Family Meals In Under An Hour

There’s a reason people look forward to the weekends. During the week you and your family are running around with a schedule that seems packed to the brim. Getting the kids ready for school, taking them to after school activities and maybe even juggling your own career makes for a string of days where you might be left just trying to catch your breath. 

If this sounds like you, it might seem impossible to fix up dinner for your whole family after such a busy and stressful day. But don’t worry, there’s good news! There are plenty of easy recipes out there that can eliminate any worrying about what you’re going to make for dinner tonight. In this article, you’ll find quick and easy weeknight dinner options that all take less than an hour to prep! 

When you’re having a particularly busy day, you might be tempted to just order out or have something delivered. After all, your kid is telling you that they have a project due tomorrow that they haven’t worked on yet while you’re working on last-minute deadlines for that big presentation at work. How are you supposed to think about making dinner in the midst of all that? While ordering take out or delivery might seem like an easy option, the food might not be very healthy and ordering out can start to add up. Instead, you can cook at home and with these simple recipes and you can get healthy, delicious food on the table fast. Not to mention, your wallet will also thank you! 

With your family running around and everyone taking care of what they need to do, it might seem like dinner is the only time you can sit down as a family. That’s why cooking dinner is another great way for everyone to slow down and enjoy the quality time together. When you sit around the table, you can finally take a breather and just enjoy the moment. Usually, when you’re looking to make something quick and easy, you might have a few ‘go-to’ recipes that you use time and time again. While these are likely tried and true, sometimes it’s good to switch things up and try something new. Not only are the recipes below full of flavor, but they are also healthy and the whole family will be sure to love them.   

While many of these recipes are made in slow cookers, which can increase overall cook time, the prep time is as little as 10 minutes! Wherever you happen to find 10 to 15 minutes to spare in your day, you can quickly prep and put these recipes together so that dinner can be ready when you are! This allows for greater flexibility with your day. If you don’t usually have a lot of time during the evenings, you can prep in the morning and forget about having to make dinner because it will already be done! 

Here are healthy family meals that are perfect for busy weeknights that taste great too. 

Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole 

This hearty and cheesy recipe might quickly become the next family favorite in your household. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you’ll be impressed with the ease that this recipe comes together. 

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak 

How do mashed potatoes and ground beef topped with a savory gravy sound for dinner tonight? Pair it with peas or other vegetables and your dinner is ready to go. While this meal is traditionally more labor-intensive, thanks to the slow cooker, this Salisbury steak has a prep time of just 8-10 minutes.

Pressure Cooker Mushroom Risotto 

If you love risotto, using a pressure cooker is one of the most reliable ways to make perfectly creamy and flavorful risotto every time. The secret ingredient in this recipe? There is just a touch of soy sauce to bring out the savory flavor of the mushrooms. This tasty recipe is not only vegetarian-friendly but time effective as well - total prep and cook time clocks in at just 30 minutes.  

Pressure Cooker Pork Chops

In this one pot wonder recipe, you’ll add in carrots and potatoes along with the pork chops into the pressure cooker for tasty results. An added bonus is that clean up is a cinch since you’re just using one pot! From start to finish, dinner can be ready and on the table in just about 35 minutes. 

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Vegetables 

Similar to a stir fry, this recipe can pack in the veggies. This recipe calls for broccoli, carrots, cauliflower and water chestnuts but feel free to use whatever veggies you happen to have lying around the house. The teriyaki sauce is so good your kids won’t even mind all the vegetables! Prep time is just 15 minutes ,so it’s a perfect recipe for those busy weekday nights.  

Pressure Cooker Spaghetti Casserole - If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, sometimes a pasta dish is the first thing you think of. Spice things up with this chicken spaghetti casserole. Similar to a pasta bake, this recipe features flavorful tomato sauce, tender chicken and cheesy goodness. You and your family can be enjoying a bowl full of pasta in just 30 minutes. 

Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup

When it comes to comfort food, a warm and cheesy soup often fits the bill. This slow cooker broccoli cheese soup is no different. While it’s full of flavor and cheesy goodness, it can also be made with less cream making it a healthier option as well! The whole thing only takes 15 minutes to prepare. 

Smoky Black Bean Soup

This soup is high in protein and will be sure to keep everyone full and with its unique blend of flavors, don’t be surprised if your family asks for seconds! Featuring chorizo, garlic and just a hint of jalapeno, this recipe offers a smoky goodness that your family is sure to love. If your kids don’t like spicy foods, simply scrap the jalapeno altogether. In just 15 minutes this soup will be prepped and ready to cook. 

Chicken Pot Pie Chowder 

When the weather cools down, chicken pot pie is often a family favorite. Thanks to hearty potatoes, vegetables and delicious gravy, chicken pot pie is a staple dinner option for many families. This recipe cleverly combines all the things you love about chicken pot pie and turns it into a delicious chowder that is perfect for the fall and winter months. The soup takes 20 minutes to prep and when it’s done, top it off with crispy bacon to add some extra delicious flavors! 

Crockpot Chicken and Sweet Potato Dish 

As far as healthy dinner options go, this one is sure to make the list. This sheet pan inspired recipe featuring sweet potatoes has been converted to be made in a crockpot and supplies 100% of the Vitamin A you need in one day. How’s that for healthy? If you have 15 minutes, you have time to get this recipe prepped and ready to go. 

When you need dinner on the table, and fast, these recipes will be sure to help. Here’s one more recipe that is quick, easy and delicious. In just 15 minutes, which includes prep and cook time, you’ll have this recipe ready to eat. 

Garlic Noodles

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Oil
• 8 oz Canton Noodles
• 5 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 Bell pepper sliced thinly
• 1/2 tbsp Soy Sauce
• 1 tbsp chili oil
• 1 tsp Vinegar
• 1 3/4 cup Water
• Salt to taste
• 2 Scallion or Green onion chopped
• 1 tsp Sesame seeds to garnish

Directions

1. Add oil, noodles, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, and water to the BSTY Pressure Cooker. Mix well so the noodles are fully dipped in water.
2. Next, add the bell peppers. Close lid with vent in sealing position.
3. Start the pot in manual or select Pasta for 5 to 10 minutes until boiling.
4. When the cooking time is done, select Cancel and use a quick pressure release. Wait until the pin drops then carefully remove the lid.
5. Stir in salt to your taste preference. Top with spring onions and sesame seeds and enjoy.