One of the struggles I see in families is the problem of getting dinner on the table consistently, especially during a busy week. Sometimes just planning what to cook is big hurdle. This week I’m sharing with my readers quick and easy meals my family is eating for dinner during what is a busy week for us. To make this planning even easier, I ordered my groceries using Fred Meyer’s Clicklist on Sunday night and picked them up Monday morning. Every family has their own food likes and dislikes, but I hope some of my quick and easy favorites will give you new inspiration for your next busy week.
Tilapia and couscous served with green beans – This has been a go to recipe for years and I keep it in my recipe notebook and flip to it often when I’m needing ideas for fast and delicious. It’s easy to put together and my kids actually like it (most of the time).
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken with brown rice served with broccoli – This crockpot meal can be started in the morning. I’m fortunate to be able to come home on my lunch break most days to start a meal in the crockpot. I also use a rice cooker so I can start rice then as well. I prefer to use brown rice for the extra added fiber and nutrients. For those who can’t take the time to cook rice, I recommend stocking up on Trader Joes pre-cooked brown rice. It tastes great and it’s easy.
Chili– This is my husband’s recipe and one we have regularly in the winter. My oldest daughter likes to take leftovers in a thermos for lunch, so we always make a big pot. I make corn bread to serve it with and a raw veggie plate.
Shrimp tacos-This week we’re having shrimp tacos but we like to switch it up other weeks using turkey or fish instead. We’ll saute the shrimp with a little paprika in olive oil to make it easy, serve with corn tortillas, chopped romaine lettuce, shredded cheese, tomatoes, avocado, sour cream and a side of spicy black beans. The kids always enjoy making their own taco and it gives them the ability to personalize it.
Spaghetti with turkey sauce – My kids will easily say this is one of their favorite meals. It’s easy to change it up with a different type of noodle. Choose a decent quality jar of a basil tomato sauce, (Mazetta, etc) and then add in the saute’d ground turkey and mushrooms and simmer 20 min. Served with Caesar salad, (my oldest is enjoying eating salads now!) and raw veggie plate.
Pizzas-This is another favorite for the kids. On a night that we need easy, we take out the pre-made crusts from the freezer, spread with the leftover spaghetti sauce and let the kids be creative with their favorite toppings and serve with a salad or raw veggies.
Eat out night! I always leave room for a night to have left overs or eat out at a restaurant and take the night off from cooking.
What are your favorite easy goto meals? Please let me know and leave it in the comments. For more help in the kitchen check out my post, 10 Tips for Making Family Meals and Meal Planning Easier.
These are great ideas, thanks Katharine!!
Glad they were helpful!