Life's a whirlwind, and as a family on the go, having a go-to list of quick and delicious meals is essential. Whether it's sheet pan fajitas, one-pot wonders, or speedy stir-fries, these meals help us conquer the chaos without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Below I have listed 11 meal ideas for busy families that want to keep it simple.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas:
Toss sliced chicken breast, bell peppers, and onions with fajita seasoning and olive oil. Spread on a sheet pan and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
One-Pot Spaghetti:
In a large pot, cook ground beef or turkey. Add canned tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Break spaghetti in half and add to the pot. Simmer until pasta is cooked. Top with grated cheese.
Quick Stir-Fry:
Sauté sliced chicken, beef, or tofu with your favorite vegetables in a hot skillet. Add stir-fry sauce and serve over rice or noodles.
Pita Pizzas:
Spread marinara sauce on whole wheat pitas. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, sliced vegetables, and cooked chicken or turkey. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted.
Taco Salad Bowls:
Brown ground beef with taco seasoning. Serve over a bed of lettuce and top with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and crushed tortilla chips. Drizzle with ranch or salsa.
Egg Muffins:
Whisk eggs with diced vegetables, cheese, and cooked sausage or bacon. Pour into muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Greek Yogurt Parfaits:
Layer Greek yogurt with granola, mixed berries, and a drizzle of honey for a quick and healthy breakfast or snack.
Rotisserie Chicken Wraps:
Shred store-bought rotisserie chicken and wrap it in tortillas with lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and your choice of sauce.
Quesadillas:
Fill tortillas with cooked chicken, cheese, and sautéed vegetables. Cook on a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
Instant Pot Chili:
Brown ground beef or turkey in the Instant Pot. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, and onion powder. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
Pasta Salad:
Cook pasta and toss with diced vegetables (such as bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes) and cooked protein (like grilled chicken or diced ham). Dress with Italian dressing and chill before serving.
These recipes are perfect to save time while still providing delicious and nutritious meals for busy families. You can customize the ingredients and portions based on your family's preferences.
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