Weekly Meal Planner: What We’re Eating This Week [October 19, 2025]

I plan dinners for the week every Sunday, taking one request from each family member (and usually sneaking in something easy for me). It helps me avoid the dreaded “what’s for dinner?” question and keeps grocery shopping organized. Here’s what’s on our table this week — six meals that balance comfort food, quick prep, and a little fun.

Dinner 1: Chicken Parmesan Pizza

🛒 What You’ll Need

• Pre-made pizza dough or crust

• Breaded chicken tenders

• Marinara sauce

• Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese

• Fresh basil (optional)

How We Make It

This one’s a total shortcut meal. I bake the chicken tenders, then slice and layer them on pizza dough with marinara, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Bake until golden and bubbly. It’s like chicken parm and pizza had a baby - and no one complains on pizza night.,,except we had a request for pepperoni this week!

Dinner 2: Crab Cake Pasta

🛒 What You’ll Need

• Store-bought crab cakes

• Spaghetti or linguine

• Olive oil, garlic, lemon

• Old Bay seasoning

• Fresh parsley

• Parmesan cheese

How We Make It

Cook the crab cakes according to the package, then crumble them into a quick old bay lemon-garlic pasta tossed with olive oil and Parmesan. Add parsley on top for a little fancy moment (even if you’re still wearing yoga pants).

Dinner 3: Mexican Chili

🛒 What You’ll Need

• Ground turkey or beef

• Onion, bell pepper, garlic

• Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce

• Black beans and corn

• Chili powder, cumin, paprika

• Optional toppings: avocado, cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips

How We Make It

Brown the meat with onions and garlic, then toss in everything else and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes. We love topping ours with cheese and dipping tortilla chips right in - the twins call it “scoop chili.”

Dinner 4: Cheesesteaks

🛒 What You’ll Need

• Thinly sliced steak (or shaved beef) we love the Quicksteak from Sam's Club

• Bell peppers and onions (optional)

• Provolone or mozzarella cheese

• Hoagie rolls

• Olive oil, salt, and pepper

How We Make It

I sauté sliced onions and peppers in a little olive oil until they’re soft, then cook the steak in the same pan. Once everything’s cooked, pile it all on a hoagie roll, add cheese, and pop it under the broiler for a minute to melt. Serve with chips or a side salad - easy and always a hit.

Dinner 5: Pork Chops, Macaroni & Cheese, Snap Peas

🛒 What You’ll Need

• Boneless pork chops

• BBQ sauce or seasoning blend

• Boxed or homemade mac & cheese

• Fresh snap peas

• Olive oil and garlic

How We Make It

I season the pork chops with BBQ rub, bake or grill them, and serve with creamy mac & cheese (because comfort food). For the snap peas, a quick sauté with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of garlic salt does the trick.

Dinner 6: Napa Night – Baguette Sandwiches, Eaten Picnic-Style

🛒 What You’ll Need

• Baguette or crusty bread

• Deli meats and cheeses

• Lettuce, tomato, mustard, mayo

• Chips or fruit on the side

How We Make It

We call this “Napa Night” - a nod to one of our favorite places. Everyone builds their own baguette sandwich, we add chips, and eat picnic-style in the living room. No dishes, no stress, just good vibes and full bellies.

Weekly Grocery List

(One combined list for the week — adjust quantities as needed!)

Produce

• Bell peppers (2–3)

• Onions (2)

• Garlic (1 bulb)

• Snap peas (1 bag)

• Fresh parsley

• Basil (optional)

• Lettuce and tomato

• Lemon

Meat & Seafood

• Shaved beef or steak

• Boneless pork chops

• Ground turkey or beef

• Breaded chicken tenders

• Crab cakes

• Deli meats (your choice)

Pantry

• Olive oil

• Salt & pepper

• Chili powder, cumin, paprika

• BBQ sauce or seasoning

• Diced tomatoes, tomato sauce

• Black beans, corn

• Marinara sauce

• Pasta (spaghetti or linguine)

• Hoagie rolls

• Baguette or crusty bread

• Chips

Dairy

• Mozzarella cheese

• Provolone cheese

• Parmesan cheese

• Butter and milk (for mac & cheese)

• Sour cream (optional toppings)

Extras

• Macaroni & cheese (boxed or homemade ingredients)

• Tortilla chips (for chili night)

Wrapping Up the Week

Planning out our dinners each Sunday takes a little time, but it saves me so much sanity during the week. I don’t have to think twice about what’s for dinner when everyone’s hungry and the twins are asking for snacks for the fifth time. Each meal has a balance of comfort, convenience, and family favorites, with a few shortcuts because, let’s be honest, no one’s got time to cook from scratch every night.

If you try any of these, tag me on Instagram @TheFoxSaysTwins, I love seeing what other families are making for dinner!