Simple Meal Planning with Grass-Fed Beef and Pastured Pork
Planning meals for the week doesn’t have to be a headache. With a little prep and some tasty, wholesome ingredients, you can set yourself up for a week of flavorful, nutritious meals. If you want to take things up a notch, try incorporating high-quality proteins like grass-fed beef, pastured pork, and all-natural ingredients. Not only will you support your health, but you’ll also get a real taste of what Wisconsin's local farms have to offer.
Here’s a simple and delicious meal plan for a week that uses grass-fed beef, pastured pork, and natural ingredients.
Day 1: Grilled Grass-Fed Beef Burgers with Roasted Veggies
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Meal: Grass-fed beef burgers with roasted seasonal veggies, like carrots, squash, and Brussels sprouts.
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Why: Grass-fed beef is leaner and packed with omega-3 fatty acids, while roasted veggies bring out that sweet, savory flavor and add fiber and vitamins to the mix.
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Tip: Form your burger patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Makes dinner quick and easy.
Day 2: Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Mash
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Meal: Roasted pastured pork tenderloin with creamy mashed sweet potatoes.
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Why: Pastured pork is a great source of protein and healthy fats. Sweet potatoes are full of vitamins and fiber, plus they’re a real treat when mashed up.
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Tip: Marinate the pork overnight with herbs and garlic to really amp up the flavor.
Day 3: Grass-Fed Beef Stir Fry
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Meal: Stir fry made with grass-fed beef strips, bell peppers, onions, and a homemade ginger-soy sauce, served over brown rice.
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Why: Stir fry is quick to make and full of fresh veggies. Grass-fed beef gives you high-quality protein, and homemade sauce means no added sugar or preservatives.
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Tip: Prep your beef and veggies ahead of time so cooking takes just minutes when you're ready to eat.
Day 4: Pastured Pork Sausage and Kale Soup
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Meal: A hearty soup with pastured pork sausage, kale, onions, garlic, and homemade chicken broth.
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Why: This one-pot meal is a great way to load up on protein and greens. Kale’s packed with vitamins, and the sausage adds loads of flavor.
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Tip: Make extra and enjoy it for lunch the next day. You’ll thank yourself.
Day 5: Grass-Fed Beef Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles
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Meal: Baked grass-fed beef meatballs served with zucchini noodles and homemade tomato sauce.
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Why: Zucchini noodles are a great low-carb substitute for pasta. Grass-fed beef meatballs give you healthy protein and fats. Plus, homemade tomato sauce cuts out the preservatives in canned stuff.
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Tip: Make the meatballs in bulk and freeze some for later.
Day 6: Pork Chop with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Apples
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Meal: Grilled pastured pork chops with roasted Brussels sprouts and apple slices.
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Why: The apples balance the savory pork with their sweetness. Brussels sprouts are loaded with fiber and antioxidants, making this a well-rounded meal.
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Tip: Slice your apples and Brussels sprouts ahead of time, so you can throw them in the oven with the pork when it's time to cook.
Day 7: Grass-Fed Beef Chili
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Meal: Hearty chili with grass-fed beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices.
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Why: Chili is a perfect comfort meal that’s packed with protein and fiber. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover ingredients from earlier in the week.
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Tip: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for an easy meal later.
Tips for a Smooth Week of Meal Planning
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Batch Cooking: Set aside a couple of hours to prep ingredients like chopping veggies or marinating meats. This’ll save you time when you’re busy during the week.
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Leftovers Are Your Friend: Plan to cook extra portions for meals like soup and chili. That way, you’ve got lunch or dinner covered the next day.
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Buy in Bulk: When you buy grass-fed beef and pastured pork in bulk, you save money and always have high-quality protein ready to go.
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Spice It Up: Fresh herbs and spices can take a simple meal to the next level, and they’re a great way to add flavor without the need for artificial ingredients.
Eating wholesome, nutritious meals doesn’t have to be complicated. By planning ahead and using local, high-quality ingredients like grass-fed beef and pastured pork, you can enjoy a week of tasty meals that are as good for your body as they are for your taste buds. Happy cooking, and remember—eating well never goes out of season!