Some nights, getting dinner on the table can be a big challenge. We’re often so busy that preparing and eating dinner together becomes an afterthought, or we’re short on time so we end up ordering takeout. However, there are plenty of quick and healthy dinner ideas out there that can help you enjoy delicious meals with your family without spending hours in the kitchen or breaking the bank. Here are seven quick and healthy dinner ideas for the whole family will love.
1) Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce
This classic dish is always a hit with kids and adults alike. To make it a bit healthier, use whole wheat pasta and organic marinara sauce. Add some lean protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, and you’ve got a delicious and healthy meal the whole family will love. Plus, spaghetti is easy to cook and can be made in large batches so that it’s ready when you need it. Try making your tomato sauce from scratch for an even healthier option.
2) Meatloaf
This classic dish is a great way to sneak some veggies into your family’s diet. Add some shredded carrots or zucchini to the ground beef before cooking, and top with ketchup or BBQ sauce. Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli for a complete meal. You can also make it as an appetizer by placing small portions on slices of bread. You can also make this using turkey or chicken instead of beef if you’re looking for more variety in your meatloaf.
3) Chili Mac
This hearty dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time and can be reheated in a snap. To keep things healthy, opt for lean ground beef and whole wheat pasta. Serve with a side of steamed broccoli for a complete meal. A delicious, healthy twist on this classic dish is swapping out flour tortillas for corn tortillas or low-carb wraps. Taco salads are also an option, just serve everything on top of fresh greens instead of rice or corn chips.
4) Beef Stroganoff
This classic dish is easy to make and can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a portion of comfort food that everyone will love. To make it healthier, use lean beef and low-fat sour cream. Serve it over whole wheat egg noodles or mashed potatoes. For a gluten-free option, serve with rice or quinoa. Baked Zucchini with Goat Cheese: Grilling zucchini brings out its natural sweetness.
5) Chicken Salad
This chicken salad is a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that the whole family will love. Simply combine cooked chicken, grapes, celery, mayonnaise, and seasonings to taste. Serve on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich for a satisfying meal. Have all your ingredients chopped up ahead of time to make this even easier? Stir-Fry: Stir-fry is always a favorite at our house because it’s so easy and full of vegetables.
6) Homemade Chicken Nuggets
These chicken nuggets are a healthier version of a fast food favorite. They’re baked, not fried, and made with lean chicken breast. Serve them with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad for a complete meal. You can also make these ahead and freeze them to have on hand when you need a quick dinner idea.
7) Fish and Chips
This classic British dish is a favorite among kids and adults alike. And it’s easy to see why: it’s quick, it’s tasty, and it’s relatively healthy. To make fish and chips healthier, bake the fish instead of frying it. Serve with a side of roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries.
Conclusion
These seven recipes are all quick, healthy, and family-friendly. With a little bit of planning, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal on the table in no time. And don’t forget to involve your kids in the cooking process! They’ll be more likely to eat what they’ve helped make.
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