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Home / Courses / Dinner

7-Day Easy Meal Plan

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Author: Imma Published:3/20/2020Updated:4/29/2021
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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. 

7-Day Easy Meal Plan

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

A Slice of Easy Lasagna Being Pulled Out of the Baking Dish

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.

Easy Lasagna Recipe
A classic dish made with layers of gooey cheeses and rich, meaty sauce, baked to golden-brown perfection! This deliciousness is a true crowd-pleaser, appealing to even the most discriminating eater. And it's a great make-ahead dish, making it the perfect choice for casual family dinners or special holidays.
Serving up a slice of super easy lasagna

2. Shredded Chicken

A Skillet of Shredded Chicken Using Two Forks

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.

Shredded Chicken
Shredded Chicken – perfectly moist and seasoned chicken breast shredded into bits and use in a variety of ways. And it freezes well for your weekly meal prepping. The most delicious shredded chicken you’ll ever have to go along with most of your favorite meals!
Check out this recipe
Shredded Chicken

3. Chili Recipe

Two Bowls of Chili with Tortilla Chips in the Background

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.

Easy Chili Recipe
Chili Recipe – rich, hearty, and filling beef chili recipe with ground beef and beef cubes, beans, chili seasoning, and other warm spices. An easy go-to family-friendly winter meal!
Check out this recipe
7-Day Easy Meal Plan

4. Chicken Noodle Soup

Three Servings of Homemade 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!

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup – a super easy and flavorful homemade chicken noodle soup made from scratch with chunks of tender chicken and loads of fresh vegetables topped off egg noodles. Hearty, healthy and easy!
Check out this recipe
Homemade Chicken Noodle soup

5. Baked Meatballs

Baked Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce

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.

Baked Meatballs
Baked Meatballs – guilt-free meatballs seasoned with herbs and spices and fresh grated cheese baked until beautifully browned on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. Goes well with some pasta and tomato sauce or a family weeknight meal on its own!
Check out this recipe
7-Day Easy Meal Plan

6. Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole in a Skillet with a Plate of it on the Side

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.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole – a warm, filling and healthy one-pan meal that is Super Easy to make, delicious and an excellent choice for healthy dinner. Perfect for those crazy weeknights!
Check out this recipe
Chicken Broccoli Casserole

7. Split Pea Soup

A Bowl of 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.

Split Pea Soup
Split Pea Soup – a very simple yet hearty and comforting soup that is a great dish to make use of leftover holiday ham. Toss it with carrots, potatoes, seasonings and aromatics plus a kiss of heat and you'll have one satisfying dish in a bowl!
Check out this recipe
Split Pea Soup

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! ❤️

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Comments & Reviews
  1. Heather says

    Posted on 3/23 at 8:15PM

    Thank you, Imma! I’ve made so many of your delicious recipes for the past 4 weeks. I am truly a fan! ❤️

    Reply
    • imma africanbites says

      Posted on 3/24 at 6:36AM

      Thank you, too, Heather. I appreciate it. Keep safe and healthy!

      Reply
  2. Sita says

    Posted on 3/21 at 4:02AM

    Thank you for theses delicious recipe s. Stay safe . Stay blessed.

    Reply
  3. Denise van den Berg says

    Posted on 3/21 at 1:49AM

    Thank you ever so much for these.

    Reply
    • ImmaculateBites says

      Posted on 3/21 at 6:19AM

      You are welcome. Stay safe

      Reply
  4. Khaleesi says

    Posted on 3/20 at 5:35PM

    Thank you Imma, this will come in handy since everyone is home

    Reply
    • ImmaculateBites says

      Posted on 3/21 at 6:21AM

      Agree Khaleesi. Make and freeze, then reheat as needed.

      Reply
  5. Janice says

    Posted on 3/20 at 4:35PM

    Thanks for the recipes. We need the easy recipes to help us during these times.

    Reply
  6. Debra Thomas says

    Posted on 3/20 at 9:53AM

    Thanks cousin Emma we appreciate your help thanks again stay safe I know we sisters in Christ Jesus peace and love.

    Reply
  7. Pamela says

    Posted on 3/20 at 9:12AM

    Very tasty and easy to prepare selections.

    Reply
    • ImmaculateBites says

      Posted on 3/21 at 2:52PM

      THanks Pam.

      Reply
  8. Jaiah says

    Posted on 3/20 at 8:20AM

    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.

    Reply
  9. Chris says

    Posted on 3/20 at 8:19AM

    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.

    Reply
  10. Claire Dalton says

    Posted on 3/20 at 8:03AM

    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.

    Reply
  11. Aisha keeney says

    Posted on 3/20 at 7:34AM

    Ah brilliant, thank you for sharing my kids are going to be extra healthy this period. please keep safe .

    Reply
  12. Pam says

    Posted on 3/20 at 7:20AM

    Perfect…thanks! Stay home and stay well…

    Reply
    • ImmaculateBites says

      Posted on 3/20 at 7:22AM

      You too Pam! Be safe .

      Reply
      • Winston says

        Posted on 3/20 at 7:44AM

        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.

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