Meal Plan 117

Jul 17, 2026

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.

This 7-Day Meal Plan saves you time and money by turning big-batch proteins into multiple easy meals throughout the week. Shopping list included.

This week's plan starts with a big batch of Instant Pot (or slow cooker) Barbacoa and two big batches of refried beans and rice, then uses them to make 4 hearty meals. Followed by using Greek chicken to make 2 delicious meals.

Meal Plan 117

Just like all of my weekly meal plans, this week's free meal plan includes 7 delicious dinners, ideas for breakfast, lunch, and snacks, meal prep ideas, and a shopping list. I truly want to help you make home-cooked meals easier!

Download the meal plan, complete with tips and a shopping list here. Or simply find inspiration below.

Dinner Recipes

Sunday: Instant Pot Barbacoa with Instant Pot White Rice (see notes for slow cooker barbacoa)
Monday: Easy Bean Burritos starting with Instant Pot Refried Beans (or canned) and a Summer Fruit Salad
Tuesday: Torta Sandwich using leftover Barbacoa with Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Wednesday: Taco Pizza (using leftovers from the week)
Thursday: Turkey Taco Skillet
Friday: Marinated Greek Chicken with Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
Saturday: Chicken Gyros with Fresh Veggies and Tzatziki

Breakfast Ideas

Lunch Ideas

Leftovers from the week (burritos, sandwiches, etc.)
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Mexican Quinoa Salad

Snack & Treats

Tips for this Week's Meal Plan

On Sunday: Prepare the barbacoa and rice. You can opt to prepare the rice in the Instant Pot while the meat rests, or on the stovetop. Prepare extra rice to make refried bean burritos on Monday. Set leftover beef aside for sandwiches and pizza later in the week.
- Slow Cooker Barbacoa: Layer the ingredients for the Instant Pot Barbacoa in a slow cooker and cook the beef for 8-10 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high. Shred as directed.
- For Instant Pot Rice: Place the pressure-cooked beef in a large bowl with the cooking liquid and cover with foil. Rinse and dry the inner pot, prepare rice, and while the pressure is releasing after the rice has cooked, shred the beef. I recommend white rice for speed here.
On Monday: If desired, prepare refried beans in the Instant Pot (no need to soak the dried beans). Otherwise, just use a few cans of refried beans to make bean burritos, as a spread for Torta sandwiches, and as a topping for pizza.
On Tuesday: Make the Torta Sandwiches by layering refried beans and leftover barbacoa rather than preparing chicken.
On Wednesday: Use leftover beef and refried beans to make taco pizza.
On Friday: Prepare extra Greek chicken and use it for Gyros Saturday night.
Money Saving/Grocery Tips
- Cabbage makes a nice addition to tortas. Purchase a large head of cabbage and use it to add to barbacoa bowls, burritos, top pizza, etc. Or simply use lettuce in place of cabbage.
- Along with cabbage, purchase avocado, tomatoes, shredded cheese, etc to use as your favorite taco toppings.
- Zucchini is used in side dishes and the skillet. If you still have some leftover, make Pineapple Zucchini Bread or Banana Zucchini Bread.