Cooking dinner for your family can feel so daunting. You're exhausted from the day you had and the last thing you want to do is spend the time cooking - I get it. I'm one of those weirdos that finds cooking to be a sort of therapy at the end of the day, but there are definitely days that I'm just tired and don't want to do it because kids.
As I've spent the last 5ish years cooking for a family with children, I've sorted out some ways to make it easier. One of those ways is meal planning. I shared this blog post last year on how I do that (there is also a free printable!). The other thing that I have found super helpful is having a "meal bank" of recipes that we love that are healthy & easy. I look at this every week and pick from it. Having a meal bank of meals we truly love that are also healthy has been a game-changer for us!
I asked y'all on IG earlier this week if you would be interested in knowing what our go-to meals are and the consensus was a resounding "yes!" so I've got a big fat list for y'all. I cook about 5-6 times a week, so trust me when I say that these recipes are relatively easy. There is no way I'm spending more than 30-45 minutes on a meal 5-6 times a week. We also live a pretty healthy lifestyle. Because of some health issues, I have to eat relatively low carb and low sugar meals, which means a lot of protein, veggies, etc. so that means that these recipes are also relatively healthy.
Below I've included a list of recipes we use and their sources. Below that list, you'll find ways that I have come up with some easy solutions for nights when I just don't feel like doing much. My hope is that this would provide you with your own "meal bank" and recipes you can choose from so you can feed your family well!
RECIPES FROM OTHERS
Chipotle Tahini Bowls by Pinch of Yum
Sheet Pan Chicken w/ Na'an & Tzatziki by Pinch of Yum
Butternut Squash & Black Bean Enchiladas by Ambitious Kitchen
Slow Cooker Detox Lentil Soup by Pinch of Yum
Slow Cooker White Wine Chicken Stew by Ambitious Kitchen
Chicken Tinga Tacos by Pinch of Yum
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Tacos by Pinch of Yum
BBQ Salmon Bowls w/ Mango Avocado Salsa by Pinch of Yum
30 Minute Turkey Sloppy Joes by Ambitious Kitchen
Turmeric Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Chicken by Skinnytaste
Slow Cooker Chili by Cooking Classy
Couscous Summer Salad by Pinch of Yum
Spicy Salmon Burgers w/ Asian Salad by Pinch of Yum - I like to make these burgers and then buy an Asian salad kit from the store to serve with it.
SUPER SIMPLE DINNER HACKS:
Salad kit + cooked & seasoned ground turkey or chicken breast - Buy a salad kit from the store and add chicken breast or other meat to it. I also add black beans and some other chopped veggies if I'm feeling like it.
Simple fish stick tacos - I buy fish sticks, tortillas, black beans, cilantro, slaw, cheese and some limes from the store. Bake the fish sticks, warm the tortillas and black beans, and add the fixins and a squeeze of lime! Super simple but delicious fish stick tacos!
Slow Cooker Roasted Whole Chicken w/ Sheet Pan Veggies - I use this recipe from Dinner at the Zoo to roast a whole chicken in the crockpot. About 30 minutes before it's ready, I chop some veggies (usually carrots, green beans, brussels etc.), toss in some olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder, and put in the oven at 425 for about 20-30 minutes. Easy peasy dinner!