How many different meals does your family rotate through each week?
Hi everyone! I recently moved in with my partner and his teenage child, which means I’m going from cooking for just myself to cooking for three.
I’m curious about how other families manage meal planning. Do most of you serve something different every night, or do you often incorporate leftovers? Do you have a few go-to meals that you make each week, or is every week filled with new recipes?
My partner and his teen are accustomed to a lot of takeout, so I feel some pressure to keep things interesting with new dishes. Meanwhile, I’ve typically kept my meals pretty simple—just protein, salad, and veggies!
I would really appreciate any tips or insights you can share!
It sounds like you’re in an exciting transition! Many families tend to have a mix of both: some staple meals that they enjoy regularly, combined with a few new recipes each week to keep things interesting. Here are a few suggestions that might help you find a balance:
Core Meals: Consider establishing a rotation of 5-7 core meals that everyone enjoys. These could be a mix of simple and slightly more involved dishes. Think of things like tacos, stir-fries, pasta nights, or sheet pan dinners. Having a set rotation can make grocery shopping easier and provide some structure.
Leftovers: Don’t hesitate to incorporate leftovers into your meal planning. Many dishes taste even better the next day, and they can save you time in the kitchen. Perhaps you could plan to make extra portions of certain meals to have for lunch or a quick dinner.
Themed Nights: You might try having themed dinner nights (e.g., Taco Tuesday, Pasta Friday) to make meal planning feel a bit more fun. This can also help when it comes to deciding what to cook each week.
Explore Together: Since you mentioned that they enjoy variety, consider involving your partner and his teenager in the meal planning process. You could each suggest one new dish each week to try, which can be a fun way to explore different cuisines together.
Simple Upgrades: If you’re comfortable with simple meals, maybe just add a bit of flair to them. For example, a simple stir-fry can be enhanced with different sauces, or salads can have various toppings like seeds, nuts, or different proteins.
Ultimately, balance is key! Creating a mix of reliable favorites and occasional new dishes could help satisfy everyone’s preferences while easing the pressure you feel. Enjoy your cooking adventure!