Life’s still life-ing, so this week’s meals are coming in hot (on the days I can handle it) and chillin’ in the freezer when I can’t. This round of our reserve-based meal plan keeps things doable — we’re talking one-pan bakes, skillet tosses, and recipes that don’t expect you to be a professional chef or have unlimited spoons. I cook every other day (ish), and fill the gaps with reserve meals like eggs, toast, frozen dinners, and soup. Because some days are just not it, and that’s okay.

Starting Monday, we’ve got seven solid “cook day” meals that cover two weeks — hearty, comforting, budget-friendly, and picky-eater resistant. If you’re new here, this isn’t about meal prepping ten containers of the same thing. It’s about creating a plan that works when your energy is spotty and the schedule is chaos. Let’s survive and eat good food while we’re at it. Scroll down for this week’s cook day menu, plus a grocery list and printable recipe cards to make your life easier.

Grab your grocery list (printable coming right up), and let’s get this plan in motion.

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🗓️ Reserve-Based Meal Plan: Weeks Five & Six

Starting Monday, May 12th

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🍽️ Week Five

Monday – Cook Day
Chicken Apple Sausage & Potato Bake
Sweet + savory with minimal brain power: chicken apple sausage, sliced apples, onions, and potatoes roasted together with olive oil and thyme. A sheet pan miracle.

Tuesday – Reserve/Leftovers
Whatever’s left from Monday or hit the freezer stash.

Wednesday – Cook Day
Kielbasa & Peppers Stir-Fry Over Rice
Fast, colorful, and full of flavor: kielbasa, bell peppers, and onions tossed in soy sauce with rice. Add garlic and a splash of broth or vinegar if you’re fancy.

Thursday – Reserve/Leftovers
You know the drill. Leftovers, breakfast for dinner, or peace-out night.

Friday – Cook Day
Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs wrapped in bacon, slathered in BBQ sauce, and roasted until crispy. Garlic powder and paprika seal the deal.

Saturday – Reserve/Leftovers
Don’t cook. You earned it.

Sunday – Cook Day
Kielbasa Skillet
Cheesy Melty gooey goodness.. A one-pan spicy pasta situation with andouille sausage, tomatoes, garlic, and penne. Fast, bold, and satisfying.

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🍽️ Week Six

Monday – Cook Day
Chicken Fried Rice
Leftover rice, scrambled egg, diced chicken, and whatever frozen veg you’ve got. Soy sauce, sesame oil, and boom—better than takeout.

Tuesday – Reserve/Leftovers
Microwave something. Sit down while it cooks.

Wednesday – Cook Day
Potato Chicken Sausage and Pepper Bake
Use that leftover rice and whatever’s hanging around. Add diced chicken, eggs, peas/carrots, and soy sauce. Done in 10 minutes if you don’t overthink it.

Thursday – Reserve/Leftovers
Leftover fried rice tastes even better. Just saying.

Friday – Cook Day
Pesto Chicken Flat Bread
Tender, seasoned chicken with pesto, melty mozzarella, and juicy tomatoes, all atop your choice of flatbread or naan. Ready in just 20 minutes, suitable for ‘I forgot to tell you the concert is tonight at 5:30’ vibes.

Saturday – Reserve/Leftovers
Pick your favorite rerun from the week.

Sunday – Cook Day
Pasta Bake
Comfort food meets mom hack. Pasta with red sauce, sneaky chopped veggies, mozzarella, and maybe some Italian sausage if you’re fancy.

🍗 Meat & Protein

• Chicken thighs (for 2 meals — est. 6–8 thighs total)
• Chicken apple sausage (1 package)
• Kielbasa (1 package)
• Andouille sausage (1 package)
• Bacon (1 package)
• Eggs (for fried rice)

🥕 Produce

• Potatoes (4–6 medium)
• Apples (2)
• Yellow or white onions (3–4)
• Bell peppers (3–4, mixed colors)
• Garlic (1 bulb or pre-minced)
• Zucchini (1–2) optional for sheet pan
• Carrots (for roasting or side)
• Green veggie of choice (for Maple Mustard Chicken side)

🍚 Grains & Pantry

• Jasmine or white rice
• Egg noodles or other pasta for sausage & peppers
• Penne pasta (for Andouille skillet)
• Soy sauce
• Olive oil
• Sesame oil (optional for fried rice)
• Dijon mustard (skip if you’re omitting for your swap)
• Maple syrup
• BBQ sauce (your favorite)
• Italian seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Broth (chicken or veggie, carton or bouillon)

🧂 Other

Canned diced tomatoes (1–2 cans)

Frozen peas & carrots mix (optional for fried rice)
Til next time guys, take care of yourselves, and each other!