Balancing family meals with a busy schedule can be tough, especially for moms who juggle so much. That’s why I love these easy and healthy dinner recipes. They come together quickly and are packed with flavors that everyone in the family will enjoy.
Whether it’s a simple stir-fry or a hearty pasta dish, these meals are designed to make dinner stress-free and delicious. Let’s make cooking dinner a breeze with these family-friendly recipes!
Steps
- Combine your chosen meat with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings in a large bowl. Mix until well incorporated. Shape the mixture into small, even-sized balls and set them aside.
- In a pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides. Once cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
- In the same pan, prepare the sauce by combining vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir thoroughly until the sugar dissolves, then return the meatballs to the pan. Let them simmer in the sauce until they are cooked through and glazed.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix ground chicken with your choice of seasonings and a binder such as breadcrumbs or oatmeal.
- Form the mixture into nugget shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The nuggets should be golden brown and cooked through.
- Sauté chopped onions and garlic in a skillet over medium heat until softened. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens.
- Serve the meat mixture on buns of your choice. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free buns.
- Slice beef thinly and toss with cornstarch. Sear the beef in a hot pan with a little oil until browned, then remove from the pan.
- In the same pan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger. Stir the sauce until the sugar is dissolved.
- Return the beef to the pan and stir to coat in the sauce. Let it cook for a few more minutes before serving.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange chicken pieces and chopped vegetables on a sheet pan.
- In a small bowl, mix together maple syrup and Dijon mustard. Drizzle the mixture over the chicken and vegetables, tossing to coat evenly.
- Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
Ingredients
- Ground beef, 1 pound
- Breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup
- Egg, 1 large
- Soy sauce, 2 tablespoons
- Brown sugar, 1/4 cup
- Vinegar, 2 tablespoons
- Ketchup, 1/4 cup
- Pineapple juice, 1/2 cup
- Cornstarch, 1 tablespoon
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon
- Pepper, 1/4 teaspoon
FAQ
- What is the main benefit of making homemade chicken nuggets?
- By making your own chicken nuggets with ground chicken, you have control over the ingredients, which allows you to avoid highly processed options. Plus, they can easily be made gluten-free without compromising on taste.
- How can I make the Sloppy Joe’s recipe gluten-free?
- To make the Sloppy Joe’s gluten-free, simply swap out the kaiser bun for a gluten-free alternative. The recipe is already dairy and egg free.
- Why should I consider making Mongolian Beef at home instead of ordering takeout?
- The homemade Mongolian Beef is a healthier alternative, made with pantry staples and cooked in one pan for easy clean-up. It’s a quick, delicious option that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
- What makes the Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Chicken and Vegetables meal convenient?
- This meal is convenient because it’s prepared on a single sheet pan, meaning minimal clean-up. Everything cooks together at the same time and temperature, making it both quick and easy.
- How can I access more quick and healthy family dinner recipes?
- You can download Steph’s free ebook, which contains over 15 quick and easy family-friendly recipes, complete with links, pictures, serving suggestions, and allergen information.
Tips
- Utilize Pantry Staples: When making dishes like Sweet and Sour Meatballs or Mongolian Beef, rely on pantry staples such as brown sugar and soy sauce. This not only simplifies your shopping list but also makes weeknight cooking more convenient.
- Opt for Homemade Versions: Instead of buying processed options, like chicken nuggets, prepare homemade baked versions using ground chicken. This allows you to control the ingredients and make healthier choices, such as offering gluten-free options.
- Use Sheet Pans for Minimal Clean-Up: Preparing meals on a sheet pan, like the Maple Dijon Chicken and Vegetables, ensures that everything cooks evenly at the same time, making both the cooking and clean-up process quick and easy.
- Experiment with Ingredient Swaps: For recipes like Sloppy Joes, try simple ingredient swaps to make meals lighter and allergen-friendly. For example, use gluten-free buns if necessary, while still keeping the dish delicious and family-friendly.
Equipment
- Sheet Pan – Essential for the sheet pan maple dijon chicken and vegetables recipe.
- One Pot/Skillet – Useful for the one pan Mongolian beef recipe.
- Baking Tray/Rack – Could be used for the homemade baked chicken nuggets.
