Weekly Meal Plan: A Little Sweet, A Little Spicy, A Lot of Yum

Let me tell you, this week was a lot. Work was busy, my brain was fried, and on top of that, I’m still learning how to post and edit all my recipe videos (shoutout to all the elder millennials still trying to figure out TikTok). So coming home to anything complicated was a big no for me.

That’s why this week’s dinners are all about balance: a little fancy (without the effort), a little fun, super flavorful, and most importantly, realistic for a busy weeknight. We’ve got meals that are veggie-packed, budget-friendly, kid-approved, and takeout-fakeout delicious. I even tossed in one that made me feel like a legit chef (spoiler: it involves a blender sauce and shrimp, but it’s still ready in 20 minutes).

Scroll through for each recipe (with links + photos), get inspired, and grab the grocery list at the bottom to make shopping a breeze. I’m so excited to kick this off—and so happy you’re here for Week 1!

Let’s get cooking!

🍠 BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes (Chicken)

This is one of those meals that sounds fancier than it is. The bulk of the time is just baking — so while your sweet potatoes roast, you can tidy up, sip something cold, or catch up on that never-ending inbox. The BBQ chicken and coleslaw combo inside the potatoes is comforting, kid-friendly, and super filling. Also: great leftovers.

⏱️ Total time: 1 hour

🥗 Veggies included: sweet potato, broccoli, asparagus, slaw

🍋 My Take on Ina Garten’s Lemon Chicken (Budget Meal)

Okay yes, this takes longer in the oven. BUT the hands-on work is minimal, and the ingredients are super budget-friendly: chicken, potatoes, green beans. The lemony garlic-herb sauce makes everything taste way more luxe than it is.

⏱️ Total time: 1 hour

💰 Total Estimated Cost: $15.10 for the full meal/$3.78 per serving

🦐 Shrimp Couscous with Herb Sauce (Seafood)

This is one of those meals that makes you feel like you’ve got it together. It’s light, quick, and the herb sauce brings it all to life. Asparagus and bell pepper make it bright and summery, and you’re done in under 30 minutes.

⏱️ Total time: 20 mins

🌿 Fancy but not fussy

🥢 Sticky Tofu Meatballs with Veggies (Vegetarian)

This one was a little adventure for me. Crumbling tofu into meatballs took some patience, but the results were SO worth it — savory, sticky, satisfying. It’s meatless, but I wasn’t missing anything. Great for a meat-free Monday, and surprisingly kid-friendly too.

⏱️ Total time: 35 mins

💪 Difficulty: Medium (but worth it!)

🌮 Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas (Fun Meal!)

These are cheesy, spicy, crispy little pockets of joy. Great for a Friday night or anytime you just want something fast and filling. I threw a pre-made salad on the side for extra vegetables and called it a day. Done in 20 minutes, no stress.

⏱️ Total time: 20 mins

⭐ Pro move: Warm your tortillas in the microwave for 20–30 seconds before assembling, this makes them more pliable and way easier to fold

🧀 BBQ Veggie Burritos with Halloumi (Vegetarian)

This one is a new favorite. Packed with veggies, beans, and that deliciously salty halloumi, these burritos were the perfect mix of healthy and satisfying. I also loved how well they kept for leftovers — and I’ll definitely be making this one again soon.

⏱️ Total time: 50 mins

💡 Tip: Wrap one up for a great desk lunch tomorrow

🛒 Weekly Grocery List (Organized by Category)

Produce:

• 6 medium sweet potatoes

• 1½ lbs red potatoes

• 1 lb asparagus

• 2 broccoli florets

• ½ lb Brussels sprouts

• ½ lb green beans

• 2 bell peppers (any color)

• 2 lemons

• 8 garlic cloves

• Shredded lettuce

• Store-bought side salad (optional)

• Fresh parsley

  
  

Pantry & Canned Goods:

• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas

• 1 (3.5 oz) can chipotle peppers in adobo

• 1 (14 oz) bag coleslaw mix

• 1 bag frozen corn

• 1 bag frozen peas

• 3 cups couscous

• 2 cups Minute Brown Rice

• 14 burrito-sized flour tortillas

• 4 Tbsp breadcrumbs

• 2 Tbsp cornstarch

  
  

Herbs & Seasonings:

• Fresh thyme

• Dried oregano

• Italian seasoning

• Garlic powder

• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

  
  

Condiments & Sauces:

• 1 bottle barbecue sauce

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 2 tbsp + 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

• 2 tsp honey

• ½ cup + 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce

• ½ cup guacamole

• ½ cup mayonnaise

  
  

Dairy:

• ¾ cup shredded Mexican blend cheese

• 1 block halloumi cheese

• Feta cheese (for topping)

• 1 tbsp butter

  
  

Proteins:

• 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• 1 block firm tofu

• 1 rotisserie chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  
  

Oils & Cooking Essentials:

• Olive oil

• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

See you next thyme!

In Good Thyme 🌿