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Skinnytaste Week 2 Dinner Plan: Menu and Grocery List

Skinnytaste Dinner Plan (Week 2)
Skinnytaste Dinner Plan (Week 2)

Skinnytaste Weekly Dinner Plan — Week 2

Last week I introduced The Skinnytaste Meal Planner and shared a sample dinner plan. Many of you asked for this to become a regular feature, so I’m making it a weekly Sunday post. Each week I’ll outline a simple, approachable dinner plan with links to the recipes and a consolidated grocery list to make shopping easier. This week’s menu focuses on cozy, flavor-forward dinners that are easy to prepare and family-friendly.

Weekly Dinner Schedule

  • Monday — Roasted Pumpkin Sage Soup (Meatless Monday): A comforting, seasonal soup that highlights roasted pumpkin and sage. It’s perfect for starting the week light and warm. Roasted Pumpkin Sage Soup
  • Tuesday — Slow Cooker Chicken and Black Bean Tacos: Make tacos effortless with a slow cooker filling of tender chicken and black beans. Ideal for a busy weeknight—set it and come home to dinner ready to assemble. Slow Cooker Chicken and Black Bean Tacos
  • Wednesday — Crock Pot Balsamic Roast Pork: A slow-cooked balsamic pork roast that’s juicy and flavorful. This recipe has been a favorite on Skinnytaste for its ease and delicious sauce. Crock Pot Balsamic Roast Pork
  • Thursday — Lasagna Soup: All the comforting flavors of lasagna in a hearty, spoonable soup. Rich tomato broth, Italian herbs, and cheesy components make this a satisfying weeknight meal. Lasagna Soup
  • Friday — Oven-Fried Pork Chops: Crispy breaded pork chops baked in the oven for a healthier twist on a classic. Pair with roasted vegetables or a simple salad. Oven Fried Pork Chops
  • Saturday — BBQ Chicken Chili: A robust chili with barbecue flavor—great for weekends when you want a hearty bowl that stretches for leftovers. Serve with a sprinkle of cheese and warm cornbread. BBQ Chicken Chili
  • Sunday — Birthday Party / Eating Out: A day off from cooking—celebrating a birthday and dining out.

Meal Planning Tips

To make this plan work smoothly: review the grocery list and check your pantry for staples such as olive oil, spices, and canned tomatoes before shopping. Use leftovers from the crock pot roast or chili for lunches or to add to salads. When recipes call for herbs like basil or parsley, consider buying a small bunch and using it across multiple meals to reduce waste. Freezing portions of soups or cooked proteins can save time later in the week.

These recipes are chosen for their straightforward methods—slow cooker, oven, and stovetop recipes that fit busy schedules while delivering satisfying meals. If you need to adapt for dietary preferences, swap proteins or choose gluten-free noodles where indicated.

Weekly Grocery List (Week 2)

Below is a consolidated grocery list organized by category for easy shopping. Quantities are reflective of the week’s recipes—adjust based on household size and preferences.

Produce

  • 2 medium sugar or pie pumpkins
  • shallots
  • garlic
  • fresh sage
  • scallions
  • cilantro
  • red cabbage (about 1 1/3 cups shredded)
  • pico de gallo (optional)
  • avocado (optional)
  • onion
  • red onion
  • jalapeño pepper

Meat & Poultry

  • 12 oz skinless chicken tenders or breast
  • 2 lb boneless pork shoulder roast
  • 14 oz Italian chicken sausage
  • 6 center-cut boneless pork chops (about 3/4” thick)
  • 1 lb skinless chicken breast

Dairy & Eggs

  • butter
  • reduced-fat sour cream
  • part-skim shredded mozzarella
  • part-skim ricotta
  • grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • reduced-fat cheddar cheese

Pantry & Grocery

  • low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • 1 can reduced-sodium black beans
  • 10 oz can tomatoes with mild chilis
  • 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • red wine vinegar
  • 12 crisp corn taco shells
  • honey
  • marinara sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • 6 oz lasagna noodles (whole wheat or gluten-free if needed)
  • panko crumbs
  • crushed cornflake crumbs
  • 12 oz jar roasted red peppers in water
  • olive oil
  • 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Herbs & Spices

  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • chili powder
  • red pepper flakes
  • cracked black pepper
  • onion powder
  • garlic powder
  • oregano
  • ground cumin
  • fresh parsley
  • bay leaves
  • fresh basil
  • paprika

Happy cooking! If you try any of these recipes, consider noting which ones become favorites so I can tailor future weekly plans to include more of what your family loves. New meal plans will be posted every Sunday to help you shop and plan for the coming week.