It’s 5 and I’m wondering {yet again} what to make for dinner. Despite my best meal planning efforts, I don’t have enough time or energy to produce a quality meal.
Or perhaps tonight I decided to forgo my elaborate meal prep to be there for my emotionally needy kids after school. Isn’t that my underlying goal anyway? And yet, the kids still need to be fed.
Tell me I’m not alone in the dinnertime dread! I’ve had a few successes in last minute, quick and easy meal successes. So, I’ll share them with any mom who needs a little help, too.
Here is a compilation of go-to quick and simple meals. Hopefully, you already have ingredients on hand so you don’t have to run to the store with little ones in tow.
Refer to this list when you don’t have time, energy or motivation for what to make for dinner.
From the Freezer
My kids were already pretending to be dogs, so it was easy to jump in their game and serve them right on the kitchen floor. Nuggets, fries, taquitos, mini pizzas, and fish sticks. Whatever I found in the freezer I threw on a cookie sheet. Then, I served the food on a cookie sheet {not the one I cooked the food on} and put a dip in each corner. I called the dogs {kids}by their puppy names and they came running. Dinner done. Dishes done!
Cold Cereal
When I was at my wit’s end trying to think of what to make for dinner, I announced cereal was all we had in the house. Everyone {especially Dad} was thrilled. Breakfast for dinner always mixes things up.
Grilled Picnic Outside
This is great for no cleanup. Put chicken, hamburgers, fish or hot dogs on the grill with some grilled veggies and corn on the cob. Eat outside on paper products.
Dads Duty
I’m the stay-at-home Mom, so we have divvied up the responsibility for most of the meal planning and preparing to me. But, when I’m feeling stuck, my husband comes up with the best ideas with whatever he finds in the pantry. I let him know on his way home from work that I’m struggling and see what he comes up with. Usually makes fried potatoes with bacon bits and cheese or loaded nachos (Chips, melted cheese with beans, meat, guacamole, green onions, etc.) This gives Dad a chance to see what I do, and it might just give me some good ideas, too!
Lunchables for Dinner
Set out an array of meats, cheese, and crackers. Or have the kids help set it up! My boy came up with this whole platter! He loved ‘making dinner’. Kids can try different mixtures of meats and cheeses and see what they like best. We also like pairing the cheese with a variety of apples to discover our likes.
Quesadillas
We like corn tortillas with cheddar cheese. Make 5 at a time on an electric skillet in minutes.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
If you want to get really fancy, add tuna in the grilled cheese sandwich. Or a tomato soup using spaghetti sauce and cream.
Taco soup
Browned beef and onions + 6 cans (black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, Rotel, and beef broth) 1 packet of ranch dressing mix, 1 taco seasoning. Throw it all in a pot. Simmer and done!
Bean and Cheese Burritos
Can of refried beans and cheese on a tortilla. Simple, quick and effective.
Pasta Variety
Any pasta is my kids favorite. They like it plain with just parmesan cheese on it {yuck}. It’s easy to open a can of sauce for me. A box of Mac and Cheese is always a favorite too!
PB&Jam {or honey} {or banana} sandwich
Who says sandwiches have to be for lunch? Pull out a new spin on peanut butter and jelly for a filling dinner.
Breakfast for Dinner
Our rushed mornings mean we rarely have time for a hot meal. Why not have breakfast for dinner? Ideas include, pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy, french toast, German Pancakes or loaded oatmeal.
Chicken tacos
Throw raw chicken in the instant pot with salsa and taco seasoning. 30 minutes later…chicken tacos!
Baked Potato Bar
In the instant pot, potatoes can be done in 30 mins or less! Pull out some chili, sour cream, cheese, bacon, green onions, broccoli or other toppings and have a loaded baked potato.
Apps for dinner
While this one does take more time and energy, if you get everyone on board, it can be a fun idea. We make teams and create our favorite appetizers (mini pizzas, meatballs, potato skins, nachos, guacamole, onion rings, veggie plate with dips, fruit tray with dips). We eat a dinner comprised only of appetizers.
Whats in the fridge?
Pull EVERYTHING out of the fridge {Perfect excuse to clean the shelves anyway}. The kids can choose whatever they want for dinner. Leftovers, raw veggies and dip, fruit, and cheeses tend to be what we find.
Mini pizzas
Smash refrigerated biscuits and top with pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperonis. You can also use English muffins.
Want to simplify your lunches? Read this life-changing and simple idea for a Salad Exchange.
I hope you found a great meal for what to make for dinner tonight! I’m always looking for new ideas for quick and simple meals. What is your go-to for dinner when you are out of time or energy?
Leave me a comment if this helped and what your family liked!
Pin for ‘those nights’ you know you’ll need it
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