This week we’re cooking up some all-time classics (or slight variations on classics) that we grew up eating and loving. There’s chili, meatloaf, stuffed shells, and even a Greek-inspired dish on the menu!
Not-So-Chilly Monday: White Chicken Chili
I love my beef chili, but sometimes I want something just a smidge lighter (both in flavor and in color). Here’s where white chicken chili comes in! It’s just as comforting and warming, which is perfect for the end of January.
Hot tips
- Chili is great with toppings. Make a list of your favorites such as shredded cheese, sour cream, lime juice, avocado, cilantro, etc.
- I typically use pinto and white kidney beans, but cannellini, Great Northern beans, or any light-colored bean works well, too! Use whatever is in your pantry and adjust the amounts to taste.
- If you’re in the mood for beef instead, check out my Instant Pot chili recipe.
Comfort Tuesday: Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce
I don’t know exactly why, but I vividly remember the stuffed shells my school served for lunch. It’s funny the things that stick with you over the years! It was one of my favorite school lunch meals, but let me tell you — this recipe trumps even those! It’s a comfort food you’re going to devour and love!
Hot tips
- For meatless options, check out spinach stuffed shells or classic ricotta stuffed shells.
- Buy the biggest jumbo shells you can find. This makes stuffing easier, plus they will be less prone to breaking!
- Serve the shells with a bread side like breadsticks, dinner rolls, garlic knots, or garlic bread to help soak up all the delicious sauce. For a fresh and crispy complement, a classic garden salad or Caesar salad is spot-on.
Easy Wednesday: Baked Pesto Salmon
If you sometimes find yourself thinking, “How is it only Wednesday?”, please know you’re not the only one. But — I have a solution. I find the ease and flavor of this baked salmon gets me looking more positively on the rest of the week.
Hot tips
- Make your own pesto (super easy!) or buy a good quality one at your store. It’s up to you!
- Buy salmon with the skin still on. This helps the salmon to stay moist as it cooks and decreases the chances of burning the bottom.
- Serve with a side of white basmati rice and your choice of fresh vegetables, salad, or Parmesan panko roasted veggies (the oven is already hot, so why not?).
Tzatziki Thursday: Gyro and Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Time for a flavor switch-a-roo. Today, we’re going Mediterranean with this Greek-inspired gyro wrap. This recipe calls for lamb, but feel free to change the meat to serve your family best.
Hot tips
- Marinate the meat ahead of time if possible. For lamb or beef, an overnight marinade is the best to make it the most tender. If you opt for chicken thighs, a few hours does the trick.
- Make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time. It’ll taste even better when you give the flavors time to meld together. I love storing mine in these small mason jars.
- For an easier time folding your pita, warm it up by toasting it slightly on a pan. It’ll get a nice golden color and it’ll be so much more pliable!
Meatloaf Friday: Meatloaf with Oatmeal
I know — oatmeal in meatloaf? That’s a wild one, right? But don’t say anything ’til you’ve tried it! Instead of breadcrumbs, I like to use oatmeal to bind my meatloaf together (plus it adds more fiber to the meal!).
Hot tips
- Serve with easy creamy mashed potatoes and buttery garlic green beans for a well-rounded meal.
- To help minimize sticking, line the loaf pan with foil or parchment paper before baking. This makes it so much easier to get it out cleanly!
- Let the meatloaf stand for about 10-15 minutes both before and after baking. When it stands before, the flavors have a chance to soak into the meat. When it stands after, the flavors and juices “lock in!”
Breakfast of the Week: Avocado Toast Recipe
I looove avocado toast for breakfast in the morning or honestly, even as a snack at any time of the day. There are so many different variations and toppings that you can create a new toast each day this week. Check out the recipe post for ideas on how to level up your avo-game!
Dessert of the Week: Twice Baked Chocolate Croissants
Thursday is “National Croissant Day”, so celebrate with these twice-baked chocolate croissants. Buy some premade croissants at the store, make the filling yourself, then fill and bake. You’ll love the warm, delicious result!
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