Check out these double-portions of mains and side dishes that won't fill up your fridge with leftovers.
Your Monthly Meal Plan for Two
Updated on Feb. 23, 2024
1/30
Day 1: Weeknight Lazy Lasagna
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On hectic nights, no one has time to stack several layers of lasagna. My version combines a few steps to cut down on prep, but keeps all the cheesy, saucy, noodle-y goodness that makes lasagna an all-time favorite. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 332 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 901mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
2/30
Buffalo Chicken Wrap
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Blue cheese dressing and hot pepper sauce enhance these yummy tortilla wraps. Filled with chicken, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes, these buffalo chicken wraps are colorful, fun to eat...and tote-able, too! —Athena Russell, Florence, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 879 calories, 55g fat (18g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 1589mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 39g protein.
3/30
Day 3: Ground Beef Wellington
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Trying new recipes is one of my favorite hobbies. It’s also the most gratifying. What could beat the smiles and compliments of the ones you love? This recipe is easy enough for weeknights yet fancy enough to serve for special occasions. —Julie Frankamp, Nicollet, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 578 calories, 37g fat (16g saturated fat), 207mg cholesterol, 909mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
4/30
Day 4: Asparagus 'n' Shrimp with Angel Hair
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We’ve all heard that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so when I plan a romantic dinner, this shrimp asparagus pasta with angel hair is one dish I like to serve. It is easy on the budget and turns out perfectly for two. —Shari Neff, Takoma Park, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 488 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 584mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
5/30
Day 5: Steak 'n' Fries Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a very popular dish at restaurants in central Pennsylvania. Prepared sweet-and-sour dressing is good on this salad, too. —Nancy Collins, Clearfield, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 513 calories, 26g fat (7g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 429mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
6/30
Day 6: Lemon Basil Salmon
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband came up with this easy foil-packet recipe for flaky, fork-tender salmon. This recipe is a winner. —Marianne Bauman Modesto, CA
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 274 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 264mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
7/30
Day 7: Tasty Turkey and Mushrooms
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh mushrooms star in this tender turkey entree that comes together in 15 minutes. Served with a side of brown rice, it makes a light but satisfying dinner. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 209 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
8/30
Day 8: Bacon, Egg & Avocado Sandwiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband wanted bacon and eggs; I wanted a BLT. We settled our standoff with an irresistible sandwich we've had many times since. —Patti Darwin, Lubbock, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 448 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 209mg cholesterol, 864mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.
9/30
Day 9: Homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken cordon bleu is a great, fast dinner for two. It’s easy to fix and makes an elegant entree. — Betty Palmesino, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 441 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 792mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 46g protein.
10/30
Day 10: Beef Tenderloin in Mushroom Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When our kids are visiting Grandma, I make this recipe for just my husband and myself. It's a recipe my mother-in-law has been using for more than 30 years. I especially look forward to preparing it as part of a special Valentine's Day menu. —Denise McNab, Warminster, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 417 calories, 32g fat (17g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 659mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
11/30
Day 11: Homemade Fish Sticks
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I am a nutritionist and needed a healthy fish fix. Moist inside and crunchy outside, these are amazing with oven fries or roasted veggies and low-fat homemade tartar sauce. —Jennifer Rowland, Elizabethtown, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 278 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 718mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
Goes Great with: Grilled Vegetable Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
12/30
Day 12: Baked Saucy Pork Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Baked pork chop recipes are always handy to feed my hungry family. This entree brightens up the usual routine of roasted pork chops and rice. I reach for this recipe when our appetites are hearty and I feel like baking pork chops. —Dorothy Toben, Blackwell, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 442 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 472mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
13/30
Slow-Cooker Roast Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's easy to make a whole chicken in a slow cooker. We save the shredded chicken to use during busy weeks. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 408 calories, 24g fat (6g saturated fat), 139mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 44g protein.
14/30
Day 14: Ground Beef Taco Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In spring we look for something light and refreshing on the menu after the heavier comfort food of winter; this salad is a great solution. —Muriel Bertrand, Shoreview, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 469 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 1007mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 32g protein.
