What We Are Eating This Week | Week of January 11, 2026

Back-to-school mornings are back, work calendars are filling up again, and the post-holiday brain fog is very real. After weeks of looser schedules, extra treats, and way too much thinking about what to cook, this is the week I really need dinners planned ahead.

Every Sunday, I plan dinners for the week to cover about 5–6 nights. I take one request from each family member and build my grocery list from there. It keeps us organized, saves money, and removes the nightly “what’s for dinner?” chaos now that real life is back in full swing.

Here’s what we’re eating this week.

Dinner 1: Steak Quesadillas

A quick, filling dinner that feels fun without being complicated. Perfect for busy nights or when you want something everyone will eat.

Quick Instructions: Season and cook steak in a skillet or on the grill until done to your liking. Let rest, then slice thin. Layer steak and shredded cheese between tortillas and cook in a skillet until golden and melty. Slice and serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

🛒 What You’ll Need

• Steak

• Flour tortillas

• Shredded cheese

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper

• Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole

Dinner 2: Kielbasa & Potato Skillet

A one-pan comfort meal that’s hearty, budget-friendly, and great for colder nights. Crispy potatoes and smoky sausage always hit.

Quick Instructions: Dice potatoes and sauté in olive oil until golden and fork-tender. Add sliced kielbasa and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add onions or bell peppers if desired.

🛒 What You’ll Need

• Kielbasa sausage

• Potatoes

• Olive oil

• Garlic powder

• Paprika

• Salt and pepper

• Optional: onion, bell pepper

Dinner 3: Pesto Pasta with Chicken Sausage

An easy pasta night with big flavor and minimal prep. This one comes together fast and is great for leftovers.

Quick Instructions: Cook pasta according to package directions. Brown sliced chicken sausage in a skillet. Toss pasta with pesto, sausage, and a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce. Finish with Parmesan.

🛒 What You’ll Need

• Pasta

• Chicken sausage

• Pesto

• Olive oil

• Parmesan cheese

Dinner 4: Cajun Salmon with Couscous & Broccoli [we never ended up eating it last week]

A lighter dinner that still feels filling. Couscous cooks quickly, making this a great weeknight win.

Quick InstructionsSeason salmon with Cajun seasoning and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes. Prepare couscous according to package directions. Roast or steam broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

🛒 What You’ll Need

• Salmon fillets

• Cajun seasoning

• Couscous

• Broccoli

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Dinner 5: Thai Dumpling Coconut Soup

A cozy soup night that feels special but takes very little effort thanks to frozen dumplings and pantry staples.

Quick Instructions: Bring chicken broth and coconut milk to a gentle simmer. Add frozen dumplings and cook according to package directions. Stir in garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a squeeze of lime. Top with green onions or cilantro if desired.

🛒 What You’ll Need

• Frozen dumplings

• Chicken broth

• Coconut milk

• Garlic

• Ginger

• Soy sauce

• Lime

• Green onions

• Optional: cilantro

This is one of those weeks where planning ahead makes all the difference. Simple meals, minimal stress, and fewer last-minute scrambles now that school and work routines are officially back.

Save this plan, steal the meals, or use it as inspiration for your own week.