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Home Meal Plans

Meal Plan #3

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By: Diana Published on April 3, 2026

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Meal plan collage featuring garlic butter salmon with potatoes and green beans, strawberry rhubarb muffins, loaded baked potato, chicken and rice skillet, and vegetarian stuffed peppers, with text overlay reading “Meal Plan with Shopping List Week #3 Little Sunny Kitchen.”

This weekly meal plan is meant to make the week feel a little easier, with five family-friendly dinners, one breakfast idea, and one sweet bake. The recipes give you a nice balance of cozy favorites, lighter meals, and simple options that do not feel like too much.

Meal plan collage featuring garlic butter salmon with potatoes and green beans, strawberry rhubarb muffins, loaded baked potato, chicken and rice skillet, and vegetarian stuffed peppers, with text overlay reading “Meal Plan with Shopping List Week #3 Little Sunny Kitchen.”


I picked these recipes to give you variety while still keeping everything simple and doable. You will find a balance of proteins, one vegetarian dinner, and a mix of cooking methods so the week stays interesting. From easy sheet pan meals to hearty one pot dinners and one meal that feels a little extra special, this is a practical plan full of recipes you can actually see yourself making.

1
a silver tray lined with brown parchment paper holding a loaded baked potato, and small bowls of toppings including salsa, jalapenos, red onions.
Monday – Baked Potatoes with Toppings
Crisp-skinned, fluffy baked potatoes that you pierce before cooking to release steam. Load them up with leftover holiday ham, cheese, and sour cream for an easy, customizable dinner.
GET RECIPE →
2
overhead view of Mexican rice with beef, beans, and corn in a skillet. The dish is topped with fresh salsa made with avocado, onion, and tomatoes.
Tuesday – Mexican Beef and Rice (One Pan)
This one-pan Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet is a hearty, flavor-packed dinner made with ground beef, rice, corn, black beans, and tomatoes, all seasoned with taco spices and topped with melty cheese. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights!
GET RECIPE →
3
an oval casserole filled with cheese covered vegetaraian stuffed peppers.
Wednesday – Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
Peppers are filled with a hearty mix of rice, vegetables, and seasoning, then baked until tender. This works as a full meatless dinner, not just a side.
GET RECIPE →
4
a rectangle baking dish filled with baked shrimp scampi with spaghetti noodles
Wednesday – Baked Shrimp Scampi
Baked Shrimp Scampi is the easiest shrimp pasta dish you'll ever make! It takes no time at all to make this savory, delicious meal.
GET RECIPE →
5
A white platter of chicken marbella, roasted chicken thighs marinated in olives, capers, prunes, and white wine.
Thursday – Chicken Marbella
Chicken baked with olives, capers, garlic, and prunes, which add a subtle sweetness that balances the salty, briny flavors. The sauce is rich and slightly sticky. Best served with mashed potatoes, rice, or bread to soak it up.
GET RECIPE →
6
Overhead shot of a sheet pan salmon with green beans and potatoes
Friday – Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Salmon
Salmon is roasted on a sheet pan with baby potatoes and green beans, all coated in a garlic butter sauce. Everything cooks together, so you get a complete, balanced meal with minimal prep and cleanup.
GET RECIPE →

Breakfast idea

Scrambled Eggs with Cottage Cheese: Creamy scrambled eggs with a boost of protein from cottage cheese. Simple, filling, and perfect for an easy breakfast.

Snack Idea

Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins: These soft, bakery-style muffins are filled with juicy strawberries and tart rhubarb for the perfect balance of fresh, fruity flavor in every bite.

Side Dish Ideas to go With Dinner

Roasted Broccoli and Carrots With Shallot Vinaigrette

Vegetable Rice Recipe

Broccoli Slaw

Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

All Sides→

Shopping List

This shopping list includes everything you need to make all five dinners, plus the breakfast and snack included in this week’s plan. Click the button below to print it and take it to the store.

Produce

  • 1 (8.8 oz) container fresh strawberries
  • 3–4 stalks rhubarb (8 oz)
  • 2 medium yellow onions
  • 1 shallot
  • 2 bulbs garlic
  • 1 jalapeño (optional)
  • 5 large red bell peppers
  • 1 lb baby potatoes
  • 6-8 russet potatoes
  • 12 oz (1 bag) green beans
  • 2 lemons
  • 2 limes
  • 1 small bunch fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1 small bunch fresh parsley (optional)

Meat, Poultry and Fish

  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1–1.5 lb salmon fillet (skin-on, center-cut if possible for even cooking)
  • 2 lb chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 1 lb shrimp (31–40 count, peeled and deveined; tail-on or off both work)

Condiments and Spices

  • Olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Dried oregano
  • Smoked paprika
  • Garlic granules
  • Ground cumin
  • Taco seasoning
  • Bay leaves
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • All purpose flour
  • Vanilla extract
  • Baking powder
  • Ground cinnamon

Dairy & Refrigerated Items

  • 1 pack unsalted butter (8 oz / 2 sticks)
  • 1 dozen eggs
  • 1 small carton milk
  • 1 small tub cottage cheese
  • 1 bag shredded Mexican-style cheese (8 oz)
  • 1 bag shredded cheddar / Monterey Jack (8 oz)
  • 1 small wedge or tub grated parmesan (about 4–6 oz)
  • 1 small tub sour cream

Grains and Pasta

  • 1 small bag long grain white rice (1–2 lb bag)
  • 1 box dried pasta (12–16 oz box, any shape)

note on the pasta

You will use 8 oz of pasta for the shrimp scampi, and the leftover pasta can be cooked to serve with chicken marbella so I recommend grabbing the 16 oz bag.

Canned, Jarred, and Boxed

  • 2 cans black beans (15 oz each)
  • 1 can corn (15 oz) or 1 small bag frozen corn (~12 oz)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 carton vegetable stock (32 oz / 1 quart)
  • 1 carton chicken stock (32 oz / 1 quart), OR Better Than Bouillon Premium Roasted Chicken Base to make chicken stock
  • 1 small jar capers (4 oz)
  • 1 jar green olives (about 6–8 oz)
  • 1 small package prunes (about 6–8 oz)
  • 1 container pico de gallo (8–12 oz)
  • 1 bottle dry white wine (750 ml standard bottle)

You may also like...

  • Weekly Meal Plan #1
  • Weekly Meal Plan #2
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