Weeknight Meal Planner: Thanksgiving Week

Poppy Seed Chicken is a classic, 6-ingredient Southern casserole that's simple to prepare. To save time, pick up a rotisserie chicken from your grocery deli (or use canned chicken in a real pinch).

Frozen, breaded shrimp, bagged coleslaw, and bottled Ranch dip are the keys to this easy, Cajun-inspired sandwich that's hearty enough to serve for dinner.

It's the day before Thanksgiving, and your slow-cooker is going to be the ticket for saving everyone's sanity! These delicious beef soft tacos cook all day (on low) in a mixture of salsa, cider vinegar, and chili powder. When it's time for dinner, just shred the beef and serve with corn tortillas, sour cream, shredded lettuce, and diced avocado.

If you serve your Thanksgiving meal earlier in the day, this festive salad is the perfect way to enjoy a lighter evening meal of leftovers. Top basic mixed greens with toasted cubes of cornbread dressing (for croutons), leftover turkey, and cranberry sauce. A simple oil-and-vinegar dressing ties the salad together.

Transform the rest of your turkey leftovers into a zesty, south-of-the-border-style soup that calls for common pantry ingredients, like canned corn, beans, and spices.