Time Saving Dinner Tips & Recipes for Busy Families

Between work and taking the kids to school and sports, weeknights can get pretty busy. “What’s for dinner tonight?” can add extra stress to an already hectic evening. However, with a meal planning strategy, weeknight dinners can be quick, easy, and delicious.

Looking for simple dinner solutions? We’ve put together a list of time saving tips and tricks for dinners that the whole family will love.

1. Make a game plan

Planning meals for the whole week not only saves time, but can also make weeknight dinners more exciting! Become inspired by gathering simple and tasty recipe ideas for weeknights. Pinterest is a great tool to discover new recipes and organize your weeknight recipe inspiration.

2. Prep ingredients ahead of time

Recipes that require chopping, slicing, and dicing can seem daunting. But, not to worry! Make a quick cooking Samba Steak Stir-Fry on a busy weeknight by chopping the vegetables the night or morning before. Really short on time? Try already sliced fresh or frozen vegetables from the grocery store.

3. Let it marinate

Steaks aren’t just for weekends! Cuts such as Skirt steak or Flank steak can be marinated and quickly cooked in a skillet for an easy and satisfying weeknight meal. Marinate your steak in a simple Chili-Cilantro Marinade the night or morning before and it will be ready to cook by the time you get home.

4. Cook once, eat twice

Firing up the grill on the weekend? Grill extra burgers or Southwestern Steak and Colorful Vegetables for tasty and versatile weeknight meals. Make double servings of chilis and soups to freeze for busy nights.