As the next, very new kind of school year begins, I wanted to share some quick and easy meals for back to school. This year is truly going to be unique. I wanted to help everyone stress less by sharing some of the most healthy and delicious, family-approved, quick and easy meals to get back to school started off on a strong foot.
The last thing any parent, grandparent or caregiver wants to think about after a long day of virtual or in-person learning and work is what to make for dinner. We all need a break!
Help Is Here
I find one-pot and one-sheet meals to be the best for easy cooking, and easy clean-up.
One-pot and one-sheet meals are a great way to get all the food groups cooked at the same time. They also are easy to clean up after dinner, allowing for more time together.
So, let’s explore some of these delicious recipes for my quick and easy meals for back to school.
Quick and Easy One-Pot Meals
One-pot meals are really great because it gives you the opportunity to cook your entire meal in just one pot or pan. And, that doesn’t necessarily need to be a slow cooker or insta-pot. You can use a tall pasta pot or a deep frying pan for these recipes. Traditionally, we think of chilis, stews and meals that can cook over a long period of time. But these meals are done in a matter of a few minutes. They range from pasta, to rice and grain dishes, and can include proteins, a range of vegetables, and flavorful herbs.
- Ground Turkey, Butternut Squash and Swiss Chard Sauté from The Roasted Root, features two vitamin-packed veggies, spinach and butternut squash, helping reload your family’s daily nutrients in one meal. Adding turkey and bacon as the proteins amps up the flavor factor. This dish only take 15 minutes to prep, and is ready in another 25 minutes. Put this on to cook while everyone catches up on their day together.
- One pot Pad Thai is the perfect dish when you feel like ordering out for dinner, but just want to stay home, now that you are there. In four easy steps, this dish is ready for the family to enjoy. Make it with chicken, shrimp or tofu, depending on what your family prefers. And, bonus, if you make a double recipe, you can have leftovers for lunch the next day.
- This version of One pot Chicken Teriyaki Fried Rice can be prepped in the morning before work to speed up the cook time to 15 minutes when everyone gets home. Cut and marinate the chicken or tofu in the morning, and your delicious dinner can be on the table quicker than everyone putting their work and school things away!
Quick and Easy One-Sheet Meals
One-sheet meals are some of my favorites because roasting the meal components in the oven allows for all of the wonderful flavors of each ingredient to shine. The meals can be prepped with simple seasonings too, like salt and olive oil, allowing for the ultimate flavor impact, and clean eating.
- One sheet Chicken Fajitas are a always an easy go-to for a family dinner during the week. This crowd pleaser from WonkyWonderful.com is ready in about 20 minutes, including prep time. It is also Paleo compliant, Whole30, Dairy Free, Gluten Free and Grain Free for those with special dietary considerations. Serve it with tortillas, over rice or quinoa or cauliflower rice for more veggies. Add avocado, cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice and pico de gallo, and it’s a full meal!
- Honey-Sesame Tofu and Green Beans is ready in three easy steps, and is a dish that vegetarians or meat-eaters alike will enjoy. Bake the tofu, make the sauce, add the green beans, and voila! Dinner is served. All that’s left to do is grab a glass of wine, and enjoy.
- Autumn Roasted Root Vegetables are a great side dish, but hearty enough to be a main from all of the root vegetables. The sweet potatoes, parsnips and red peppers will be sure to leave you with a full belly. This dish is also jam-packed with vitamins A, B, C and E, and folate. It’s also bountiful in fiber, magnesium, calcium, potassium and iron. But, feel free to play around with the recipe. Add chick peas, beet greens and a splash of wine. You’ll discover many different combinations for one great meal.
Let Us Help
Now more than every we know the value of your time and want to continue to keep you healthy with our in-home meal service, providing personalized, fresh and delicious meals. Be sure to contact us and ask about other quick and easy meals for your busy schedule with her in-home meal plans.
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