Week 4: The Simply Sunday Supper Plan

Five Easy Gluten-Free Family Dinners (Plus a Grocery List!)

 

Before We Fill the Cart…

Some weeks don’t go exactly as planned.

This week, our air conditioner decided it was the perfect time to quit working. While we wait for it to be repaired, I’m doing everything I can to keep the house comfortable, which means relying on the slow cooker, choosing meals that don’t require the oven for long periods, and keeping things simple.

To make things even more interesting, we’ve also been keeping an eye on the air quality because of the wildfire smoke. I originally planned to grill this week, but with the smoke coming and going, I decided to swap those meals for dinners we can count on no matter what the weather decides to do.

That’s one of the reasons I love meal planning. It gives me a starting point, but it’s flexible enough to change when life happens.

Before heading to the grocery store, don’t forget to shop your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer first. You may already have several ingredients on hand, which helps save both money and food.

This Week’s Grocery Budget

Kroger Only: $120–150

Aldi + Kroger: $90–115

Well-Stocked Pantry: $70–90

Aldi vs. Kroger Shopping Guide

Aldi

Meat

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Ground beef
• Bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
• Italian sausage
• Bacon

Produce

• Yellow onions
• Shallots
• Garlic
• Yukon Gold potatoes
• Romaine lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Avocados
• Limes
• Fresh parsley
• Fresh oregano

Dairy

• Butter
• Ricotta
• Parmesan
• Mozzarella
• Pepper Jack
• Cheddar
• Eggs
• Mayonnaise

Pantry

• Olive oil
• Chicken broth
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano

Frozen

• Spinach

Kroger

• Gluten-free tortillas
• Gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
• Gluten-free marinara sauce
• Gluten-free enchilada sauce
• Chipotle peppers in adobo
• Gluten-free bread
• Caesar dressing

Complete Grocery List

Meat

• 1½ pounds chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 pound ground beef
• 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 package Italian sausage
• 1 package bacon

Produce

• 3 yellow onions
• 2 shallots
• 9 cloves garlic
• 2 avocados
• 2 limes
• 1 head romaine lettuce
• 3 tomatoes
• Fresh parsley
• Fresh oregano

Dairy

• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Pepper Jack cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Butter
• Eggs
• Mayonnaise

Frozen

• Frozen spinach

Pantry

• Olive oil
• Gluten-free marinara
• Gluten-free enchilada sauce
• Chipotle peppers
• Chicken broth
• Gluten-free panko
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano

Bread & Grains

• Gluten-free tortillas
• Gluten-free sandwich bread

This Week’s Menu

Monday: Crockpot Chicken Tacos

An easy slow cooker meal that keeps the kitchen cool while dinner cooks itself.

Tuesday: Classic Homemade Meatballs

A comforting family favorite that’s perfect after a busy evening of activities.

Wednesday: Ricotta Herb Stuffed Chicken Thighs

A simple dinner that feels a little special without adding much extra work.

Thursday: Italian Sausage Bake

Everything bakes together in one dish for an easy weeknight meal.

Friday: BLT Sandwiches

A cool, fresh dinner that’s perfect for ending the week without heating up the kitchen.

Saturday: Leftovers

Take the night off from cooking and enjoy whatever is left before grocery shopping starts again.

A Little Sunday Prep Goes a Long Way

• Chop your onions and garlic for the week.
• Prepare the meatballs and refrigerate until Tuesday.
• Make the ricotta filling for Wednesday’s chicken.
• Wash and chop the romaine lettuce.
• Slice the tomatoes for Friday’s BLTs.
• Shred all of your cheeses at once.
• Set out the slow cooker Sunday night so Monday morning is easy.

Today Around Our Table

Monday – Crockpot Chicken Tacos

This week got off to an unexpected start when our air conditioner decided it was the perfect time to stop working. Until it’s repaired, we’re trying to keep the house as cool as possible, so the slow cooker is definitely earning its keep today. While dinner cooks itself, I’ll be catching up on laundry, homeschool planning, and trying to stay one step ahead of the heat.

What’s for Dinner: Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Why This Meal Works Today: The slow cooker keeps the kitchen cool and dinner is ready whenever we are.

What We Serve It With:

• Mexican rice
• Chips and salsa
• Watermelon

Tuesday – Classic Homemade Meatballs

Tuesday afternoons always seem to fly by. Between karate and gymnastics, everyone is heading in different directions before we all meet back around the dinner table. Since the meatballs can be mixed ahead of time, all that’s left is cooking them and letting them simmer in the sauce while everyone finishes up their activities.

What’s for Dinner: Classic Homemade Meatballs

Why This Meal Works Today: A make-ahead meal makes busy sports nights much less stressful.

What We Serve It With:

• Gluten-free spaghetti
• Caesar salad
• Garlic bread

Wednesday – Ricotta Herb Stuffed Chicken Thighs

Wednesday is our church night, so I try to keep the afternoon as calm as possible. Making the filling earlier in the day means dinner comes together quickly, giving us time to eat before we head out the door.

What’s for Dinner: Ricotta Herb Stuffed Chicken Thighs

Why This Meal Works Today: A little prep ahead of time means a homemade dinner without feeling rushed.

What We Serve It With:

• Roasted potatoes
• Green beans
• Side salad

Thursday – Italian Sausage Bake

The wildfire smoke has made the air quality unpredictable this week, so instead of firing up the grill, we’re keeping dinner indoors. It’s a good reminder that meal plans don’t have to be set in stone. Sometimes the best plan is the one that works for what’s happening right now.

What’s for Dinner: Italian Sausage Bake

Why This Meal Works Today: One pan, easy cleanup, and no need to grill if the air quality isn’t great.

What We Serve It With:

• Caesar salad
• Gluten-free garlic bread
• Roasted broccoli

Friday – BLT Sandwiches

By Friday, we’re all ready for a slower pace. After a week of juggling schedules, staying cool, and keeping an eye on the air quality, a simple BLT sounds just about perfect. It’s one of those dinners that comes together in minutes, which leaves more time to enjoy the evening together.

What’s for Dinner: BLT Sandwiches

Why This Meal Works Today: A fresh, no-fuss dinner that keeps the kitchen cool and starts the weekend off right.

What We Serve It With:

• Fresh fruit
• Potato chips
• Pasta salad
• Pickles

Saturday – Leftovers

Saturday is our reset day. Before we grocery shop and start planning another week, we use up leftovers, clean out the refrigerator, and enjoy one night without cooking a full meal. It’s a simple routine that’s helped us waste less food and make the most of what we already have.

What’s for Dinner: Leftovers

Why This Meal Works Today: One less night to cook and a fresh start for the week ahead.

What We Serve It With:

Whatever leftovers are calling your name!

 

As I was putting this week’s meal plan together, I was reminded that life rarely sticks to our plans. Appliances break, the weather changes, schedules shift, and sometimes dinner has to change right along with them. That’s okay.

Meal planning isn’t about following a schedule perfectly—it’s about making life a little easier, even when the week throws you a few surprises. Some nights you’ll swap meals around, order pizza, or make breakfast for dinner, and that’s all part of real life.

I hope this week’s menu gives you a few ideas, saves you a little time, and takes one decision off your plate. Whether you’re cooking every meal exactly as planned or making adjustments along the way, I hope your family finds time to gather around the table and enjoy being together.

Thanks for spending another week around our table. I’ll meet you back here next Sunday with another Simply Sunday Supper Plan.

Love,

Jess