As schedules get busy, one of the first things to go out the window is a home-cooked meal. After a long day at the office or a jam-packed evening of school pick-ups and sports practices, it can be all too easy to fall into the trap of a drive-thru dinner. While this quick option can be fine occasionally, there’s an easy way to still prepare a hot and homemade meal that even your kiddos will love.
These five simple meals cook up quickly, require minimal dish duty afterwards and still provide a well-balanced meal for you and your family. What more could you want? Check out the recipes, and give one a try next time you’re crunched for time but still want something nutritious and delicious for dinner.
1. Veggie-Loaded Sloppy Joes
This classic recipe is oh-so-easy and includes lots of extra veggies that even picky eaters will gobble up. Using a whole wheat bun adds extra fiber and B vitamins, and makes this one-pot meal pleasing to everyone in the family.
2. Pepperoni Pizza Quinoa Bake
This make-ahead dish swaps traditional pepperoni for the turkey variety to cut out some saturated fats and is jam-packed with veggies. The quinoa adds extra protein which is sure to fill you up, and with only 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip it up in a flash.
3. Crispy Baked Fish and Chips
This healthier version of a classic fave bakes the fish and potatoes instead of frying them. Pair it with a simple side salad, and you have a quick and well-balanced meal that is definitely kid-approved.
4. One-Pan Taco Skillet
One pan meals mean less dishes on a busy night, and this one works well on a budget, too! Have this family fiesta on the table in under thirty minutes so there’s still time left over to do homework.
5. Chicken & Broccoli Casserole
This cheesy and delicious meal will have your kiddos begging for more broccoli! The use of precooked brown rice cuts tons of prep time off the meal and provides a whole grain option to round out your recipe.
Looking for a few other fresh recipes to add to your mid-week roster? Try this Easy Mexican Quinoa or these healthy Sheet Pan Recipes.