Winter weekly meal plan for eating seasonally

Meal planning in winter is probably a bit more of a challenge than the other three months of the year. There are plenty of things that are in season, but not quite as many as in the warmer months. This winter weekly meal plan includes breakfast, lunch, snacks and supper ideas to keep you warm and filled.

This is the fourth season in my weekly meal planning series. If you’re trying to spend less on groceries and eat a bit healthier, seasonal produce is the easiest way to do that. You can take advantage of the farmers market or the sales at your regular grocery store.

Winter produce is a lot more hearty and filling. Unfortunately, at least at my house, winter veggies tend to be the ones that picky eaters don’t like: kale, brussels sprouts, turnips… but there are other tasty options.

Winter weekly meal plan

breakfast

• apple cinnamon baked doughnuts {Use pear sauce instead of apple.}
• orange sunrise smoothie

lunch

• macaroni and cheese with broccoli
• potato leek soup {great in a thermos}

snacks

• broccoli, carrots and celery dipped in hummus
• sliced pears dipped in peanut butter

supper

1. braised short ribs with mashed potatoes

This recipe from The Pioneer Woman was an instant hit at my house. You can easily sub a different cut of meat if you can’t find beef short ribs.

2. pasta and red sauce

What makes this veggie packed red sauce recipe so great is that you can use just about any vegetables. Just cook them thoroughly before you puree and they will disappear. Try adding a cup of butternut squash.

3. sheet pan chicken, sweet potato, and broccoli

Any combination of meat and vegetables can be tossed on a baking sheet and popped in the oven for a low-maintenance meal without really needing a recipe. Use this recipe from Cooking Classy as a guide.

4. hearty vegetable stew

The hearty vegetable stew in my Seasonal Meal Plans ebook is basically a combination of vegetables, broth, orzo and spices simmered until everything is cooked through.

5. Irish skillet dinner

This one-pot meal from Tara Cooks is made with cabbage and hash browns, but I simply substitute diced potatoes. You can also substitute kielbasa instead of the ground beef.

6. hoppin’ john

My winter meal plan wouldn’t be complete without this New Year’s Day recipe. My version includes bell pepper, onion, black-eyed peas, and plenty of garlic.

7. slow cooker shepherd’s pie

My family loves shepherd’s pie year-round and I try to change out the vegetables to fit the season. This version from Yellow Bliss Road is made in the slow cooker, so the flavors really have time to meld.

If you enjoyed this winter weekly meal plan, come back at the beginning of each season for spring, summer and fall.

For more seasonal meal planning help, download this seasonal produce guide to keep in your pantry of meal planning binder.