If you ever feel stuck for dinner ideas, sometimes it helps to just step back from your “norm” and try to think outside the box. One of my favorite things to snack on is a charcuterie plate of cured meats and cheeses. Problem is, whenever we get one as an appetizer, I eat so much that I’m too full for dinner. (This post contains affiliate links.)

Lightbulb! Why don’t we just eat more dinners of good old meat and cheese. Occasionally throw sliced tomato, or grapes and apples in there so we don’t get scurvy. But overall that’s a meal I could literally live off of. So I know I put them on our meal plans every now and then, but I’m going to try and over simplify like this more often.

Now remember, all of these menu ideas are completely doable. Even if you’re not familiar with something, give it a whirl. If we can manage to cook any one of these on a given night, anyone can. I would love to hear what you’re eating for dinner, too! Feel free to leave a comment at the end of the post with what you’re fave dinner stand-by is.

RECIPES AND HOW-TO FOR WEEK 60 MEAL PLAN

Sausage and Peppers Over Polenta

If you’ve never tried polenta, don’t be afraid! It’s easier than mashed potatoes and tastes delicious.

Greek Chicken Gyro

Is it a Gyro, is it a Taco, is it just a Pita? It doesn’t really matter, I love mixing up the flavors of our meals so that we’re not always eating American, Mexican, and Italian.

Crabcake Benedict

Ever since I discovered the Hollandaise sauce from Trader Joe’s, we’ve made Benedict a regular installation at meal time. Our stand-by is turkey and avocado version to replicate a place we used to frequent in California. This week I thought it would be delicious to use a crab cake on top of the English muffin or crumpet.

Once again, TJ’s comes through with a good pre-made crabcake in the frozen seafood section. I highly recommend getting one pre-done since you’ll be smothering it with a poached egg and hollandaise anyway.

So you’ll layer the:

• English muffin,
• arugula or spinach (you know, to prevent scurvy)
• crab cake (cooked)
• poached egg (we use this poached egg pan and it has literally changed our egg poaching lives)
• Hollandaise

Pizzadilla w/Side Salad

Always a family favorite.

Cheese, Meat, Sliced Tomato

The charcuterie we were discussing above. Can’t go wrong with this meal!

Grilled Pork Tenderloin and Gorgonzola Beets

Pork tenderloin is one of my favorite proteins because it’s fairly inexpensive (I can get one to feed the family for under $5) and super tender. Season the outside then, grill that puppy until it comes up to temp between 145° (more pink) and 160° (more well done).

A side of these Roasted Gorgonzola Beets will class up any dish.

Turkey Lettuce Wrap

Bringing it home with a fan favorite. Even though I’m pretty sure we just had these.

Be sure to check out our other Recipes and Weekly Dinner Plans!