There’s nothing better than sitting down to a family meal – especially when that meal is healthy, nutritious, and easy to make! These recipes are perfect for satisfying the whole family. From young kids to grandparents, everyone will love these meals.
Grilled Cheese and Homemade Tomato Soup
This classic meal is perfect for a chilly day. The grilled cheese can be made with whole-wheat bread and your choice of cheese, while the soup is packed full of nutrients like vitamin A, C, and K.
Ingredients
Grilled Cheese:
- 8 slices whole-wheat bread
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
Tomato Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
- ¼ teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon dried basil leaves
- Dash of salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
For the grilled cheese:
- Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Spread each slice of bread with about two tablespoons of cheese.
- Place the slices in the skillet and grill until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted, about two minutes per side.
For the soup:
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about five minutes.
- Stir in the tomatoes, broth or water, sugar, basil leaves, salt and black pepper to taste. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
To assemble:
- Serve the grilled cheese alongside a bowl of soup.
Chicken and Black Bean Taco Night
This is a great family-friendly recipe that can easily be tailored to each person’s liking. The high-protein chicken and black beans can be served as soft tacos, burritos, or even quesadillas!
Ingredients
For the tacos:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb chicken, cooked and shredded
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- Dash of salt and black pepper to taste
Mix and Match Toppings:
- sauteed veggies
- shredded lettuce
- diced tomatoes or salsa
- chopped avocado or guacamole
- sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about five minutes.
- Stir in the chicken, black beans, chili powder, and cumin. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook until heated through, about five minutes.
- Assemble tacos by spooning the chicken mixture onto the tortillas, then topping with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, and sour cream or Greek yogurt. Roll up and serve immediately.
Turkey Pasta and Veggies
This healthy and easy-to-make dish is perfect for a family dinner. The turkey pasta can be served with your choice of sauce, while the veggies add a dose of vitamins and minerals to the meal. Pro tip: if you can’t get your kids to eat vegetables in sauce, blend your favorite pasta sauce with the veggies before serving to sneak some more in.
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 lb whole wheat penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the sauce:
- your favorite pasta sauce
Mix and Match Toppings:
- shredded cheese
- diced tomatoes
- chopped bell peppers
- spinach
- zucchini
- mushrooms
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. drain and return to pot.
- Add olive oil, onion, garlic, cooked turkey, and your choice of pasta sauce to the pot. Stir until well combined.
- Spread the mixture into a baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped green bell peppers, spinach, tomatoes and mushrooms. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted. Enjoy!
There you have it! Three easy and family-friendly recipes that will have everyone coming back for seconds. These meals are healthy, affordable, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or strapped for time, don’t fret – these recipes will have dinner on the table in no time!
