It’s great when the food complements each other – more help. It doesn’t mean I have to stick with one meal plan. I can easily mix and match sides and main dishes, but sometimes I need to be quick and don’t have time to really think about it. I already have a number of recipes like these in my arsenal, but it makes me happy when I find another one.

I’d love to share with you my old and current meal plans in order to help answer your question: “What should I make for dinner?” Here’s an example of a meal we recently made that featured great food pairings. Although we don’t know much about the food, the flavors make a big impact.

The Meal

Honey Barbecue Meatloaf

Ranch Mashed Potatoes

Your choice. I just heat up some green beans or corn.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins, Honey Cinnamon Butter

Make Ahead Tips: Honey Cinnamon Butter can also be prepared ahead of time and kept refrigerated until it is ready to use. You can also prepare the loaf of meat and let it cool before baking.

The Recipes

Honey Barbecue Meat Loaf

Although I don’t normally eat meat loaf, it is something I enjoy and my family also loves.

1 envelope dry onions soup mix

1 egg

1/2 cup oats — quick cooking

1/3 cup barbecue sauce — honey flavored

1/4 cup chopped onions

2 tablespoons brown sucre

1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce

1 tablespoon mustard – Prepared

1/2 teaspoon garlic paste

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Ground beef, 1 lb

ketchup

Mix together soup mix and egg in a large bowl. Combine the soup mix with the beef. Mix well. Place on an 8-inch baking sheet. x 4in. x 2-in. loaf pan. Bake at 350°F in the oven for 1 hour. Top with ketchup. Bake for 5-10 more minutes or until meat no longer pinks and a meat thermometer reads 160*. Let rest for 10 minutes prior to serving.