Even under normal circumstances, without throwing remote learning into the mix, this time of year is one of the busiest. Workdays feel longer, school & homework take up a lot of spare time, and the upcoming Fall holidays are peeking over the horizon. Having a couple of delicious & quick weeknight dinner recipes can really save the day!
Low in fuss, and high in flavor, these four Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipes, all use super-convenient, easy-to-find, ground meats. They are perfect meals to help save you time in the kitchen, and keep your money in your pocket!
It’s lovely to have a delicious ribeye steak for dinner, but ground meats are always a staple on my grocery list. Budget-friendly and flexible, they are often the building blocks of my weekly menu planning. They can be bought and frozen for up to four months, so you have plenty of time to pull them out for your favorite recipes.
These four favorite recipes span the globe, flavor-wise. From a spicy Thai Ground Chicken Basil, to savory Turkey Meatballs with Roasted Tomato Sauce, or Easy Ground Beef Tacos that my kids love! For those cooler evenings, when you just want to warm up, try my delicious Turkey Meatball Soup with Kale!
Don’t like ground turkey? Swap it with chicken! Would you rather stay away from using red meat? Go ahead and switch out your favorite ground meat as a substitute. Think pork would be a better match for the Spicy Thai Basil? Go for it! All of these recipes are quick, flavorful, and importantly, very adaptable!
Spicy Thai Chicken Basil
Ground chicken is sautéed with a combination of diced poblano chili, Fresno chili, & fresh garlic. Sambal chili paste, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and a splash of fish sauce for an authentic inspired Thai dish! Add a handful of fresh green basil just before serving, and scoop this delicious mix on top of some soft steamed rice. This ground chicken recipe is on the table in 10 minutes or less!
Quick Ground Beef Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema
Lean ground beef is mixed with pantry spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and cumin. Add a bit of fresh lime zest and juice, and you get a super savory beef taco filling or nacho topping in no time! Serve with all the usual sides such as guacamole, salsa, & sour cream. You can even make your own Crema for an extra special Tuesday Taco Night, flavored with fresh cilantro & lime!
Turkey Meatballs with Roasted Tomato Sauce
Ground turkey is anything but basic with this recipe! Savory herbed meatballs are flavored with dried spices and grated parmesan cheese. Baked in the oven and served on top of a creamy & rich celery root puree. But the star of the show is my roasted tomato sauce with garlic, balsamic vinegar, and fresh basil! When served together, you have a budget friendly meal that looks like it came straight out of a 4-star restaurant kitchen!
Turkey Meatball Soup with Kale
If you could put a hug in a bowl, it would be this soup! Rich turkey or chicken stock is simmered with carrots, orzo, and green kale. Flavorful ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, salt & pepper for a light meatball that’s cooked right in the low boiling stock. Up the ante by using homemade turkey stock, or high quality boxed bone broth. Warming and nutritious, this is a terrific batch meal for the Fall & Winter!
Leave a Reply