Quick Dinner Recipe Ideas for Working Parents

If you’re like most parents, your life is busy and full. You probably run from one event or practice to another, and that’s not counting work, church, or any other such activity.

Many families today are fast food junkies for this reason alone. It’s so much easier to grab a quick bagged dinner, rather than sit down to a home cooked meal. If you’re finding yourself in this position, here are some quick dinner recipe ideas that might help you out.

• Tacos - Just about everyone loves tacos. They are quick and easy to make and you can enlist your kids’ help in putting them together. Cook time: 20-30 minutes to make taco meat.
• Nacho Casserole – This one is a big favorite at my house. It’s fast and easy to make. Brown one pound of beef; drain. To beef, add one can each of Rotel, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Cook until soups are thoroughly mixed. In a deep casserole dish, spread ½ to a whole bag of Doritos. Pour beef and soup mixture on top of chips. Top with a layer of cheese. Bake in 425 oven until cheese is melted on top.
• Pork Roast – This is something I do all the time too because it’s so easy. Get a 1-2 pound pork roast and season it well. (Our local grocer sells seasoned pork roasts—even better!) Place roast in crock pot on lowest setting in the morning. If you want veggies with your roast, add those as well (onions, carrots, potatoes, etc.). Pour ¼ cup of water in bottom of pot. Cook 6-8 hours. When you get home in the evening, make some rice to serve with your roast.
• Grilled Chicken Wraps – This is another kid-friendly one. Buy a couple bags of grilled chicken meat (located in the fresh meat section), tortillas, lettuce, shredded cheese, and your favorite dressing. Layer all ingredients on tortillas, then roll up. A little bit goes a long way on these, and they’re yummy served cold as well.
• Ham & Cream Cheese Wraps – Same as above, except apply a thin layer of cream cheese on a tortilla, then layer shaved ham and lettuce on top. Roll up and serve with carrot sticks. (These are great for Weight Watchers, too!)

The main thing about quick dinners is to think “pre-seasoned” and “fully prepared.” Shop for meat that can be quickly warmed or cooked. This will help cut out a ton of prep time when you cook your meals.