Six Things to Make Back-To-School Dinners Easier
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It can be a challenge to come up with simple dinners once school is back in session. Last week, I shared some easy back-to-school breakfast ideas, so this week I’m sharing six of my go-to ways to make back-to-school dinners a breeze.
1. Use frozen vegetables
In a pinch, rather than having to chop fresh vegetables, just opt for frozen ones. If you shop at Costco, purchasing their large bags of organic frozen vegetables is a budget-friendly way to stock up. Frozen vegetables are an especially great way to go during winter months when out-of-season fresh produce can be more expensive.
Frozen vegetables can be easily steamed in the microwave, sautéed on the stovetop, or you can even try roasting them.
2. Use canned goods for protein
Keeping a stock of canned beans, chicken, tuna, and salmon can make throwing a last-minute meal together much easier. Canned beans can be added to salads or grain bowls, while canned chicken or fish can be made into a sandwich or added to a salad, stir fry, casserole, or more without needing to cook the protein.
Look for low-sodium canned foods when possible or try rinsing beans before consuming them. You can even rinse canned chicken or fish if you’d like to lower the sodium content.
3. Use microwavable grain packets
Most grocery stores now carry several different brands of microwavable grain packets. I personally like this one with brown rice and quinoa because it is whole grain so it contains protein and fiber. Pair a microwavable whole grain packet with frozen vegetables and canned beans, chicken, or fish and you have a balanced meal!
4. Make sheet pan meals
If you haven’t made a sheet pan meal before then you’re in for a treat! Sheet pan meals are great because everything cooks together, minimizing the amount of dishes you’ll have to clean after the meal. Some sheet pan meals your family may enjoy include:
5. Meal prep soups
Soups are the ultimate meal prep meal because most will freeze and thaw very well. Try freezing soups in single-serve containers so they thaw more quickly and so that you only have to take out what you need. Some of my favorite meal prep soup recipes are:
6. Utilize slow cooker meals
Slow cookers are great when you want to have a hot meal ready to go when you get home. If you have time to do meal prep earlier in the day then try one of these slow cooker recipes:
Making dinner on school nights doesn’t have to be time consuming. Try using frozen vegetables, canned proteins, and microwavable whole grains to throw together a quick meal, or try cooking sheet pan dinners, meal prep soups ahead of time, or use your slow cooker. What are you favorite back-to-school dinner hacks?
