Solving the Dinner Dilemma this Family Meals Month

Don’t you wish you had the answer to “what’s for dinner?” In honor of September Family Meals Month, IGA wants to lend a hand to all the home cooks who are at a loss for what to fix, as well as those of us who may be new to preparing a meal in-home. Below you'll find a dinner menu for the week—cook them all in one week if you're feeling daring or pick and choose throughout the course of the month to add just one more meal together as a family.

Don’t worry, we’ve included tips and tricks to keep most meals around 30-40 minutes. We’ve also prepared a grocery list. You got this, chefs!

SUNDAY

Cheesy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef, Mixed Greens Salad with Italian Dressing, Garlic Bread
An easy, cheesy, weeknight pasta meal that can be assembled ahead of time. Use your favorite bottled Italian dressing or make a vinaigrette with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and Italian seasoning, then toss with salad greens. Warm a loaf of fresh garlic bread you picked up in your IGA grocer’s bakery.

MONDAY

Sheet Pan Pesto Salmon with Herb-seasoned Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus 
You’ve got this in 30 minutes with the help of pre-made pesto purchased from your local IGA grocer. Jarred pesto can usually be found on the shelf near pasta sauces or specialty items while fresh pesto is found in the refrigerated section. Look for a pesto that is made with olive oil for the most favorable results. Added bonus: everything is cooked on one sheet pan for easy clean up!

TUESDAY

West African-inspired Peanut Stew with Chickpeas and Fresh Fruit
Try something different! This one-pot meatless meal is as filling as it is delicious with a rich, nutty, savory flavor. Using canned garbanzo beans (also called chickpeas) means you can have it on the table in under an hour. Although it sounds exotic, you may have most of the ingredients in your pantry already! We made this vegan, but use chicken broth if you prefer. Serve with fresh fruit such as oranges, kiwis, and pomegranate for dessert.

WEDNESDAY

Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry with Oyster Sauce, Rice, and Pot Stickers
Quicker than take-out! Get your veggies with this quick-to-cook stir fry. Don’t be afraid to substitute with vegetables you have on hand; asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, celery, and carrots all taste great. To round out your Asian-inspired menu, grab a bag of pot stickers from the freezer section of your local IGA. If you’re short on time, use one of the many microwaveable or instant rice products. Both brown and white rice work well.

THURSDAY

Turkey Burgers, Oven Fries, Spicy Fry Sauce, and Root Beer Floats
This casual “fun day” dinner is a sure-fire family favorite. Prepare turkey burgers using pre-made patties or make your own with ground turkey. Avocado, red onion, tomato, lettuce, and Monterey Jack cheese are favored fixings. The sassy mayo-sriracha combo in the Spicy Fry Sauce can jazz up your burger as well as make a delicious dip for those crispy oven fries. Get a head start on the root beer floats by scooping vanilla ice cream into tall glasses and stash in the freezer until ready to serve. Pour your favorite root beer over ice cream just before serving. Don’t forget the spoon!

FRIDAY

Herb-seasoned Baked Chicken Thighs, Roasted Carrots, Pesto Parmesan Pasta with Spinach, Chocolate Angel Food Cake with Ice Cream and Berries
This simple family meal calls for liberal use of seasonings to flavor up the baked chicken. Using remaining pesto from earlier in the week makes thrifty use of what’s in the fridge. Peel and slice carrots in half, length-wise, coat with olive oil, season and roast for 15 to 20 minutes with the chicken. Simply adding 1/3 cup cocoa to an IGA Angel Food Cake mix, then following box directions, makes a delicious chocolaty treat! Fresh berries and a scoop of ice cream or whip cream make for a delicious topping!

SATURDAY

Roast Pork Loin with Blackberry Sauce, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Blueberry and Nectarine Green Salad with Basil Lime Dressing
The pork roast with blackberry sauce is the star of this meal. Accompanied with mashed sweet potatoes and a standout salad, it makes a favored family meal that is company-worthy, too! Mash sweet potatoes with just a bit of butter and salt to taste. If some of that yummy blackberry sauce runs into your potatoes, oh well!