Need help with your menu? Our April meal plan takes the guesswork out of menu planning by listing a whole month's worth of dinners. From Sunday suppers to weeknight winners, we've got you covered.
1/30
Day 1: Beef Stroganoff
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe for beef Stroganoff with round steak is one I spotted in a local hospital auxiliary cookbook. When I gave it a try, my husband loved it! And I've had lots of compliments every time I've served it. –Brenda Read, Burns Lake, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 325 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 722mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
This creamy beef stroganoff is served over egg noodles for a hearty dinner. The rich sauce is made with sour cream and beef broth.
2/30
Day 2: Shrimp with Orzo and Feta
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender, hearty and flavorful, this recipe is one of my favorites! Garlic and a splash of lemon add to the fresh taste and heart-healthy benefits of shrimp. —Sarah Hummel, Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 406 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 180mg cholesterol, 307mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
Want a pasta dish that’s not too heavy? This quick dinner includes tender shrimp in a light, lemon sauce.
3/30
Day 3: Chicken Caprese
From the Recipe Creator:
I love a Caprese salad of tomatoes, basil and cheese, so why not try a chicken caprese? You can grill this dish, but my family agrees it’s juicier straight from the oven. —Dana Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 525 calories, 34 g fat (11g saturated fat), 139 mg cholesterol, 761 mg sodium, 5 g carbohydrate (4 g sugars, 1 g fiber), 45 g protein.
This dish takes all the flavors of a Caprese salad and puts them on chicken. The only difference lies in the herby, Italian marinade.
4/30
Day 4: Shepherd’s Pie Twice-Baked Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe features the best of two classics—baked potatoes and shepherd’s pie. Serve with a green salad, and satisfaction is guaranteed even for those with the heartiest appetites. —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed potato: 986 calories, 56g fat (32g saturated fat), 183mg cholesterol, 1066mg sodium, 86g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 11g fiber), 37g protein.
This dish is a fusion of a meaty shepherd’s pie filling and twice-baked potatoes. The three types of cheeses—Parmesan, cheddar and Monterey Jack—make it a loaded dinner.
5/30
Day 5: Lemon Broccoli Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom used to make super succulent chicken with broccoli for our family in Montana. The few lucky guests invited for supper could not stop raving. —Jessy Drummond, Springfield, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken with 3/4 cup broccoli (calculated without rice): 304 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 716mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.
Busy weekdays call for quick dinners like this one-pan meal. The chicken is golden brown and crispy while the sauce is light and lemony.
6/30
Day 6: Hawaiian Pork Chops
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a great last-minute meal when friends drop in? Hampton, Virginia's Michelle Cavalier recommends one of her husband's sweet-and-sour favorites. “This is so easy, tastes just like Hawaiian pizza, and I usually have all ingredients on hand.”
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 3/4 cup sauce: 250 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 554mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
These Hawaiian pork chops are dressed up with sweet pineapple, savory vegetables and a tangy sauce. They’re easy to reheat, making them a great meal-prep option.
7/30
Day 7: Alabama Chicken Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re gearing up to cook for a large event or prepping for a week’s worth of wholesome, hearty dinners, consider putting North Alabama chicken stew on your menu. It's full of lean protein, creamy potatoes and a flavorful tomato broth! —Kim Wehby, Birmingham, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 399 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 722mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein.
North Alabama chicken stew is similar to the Brunswick stew you’ll find in southern towns. It’s full of tomatoes, potatoes, onions and corn, all simmered in a homemade chicken stock.
8/30
Day 8: Fast Baked Fish
From the Recipe Creator:
We always have a good supply of fresh fish, so I make fish recipes often. This recipe is my favorite because it is moist, tender and flavorful. —Judie Anglen, Riverton, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 270 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 540mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein.
Topped with butter and a few spices, this easy baked fish is moist, flaky and tender. Use fresh or frozen fillets for a quick and simple dinner.
9/30
Day 9: Baked Chicken Chimichangas
From the Recipe Creator:
I developed this quick and easy recipe through trial and error. I used to garnish it with sour cream, but I eliminated it in order to lighten the recipe. My friends all love it when I cook these chimichangas, and they're much healthier than deep-fried. —Rickey Madden, Clinton, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 chimichanga: 269 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 613mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
Chimichangas are easier to make than you might think. With only eight ingredients, they bake in the oven until they’re perfectly browned.
10/30
Day 10: Hearty Penne Beef
From the Recipe Creator:
This is comfort food at its finest! The best of everything is found here—it's tasty, easy and a smart way to sneak in some spinach for extra nutrition. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 482 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 1001mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 41g protein.
