Somehow September is already coming to an end, and we're heading into that time of year when easy dinners are especially welcome. This week is looking a little like Crockpot Week around here, with several dinners that let the slow cooker do most of the work. The days are getting shorter, schedules are still busy, and coming home to dinner already cooking? Yes, please!
This week's meal plan has a little bit of everything: a quick and creamy soup, taco night, tender smothered pork chops, cheesy baked ziti, and a big pot of chili to finish out the week. Five family-friendly dinners, one less thing to figure out each night!
This Week's Dinner Lineup
Monday starts with Creamy Chicken Fajita Soup, a quick and flavorful soup loaded with chicken, peppers, Rotel, cream cheese, and fajita seasoning. It comes together in about 25 minutes, making it an easy way to start the week.
Tuesday is taco night with Crockpot Chicken Ranch Tacos. Let the slow cooker do most of the work, then pile the chicken into tortillas with your favorite taco toppings. Everyone can build their own, which means fewer dinner complaints. We'll take that win!
Wednesday brings Crockpot Smothered Pork Chops to the table. Tender pork chops cook in a creamy gravy until they're ready to serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. It's an easy midweek dinner that tastes like you spent way more time on it than you actually did.
Thursday is Crock Pot Baked Ziti, because by Thursday, cheesy pasta just feels right! This easy slow cooker dinner is filled with pasta, sauce, and plenty of cheese for a family favorite that requires very little hands-on prep.
Friday calls for Game Day Chili! A big pot of chili is a tasty way to kick off the weekend, especially now that football season is underway. Add your favorite toppings and serve it with cornbread, crackers, or chips for an easy Friday night dinner.
A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
Get Monday's Creamy Chicken Fajita Soup ingredients chopped and measured ahead of time. Since the soup itself cooks quickly, dinner can be on the table even faster when everything is ready to go.
For Tuesday's Crockpot Chicken Ranch Tacos, prep your favorite toppings while the chicken cooks. Shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, salsa, and jalapeños are all great options.
Wednesday and Thursday are perfect nights to put the slow cooker to work. Get the Crockpot Smothered Pork Chops and Crock Pot Baked Ziti started earlier in the day so there's less to do when the afternoon gets busy.
Friday's Game Day Chili can be made ahead of time and reheats perfectly. Set up a simple chili topping bar with cheese, sour cream, green onions, crackers, or corn chips and let everyone make their own bowl.
And just like that, September dinners are a wrap! Save this meal plan for the week ahead and enjoy having five dinners already figured out. If you're looking for even more ideas, check out Weekly Meal Plan #16 for another full week of easy family dinners.
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