3 Quick and Easy Meal Ideas

Looking for fast, family-friendly meal ideas that fit into your busy schedule? Here are three simple, delicious recipes that can be whipped up in 30 minutes or less—perfect for those busy nights.

1. Family Style Charcuterie Board

1. Start with fruits and vegetables such as grapes, berries, apple slices, broccoli, grape tomatoes, and baby carrots or even pickle spears and mini English cucumbers. Make sure to add a healthy fat dip like premade guacamole or hummus cups.
2. Add a protein source such as cube cheese, turkey pepperoni, nuts, or sliced lean deli meat.
3. Add grains such as pretzels, wheat thins, tortilla chips, or bagel chips.

2. Sheet Pan Meals

1. Start with a protein such as chicken, shrimp, or fish.
2. Add a vegetable such as broccoli, cauliflower, squash, or carrots.
3. Complete with a grain such as baby red potatoes. If you prefer rice, pasta, quinoa, beans or bread, try the microwavable versions that take 5 minutes or less.
4. Add all ingredients to a sheet pan. Season as desired. Roast in the oven at 375-400F (depending on the type of meat) for 20-30 minutes until the meat is cooked thoroughly and the vegetables are at the desired tenderness.

3. Frozen Burrito Kits

1. Cook meat source and freeze. Good for 3 months frozen. 

   Ranch Taco Chicken: Try adding 2 lb. of chicken to a crockpot with 1 packet of low-sodium taco seasoning, 1 packet of ranch dry seasoning, and 1 jar of your favorite salsa. Cook for four hours on high, then shred.

   Taco Beef and Beans: Brown lean brown beef, one can rinsed black beans, and one packet of low-sodium taco seasoning.

2. Once cooled, freeze the meat in a gallon freezer bag as flat as possible so it defrosts quicker.
3. Freeze whole grain or corn tortillas and shredded cheese in separate quart-sized bags.
4. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat the meat with 1 tablespoon of water in a saucepan.
5. Serve with fresh toppings like pico de gallo, salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, or avocado.

Connect with Michelle Briceno, MS, RD, CSOWM, LDN, to get personalized tips, meal ideas, and nutrition advice that fit your busy lifestyle. Call 985-850-6013 to schedule your consultation today.