I’ve been trying really hard to get better at meal planning and to prepare well-rounded dinners for my family! One of my core memories growing up was a homemade dinner around the table with my parents and siblings. Now that my daughter LC is 1.5 years old and is starting to catch on to routines and our family setting, I feel like it’s time for me to start stepping it up in the kitchen! So, as I’m saying yay or nay to dinner recipes, I thought it would be helpful to curate a list of my favorite Easy Family Dinners to Add to Your Meal Plan.
How Do I Choose Dinner Recipes?
One thing I take note while choosing recipes is prep time. For me, I always double the suggested time because I’m watching a toddler and also seem to take way longer in the kitchen than the professionals. So, if the prep time is over 30 minutes, I don’t even try it! Maybe for a special occassion or holiday, yet for my average Tuesday evening.. mama don’t have time for that.
Another thing I look for is simple ingredients! Shopping is all a part of meal planning and I don’t want to overwhelm myself in the grocery store.. especially with a little one who is eager to move. So, I make sure the ingredient list is either things I likely already have at home or easy things I can grab at the store.
Lastly – and this one might seem weird – I try to take into account how many dishes will be needed. Ha! Yes, that’s right. I read through the directions and if they’re saying I need 5 bowls, 2 sauce pans and a blender.. it’s a no from me!! Again, I’m about protecting my time as a mom and I don’t want to be spending the rest of the evening in the kitchen cleaning (and neither does my husband).
If you like this post, you might like these, too! Check out An Easy Daily Schedule with Toddlers for a look into our day.
Easy Family Dinners to Add to Your Meal Plan
The Honey Soy Salmon has become a go-to at our house! It’s so delicious and simple to make. We pair it with some quinoa brown rice and broccoli!
A comfort meal that your kids will love – Easy Cottage Cheese Lasagna! I personally like this more than your typical spaghetti because of the element of cottage cheese.
Looking for an easy win when you don’t have much time to spare? Try this Southwest Quesadilla! We like to offer avocado and sour cream with ours!
Who knew a soup could be so delicious and so easy! This Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Spinach is a simple and cozy meal. Plus, you only need one dish to cook everything! I subbed the kale for spinach!
This Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl tastes a lot like the bowls at Chipotle! If you get some fresh, pre-seasoned fajita mix from the store this recipe will only take minutes!
If you’re looking for an easy comfort food, try this Chicken Pot Pie! Add some extra yum to it by throwing in some cubed potatoes and mushroom. You can also use any protein you’d like – Doesn’t have to be chicken!
Other Recipes I’m trying this week:
Baked Teriyaki Meatballs with Roasted Broccoli
My goal is to find about 20-30 go-to dinner recipes that I can rotate every month! I’m also hoping to get really quick at making them so the prep time can be even shorter.
What easy family dinners do you like to make?! Please share in the comments so everyone can read and try them! I’m always up for new ideas – Especially if they’re a favorite in your home!
xx, Becca
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