10 Steps to Successful Meal Planning for a Large Family

Meal planning for a large family can feel like a daunting task, but with the right strategies in place, it can become a manageable and even enjoyable part of your routine.

By taking some time to plan ahead, you can save both time and money while ensuring that your family eats nutritious and delicious meals throughout the week. Here are 10 simple steps to help you achieve successful meal planning for your large family.

Take inventory of your pantry, freezer and fridge:

Before you begin making a list of meals, write down everything you have in your pantry, freezer and fridge. This takes some time but it is worth doing so you can use up what you have in your house, not waste food, and save yourself some money. While making your list, take note of any staple ingredients that need replenishing.

Utilize Leftovers:

Don’t let your leftovers go to waste! My family are not big fans of leftovers but I often use them to create something new. You can incorporate leftovers into future meals, for example, leftover roasted chicken can be shredded and used in sandwiches, stir fried rice or salads. Get creative and experiment with different dishes.

Create a Weekly Meal Calendar:

Now you can create a weekly meal calendar that outlines what you’ll be cooking for each meal of the week. Make sure you write down any days you will be out of the house or super busy so you can include some crock pot meals. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Consider involving your family members in the meal planning process to get their input and preferences. There are all sorts of free printables available online, just google weekly meal planner and you will get a ton of options.

Plan for Variety:

Aim to include a variety of proteins, grains, fruits, and vegetables in your meal plan to ensure balanced nutrition and keep meals interesting. Consider incorporating theme nights, such as Taco Tuesday or Stir-Fry Friday, to add excitement to your meal plan. At minimum I include one meat, one carb and one veggie with each meal. I also make homemade bread often because it is cheap and fills bellies.

Shop Smart:

When grocery shopping for a large family, it’s important to shop strategically to make the most of your budget. Look for sales, buy in bulk when possible, and consider purchasing generic or store-brand items to save money. Stick to your grocery list and avoid impulse purchases. A great way to do this is to use grocery pick-up. It keeps you out of the store so you don’t give into the temptation to purchase items you don’t need.

Batch cooking and freezer meals:

Save time during busy weekdays by batch cooking and freezing meals ahead of time. Prepare large batches of soups, stews, casseroles, and other freezer-friendly dishes that you can portion out and freeze for later use. This can be a lifesaver on hectic days when you don’t have time to cook from scratch. You can keep this simple by making 2 of each meal and freezing the second one for later. This way, you don’t have to have a large amount of time to cooks but you will still be stocking up some meals for later use. In the video below you can watch me do some freezer cooking for my own family!

Prep ingredients in advance:

Save time during the week by prepping ingredients in advance. Wash, chop, and portion out fruits and vegetables so they’re ready to grab and go for snacks or meal preparation. You can also marinate meats or pre-cook grains and beans to streamline the cooking process.

Stay flexible:

While having a meal plan in place is helpful, it’s also important to stay flexible and be willing to adapt when necessary. Life happens, and sometimes plans change. Have a few backup meal ideas or quick and easy recipes on hand for those hectic days when you need to throw together a meal at the last minute.

Keep a running grocery list:

Have a running grocery list in a central location, such as on the fridge or a shared digital document, where family members can add items as they run out. This will help ensure that you don’t forget any essential ingredients when you go shopping.

Reflect and adjust:

At the end of each week, take some time to reflect on how your meal plan worked out. What worked well? What could be improved? Use this feedback to adjust your meal planning approach for the following week. Over time, you’ll develop a meal planning routine that works best for your family’s needs.

Successful meal planning for a large family requires a combination of organization, creativity, and flexibility. By following these 10 simple steps, you can streamline the meal planning process, save time and money, and ensure that your family enjoys nutritious and satisfying meals together throughout the week. Happy meal planning!

Need more meal inspiration? Check out these healthy large family dinner ideas!