As the back-to-school season kicks into gear, it’s the perfect time to focus on healthy, hearty meals the whole family will love. We've rounded up some nutritious recipes that are easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.
Easy Meatballs
These easy meatballs are a kid-approved favorite that you can have ready in just over an hour. You can make them with white or brown rice or quick-cooking or old-fashioned rolled oats. This dish pairs well with pasta or rice and a side of seasonal veggies or salad. Check out the Roasted Vegetables recipe for a side dish you can make with any veggies you have.
Time-saving tip: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick and easy meal on your next busy weeknight.
Mushroom Stroganoff
This mushroom stroganoff is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy evenings. Serve with whole-grain pasta noodles or brown rice for a nutritious meal. You could even add a handful of spinach or kale at the end of cooking to help get more veggies in your meal.
Fried Rice with Pork
This fried rice with pork is ready in just 15 minutes. Even better, you can adapt it to include whatever ingredients you have on hand. If you have leftover cold rice, use it! Because it has a firmer texture than freshly cooked, warm rice, it’s a better option for making fried rice.
Quick Lasagna
This quick lasagna is ready in under an hour and uses Food Hero’s Quick Tomato Pasta Sauce for a delicious, fast meal. Feel free to customize the recipe to use up what you have on hand. No ground beef? Try ground turkey or 2 cups of beans instead.
Chicken and Greens Soup
This cozy chicken and greens soup is perfect for soup season! Make a big batch and freeze portions for an easy, nutritious meal anytime!
Getting Kids Involved
When kids help make healthy food, they are more likely to try it. Here are some ways to involve kids in the kitchen:
• Reading recipes: Help kids learn how to follow directions by reading recipes together.
• Measuring ingredients: Teach kids how to measure ingredients accurately. This is a fun way to practice math skills!
• Rinsing produce: Show them how to properly rinse fruits and veggies under cool running water.
• Kitchen safety: Demonstrate how to safely and properly cut and grate ingredients.
• And so much more: Check out the Kids Can! section in all of our Food Hero Monthlies
These simple, healthy family meals are perfect for the busy back-to-school season. Getting kids involved in the kitchen can make meal prep more fun and encourage healthier eating habits. We hope you enjoy these recipes and the time you spend together making them!
