Hey homemakers, you don’t have to spoil your budget and health goals with takeout! Here are 10 dinners to make when you’re in a pinch!
As a new mum, I have found myself in a pinch more times than I’d like to admit. I try hard not to resort to takeout because we like to reserve that for planned, special occasions. I recommend taking that option off the table completely if you are on a budget like me.
When you know you cannot bail yourself out with takeout, you will be more likely to plan better or at least take a few minutes to throw something together for your family.
If this happens often, it might be a sign you need a meal-prep day or a well thought out daily routine.
Recently I realized dinner time feeling all but restful, and nothing short of chaotic. All I had to do was start cooking dinner earlier.
Although allocating an hour of prep-time was plenty of time pre-baby, I now start at least 2 hours, sometimes more, before I need dinner to be on the table.
This allows for a much more relaxing dinner experience. I’m happy to be interrupted 14 times and let the baby help me mix things. I have time to get much of the mess cleaned up and the dinner table set. This was a necessary shift!
All that to say, we all still have days that do not go as planned. This post is for those days! Bookmark it and stock up on ingredients for a few of the recipes so you are always prepared.
10 Dinners to Make When You’re in a Pinch
Tacos
Tacos are my number one go-to! I always have taco ingredients on hand. I will either saute onions and garlic with ground beef and seasoning, or throw a few chicken breasts in the slow cooker with a jar of salsa for a couple of hours. Pair that with warm tortillas, cheese, and anything else you like and boom, you have dinner in a matter of minutes. If you don’t have tortillas, you could do burrito bowls with rice and beans. For lighter fare, try a taco salad!
Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese
I always stock up on cans of crushed, fire roasted tomatoes when I see them! They make the best tomato soup! Saute onions and garlic in butter, add your tomatoes, broth, spices (basil, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, salt and pepper) and let simmer for a bit. Once the soup is about done, pour in some cream! YUM. You can leavy it chunky or blend it up for a creamy soup. The grilled cheese is self-explanatory. I like to add lunch meat or bacon if I have it to up the protein and overall satiety of the meal!
Pasta Primavera
I love this recipe because you can use whatever veggies you happen to have on hand. It’s so simple and quick and my family always enjoys it!
Meatloaf and Veggies
Meatloaf is easy to throw together and always tastes delicious! Pair your meatloaf with whatever roasted veggies you have on hand and call it a day. Don’t sweat it if you’re missing an ingredient or two, meatloaf is very forgiving. If I have the time, I like to add tons of veggies to my meatloaf — peppers, mushrooms, onions, and spinach are all great!
Breakfast for Dinner
Breakfast for dinner is a family-favorite and happens to be ready in minutes! Pancakes, eggs, bacon, whatever you have time for!
Homemade Hamburger Helper
This recipe only uses one pot and comes together very quickly. It only takes a few more minutes than store-bought hamburger helper. Plus, it’s much healthier and tastier!
Chili
Another go-to for my family. I can get a pot of chili going in about 20 minutes. I always make sure to have the necessary ingredients! Let me know in the comments if you are interested in my recipe. It’s quite healthy and I’ve been told I make some of the best!
Salisbury Steak and Veggies
Whenever we have this, my husband says, “Do the people of Salisbury just call this ‘steak’?” Lol. Salisbury steak is quick and tasty. I usually pair it with some sauteed mushrooms and whatever roasted veggies we have on hand.
Pizza and Salad
Next time you’re whipping up some pizza dough, double the batch and freeze half. Your future, in-a-pinch-self will thank you! If you’ve never made pizza dough, I promise it’s super-duper easy.
Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Mix roasted spaghetti squash with a jar of marinara and cooked italian sausage. Pour your mixture into a casserole dish and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20-30 minutes on 350 and enjoy!
Another idea I want to add is a leftover buffet! Every once in a while, leftovers will pile up in our fridge and we need to eat them before they spoil. I will heat everything up and have a tasty buffet of leftovers! This is super quick and minimizes food waste!
I hope these 10 recipes help you out the next time you’re in a pinch!
Happy homemaking!
Check out our Free Cooking Guide: How and Why to Glorify God Through Home Cooking!