Pasta is always a good dinner idea. Worcestershire sauce and beef broth add depth to the rich and cheesy sauce.
11/30
Day 11: Shrimp Noodle Bowls
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a quick meal that feels as if it came from a restaurant. Cooked shrimp, bagged slaw and bottled dressing reduce the time needed to get it on the table. —Mary Bergfeld, Eugene, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 260 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 147mg cholesterol, 523mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
This takeout-inspired dish is ready in the time it takes to order delivery. It only has six ingredients, including shortcuts like ginger salad dressing and broccoli coleslaw mix.
12/30
Day 12: Beef and Rice Skillet
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this kicked-up skillet dish with warm flour tortillas and a side of guacamole. If you like things a little spicier, add more jalapeno and enjoy the heat! —Pat Hockett, Ocala, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 482 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 962mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein.
If you love stuffed peppers but don’t love the effort, this loaded beef and rice skillet is the answer. You can get it on the table in a half hour flat.
13/30
Day 13: Herb Salmon
From the Recipe Creator:
My roasted salmon is so simple but elegant enough to serve to company. I make it on days when I have less than an hour to cook. The salmon seasoning is an easy way to add flavor. —Luanne Asta, Hampton Bays, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 301 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 529mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 fat.
Herb salmon is quick enough for a busy weeknight meal, but elegant enough for guests. Serve the herb and garlic-infused salmon atop a bed of greens or potatoes.
14/30
Day 14: Chicken Loaf
From the Recipe Creator:
Try a twist on traditional meat loaf with this chicken loaf that begins in the food processor. Mushroom sauce creates a more upscale topping. —Keri Schofield Lawson, Brea, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 1/3 cup gravy: 290 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 807mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
Tired of the same old meat loaf? This comforting chicken meat loaf is served with a rich mushroom gravy.
15/30
Day 15: Chicken Spinach Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
Cleanup is a breeze with this creamy spinach chicken. To make things even easier, tear the spinach with your hands instead of cutting it. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 698 calories, 42g fat (22g saturated fat), 170mg cholesterol, 1061mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 45g protein.
This creamy and cheesy spinach pasta can feed the whole family. You can add red pepper flakes for a bit of kick.
16/30
Day 16: Sausage & Vegetable Skillet Dinner
From the Recipe Creator:
I threw this sausage recipe together one night to use up produce before going out of town. Who knew it was going to be such a hit! Now it’s a recipe I turn to whenever time is tight. —Elizabeth Kelley, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 371 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 715mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
Made with potatoes, onions, spinach and corn, this hearty dish is surprisingly quick to prepare. This recipe uses precooked Italian chicken sausage to save on time.
17/30
Day 17: Fried Chicken Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
Using chicken fingers in this recipe makes for the perfectly sized taco and also cuts down on prep time. I like to pair it with Spanish rice and refried beans for a complete meal for two. —Kathy Williams Layton, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 414 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein.
Chicken tenderloins cook quickly for a kid-friendly meal. Top them with your favorite fixings like sour cream or guacamole.
18/30
Day 18: Mushroom Pork Chops
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law gave me this recipe years ago, and I have used it ever since. My family loves the sweetness with a little kick.—Hilary Rigo, Wickenburg, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1/3 cup mushrooms: 299 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 515mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
This skillet recipe brings together the classic combination of pork and mushrooms. The pork stays juicy with a slightly sweet white wine sauce.
19/30
Day 19: Homemade Ravioli
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to bake and cook—especially Italian dishes like this homemade ravioli recipe. In fact, my idea of a perfect day consists of cooking my family's favorite foods then watching them dig in!—Lori Daniels, Hartland, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
10 ravioli: 856 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 279mg cholesterol, 1139mg sodium, 110g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 7g fiber), 42g protein.
This recipe is for a classic, ricotta-filled ravioli with sugo-style tomato sauce. Homemade pasta is a labor of love, but it’s worth it after you have your first bite.
20/30
Day 20: Mediterranean Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone I know loves this special chicken recipe. I changed a few things to make it healthier, but it tastes just as good. — Kara Zilis, Oak Forest, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 417 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 386mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
This Mediterranean-style chicken incorporates Greek olives, feta cheese and stewed tomatoes and is assembled as a yummy rice bowl.
