Busy Weeknight Dinners That Even Your Kids Will Love
October 26, 2024/
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There are ways to make weeknight dinners that even your kids will love. Although weeknights can be hectic, due to rushing out of work to pick up kids and then quickly preparing dinner before rushing off to the next activity or two. It’s hard not to opt for takeout or a meal from the frozen food section at the grocery store. However, you and I both know this is a recipe for disaster. As a result of this way of thinking, there are more obese kids now than ever before in history.
Statistics Canada reported, that in 2022, one in three Canadians aged 18 and older were obese! That’s 30% of the entire adult population! And what’s worse is that we are passing these unhealthy habits onto our kids. According to Professor Christopher de Gara and Dr. Caroline Sheppard in their report “Obesity: A National Crisis” an estimated 1.6 million Canadian children are overweight or obese. 1 in 5 are overweight and 1 in 10 are obese, which is equal to 30% of the kids in the country!
I don’t like the new saying “Healthy at any size” as this statement is 100% false! Obesity contributes to heart disease and type 2 diabetes among other major and minor illnesses. Although genetics can play a role, an unhealthy diet is by far the #1 cause of obesity. It’s important to drive past that drive-thru and skip those overly processed ‘meals” at the grocery store. It’s time to take back our kitchens and remember what it’s like to eat REAL food. It’s time to start teaching our kids what real food looks and tastes like.
I know what you are thinking, “who has time to make a big fancy meal on a weeknight?”, well it doesn’t have to be big and it doesn’t have to be fancy, it just has to be real. That’s why I’ve made this list of our favourite weeknight meals, all can be made in an hour or less and all are made with real food you can find in your pantry (if you haven’t already check out my post about stocking up for weeknight meals).
1. Burgers
Homemade, with known ingredients is the only way to go. This is a fan favourite in my house, it’s quick and easy and everyone will eat it. In recent years red meat has gotten a bad rap, but beef is loaded with high-quality protein, vitamins (think B vitamins, Zinc, and Selenium), and minerals (did someone say Iron?). However if beef is not your thing, you can also try out Chicken Burgers or these tasty veggie burgers we make with lentils.
2. Chicken Quesadilla (or Bean)
This meal is full of lean protein. Think chicken, beans, and vegetables all wrapped up nicely in a whole wheat tortilla, baked for 10 minutes, and served. This is perfect for a busy weeknight. My kids eat this just bean and cheese with veggies on the side.
3. Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
The BEST spaghetti and meat sauce recipe will only take 30 minutes to cook from beginning to end. It’s healthy and delicious and best of all what kid doesn’t love spaghetti? Serve with a big salad and voila!
4. Pork Chops
This has got to be the easiest way to make pork chops in the whole world, and my kids go crazy for them. Serve with rice and a vegetable; you will be out the door for hockey practice in no time.
This works best with leftover rice, be sure to make extra for a meal earlier in the week. This fried rice is basically a dump meal for leftovers. Originally it is a vegetarian recipe but throw in some rotisserie chicken, rice and your favourite vegetables, and you have dinner baby!
6. Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Everyone in my house loves meatballs, these sweet and sour ones are a good variation for a weeknight.
This is one of my favourite recipes made in the Instant Pot. It’s fast, healthy, delicious, and best of all, like all Instant Pot meals, there are very few dishes to clean!
This is my absolute favourite recipe from Rachel Ray. If you’re looking for a quick and easy vegetarian dinner this is it. Rachel Ray is famous for the 5 ingredient meals (among other things!) Love her or hate her this one is a winner!
9. Breakfast for Dinner
This is an absolute favourite in my house. When I work at the office this is a fast easy dinner to make any night of the week. Bacon (use back bacon if side bacon is a health issue for you) and scrambled eggs are easy, healthy, frugal options and taste good any time of the day. Serve with a plate of cut-up raw veggies.
10. Big Salad
Whether you do a big Ceasar salad with chicken or a delicious Cobb Salad, a big salad with your choice of protein is always a good quick idea.
My kids aren’t huge fans of one-pot meals (I usually have to deconstruct any “one-pot” meals I make for them) but this Instant Pot recipe is always a hit. It takes about half an hour from start to finish and tastes delicious!
This Panera Bread copycat soup is made in the Instant Pot is quick and nutritious. I’ve never actually eaten at Panera Bread (*gasp!*). But if their soup tastes as good as this one, I understand why people try to copy their recipes. This soup, we like to throw a little rice into the bowl of soup.
Drop a comment with any of your favourite weeknight meals!
