In keeping with the title of this post, I’m going to be super quick and get right to the point!
Sometimes, you need an easy dinner that you won’t feel guilty about serving your family- a nutritious, hearty, and delicious meal that is quick.
I love these two dinners because you can keep all the ingredients on hand for those hurried, too tired-to-cook nights.
Menu #1
Hearty Chili with cornbread
The hands-down best chili mix is the super inexpensive McCormick packet that costs about a dollar. There’s really no point in spending more for a fancy gourmet chili mix or making your own spice mix.
Follow the recipe on the back of the packet. I use a little less tomato sauce but add in salsa. I also substitute low-sodium beef broth for some of the water. I think the key to good chili is using a top-quality ground beef.
Serve the chili with grated cheese and sour cream. If I have a few extra minutes, I’ll get really fancy and open up another packet- Martha White Cornbread mix. Follow the directions on the back. Muffins bake faster than the pan version, so we usually have cornbread muffins. Serve them right out of the oven with some butter on top.
No time to bake cornbread? That’s a-okay. These cornbread crackers are really yummy.
Open up a can of yellow corn for the kids to add to their chili. Cut up some apple slices to serve as a side. Viola! Dinner is served.
Menu #2
BBQ Chicken Pizza with a Salad
Have you tried Boboli pizza crusts? They are soooo good!
Here’s our favorite Boboli dinner:
Spread the crust lightly with BBQ sauce, chop up some cooked chicken breast (leftover from a previous dinner or buy a baked deli chicken) and sprinkle the chicken on top of the sauce.
Now, it’s time for some cheese. Sliced provolone on top is good, or a mix of grated cheddar with mozzarella. Use what you have.
You could add any vegetables you think your family would like. I think chopped green peppers would be good, but my kids have never liked those. 🙂
Follow the directions on the package for baking.
Throw together a nice green salad as a side, and you’re all set! I keep bagged, prewashed, organic baby greens on hand. They’re a staple here at my house.
Since you’re having pizza, read and discuss this post about Pizza Table Manners with your family at the dinner table.
Wishing you happy dining!
Dawn
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