10 Easy Meals for Busy Weeknights

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for stopping by today. I have just a quick post for you today sharing a round up of different recipes and ideas for some quick easy dinners for those busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you just don't feel like cooking. Now, full disclosure...I have not made all of these specific recipes; but I have done some version of each one of them. (Except the breadcrumb pasta...that one is my recipe!) I just really suck at cooking and photographing at the same time, so I decided to just link to the food bloggers who do it much better than I do! (Not all the meals are shown in the picture)

Click the bold face titles for links to the recipes.

1. Panini's (or other grilled type sandwich) Sandwiches are just ridiculously easy and perfect for crazy busy nights or hot summer evenings when you don't want to turn on the oven. Making a grilled sandwich or if you have Panini maker, is just a fun way to take it easily from ordinary to fun!

2. Easy Beef Tacos a pound of beef (organic and grass-fed, of course) some taco seasoning, taco sauce (or enchilada sauce which is what I use) cheese and taco shells, and viola! Dinner is served in less than 20 minutes.

3. Pulled Pork Sandwiches You can do pulled chicken as well. We pair this with some tater tots or fries with corn or baked beans. Easy-peasy. You can make it even easier and buy the already pre- made pulled pork/chicken. I buy the Lloyd's version all the time and it's great!
https://crustabakes.wordpress.com/2011/11/20/pulled-pork-sandwich/

4. Breadcrumb Pasta Chicken diced, white pasta sauce, penne and a crispy breadcrumb topping make a wonderful, comforting meal any day of the week.

5. Panko-Crusted Chicken Tenders: The key to this is the Panko breadcrumbs...they really do make a difference and also bake them on a racked baking sheet so they stay crispy. Add Jasmine rice and a green salad and an easy meal is served.

6. Pizza Don't underestimate a frozen pizza for a busy night! We eat pizza every Saturday night and always have Red-Baron.  I make a separate pizza on an individual crust with a blend of Daiya cheeses for my son who is dairy free. It's a win-win for everyone and I don't ever have to struggle with what to make for dinner on Saturday nights!

7. Ravioli Lasagna Doesn't get much easy than frozen ravioli of your choice, marinara sauce and cheese. 1 casserole dish and dinner is served.

8. Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders The reason these are easy is because they are made ahead of time. Make them in the morning and then all you have to do is pop them in the oven to have in time for dinner. *tip* I have learned to keep the bread cold, cut the top layer off in one large slab, place all the ham and cheese on, put the "top" back on, add the sauce, and refrigerate. Cut the sandwiches into individual servings before you cook them. They will be easier to cut when they are cold.

9. Cheeseburger Pasta Step away from that pre-boxed Hamburger Helper! This home-made version is so much better and too easy not to make. I have made this recipe and my whole family loved it! http://www.budgetsavvydiva.com/2012/09/cheeseburger-pasta-recipe/

10. 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken. Cut up some chicken, toss it with some egg and flour and then a quick and easy sauce. Make some noodles or some rice and call it good for dinner.

Have wonderful day and I'll see you again tomorrow!