We all know the month of September can be hectic. Kids are heading back to school. Fall sports and after-school activities are starting up. While getting into the routine of it all after the slow months of summer, it’s easy to feel like each member of the family is going in a different direction.
The 30 Day Dinner Challenge gives you the opportunity to focus on spending time as a family around the dinner table during this busy season.
To help you through the #30DaysofDinner, we’ll be sharing a new meal plan here each week so you never run out of ideas. Make sure to follow our #30DaysofDinner board on Pinterest to get even more recipes for easy dinners, delicious sides, and even a special dessert or two!
Monday:
Save a little time this Monday by fixing the Monte Cristo Chicken from September’s menu. Just pop it in the oven and your family will be enjoying this savory dinner in no time. Serve with these Baked Asparagus Fries from our #30DaysofDinner Pinterest board.
Tuesday:
Nothing says comfort food like homemade Mac’n’Cheese. Surprise your kids with this simple to make but sure to please recipe from The Hour That Matters Most.
You’ll need:
5 cups cooked elbow macaroni
3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 tsp kosher salt
2 cups 2% milk
1 cup cubed American cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325º. Spray 9 x 13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Boil pasta as directed on package. Drain. Melt butter in heavy sauté pan, and whisk in flour and salt, just until golden brown. Add pepper to taste. Add cubed American cheese, blending until melted. Add shredded cheddar, and blend until melted. Add cooked macaroni and toss to coat. Spread mixture into prepared baking dish and sprinkle top with bread crumbs. Bake uncovered for 1 hour or until knife comes out clean when inserted.
Pair with these Garlic Grilled Tomatoes from our #30DaysofDinner Pinterest board.
Wednesday:
Our Creamy Chicken Risotto from August’s menu is a one-pot dinner that is sure to become a family favorite – if it isn’t already! Serve with a mixed green salad and these cheesy pull-apart rolls.
Thursday:
Go for a kid-friendly Greek-inspired dinner with these Greek Meatball Sandwiches from Dinners, Dishes and Desserts.
Friday:
Your kids will love this Garlic-Ranch Chicken Pizza from I Heart Naptime, especially if they get to help make it! Homemade pizza is the perfect family night treat at the end of a long week.
Saturday:
Kids have plans Saturday night? Try fixing the Thai Seafood Soup from September’s menu for a special date night at home.
Sunday:
Make Sunday night dinner extra special with this Ratatouille Fondue recipe from The Hour That Matters Most. Have the kids help you make dinner and watch Disney’s Ratatouille before or after for a fun themed night.
You’ll need:
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup diced yellow onion
8-oz jar of roasted red bell peppers, drained and chopped
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1 cup chopped artichoke hearts
2 cups chopped precooked chicken sausages
1 cup canned diced tomatoes, with juice
2 tsp chopped garlic
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup nonfat sour cream
1 cup chicken broth
Directions:
Mix all ingredients and seal in an airtight container and refrigerate overnight. Cook in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours. You can also simmer the thawed mixture on the stove top in a large pot over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 hours, stirring often. Serve warm with sourdough bread.
Monday:
Break out the slow cooker for this savory Honey Garlic Chicken recipe from Just a Taste. This easy recipe is sure to become one of your new favorites.
Tuesday:
End your 30 Days of Dinner Challenge on a high note with a family taco night! Try our Chicken Soft Tacos with Key Lime Corn from September’s menu for a fun twist on the traditional taco.
Want to win a month of dinners? Find out how to enter our 30 Day Dinner Challenge photo contest here.