Let’s get right to it because I’m off to Taylor Swift! I’ll keep this week simple and practical so the family can follow along. Below is a straightforward weekly dinner plan with quick tips, easy swaps, and ideas for leftover use. Have a great week.
SUNDAY
Since I’m headed to the Taylor Swift concert, the boys in my family are on their own. I have cabbage and leeks to use up, so if I’m motivated early I’ll make this hearty Bavarian leek and cabbage soup. It’s forgiving, freezes well, and makes a great lunch the next day. Tip: sauté the leeks until soft and slightly caramelized to deepen flavor, and add a splash of vinegar at the end to brighten the soup.
MONDAY
Farro risotto with asparagus is exactly what the doctor ordered for a comforting, seasonal dinner. You can follow a stovetop method or use the Instant Pot approach and stir asparagus in at the end so it stays vibrant. Farro risotto has a nutty bite compared to classic arborio risotto, and it pairs beautifully with shaved Parmesan, lemon zest, and a drizzle of good olive oil. If you want a lighter option, fold in peas or baby spinach instead of asparagus.
TUESDAY
My private French-themed cooking class is earlier in the day, and the evening is busy with a school meeting plus dinner out for me with other softball moms. Taco Tuesday is the easy answer for the boys at home: seasoned ground beef tacos with quick toppings like shredded lettuce, salsa, and avocado. For a low-carb bowl, serve the taco mixture over cauliflower rice and offer tortillas on the side for anyone who prefers them. Make extra filling to use in salads or breakfast burritos the next day.
WEDNESDAY
We have another family birthday today and an early morning appointment to secure a permit, so dinner needs to be simple. We’re planning sushi rolls and miso soup — both quick to assemble if you prep fillings in advance. My miso soup recipe is an excellent go-to, and my friends at Just One Cookbook have a lovely version as well. A crisp side salad with carrot-ginger dressing complements the meal if you want something green. For dessert, a simple birthday cake is perfect: make a classic layer cake or use a boxed yellow mix and finish with a ready-made frosting for minimal fuss. If you want a small upgrade, a modest improvement in cocoa or vanilla can make boxed-bake frosting taste more homemade.
THURSDAY
Tonight I’m teaching an online class for my cooking school membership. We’re focusing on easy one-pan and one-pot meals meant for weeknight cooks who want great flavor with minimal cleanup. If you join the class this month you’ll get access to all recipes and techniques for building balanced, fast dinners.
Class recipes:
- Blackened Sheet Pan Snapper with Veggies — a quick fish dinner roasted with bold seasoning and seasonal vegetables.
- Spring Stir Fry — fast, vibrant vegetables tossed in a simple savory sauce; ready in under 20 minutes.
- Chicken Thighs with Lemon, Artichokes and Asparagus — a one-pan roast that’s juicy and bright, great with crusty bread or rice.
Bonus recipes:
- Za’atar Salmon with Broccoli — a fragrant spice crust plus crisp-tender broccoli makes an easy weeknight favorite.
- Lemon Mahi Mahi with Asparagus — light, citrus-forward fish and seasonal veg prepared on a single sheet pan.
- Sheet Pan Tofu with Bok Choy and Red Peppers — roasted tofu that caramelizes at the edges and pairs well with steamed rice.
- Spicy Green Bean and Ground Pork Stir Fry — bold flavors and quick cooking for a takeout-style dinner at home.
FRIDAY
Friday is for treating yourself. Go out with friends or try a recipe at home from my “recipes from the bear” collection if you’re staying in. Choose something celebratory but manageable — a rich pasta, a roasted fish, or a takeout-inspired bowl can all set a relaxed tone for the weekend.
Weekly planning tips: plan one double-batch meal to become two nights’ dinners, prep a few vegetables early in the week, and keep pantry staples like canned beans, broth, grains, and a jar of good salsa or olives on hand for fast assembly. With small prep steps and clear swaps (farro for rice, cauliflower rice for tortillas, boxed cake mix for an easy dessert), weeknight cooking becomes much less stressful and more enjoyable.