If there’s one thing that makes cooking at home feel less stressful, it’s having a plan, even a loose one. Whether your goal is to eat healthier, save money, or just make weeknights a little easier, meal planning gives you a rhythm.
And the secret to making that rhythm work? A well-stocked pantry.
This week, we’re laying the foundation: a simple approach to meal planning and a few tips for building your perfect pantry – one that fits the way you actually cook.
Step 1: Look at your week
Start by looking at your calendar. Which nights are packed? Which ones give you a little breathing room?
If I know I’ve got back-to-back meetings or late evenings, I plan something that requires minimal effort like leftovers, salads, or a night off with takeout. On slower nights, I’ll cook something that can stretch into lunch the next day.
Meal planning doesn’t have to be rigid. It’s about setting yourself up for success before you’re hungry and tired.
Step 2: Select your recipes
Pick one or two main proteins or ingredients for the week and plan around them. Maybe you roast a chicken or make a pot of beans on Sunday and then use those in different ways over the next few days.
I try to mix in one or two new recipes each week alongside familiar favorites, something easy and flexible that makes the most of what I already have.
Step 3: Check your pantry
Before you run to the store, take a quick look at what’s already in your cabinets and fridge. A well-stocked pantry makes it easier to throw dinner together without a last-minute grocery run.
Keep basics like olive oil, vinegar, canned tomatoes, beans, rice, pasta, and broth. Add your favorite spices, and replenish things as soon as you use them up. That’s the trick to staying prepared without overstocking.
A good rule of thumb; if you use it often, keep it on hand.
Step 4: Make your grocery list
I like to combine steps two, three, and four. Once I’ve picked my recipes and checked my pantry, I jot down what I need.
Pro tip: organize your grocery list by aisle, or use your store’s app to do it for you. It saves time, helps you avoid impulse buys, and keeps your trip efficient, especially if you’re grocery shopping on a Sunday afternoon when everyone else is too.
Step 5: Shop and prep
Shopping with a list keeps you on budget and helps resist those “just because” items that add up.
When you get home, prep a few things right away if you can. Chop veggies, cook grains, or portion out smoothie ingredients. A little prep on the front end makes the rest of the week smoother and gives you fewer excuses to skip cooking.
Tips for Building Your Perfect Pantry
Everyone’s pantry looks different, and it should. Mine leans global with things like curry paste, sesame oil, and rice noodles. Yours might include canned beans, tomato sauce, or peanut butter. There’s no right way.
The goal is to create a pantry that supports your cooking style.
A few guiding principles:
- Keep an inventory of what you have and rotate items so nothing gets lost in the back.
- Replace ingredients as you use them and add it to your list before you forget.
- Organize in a way that makes sense for you, by type, cuisine, or frequency of use.
- Add flavor boosters like vinegars, sauces, and spices that keep meals interesting.
If you want to see my go-to list, check out Pantry Staples for a great starting point to build your own.
Meal Planning & Perfect Pantry Recipes:
Banana Bread
Jalapeno Cilantro Hummus
Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts
Classic Vegetable Soup
Greek Chicken Salad
Sesame Brown Rice and Chicken Salad
Salsa Chicken Tacos
Cornbread Fried Chicken
Chicken Tamale Casserole
Creamy Taco Mac
Buckeye Brownies
Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
Ruth's Table 
Thank you Amanda!!! Great tips! Love you!