Today I am sharing a few meals ideas to help you get dinner on the table in 10 minutes! Some of these ideas can be made in 10 minutes and some need prep time the night before or morning of while others can be prepared a month in advance.
I got the idea from a friend who requested ideas on Facebook for 10 minutes meals and was very specific that dinner had to be on the table in 10 minutes. I had so many ideas but I couldn't share them all in one comment. My friend has a little one who is Auggie's age and both parents work full-time with long hours and long commutes. So, they almost need to be able to put dinner on the table when they walk in the door.
Salads
Especially easy and perfect on hot, summer days. Here are a few of my favorites.
Chef: turkey from the deli, bacon (I always have Hormel bacon bits from Sam's Club in the fridge), avocado, hard boiled eggs, sunflower seeds, lettuce and blue cheese dressing.
Italian: garbanzo beans, roasted red peppers, canned artichoke hearts, salami, provolone/mozzarella cheese, lettuce and Italian dressing.
Greek: grilled or roasted chicken breast (prepared over the weekend), cucumber, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, feta, pine nuts, lettuce and vinaigrette.
Spinach: grilled or roasted chicken breast, bacon, hard boiled eggs, red onion, sunflower seeds, spinach and poppyseed dressing.
Taco: taco meat (leftover or prepared ahead of time - perfect to keep in the freezer), cheddar cheese, tomatoes, black olives, avocado, tortilla chips, sour cream, salsa, lettuce and ranch dressing.
Soup
During fall and winter, I make a big batch of soup on Sunday afternoons and we enjoy it throughout the week. Or I will freeze portions and save for another week. Chili, beef vegetable and chicken tortilla are favorites that freeze well. Frozen soup can thaw overnight or during the day in the fridge which means you just have to reheat. Soup is also a great meal to let slow cook during the day and is ready when you walk in the door. Make it a more filling meal by serving it with a crusty bread.
Stir fry
We love stir fry! I use whatever is on sale or in the fridge. A combination of protein and veggies works every time. Prep the night before by cutting up the meat (chicken, beef or pork) and veggies (carrots, bell peppers, onions and bok choy are my go-to stir fry veggies). Stir fry is meant to cook hot and fast. I always have water chestnuts, bamboo shoots or mini corn in my pantry. I make rice in batches and freeze so that I can pull out when I am pinched for time. A quick sauce of low sodium soy sauce mixed with a little cornstarch brings it all together.
Casseroles
Casseroles are great for many reasons - a full meal in one dish, easy to sneak include veggies, reheats well and freezes well. Pinterest is full of great casserole ideas. I tend to go the pasta route but Mexican is a good option too.
Slow Cooker
I saved the best for last! If you don't own a slow cooker, go order one now! If you want a meal on the table when you walk in the door, a slow cooker will be your BFF. I use the All-Clad 7 Qt. which has an insert that can be used on the stove top for browning or searing meat and softening vegetables. The size is perfect for our family of five.
Baked Potatoes: Yes, you can make baked potatoes in your slow cooker! I like to serve stuffed potatoes filled with broccoli and cheese (I keep frozen boxes on hand), bacon, salsa, sour cream. Leftover chili is a great topper too.The options are limitless here.
Chipotle Bowls: Skinny Taste's Chicken Taco Chili, Barbacoa, Santa Fe Chicken are favorites along with this Beef Fajita recipe and this Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa are favorites. Use to top a bowl of rice then add your favorite Tex Mex condiments.
You can find more of my favorite slow cooker recipes here.
I hope that you find these 10 minute meals helpful! They are lifesavers during our busy school year. What are some of your favorite quick meals? Slow cooker favorites?
Hope everyone is having a great week!
xo,
Stephanie
