You can cook regular, delicious dinners for yourself, spouse or family without feeling like you’re “missing out” on anything. Normalizing easy dinners, one pan/sheet pan meals, 30 minute meals and standard grocery store ingredients: all something we want when it comes to recipes. This post highlights just that and includes video how-to tutorials.
I’ve had many readers request more lightened-up dinners that include other proteins besides chicken breast. Our family does burgers once a week, but there are many ways to incorporate other proteins while keeping your dinners family-friendly and healthy. Here are my top 5 picks for easy, lightened-up weeknight dinners – that don’t include chicken!
Sheet Pan Sausage, Peppers and Onions
This is one of the easiest meals! Store-bought sausage links are simply roasted on a sheet pan with sliced peppers and onions, baby potatoes, and some pantry seasonings for a deliciously flavorful and easy meal. The best part about this meal is that it can be served in a bowl format or it can be stuffed into a crusty roll to make a delicious hero. Bonus: this recipe can easily be doubled for a crowd!
How-To Reel
View this post on Instagram
Asian-Inspired Healthy Ground Beef Tacos
Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean skipping tacos! A simple beef mixture is topped with a homemade slaw and a spicy mayo (omit on the kids’ plates) to give you a meal that is bursting with flavor. he best part about these tacos is that they’re a great way to spice up your dinner routine and serve a meal that’s quick & family friendly.
Swap out the tortilla for a lower carb option, a grain free option, or use a low fat tortilla, etc. to meet any specific lifestyle needs. Serve with some roasted broccoli (with sesame oil and soy sauce) on the side and you’re golden!
How-To Reel
View this post on Instagram
More Taco Recipes:
Quick and Healthy Sloppy Joe’s
Ready in under half an hour! The ultimate family approved meal and the perfect weeknight dinner. The sloppy joe filling is a delicious balance of sweet and savory; slightly smoky, and just delicious. Pile the filling high on a fluffy bun for the ultimate comfort food. This meal is one the whole family can enjoy, made with wholesome ingredients. Serve with a veggie on the side for the easiest weeknight meal.
How-To Reel
View this post on Instagram
More Comfort Food Recipes:
One Pot Rigatoni in Pink Sauce
Yes, you can cook your pasta in one pot, no separate pot or colander for straining! This sauce is a lightened-up version of an authentic Italian family recipe. And you can feed your entire family…no substitues needed! Pair this easy, delicious recipe with the green veggie and protein of your choice (I recommend shrimp).
How-To Reel
View this post on Instagram
More Pasta Recipes:
This recipe needs no recipe! It’s simple, easy and absolutely delicious. I use: Oscar Mayer center cut bacon, Dave’s killer thin sliced bread, light mayo…sub in whatever ingredients work for you and your family!
Watch How-To Reel
View this post on Instagram
More Easy Handheld Recipes:
These recipes are proof that cooking regular dinners for your family and eating healthy can be done…even without chicken. Still stuck? Burgers are always a good choice!
Related Posts
