Meal Plan Monday (on Tuesday... ha!)

Well, I'm no Mandy, but I do have my meal plan for the week. I'm going to try to do this weekly... emphasis on the word try. I find that I save a lot more money and time if I plan what I'm making each week and shop for it on Sunday, save a few of the fresh items. Tyler and I have also started this new game where we decide at the end of the meal if it is "recipe card worthy" or not. At the end of 2010, I want to make a book of our favorite recipes so far. I'm excited for this! I am also taking recipe suggestions and if you know of a good place online to "make" a cookbook, I would appreciate the information! I will try to let you know each week how things worked out and whether I am going to put the recipe in my book.

Sunday-- Crockpot Tilapia in Foil Packets (adapted for the oven), Wild Rice, and Salad with Homemade Dressing & Croutons-- We didn't love this, but we did like it. Before putting it on a card, I am going to try it in the slow cooker. There was a lot of lemon juice.

Monday-- Pioneer Woman's Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes and Salad-- Amazing. Simply amazing. Definitely going on a card.

Tuesday-- Taco Soup (recipe below) and Refried Beans-- Already on a card!

Wednesday-- Chili with Homemade Cornbread (recipe to come-- SOOO good!)-- Both the soup and cornbread are already card worthy!

Thursday-- Crockpot Gumbo with Brown Rice and Salad

Friday-- To be determined aka probably eat out with friends


I have Taco Soup in my crockpot at home today. This stuff is so delicious and I especially love it on a cold winter day. I got the recipe from my sweet friend, Caitlin, and thought you all might like it too!

Taco Soup

1 can black beans, with juice
1 can pinto beans, with juice
1 can corn, with juice
1 can Ro-Tel
1 packet taco seasoning
1 packet dry ranch dressing
2 1/2 cups water
1 lb ground beef, browned with chopped onion and garlic

Throw it all in your crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Serve with blue corn chips, Fritos, shredded cheese, sour cream, etc.

That's it! It is sooooo good; I promise you'll love it! And if you don't know what Ro-Tel is, then I pity you. Go find some at your grocery store today. That is a command, not a suggestion.

Most of the other recipes are found in PW's cookbook and the Crockpot 365 cookbook. I got both for Christmas and have already marked my "to try" recipes in both. I would recommend both of these books if you like to cook! You can also follow their blogs here and here.

Bon Appetit! Sometimes, I remind myself so much of Julia Child... or not.