Simple Weeknight Dinners

It’s that time of the year again when we say goodbye to summer and fall back into our daily school and work routines. Below you will find some family friendly dinners that are easy, quick and yummy options for a busy weeknight!

• Chili: As the weather is starting to cool down, why not warm up with a bowl of chili? A lot of the ingredients, like beans and canned tomatoes, can be found in your pantry and you can use leftovers, like cheese, as toppings.  Making chili can be as easy as putting all the ingredients in one pot or in a slow cooker if you have one. Try this for a vegetarian option: Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili.
• Casserole: This one-dish dinner can be prepared ahead of time and put in the oven when you’re ready to eat! Casseroles also make great leftovers, which means you can have a quick, easy lunch the next day. You can make your own casserole by adding  your choice of whole grain(like whole wheat pasta or uncooked brown rice), protein like chicken or beef, vegetables like peas or broccoli and sauce like a can of diced tomatoes and top it with cheese or bread crumbs. Try this: Chicken and Kale Casserole.
• Sheet pan: Using whatever baking dish you have, mix all the ingredients on the pan and put it in the oven. Dinner will be ready in no time and you won't have a lot of clean up to do. Choose a variety of vegetables, and  protein. Try this: Baked Fish with Tomatoes, Greens, and Mushrooms
• Stir Fry: First, slice your favorite veggies and proteins (lean beef, chicken, turkey, beans, or tofu). Then sauté them with a little bit of oil and add a sauce like soy sauce for flavor. After they are cooked, add it to a bowl of rice or noodles and serve.  Try this: Stir-Fried Vegetables with Beef, Chicken, or Tofu.
• Salad: If you are serving a refreshing salad as your main dish, make sure you add protein like tuna, chicken or beans to your veggies and toss them with a dressing you like. Some salads also work as a sandwich filling! Try this: Tuna Salad
• Soup: This comforting dish is easy to make and it freezes well. You can use fresh, canned, frozen or dry ingredients to make your soup. Choose your liquid base like water or chicken or vegetable stock and add to it your choice of veggies and let them cook. You can also add a meat as well. Try this: Taco Soup

No matter what you end up preparing make sure to involve kids, for example by asking them to set the table or rinse canned vegetables or beans.  Also make sure to enjoy dinner together as a family at least a couple of times a week!