Quick Dinners for Busy Families on Weeknights
If you’re a busy parent, you know how chaotic weeknights can be. Between work, school, extracurricular activities, and household chores, it can be challenging to find the time and energy to prepare a healthy and delicious meal for your family. But with a little bit of planning and some quick and easy dinner recipes, you can enjoy stress-free weeknight dinners with your loved ones. In this article, we’ll explore some simple yet tasty dinner ideas that are perfect for busy families on weeknights.
Mexican Skillet Casserole
Mexican food is always a hit in most households, and this skillet casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It only takes about 30 minutes to make! Start by browning one pound of ground beef in a large skillet. Once the beef is cooked, add in one diced onion and one bell pepper, both chopped. Cook for a few minutes until the veggies are tender. Then, add in one can of black beans, one can of diced tomatoes, and one cup of frozen corn. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top and let it melt. Serve with tortilla chips and sour cream for a complete meal.
One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken
This recipe is perfect for busy families because it only requires one pan, which means less mess and less time spent in the kitchen. Start by seasoning four chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a large skillet, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add minced garlic, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then add the chicken back to the pan and let it cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. Serve with your choice of side dishes, such as rice, pasta, or vegetables.
Sheet Pan Fajitas
Fajitas are another family-favorite, and this sheet pan version makes them even more convenient to prepare. Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. In a large bowl, toss together sliced bell peppers and onions with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Spread the vegetables on a sheet pan and roast for 15-20 minutes until they’re slightly charred. In the meantime, season chicken with the same spices and cook in a large skillet until it’s fully cooked. Once the vegetables are done, add the chicken to the sheet pan and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Serve with tortillas, salsa, and all your desired toppings.
Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
The Instant Pot has become a lifesaver for many busy families, and this beef stroganoff recipe is a perfect example of why. Start by browning a pound of beef cubes in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Once the beef is cooked, add in diced onion, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the onions are translucent. Then, add in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and egg noodles. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook for 5 minutes on high pressure. Once done, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release. Stir in some sour cream and serve immediately.
Taco Salad Bowls
This recipe is perfect for those nights when you’re short on time and ingredients. All you need are some taco shells, ground beef, taco seasoning, and your choice of toppings. Begin by cooking the ground beef in a skillet and adding the taco seasoning. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Take the taco shells and lightly brush them with oil, then place them in a muffin tin to form a bowl shape. Bake for about 5 minutes until they’re golden and crispy. Fill the taco bowls with the beef mixture and top with your choice of toppings, such as shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa. Serve with a side of rice or beans for a complete meal.
In conclusion, being busy doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice having a delicious and nutritious meal with your family. With these quick dinner recipes, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying quality time with your loved ones. Try them out and see for yourself how easy and convenient weeknight dinners can be!
