Halloween Week Dinners
Weeknight dinners should be straightforward to prepare and simple to clean up. This week’s plan focuses on one-pan and one-pot meals, a time-honored Halloween chili tradition, and an easy sheetpan supper. Shop once, plan your week, and you’ll have dinners lined up for every night without last-minute stress.
If someone you know would enjoy this meal plan, please forward it and encourage them to sign up for the newsletter. Growing the newsletter helps support a cookbook proposal I’m working on. If you make anything from this week’s lineup, snap a photo and tag @smartinthekitchen—I love seeing your versions. Have a great week!
SUNDAY
Weeknight bolognese. I’ll serve mine over sautéed spinach with olive oil and garlic, while the kids will have theirs tossed with penne. For dessert, pumpkin pie with whipped cream keeps the season cozy and familiar.
MONDAY
A big-batch vegetable soup is perfect for using odds and ends from the crisper and freezer. It’s flexible—add whatever vegetables you have on hand and simmer until tender. Consider making gluten-free jalapeño corn muffins as a warm, slightly spicy side. Toss a simple side salad with a super-simple dressing, swapping champagne vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a fall-forward flavor.
TUESDAY
Grilled chicken tacos with all the fixings are versatile—serve them over a bed of beans or greens, or wrap them in tortillas. I like chopping the grilled chicken finely rather than slicing it, which makes it easier to eat in tacos. Offer cilantro, avocado slices, and salsa verde to finish the plates.
WEDNESDAY
Halloween night means chili—always. I usually make a double batch to feed friends and family. I feed the kids early so they have something in their stomach before heading out for candy. This year’s spread includes roasted pumpkin seeds, a pumpkin black bean chili, easy mummy sausages for a fun touch, and a tasty adult beverage for the grown-ups. Look for a feature in the Houston Chronicle today with recipes and ideas.
THURSDAY
After a night of trick-or-treating, a late school start is a welcome relief—extra sleep for everyone. For dinner, go with sheetpan sausage and peppers using kielbasa or bratwurst. Choose high-quality sausages for the best flavor. Serve the dish with sauerkraut on the side, and consider adding quartered red potatoes to the sheetpan so everything roasts together.
FRIDAY
It’s rivalry game night, a perfect excuse for hearty, comforting food. If you’re cooking at home, Instant Pot pot roast is an easy, crowd-pleasing option that frees you up to enjoy the game. If you want something lighter after a week of beef and sausages, try a turmeric-spiced chicken for bright, aromatic flavors that still feel satisfying.