5-Ingredient Family Dinners to Get You Through a Busy Week (Menu #80)
Next week is the week after Halloween, and whether we realize it or not, this is that moment where we’re sitting right at the top of the rollercoaster. Hold on tight because we’re about to go screaming straight into the holiday season. That means busier weeknights, shorter patience, and absolutely zero extra energy, yet dinner still needs to make it to the table.
This week’s meal plan is all about keeping things simple but satisfying. Every recipe uses five ingredients or less, takes very little effort, and still brings that cozy comfort we all need this time of year. Our total was just $53.16 at the Paintsville, KY Super Walmart, and as a bonus, most of these ingredients are probably already hanging out in your fridge. Hello BBQ sauce and ranch, we see you!
Quick Weeknight Meals
Groceries for the Week
If you want to see the full shopping list on Walmart in your area, all you have to do is click my Walmart Grocery list and change the zip code to your area. *This is an affiliate link, and I do make a small commission on any purchases, but at no additional cost to you!*
**** Please note, that every once in a while, an item that I pick turns out to be regional. This means that it may be a much higher price in some areas. Always double check the list and if you see an item that is much higher than normal, just adjust as needed.
5 or Less Item Meals for the Week
Honey Mustard Chicken with Carrots & Potatoes
Everything bakes together on one pan for a sweet and tangy dinner that feels like Sunday comfort food with hardly any work. You can swap the carrots for green beans or the potatoes for sweet potatoes depending on what’s in your fridge.
BBQ Pork Chops with Corn on the Cob & Baked Beans
Classic comfort food without firing up the grill — sweet BBQ sauce and tender pork chops make an easy sheet pan dinner. Try swapping BBQ for teriyaki or honey garlic sauce for a fun twist on flavor.
Salsa Chicken with Black Beans & Rice
This easy crockpot meal makes juicy, flavorful chicken with salsa and beans that you can serve over rice for a filling dinner. Use any kind of salsa you like (mild, spicy, or corn-and-black-bean style) and top it with cheese or sour cream if you have it.
BLT Pasta with Ranch & Spinach
This fun twist on a BLT combines smoky bacon, fresh tomato, spinach, and creamy ranch for an easy pasta dinner the whole family loves. You can serve it warm or chilled, and even use cherry tomatoes or kale if that’s what’s on hand.
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
All the cheesy, saucy flavor of chicken parmesan in a single skillet, and it’s ready in about 20 minutes. You can swap in any short pasta or even leftover rotisserie chicken to make it even faster.
Sausage & Cabbage Skillet over Rice
All the flavor of unstuffed cabbage rolls without the work! Savory sausage and tender cabbage simmered in tomatoes and served over rice. You can use coleslaw mix to save chopping time or switch to ground beef or turkey if that’s what you have.
Free Printable PDF Grocery List & Recipes
This prints on standard paper sized 8.5 x 11 inches.
What about next week?
We put out a new meal plan every week! We have 3 ways to be notified of new menus:
*Join our Low Dough Facebook Page where we post new menus every Saturday and new meal ideas every Wednesday!
*Sign up for the weekly email newsletter. We send it out on Fridays, so you actually get early menu access!
Join our Facebook Group- Meal Planning for All (you can ask questions and get help planning your own menus)
Until next week, I hope you have a fabulous week!
