s ideal over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or fried chicken. My family always lights up when they see it on the table, and I love how easy it is to whip up with just five ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Pepper Gravy

Copycat Jimmy John’s Bread

Two loaves of jimmy johns bread cooling on a wire rack with a marble surface in the background.
Copycat Jimmy John’s Bread. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This Jimmy John’s bread recipe makes my meal plan every week because it’s the perfect base for sandwiches my family loves. Soft, fluffy, and versatile, it’s so much better than store-bought and costs way less. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a hearty sub dinner, this bread keeps everyone happy and full.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jimmy John’s Bread

Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders

A crispy, seasoned chicken breast partially dipped into a bowl of creamy sauce.
Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

These Popeyes blackened chicken tenders are a spicy, flavorful addition to my weekly meal plan because they’re perfect for everything from meal prepping to family dinners. Juicy, tender, and packed with Cajun seasoning, they’re so good, my family asks for them on repeat. Plus, they’re so easy to make, I never mind saying yes.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders

Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice

A bowl of Longhorn steakhouse rice with copper forks on a table.
Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This Longhorn Steakhouse rice is always in my weekly rotation because it’s an easy, flavorful side dish that pairs with just about anything. The tender rice, colorful veggies, and savory seasonings make it a hit with my family every time. It’s one of those recipes they never get tired of—and neither do I.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice

Bruschetta Al Pomodoro

A person's hand picking up a slice of bruschetta al pomodoro.
Bruschetta Al Pomodoro. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Bruschetta al pomodoro is my go-to appetizer in my meal plan because it’s fresh, flavorful, and super easy to make. Juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and crispy bread create a light dish that always wows my family. It’s so good, they keep going back for more, no matter how often I serve it.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Al Pomodoro

Breakfast Sausage

Sausages on a plate on a white plate.
Breakfast Sausage. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Breakfast sausage is a staple in my weekly meal plan because it starts the day on the best possible note. Juicy, flavorful, and hearty, it’s perfect for Saturday mornings or making any weekday feel special. Whether it’s paired with eggs or stuffed into a breakfast sandwich, my family devours it every single time—it’s the kind of no-fail recipe that keeps mornings happy and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Sausage

Wingstop Ranch Dressing

A seasoned chicken wing being dipped into wingstop ranch-dressing in a small ramekin.
Wingstop Ranch Dressing. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This Wingstop ranch dressing is the MVP of my meal plan because my family can’t get enough of its creamy, dreamy goodness. With just four ingredients and five minutes, it’s perfect for dipping veggies, wings, or drizzling over salads. It’s so good, my family swears it tastes better than the original, and it saves me from buying store-bought dressings every week.
Get the Recipe: Wingstop Ranch Dressing

Herb-Crusted Chicken

A picture of Herb-crusted Chicken Texas Roadhouse copycat recipe.
Herb-Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Herb-crusted chicken is a weekly dinner hero in my house because it’s flavorful, foolproof, and loved by all. Juicy chicken breasts coated in a golden crust of herbs and black pepper are quick to make but taste like a gourmet meal. Whether served with veggies or rice, my family always cleans their plates, making it an easy favorite for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken

Copycat Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise

A bowl of spicy mayonnaise and garlic on a cutting board.
Copycat Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This spicy mayo is the unsung hero of my weekly meal plan, turning simple meals into something extraordinary. Tangy, sweet, and with just the right kick, it’s the perfect addition to burgers, fries, and chicken sandwiches. My family always raves about how much better it tastes than the fast-food version, and I love how ridiculously easy it is to make.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise

Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Muffins

Two pumpkin and cream cheese muffins sit on a blue and white cloth.
Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Muffins. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

These pumpkin and cream cheese muffins are the reason my family actually looks forward to breakfast during the week. Soft, buttery, and packed with warm fall spices, they’re a cozy treat stuffed with smooth cream cheese and topped with crunchy pumpkin praline. Every bite feels like a hug, and my family’s smiles make them a no-brainer for my weekly baking rotation.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Muffins

Outback Potato Soup

A bowl of outback potato soup topped sits on a wooden surface.
Outback Potato Soup. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This Outback potato soup is the warm, comforting dish my family requests week after week. Creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and rich cheddar cheese create a bowl of happiness that’s impossible to resist. It’s quick to make, hearty enough for dinner, and so good, my family never believes it’s homemade—it’s that close to the restaurant version.
Get the Recipe: Outback Potato Soup

Copycat McDonald’s Biscuit

Mcdonalds biscuit cut in half on white square plate on cooling rack.
Copycat McDonald’s Biscuit. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

These buttery, fluffy biscuits are a game-changer for my meal plan because they work for breakfast, dinner, or anything in between. Whether served with honey or sausage gravy, they’re always a crowd-pleaser at my table. My family can’t believe they’re homemade every time—especially when they taste just like the fast-food favorite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat McDonald’s Biscuit

Dirty Chai Tea Latte

Two glass mugs of dirty chai tea latte, with one being held by a hand.
Dirty Chai Tea Latte. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This dirty chai tea latte is the drink my family and I crave all week long because it’s cozy, rich, and just the right amount of indulgent. The warm chai spices and espresso make it the perfect pick-me-up for mornings or afternoons that need a little love. It’s so good, it’s like a hug in a mug, and everyone always asks me to make “just one more cup!”
Get the Recipe: Dirty Chai Tea Latte

Banana Bread

Banana bread on wooden cutting board with towel, butter, and cake tester.
Banana Bread. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This banana bread is a weekly staple in my kitchen because it’s easy, delicious, and uses up those ripe bananas I always have on hand. Soft, moist, and with just the right amount of sweetness, it’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. My family never gets tired of it—they call it “the best banana bread ever,” and I’m not arguing.
Get the Recipe: Banana Bread

Lobster

A cooked lobster is served in a wooden steamer basket with green garnishes around it.
Lobster. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Cooking lobster might sound fancy, but this easy recipe makes it a weekly treat my family always gets excited about. Perfectly juicy and tender with simple, classic flavors, it’s restaurant-quality right at home. Whether it’s a special family dinner or just because, they’re always impressed and asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Lobster

Chocolate Chip Cookies

A stack of chocolate chip cookies on a wooden board with a glass of milk nearby.
Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Chocolate chip cookies are my family’s favorite treat, and this recipe makes them a regular part of my weekly meal plan. Gooey, chewy, and packed with chocolatey goodness, they’re the dessert that never fails to impress. My kids call them “the best cookies ever,” and honestly, I can’t disagree—they disappear in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Roasted Turkey

Roasted Turkey. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Roasted turkey is a surprisingly easy addition to my weekly meal plan when I want to keep things hearty and wholesome. With crispy skin, juicy meat, and simple flavors like garlic, butter, and herbs, it’s always a table winner. My family is so impressed every time—they think I’ve gone all out, but it’s actually foolproof.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey

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