Easy Weekly Meal Plan for Labor Day and Beyond
MONDAY
It’s Labor Day, which means the best dinner plan is simple, relaxed and made for the grill. Fire it up, make burgers and enjoy an easy day at home without overthinking the menu. Ina Garten’s blue cheese burger recipe is a delicious option for a holiday cookout. For extra fiber and a little more texture, add about 1/2 to 1 cup of gluten-free oats to the meat mixture. You can skip the pat of butter that is added to each burger, or keep it if you want a richer, more indulgent Labor Day meal.
If you are cooking for kids or anyone who does not love blue cheese, simply leave it off a few patties and let everyone customize their own burger. Another great choice is Martha Stewart’s turkey burger recipe. If you make turkey burgers, use dark meat if possible; it helps keep the burgers juicy and prevents them from turning dry or bland. No matter which burger you choose, a side of sriracha mayo is always a good idea. It adds a creamy, spicy kick that works with beef, turkey or grilled vegetables.
For dessert, this apricot upside down tart is a holiday-worthy finish without feeling too heavy. If you want more Labor Day grilling ideas, try one of these flavorful main dishes:
Grilled chile-lime flank steak
Grilled lamb chops with chermoula
Grilled tri tip with Asian black bean sauce
Honey hoisin pork tenderloin
TUESDAY
After a long holiday weekend, dinner should be fast, comforting and easy to assemble. Enchilada casserole is one of those weeknight dinners that always works. Make it with shredded rotisserie chicken, ground beef or ground turkey, depending on what you have on hand. Add black beans or pinto beans, corn and either flour tortillas or grain-free tortillas. It comes together quickly, making it a perfect re-entry meal when everyone is getting back into school, work and regular routines.
For a simple vegetable side, roast a large sheet pan of diced vegetables. Use any combination of zucchini, chayote squash, broccoli, bell peppers, butternut squash and carrots. Toss the vegetables with olive oil or avocado oil and kosher salt, then spread them on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Roast at 425 degrees until the vegetables are soft and golden, about 45 minutes. Save any leftovers for salads, bowls or quick lunches later in the week.
WEDNESDAY
Wednesday is a busy night with middle school back-to-school activities, which means dinner needs to be almost effortless. Frozen cheese tortellini is a smart shortcut for nights like this. Use it to make an easy tortellini casserole with jarred Rao’s marinara for a warm, family-friendly dinner that does not require much prep.
Serve the casserole with a simple green salad, or reheat the roasted vegetables from Tuesday night. This kind of dinner is exactly what a practical weekly meal plan should include: minimal chopping, easy cleanup and enough food to keep everyone satisfied after a full day.
THURSDAY
After a week that includes burgers, casseroles and comfort food, Thursday is a good night for fish and vegetables. Sheet pan fish with green beans and tomatoes is quick to assemble, fresh tasting and easy to clean up. It is also a great example of how a healthy weeknight dinner can still be simple and flavorful.
Watch the video for how to put it together on YouTube, and subscribe for more recipe videos. If you want more one-pan dinner inspiration, watch this recent HoustonLife segment with additional sheet pan meal ideas. Sheet pan dinners are ideal for busy weeks because they keep the prep organized, the cooking straightforward and the cleanup manageable.
FRIDAY
Friday night is perfect for make-your-own pizzas. Use cauliflower pizza skins, mozzarella, pesto and any favorite toppings you have in the refrigerator. Set everything out and let everyone build their own pizza. Cook the pizzas at 400 degrees on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan for an easy dinner that feels fun but still keeps cleanup simple.
Serve the pizzas with chopped shortcut Caesar salad. You can make it with romaine or kale, depending on what you prefer or already have in the crisper drawer. The crisp salad balances the cheesy pizza and makes the meal feel complete without adding much extra work.
Early Saturday morning, it is time to leave for a cooking retreat at The Vintage Round Top. The weekend includes a lunch class, a cocktail and appetizer class and a dinner class with a new group of retreat attendees. By the next morning, everyone is ready for coffee, mimosas and brunch. One of the best parts is sitting on the back porch with coffee and getting to know the women who attend. Follow along on Instagram stories for photos and behind-the-scenes moments from the retreat.