7 Newest Easy Meals for Work Days

I share with one of the Italian Mamas some kitchen shortcuts I’ve learned for those days of long hours and low energy. I love learning from other moms and dads and then passing on some tips. I thought I’d share some of our recent favorite new dinners for busy weeks.

 

 

1. We now try to have frozen lasagna waiting. Every few Saturdays, we’ll make a few small pans and freeze them, and then we can pull them out to defrost in the fridge all day, pop them in the oven for an hour, and eat a later dinner. I use the Pioneer Woman’s incredibly delicious recipe. It’s her Best Lasagna. Ever. recipe. http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/the_best_lasagn/. Thank you, Ree. 

 

 

2. Taco Night. You can brown the meat or turkey on the weekend and freeze it in baggies. Heat the crumbles up in the skillet, and then serve with taco shells, tomatoes, lettuce, guacamole, and refried beans. If you have time to start the rice cooker, that’s always a nice addition, especially if you add in some black beans, garlic, and onion. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for taco night. 

 

 

3. 20 Minute Honey Cashew Chicken http://www.cookinglight.com/food/quick-healthy/quick-easy-superfast-asian-recipes/honey-cashew-chicken-rice-recipe. Thank you, internet. 

 

 

4. Crock pot French Dip served with crusty rolls. My daughters LOVE this recipe from Taste of Home. My friend Jen tipped me off to the joy of French Dip sandwiches. We serve the au jus in little bowls for dipping and we add a slice of provolone cheese to each sandwich. http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/shredded-french-dip

Thank you, Jen.

 

5. Broiled Salmon (takes 6 minutes) in oven served with green beans or roasted brussels sprouts. I spread a mix of soy sauce, lime, and brown sugar over the salmon and broil it. Thank you, Food Network. 

 

 

6. Crock Pot Taco Soup: Dump in crock pot 2 or 3 frozen chicken breasts, bag of frozen corn, can of black beans, can of fire-roasted tomatoes, jar of salsa, cut up onion, some peppers, garlic, salt, pepper. Cook all day on low. When you are ready for dinner, shred chicken meat (it will fall apart) and stir the soup. Serve with sprinkle of cheese, crushed tortilla chips, cilantro, and sour cream (and chopped avocado!!) Thank you, Laura.

 

 

7. EASY Indian Curry. Buy a curry simmer sauce from Trader Joe’s or your grocery store. Throw in sliced chicken, beef, or shrimp with a veggie you like (I use cauliflower). Cook 20 minutes. Serve with jasmine rice or the frozen Garlic Naan from Trader Joe’s that takes 3 minutes to heat up in the oven. Thank you, April.