You get to 5 p.m. and realize: there’s nothing planned, nothing defrosted, and no one has the same taste in food.
Sound familiar?
Meal planning can feel like just one more task on a never-ending list. But it doesn’t have to be complicated, gourmet, or even super creative.
This week, we’re keeping it simple:
✅ Repeat ingredients
✅ Kid-friendly dinners
✅ Less decision-making
✅ No need for takeout
Let’s walk through a five-day dinner plan designed to save your time, money, and mental space.
🛒 Step 1: Choose 5 Core Ingredients
We’re using overlap to reduce waste and shopping stress. Here’s what this week is built around:
Chicken (rotisserie, grilled, or baked)
Bell peppers
Spinach
Rice
Cheese
You can swap these out for similar favorites if needed!
🥘 The 5-Day Dinner Plan
Monday: Chicken Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers & Rice
Toss precooked chicken strips, chopped peppers, and spinach into a skillet. Add soy sauce or teriyaki, serve over rice. Done in 15 minutes.
Tuesday: Cheesy Quesadillas with Spinach & Salsa
Layer tortillas with cheese and spinach, grill on the stove, and serve with salsa or guacamole. Add leftover chicken for extra protein.
Wednesday: One-Pot Chicken & Veggie Pasta
Throw chopped chicken, bell peppers, spinach, and penne into a pot with cream or tomato sauce. One dish. No extra pans.
Thursday: Fried Rice with Scrambled Egg & Leftovers
Use leftover rice + any remaining veggies or meat. Crack in an egg, stir-fry it all together. Optional soy or garlic sauce.
Friday: DIY Burrito Bowls
Let everyone build their own bowl using:
✔ Rice
✔ Chicken
✔ Spinach or lettuce
✔ Cheese
✔ Any extras (corn, beans, sour cream)
No one complains when they get to “make it their way.”
🧠 Why This Works
You plan once.
Shop less.
Waste less.
Stress way less.
And your family gets variety without the daily scramble.
✅ Hapidae Tip: Add your favorite go-to meals to the family calendar and attach ingredients or recipe links. Rotate them monthly to avoid burnout.
🌱 Start Small, Feel the Shift
This week, try the plan—or make your own version with 5 repeatable ingredients your family loves.
You’ll be amazed how much mental space you free up when dinner becomes one less thing to worry about.
– The Hapidae Team 💛