Nothing Fancy (but really tasty) Meal Ideas
These days I swear in live in my kitchen. If I’m not prepping or cooking meals, I’m making someone a snack or cleaning up. And for the first time in a long time I’m getting tired of my “go-to” meal ideas for my family. Is anyone else feeling this way?
If you’re feeling like me then you’re looking to others for some meal time inspiration! I’ve decided to make your life much easier today. I’m going to share some of my favourite nothing fancy, but really tasty and family approved meal ideas (some healthy, others not so much, everything in moderation, right?).
These meals can be made with simple ingredients and on any budget!
Main Dishes:
Sweet + Spicy Chicken
Marinade Recipe.
1/4 cup Dijon mustard.
1/4 cup hot sauce.
1 cup ketchup.
1/4 cup soy sauce.
1 tbsp brown sugar.
2 tbsp lemon.
2 garlic, minced.
Marinade for a few hours before baking or barbecuing and serve with your favourite veggies and rice. I added pineapple to my skewers because we love adding the sweetness of a pineapple to this dish!
Stuffed Chicken
3-4 chicken breasts
Seasoning (all to taste)
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
1/2 brick of plain cream cheese
1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
Mix softened cream cheese and spinach together in a bowl and set aside
set oven to 375 degrees
Begin by butterflying the chicken
Season on both sides
Drizzle olive oil over medium-hot skillet
Cook chicken for approximately two minutes on both sides and remove from skillet.
Divide and spoon the cream cheese/spinach mixture into the chicken and close with toothpicks.
Place in the oven for 15-20minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Remove toothpicks and serve immediately.
Serve with your favourite vegetables and/or pasta.
BigMac Sloppy Joes.
This is far from heathy, but oh my goodness delicious! Be sure to follow the instruction to make the classics the day before!
Click here for the full recipe!
I also love making my own potato/sweet potato fries.
Click here for my recipe!
Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos
Okay, now that we’ve recovered from the BigMac sloppy joes, let’s try a healthy take on your favourite nachos!
Slice your sweet potato into thin pieces(approx 1/4 inch).
Drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil + add seasoning (I like to use Flavour God, Everything, Garlic or Ranch seasoning.
Mix and place slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Bake slices for about 20 minutes flipping halfway; until crisp (you may have to repeat this step depending on how many slices you have).
Remove from oven and top with/layer your favourite nacho toppings (beef, chicken, tomatoes, peppers, onions and cheese.
Return to the oven to melt cheese and warm sweet potato slices.
Serve immediately with salsa, guacamole and plain Greek yogurt!
Pulled Chicken Sandwich
Chicken Seasoning (divided)
1 tsp salt.
1 tbsp garlic.
Place chicken breasts in crockpot and cover both sides with seasoning and your favourite barbecue sauce.
1/2 fresh lime; squeezed *optional
Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours.
When the chicken is cooked, shred using a beater or two forks, place back into crockpot and mix with the chicken with the juices in the crockpot.
Let sit the crockpot to absorb the juices.
Serve immediately on a bun with coleslaw.
For my favourite and easy coleslaw recipe click here!
Avocado Taco
A healthy spin on your favourite taco!
Taco Seasoning:
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
6 tbsp chili pepper
3 tsp paprika
2 tsp cumin.
Brown meat and drain excess grease.
add 1/2 water and taco seasoning to taste (you will have some seasoning left over).
Scoop taco meat over half a pitted avocado and top with your favourite fixings!
Breakfast BLT for Dinner
We love breakfast sandwiches for breakfast, lunch + especially dinner! Here’s my favourite one:
1 bagel, toasted
1 egg fried (I tend to break to yoke, but you can keep it runny)
1 slice of cheese (today I used processed, but I also love Swiss, provolone or cheddar as an option).
Bacon
Lettuce
Tomato
Avocado
Light mayonnaise.
Fresh Basil *optional
Side Dishes:
(So good you can eat them right out of the bowl!)
Black Bean Salsa
1 can black beans
I can corn
2 cups chopped red or orange pepper
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped red onion
Cilantro *optional
In a pot bring to a boil, let cool and pour over vegetables
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup honey
3/4 cup Apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp water
Pico de Gallo.
2 medium chopped Roma tomatoes.
1/2 cup white onion.
1/3 cup cilantro.
1 jalapeño.
Lime zest *to taste.
1 minced clove garlic.
Mix together and serve with tortilla chips.
To make your own chips.
Cut corn tortillas into triangles, brush lightly with olive oil, sprinkle garlic powered and broil for approximately 5 minutes or until crisp.
Mango Salsa
1 large diced mango
3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
1/3 cup chopped red onion
1 large diced avocado
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Serve over baked/grilled chicken, salmon or rice, or eat with tortilla chips.
