why make this recipe
21 Kid Approved Easy Dinners for Busy Nights – Pantry Petal is perfect for parents looking for quick, simple meals that their kids will enjoy. These dishes are not only easy to prepare but also made with ingredients you likely have in your pantry. Busy weeknights demand easy solutions, and this recipe collection helps make dinnertime stress-free and fun for the whole family.
how to make 21 Kid Approved Easy Dinners for Busy Nights – Pantry Petal
Ingredients:
- Pasta (any kind)
- Canned tomato sauce
- Ground meat (beef, turkey, or your choice)
- Frozen vegetables (like peas or corn)
- Cheese (shredded)
- Tortillas or pita bread
- Canned beans
- Rice
- Chicken (pre-cooked or canned)
- Seasonings (like garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper)
Directions:
- Pasta with Meat Sauce: Boil pasta according to package instructions. In a separate pan, cook ground meat until brown. Add canned tomato sauce and seasonings. Mix with the pasta and sprinkle cheese on top.
- Vegetable Fried Rice: Cook rice as directed. Heat a pan with a little oil, add frozen vegetables, and sauté. Mix in the cooked rice and add soy sauce to taste.
- Taco Night: Heat tortillas or pita bread. Fill with ground meat or beans, add cheese, and top with any favorite toppings like lettuce or salsa.
- Cheesy Bean Quesadillas: Lay tortillas flat, sprinkle with cheese and canned beans. Fold and cook on a skillet until cheese melts and tortillas are crispy.
- Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry: If using pre-cooked chicken, stir-fry with frozen vegetables. Add soy sauce and serve over rice.
how to serve 21 Kid Approved Easy Dinners for Busy Nights – Pantry Petal
Serve these dishes hot and feel free to add fresh fruits or a side salad for extra nutrition. Plating in a fun way can also make it more appealing to kids. Encourage them to customize their tacos or quesadillas as they like.
how to store 21 Kid Approved Easy Dinners for Busy Nights – Pantry Petal
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Most dishes can be kept for up to three days. You can also freeze portions of the meals for later use. Be sure to label containers with dates.
tips to make 21 Kid Approved Easy Dinners for Busy Nights – Pantry Petal
- Make use of frozen vegetables; they cook quickly and retain nutrients.
- Pre-cook rice or pasta ahead of time and use it throughout the week.
- Involve kids in meal prep; they can help wash vegetables or mix ingredients.
- Keep a varied supply of spices to change flavors easily without extra effort.
Serving Ideas
Encourage kids to build their own plates or bowls. Offer toppings like sliced bananas or mixed berries for entrees that can easily be personalized.
Final Thoughts
21 Kid Approved Easy Dinners for Busy Nights – Pantry Petal is about bringing simplicity and joy back to dinner time. Easy meals mean more family time and less stress. With a little planning, meal prep can be a breeze.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh vegetables can be used. Just chop them and cook until tender.
2. How can I make these meals healthier?
You can add more vegetables, use whole grain pasta or tortillas, and choose leaner meats.
3. What if my kids don’t like certain ingredients?
Try to swap out ingredients for their favorites. Customize the meals to fit their tastes!
21 Kid Approved Easy Dinners for Busy Nights
Ingredients
Pasta Dishes
- 1 pound Pasta (any kind) Choose your family’s favorite variety.
- 1 can Canned tomato sauce Select a brand you enjoy.
- 1 pound Ground meat (beef, turkey, or your choice) Use lean options if desired.
- 1 cup Cheese (shredded) Choose a cheese your kids love.
Vegetable Dishes
- 1 cup Frozen vegetables (like peas or corn) Quick-cooking and nutritious.
- 2 cups Rice Cooked according to package directions.
Taco Ingredients
- 4 pieces Tortillas or pita bread Use whole grain for more nutrition.
- 1 can Canned beans Choose your favorite type.
Chicken Stir-Fry
- 2 cups Chicken (pre-cooked or canned) Use shredded for easier cooking.
Seasonings
- to taste Seasonings (like garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper) Feel free to vary based on taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil pasta according to package instructions.
- In a separate pan, cook ground meat until brown.
- Add canned tomato sauce and seasonings to the meat.
- Mix the meat sauce with the pasta and sprinkle cheese on top.
Vegetable Fried Rice
- Cook rice as directed.
- Heat a pan with a little oil and add frozen vegetables; sauté until heated through.
- Mix in the cooked rice and add soy sauce to taste.
Taco Night
- Heat tortillas or pita bread.
- Fill with ground meat or beans, add cheese, and top with any favorite toppings like lettuce or salsa.
Cheesy Bean Quesadillas
- Lay tortillas flat and sprinkle with cheese and canned beans.
- Fold and cook on a skillet until cheese melts and tortillas are crispy.
Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry
- If using pre-cooked chicken, stir-fry with frozen vegetables.
- Add soy sauce and serve over rice.