Welcome to Forkcast\u2014our weekly meal plan with five recipes, a grocery list, and tips to keep dinner easy. This week\u2019s lineup comes from Lee Anthony, a pro meal prepper and busy mom who knows how to make weeknight meals work for the whole family.<\/em><\/p>\n After a long day, my daughters often ask, \u201cWhat\u2019s for dinner, Mom? We want something tasty but that won\u2019t take too long because we are hungry!\u201d<\/p>\n This is a common scene in my kitchen. I know they want a meal that\u2019s quick and easy\u2014but still delicious. That\u2019s when I reach for tried-and-true favorites like pasta with sauce, tacos, or stir-fried veggies with rice. These dishes are simple to make, satisfying, and perfect for our busy evenings. I love making dinner something we all look forward to.<\/p>\n As a busy mom, grandmother, and wife, my approach to meal prep is all about staying organized. With two young girls at home who can be picky eaters, planning ahead is key. Each week, I make a grocery list focused on healthy meals that work for the whole family. I also get my daughters involved in picking some of the meals, which encourages them to try new foods. My husband and I focus on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables\u2014it\u2019s important to us that we\u2019re eating well, too.<\/p>\n Meal prep helps me keep our weeks running smoothly, and gives me peace of mind knowing we\u2019re all getting the nourishment we need\u2014without the dinner-time stress.<\/p>\n This menu shares easy and fun recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert that everyone, including kids, can enjoy.<\/p>\n Toast whole-wheat English muffins until golden and crispy. Scramble eggs until soft, and halve a few baby tomatoes. Layer the eggs on the muffin, top with tomatoes, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a delicious, protein-packed breakfast.<\/p>\n Get a similar recipe \u2192<\/p>\n Start with 1 cup of cooked quinoa. Mix in rinsed black beans, chopped bell peppers, diced avocado, and Roma tomatoes. Add some cooked white onion for crunch. Stir in fresh cilantro and, for a kick, half a minced jalape\u00f1o. Toss with olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper for a bright, flavorful dish.<\/p>\n Get the full recipe \u2192<\/p>\n Cook 1 pound of penne until al dente. In a large bowl, combine mozzarella pearls, sliced grape tomatoes, and torn basil. Add the cooked pasta, season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with a vinaigrette made of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. It\u2019s fresh, easy, and great warm or cold.<\/p>\n To make this dish, gather the following ingredients: 18 jumbo pasta shells, ground pork and ground mild Italian sausage. Use 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil, a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and 3 cups of marinara sauce. Add \u00bd teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. Mix in 1 cup of six Italian cheeses, 1 cup of mild cheddar, and a variety of spices including oregano, Italian seasoning, basil, and parsley.<\/p>\n Get the full recipe \u2192<\/p>\n Crush Oreo cookies and mix with melted butter to form a crust. Layer with whipped cream or chocolate topping, then add another layer of crushed Oreos. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top for extra sweetness. Want to go big? Add a layer of cream cheese whipped with powdered sugar for a cheesecake vibe. Chill until set. Slice and serve.<\/p>\n Get a similar recipe \u2192<\/p>\n
\nBreakfast: Whole-Wheat English Muffins with Eggs<\/h3>\n
Lunch 1: Colorful Quinoa Salad<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nLunch 2: Caprese Salad with Penne Rigate<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nDinner: Easy Skillet Stuffed Shells<\/a>
\n<\/h3>\nDessert: Oreo Cookie Lasagna<\/h3>\n