15/30
Day 15: Tilapia with Jasmine Rice
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tender, full-flavored tilapia with fragrant jasmine rice is absolutely to die for. Your family will love this healthy and delicious dish! —Shirl Parsons, Cape Carteret, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 3/4 cup rice: 412 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 615mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 3 starch, 1/2 fat.
16/30
Day 16: Green Tomato BLT
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I absolutely love tomatoes, any kind, any size. Being from the South, that includes fried green tomatoes. I created a special summer sandwich to show them off. —Hillian Holmgren, Del Rio, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 623 calories, 37g fat (7g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 1329mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.
17/30
18/30
Day 18: Saucy Beef with Broccoli
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I’m looking for a fast entree, I turn to this beef and broccoli stir-fry. It features a tantalizing sauce made with garlic and ginger. —Rosa Evans, Odessa, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 313 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 816mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
19/30
Day 19: Southwestern Fish Tacos
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These bright tacos take me on an instant trip to sunny Southern California. The recipe has been on my family's most requested list for years. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 506 calories, 38g fat (8g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 852mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
20/30
Day 20: Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My chicken bundles are simple, clean and comforting. Serve them with wild rice and green beans for one of our favorite meals. —Jim Knepper, Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken roll-up with 2 tablespoons sauce: 253 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
21/30
Day 21: Stuffed Peppers for Two
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband likes stuffed peppers, but my original recipe made too many servings. I cut it down to accommodate just the two of us. It helps to use a small casserole dish so the peppers won’t tip over while they bake. For color, I serve steamed carrots to round out the meal perfectly. —Elaine Carpenter, Horseshoe Bay, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 405 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 193mg cholesterol, 1277mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
22/30
Day 22: Breaded Sea Scallops
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I never liked seafood until my husband urged me to try scallops, and now I love them. He says my breaded version is the best he's ever had. A tip I learned was to put them on a paper-towel-topped plate to soak up excess oil. —Martina Preston, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3 scallops: 454 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 1262mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
23/30
Day 23: Sheet Pan Tilapia and Vegetable Medley
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Unlike some one-pan dinners that require precooking in a skillet or pot, this one uses just the sheet pan, period. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 555 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 892mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 8g fiber), 41g protein.
24/30
Day 24: Garlic-Butter Steak
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick-and-easy skillet entree is definitely restaurant-quality and sure to become a staple at your house, too! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef with 2 teaspoons garlic butter: 316 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein.
25/30
26/30
Day 26: Stovetop Meat Loaves
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Who says meat loaf has to bake in the oven for hours? For this convenient recipe, all you need is your stovetop and 30 minutes. It’s a quick, simple dish to make for one or two people. —Emily Sund, Geneseo, Illinois.
Nutrition Facts:
1 meat loaf: 292 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 548mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
27/30
Day 27: Tomato-Basil Baked Fish
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe works successfully with many kinds of fish, while the rest of the ingredients are things you’re likely to have on hand. Baked fish is so simple and so good for you. I make this often! —Annie Hicks, Zephyrhills, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 121 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 256mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
28/30
Day 28: BLT Skillet
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick weeknight meal reminds me of a BLT, with its chunks of bacon and tomato. The whole wheat linguine gives the skillet dish extra flavor and texture. —Edrie O'Brien, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 314 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 14g protein.
29/30
Day 29: Beef Orange Stir-Fry
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dinner for two is loaded with lots of flavor and color. Red pepper flakes add a little kick to the orange beef sauce, and the tender veggies add a pop of color. — Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups with 1/2 cup rice: 390 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 396mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
30/30
Day 30: Chicken Quinoa Bowls with Balsamic Dressing
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this recipe because its simplicity allows me to spend time with my family while not sacrificing taste or nutrition. Plus the fresh spring flavors really shine through! —Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 491 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 715mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 6g fiber), 42g protein.
