While there seem to be so many minutes in a day, in a mom’s realm majority of those minutes are easily consumed by household chores, homework, ballet practice, family visits, carpooling to wardrobe fights, and an array of other tasks. After those duties, the last thing you’d like to do is spend hours preparing hard to cook meals. Don’t fret as we’ve collected five quick recipes that are perfect when you’re having a busy day. Feel like the queen of the kitchen with these fast and easy meals you and your family can enjoy!
#1 Tex-Mex Casserole
The Tex-Mex Casserole will surely delight families, and busy mom’s out there. What’s astounding about this dish is that it requires minimal effort to make. Blending the Southwestern and Mexican flavors, your family is in for a treat with this quick-to-do casserole meal. Mix all the ingredients, place it evenly on a casserole dish, bake, and you’re good to go. You’ll have a meal that seems took long hours to make, but almost required no time at all.
Ingredients:
2 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
2 cups broken whole-grain tortilla chips
1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt, optional sour cream
1 cup shredded Mexican style cheese, reduced-fat
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 ounces salsa, no added sugar
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
2. Combine chili powder, beans, black peppers, salt, cumin, and salsa in a large mixing bowl.
3. In a casserole pan, layer 1 cup broken tortilla chips, 1/2 bean mixture, 1/2 cheese. Repeat until you get desired the number of layers.
4. Cover it loosely with foil. Bake for 25 minutes, remove the foil and heat it for another 5 minutes.
5. Add a drop of yogurt or sour cream once served.
#2 Pretzel Chicken
So, cheese, pretzels, chicken, and delicious dipping sauce in one terrific and quick-to-do meal? Yes! Combine these favorite food and taste together while keeping your time on track and family healthy. No one could ever go wrong with chicken tenders. This one’s a recipe your kids and husband would love!
Ingredients:
1-2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breast
6 ounces pretzels
3/4 finely-grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup mayonnaise
Pan spray
For the Sauce:
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon of mustard
1/2 garlic powder
1/8 cup honey
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
2. Slice the chicken into thick strips.
3. Crush the chips till they are semi-fine and pour them on your pie plate.
4. Mix the Parmesan cheese and mayonnaise on a medium bowl.
5. Spritz pan spray to your glass baking dish and set aside.
6. Dip the chicken slices into the mayonnaise mixture. Rollover them after into the crumbs then, arrange them in your baking dish.
7. Place the baking dish into the oven for 18-20 minutes.
8. While waiting for the chicken to cook, blend all the sauce ingredients into a bowl.
9. Serve chicken with the sauce on the side.
#3 Egg Roll Soup
If you want to cook your family something warm during the rainy days or cold winter nights, this unique recipe will surely hit them on the spot. Bring the favorite egg roll flavor your family loves, this time, in a soup. Moreover, it’s easy and quick to prepare, and simple to customize with chicken, pork, or some healthy vegetables.
Ingredients:
1 pound ground pork
1 medium white onion, peeled and sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoon olive oil
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1 small green cabbage
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
6-8 cups vegetable or meat stock
Directions:
1. Put the ground pork into a large stockpot. Cook for about 5-6 minutes in medium-heat or, until it is lightly browned. Get the cooked pork and set aside.
2. Add onion and olive oil. Sauté them for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and carrots, sauté again for 2 minutes. Put the ginger, cabbage, cooked pork, and the stock, stir it to combine.
3. Let it simmer then, decrease the heat to medium-low. Have it simmer again for about 15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the sesame oil. You may add pinches of black pepper and salt per your preference.
#4 Baked Chicken Nuggets
Nuggets will hit it whether it’s for your kids or grownups. No wonder, as this one’s a classic. But, there are times when you need to revamp, right? Why not make it healthier without taking too much of your time? Instead of frying, bake them and spice them with almonds! Your family will surely love these flavorful and zesty all-time favorite recipe, reinvented!
Ingredients:
2 large boneless and skinless breasts
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup hemp heart or bread crumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup almond meal
1 large egg
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
2. Slice chicken into 1 1/2 inch dice.
3. Beat egg in a medium to a large bowl.
4. In a separate container, mix almond meal, hemp heart or bread crumbs and other spices.
5. Dip each dice into the egg and onto the breading mixture to coat it.
6. Place on a baking dish and bake for 20-minutes.
#5 No-Bake Whole Grain Mac and Cheese
Most of us love Mac and Cheese. No doubt! This is another classic that will turn you from “Mom” to “Supermom” in a breeze! But, throw away those boxed and instant versions. Fall in love with how you can prepare a real and healthier Mac and Cheese dish for your family in no time. Get ready to serve each one’s dream dinner in just 10 minutes!
Ingredients:
1 pound whole wheat/grain macaroni
3 tablespoons butter, slice into small pieces
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups of water
2 1/2 cups shredded cheese
1/2 cup whole milk
Directions:
1. Pour water and salt onto a small pot and boil over high heat. Cook macaroni until your preferred tenderness.
2. In a small saucepan, melt butter. Put the flour and whisk until it forms a thick paste and turns golden.
3. Slowly whisk in your milk, diluting any lump that will develop. Continue whisking until it thickens and starts to bubble on the edges.
4. Remove from heat and completely melt the cheese.
5. Add the drained cooked pasta onto the cheese sauce. Mix and serve immediately.
Serving Up
We understand your busy days and the array of “mommy duties” you need to attend to, but, nothing beats the feeling of being able to serve your family dishes which they can surely adore. Make sure to add these quick, easy-to-make, and healthy dishes in your personal cookbook. Have veggies and spices ready when you need to. Having problems with pests in your home garden? Check out home remedies for getting rid of annoying pesky bugs the natural way!