5 Tips to Simplify Family Meals

Lets talk about family meal prep! Since I began working a 9-5, M-F, our little family has had some challenges with our daily meals. Simply put, it can get CRAZY especially with our Isaiah lol. Our goal has been to make dinner an enjoyable time of day, and not a stand and eat then rush baths ordeal. Since I know we aren’t the only ones trying to balance this time of day, I figured I would share with you all what has helped us thus far!

H-E-B Meal Simple

If you haven’t yet tried HEB’s ready meals, please do! They offer a variety of already prepped meals that can be thrown into the oven for 15 – 30 minutes and BAM, dinner is served. We love the pesto pasta, coconut shrimp, kale salads, and shrimp alfredo (I add a bit of spice and herbs)- just to name a few. O, and the rotisserie chicken!

Cookbooks

Tony can eat the same thing ALL week (he’s so discipline), not so much Isaiah and myself. When I get bored I have a collection of cookbooks I use for meals or meal inspiration. I love meals that are quick, easy, and taste as good as they look in the cookbooks. I reserve the more fancy and complicated meals for weekends! Here are some of my favorites:

Prep and Plan Ahead

I prefer to cook meals that will last at least 2 days worth of lunch and dinner. My boys and I love my jambalaya and okra, but these meals take a little longer due to all the veggie chopping. If these dishes are the weekly menu I prefer to chop them a few days in advance and store in the fridge or freezer until it’s time to cook them. It really helps with time and my sanity!

Take Out

One thing 2020 taught me is that ordering takeout doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Some days cooking is just NOT an option and guess what, we order takeout! Zoe’s kitchen is one of our go-to’s and the family kabob pack will last us a couple of days!

Get HUBBY/BAE To Cook

Ladies, get that man to cook too! Even if you have to prep the meal for him the day before with a pan sheet meal to toss in the oven for 30 mins. Tony has done a great job at helping out with our meals whether it’s cooking a full spread or ordering one! My love gets the job done and what’s the saying, “happy wife, happy life”!

I hope this has helped in simplifying your family meals as much as it has mine! If you have any recommendations, I’d love to know in the comments below!