21/30
Day 21: Cheeseburger Cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a terrific recipe for moms with young kids and busy lives. This simple, inexpensive dish is made with handy ingredients and takes just a short time. Best of all, kids will go crazy for these darling dinner bites! —Jeri Millhouse, Ashland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cheeseburger cup: 299 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 910mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
Reinvent the cheeseburger with these fun, handheld cups. Made with buttermilk biscuits and Velveeta cheese, they’re cheesy and easy to doctor with your favorite burger toppings.
22/30
Day 22: Taco Spaghetti
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this kid-friendly taco spaghetti recipe one afternoon when I was using up leftover spaghetti and ground beef. When I'm lucky enough to have extra time, I make two batches and freeze one. —Johanna Van Ness, Wichita, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 439 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 927mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
Taco spaghetti is a comfort food mashup that’ll have kids and adults excited for dinner. It’s a great way to use leftovers.
23/30
Day 23: Contest-Winning Hot Chicken Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
After I tasted this chicken salad at a women's luncheon, I left with the recipe in hand. I was our city clerk for several years, and on election days I brought this to serve our poll workers for lunch. It got everyone's vote of approval! I've found it is also delicious stuffed in a tomato. —Ruth Glabe, Oronoco, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 1003 calories, 83g fat (23g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 1697mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 36g protein.
This contest-winning hot chicken salad transforms the beloved classic into a warm, comforting meal. The super creamy base is made of mayonnaise, sour cream and condensed cream of chicken soup.
24/30
Day 24: Chicken and Rice Bowls
From the Recipe Creator:
This is so easy to toss together on a busy weeknight, and I usually have the ingredients on hand. I start sauteing the onion and pepper first, then I prepare the instant rice. If you like, top it with some shredded sharp cheddar cheese. —Tammy Daniels, Batavia, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 239 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 914mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
In a rush? These chicken and rice bowls are endlessly adaptable as they’re made with a simple mix of veggies and herbs.
25/30
Day 25: Spinach Lasagna
From the Recipe Creator:
In the kitchen, my husband and I like to use classic ingredients in new ways. I came up with this lasagna one day and haven't made another type since. We love it! —Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 291 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 673mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
For a meatless meal, try this spinach lasagna. This recipe uses four types of cheese including Parmesan, feta, mozzarella and ricotta.
26/30
Day 26: Catalina Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
Using salad dressing to make this family favorite helps keep the prep time to only 10 minutes. I like to spoon extra sauce over the baked Catalina chicken just before serving. —Frances Roberts, Silver Spring, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 261 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 727mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein.
Catalina chicken is made with, you guessed it, Catalina salad dressing. It’s a sweet and tangy ketchup-based dressing that you can find in most grocery stores.
27/30
Day 27: Balsamic Pork Chops
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves pork chops, so I try to find new ways to use them. He calls this version 'restaurant quality!' —Nicole Clayton, Prescott, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 3 tablespoons sauce: 715 calories, 41g fat (17g saturated fat), 169mg cholesterol, 557mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 1g fiber), 46g protein.
This sweet and savory dinner is ready in 30 minutes. The balsamic-and-honey glaze is tangy and rich, which complements the thick pork chops.
28/30
Day 28: Rice and Bean Enchiladas
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Mexican food, but I'm always looking for ways to make it healthier. I reworked a dish that I have enjoyed in restaurants to suit my taste and lifestyle. —Christie Ladd, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 enchilada: 298 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 899mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 12g protein.
You won’t miss the meat with this rice and bean enchiladas recipe. These enchiladas are hearty and filling, and you can make them spicy or mild depending on your preferences.
29/30
Day 29: Chicken Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
The original old family recipe for this chicken casserole called for the sauce to be made from scratch. Through the years, I developed this version that takes less time to prepare and still tastes great. It's an attractive main dish. —Ruth Van Dyke, Traverse City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 416 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 775mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
Calling all olive lovers! This creamy and cheesy chicken casserole starts with the “Holy Trinity” of celery, onion and green bell pepper and is finished with olives, mushrooms and egg noodles.
30/30
Day 30: Greek Chicken and Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll find this meal is a nice one to prepare for company or to serve your family for Sunday dinner. All you need with it is tossed salad and some crusty French bread. —Pella Visnick, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked chicken with 2 pieces potato: 530 calories, 30g fat (10g saturated fat), 150mg cholesterol, 262mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 45g protein.
If cooking a whole chicken sounds intimidating, you can always make Greek roast chicken with bone-in chicken thighs. But try giving this recipe a chance as roasting the whole chicken is an easy (and inexpensive) way to prepare dinner for a crowd.
