One-Week Dinner Plan for Busy People (Simple Grocery List!)

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One-Week Dinner Plan That Actually Works

Planning a week of dinners doesn’t have to be stressful, expensive, or time-consuming. With one simple grocery list and a little strategy, you can feed yourself (or your family) for the entire week without burnout, waste, or takeout. This easy one-week dinner plan is designed to keep things flexible and flavorful — using everyday ingredients you can find anywhere.

If you’re prepping for the week, don’t forget the pets! Try these homemade dog treats for a simple DIY snack.

Weekly Grocery List for Simple Meal Planning

This one-week dinner plan starts with a minimalist grocery list that’s short, affordable, and full of possibilities. You can swap ingredients based on your preferences, dietary needs, or what’s on sale.

Proteins

• 1 rotisserie chicken or pack of boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can black beans
• 1 dozen eggs

Veggies

• 1 bag salad mix
• 1 onion
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 zucchini (or yellow squash)
• 1 head garlic

Starches/Grains

• 1 box pasta
• 1 bag rice or pack of tortillas
• 1 loaf of bread or flatbreads

Extras/Flavor Boosters

• 1 jar marinara sauce or salsa
• 1 block shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, any seasoning blend you enjoy

Need a tidy phone for your meal plan apps? Here’s how to organize your apps alphabetically.

What You Can Make with This One-Week Dinner Plan

Here’s how this one grocery trip turns into seven simple, satisfying dinners:

1. Chicken Quesadillas

Shred cooked chicken and combine with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and shredded cheese. Fill tortillas and toast on both sides until golden.

2. Veggie Fried Rice

Cook rice ahead or use leftovers. Stir-fry with chopped veggies and scrambled eggs for an easy one-pan dinner.

3. Pasta with Garlic Veggies & Marinara

Boil pasta, heat up marinara sauce, and pan-fry zucchini, garlic, and onion to serve on the side or mixed in.

Want a side dish to go with your weeknight dinners? Try these simple roasted vegetables to round out the plate.

4. Black Bean Wraps

Mash black beans and season with salsa. Roll into flatbreads with salad mix and shredded cheese.

5. Egg & Veggie Scramble with Toast

Simple breakfast-for-dinner using eggs, chopped veggies, and toast. Add cheese or seasoning to taste.

6. Chicken Salad Sandwiches or Bowls

Mix rotisserie chicken with a little oil or mayo. Serve on bread, in flatbreads, or over salad mix with any leftover veggies.

7. Leftover Night/Mix-and-Match Bowls

Use up any remaining rice, beans, chicken, veggies, or cheese. Create DIY grain bowls or wraps.

Pro Tip: Batch cook your rice or pasta at the beginning of the week to save even more time.

Make This 7-Day Meal Plan Your Own

If you want more ideas for eating well without overspending, check out these tips from MyPlate on healthy eating on a budget.

Looking for an affordable way to feed your dog real, healthy food? This homemade dog stew post shows how to batch cook budget-friendly meals your pup will love—no pricey ingredients or fancy tools required.

This one-week dinner plan is just a starting point. You can adjust it based on your mood, your pantry, or your dietary preferences.

• Swap chicken for tofu or canned tuna
• Use spicy salsa or seasoning blends for a new flavor twist
• Add frozen veggies or canned corn to stretch the meals further
• Make it vegetarian or gluten-free with easy substitutions

Meal planning is one way to stay ready — and so is having a basic home repair toolkit on hand.

One Trip, One List, One Week of Dinners — Done.

When you simplify your shopping and your meal planning, dinner doesn’t have to feel like a daily struggle. This easy weekly dinner plan gives you flexibility, flavor, and peace of mind — no fancy ingredients or long prep times required.

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Give Us a Shout Out!

Tried this minimalist plan or gave it your own spin? Leave a comment below or tag us on Pinterest so we can see how you made it work for your week!