5-Day Meal Plan: Chicken Thighs & Ground Beef Edition

Embrace five evenings of warmth, flavor, and simplicity. This thoughtfully designed plan centers around two rich, adaptable proteins—chicken thighs and ground beef—making dinner planning both delightful and easy. By focusing on overlapping ingredients, the plan keeps your grocery list streamlined, your kitchen efficient, and your meals full of variety.

Here’s what awaits you:

• Day 1: Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
  Tender, juicy chicken thighs glazed in a sweet-and-savory honey garlic sauce, paired with fluffy rice and crisp broccoli.
• Day 2: Classic Ground Beef Tacos
  Flavorful ground beef seasoned and nestled in crunchy taco shells, topped with fresh veggies and melted cheddar for a casual family favorite.
• Day 3: Chicken Fried Rice
  A comforting one-pan meal of crisp, golden rice stir-fried with chicken, veggies, and scrambled eggs—quick, satisfying, and zero-fuss.
• Day 4: Ground Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers
  Bell peppers stuffed with seasoned beef, rice, and cheese, then baked to bubbly perfection—a cozy, oven-made classic.
• Day 5: Creamy Chicken Thigh Pasta
  Indulgent yet approachable: chicken in a garlicky cream sauce tossed with pasta and fresh spinach. Comfort food with a touch of elegance.

Why This Plan Works
Designed for busy weeknights and streamlined shopping, the two proteins create cohesion and flexibility without sacrificing variety or taste. By reusing ingredients cleverly, you’ll minimize waste, maximize flavor, and make mealtime smoother—without extra effort.

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Day 1: Juicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs – Sweet & Savory One-Pan Dinner with Rice & Broccoli

These honey garlic chicken thighs are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, featuring tender chicken glazed in a rich honey-soy sauce. Paired with steamed broccoli and fluffy rice, this one-pan dinner is both comforting and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it's a family favorite that brings warmth and joy to the table.

Check out this recipe

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Day 2: Family-Friendly Homemade Ground Beef Tacos – Quick 20-Min Weeknight Dinner

These family-friendly homemade ground beef tacos deliver savory seasoned meat in warm, crunchy shells topped with lettuce, tomato, and cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or Taco Tuesdays. Easy to customize and crowd-pleasing, these tacos bring warmth, flavor, and simple joy to any dinner table.

Check out this recipe

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Day 3: Easy Chicken Fried Rice with Leftover Rice – Quick One-Pan Family Dinner

This easy chicken fried rice is a quick, one-pan meal made with leftover rice, tender chicken, and a mix of vegetables. Seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil, it's a flavorful and customizable dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a family-friendly favorite.

Check out this recipe

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Day 4: Classic Ground Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice & Cheese — Family-Friendly One-Dish Dinner

These classic ground beef stuffed bell peppers are filled with a flavorful mix of beef, rice, and tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese and baked until golden. This family-friendly, one-dish dinner is comforting, customizable (add corn or zucchini!), and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. A timeless cozy meal everyone loves.

Check out this recipe

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Day 5: Creamy Garlic Chicken Thigh Pasta with Spinach – Easy One-Pan Italian-Inspired Dinner

This quick, one-pan creamy garlic chicken thigh pasta blends tender chicken, fresh spinach, and garlic-infused cream into perfectly cooked pasta. Designed for busy evenings, it delivers comforting Italian-inspired flavors with minimal cleanup. Warm, satisfying, and easy to love, it’s the perfect dish to bring the family together any night.

Check out this recipe

Produce

• 1 large tomato

• 2 medium onions

• 2 medium carrots

• 1/2 head lettuce

• 9 garlic cloves

• 2 cups broccoli

• 2 cups spinach

• 4 large bell peppers

• 2 stalks green onions

• 1/2 cup peas

Proteins

• 3.5 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)

• 2 lbs ground beef

Pantry Items

• 3 cups rice (uncooked + cooked)

• 1 cup tomato sauce

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1/4 cup + 3 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil + more for cooking

• 2 tbsp taco seasoning

• 8 taco shells

• 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)

Refrigerated/Dairy

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

• 2 large eggs

Spices & Seasonings

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Oregano

  Prefer to print it? Download PDF version of this shopping list.

  5-Day Meal Plan – Chicken Thighs & Ground Beef Edition