When You Don’t Feel Like Making Dinner [Part 2]

I find it VERY ironic that my first, “when you don’t feel like making dinner,” post hit the blog this time last year, but the reasons were different. This year I have THREE big reasons I don’t feel like making dinner most nights. Let me give you THREE guesses:

The kids. The heat. And yes, busy afternoons spent outdoors that find us back in the house at 5pm with some hangry [hungry + angry] kids. While I shared a few staples last year that always seem to be a hit when I don’t feel like making dinner [think hot dogs, BBQ chicken, etc.], this year I have a few more ideas up my sleeve. I’d also REALLY love to hear from you when it comes to your weeknight go-to’s. Heck, even if it’s grilled cheese and frozen veggies like my friend Liz shared on Instagram the other day. We ALL need reminders like that. Because let’s face it. If you’re living life with little kids, next to little kids, or with a big kid asking, “what’s for dinner,” after a 90-degree day outside, you need the quick and easy.

What to Make When You Don’t Feel Like Making Dinner

Prep+Pared Kits from Kroger

A few months ago, I introduced Kroger’s Prep+Pared kits to my Instagram followers and let me tell you, the reviews and raves were a hit! Especially in my own home. These Prep+Pared kits can be found in select Kroger stores, and provide you with all the fixings for one delicious meal [no preparation required]. Each kit is also chef-designed, seasonal, and has various diet options like gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan. Just keep in mind each kit is designed for two servings so if you’re feeding more than 2 you might need to pick up more than one kit!

The finished product once I prepared it!

Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Or slow cooker chicken taco bowls in this house. I’ve come to realize that many of us rely on chicken breasts or thighs, taco seasoning, salsa, and our slow cooker, for a variety of meals. My favorite being a taco bowl [pictured]. Which really means cheese melted on chips + a side of corn for the kids. Whatever works my friends! Especially in a time crunch. Beyond the bowls, I know slow cooker salsa chicken can be used for tacos, wraps, enchiladas, soup, and more! More being nachos. And tostadas. Ok I’m done here.

Leftover Grilled Chicken OR Ground Beef

Ok. So I have only completed a post on my favorite ways to use leftover grilled chicken. But ground beef is just as versatile in my opinion. You can use leftover cooked ground beef for wraps, tacos, taco bowls, hoagies, stir-fry’s, scrambles, and more. The trick to having leftover grilled chicken or cooked ground beef is actually making sure it’s cooked ahead of time. DUH. But really, having the cooking step done before assembling or reheating is such a gamechanger. And timesaver.

Slow Cooker Heated Hot Dogs OR Sausages OR Burritos

Photo credit belongs to Pinterest. I couldn’t figure out who posted this photo [the source] but I can tell you the idea is genius!

I wasn’t sure how to name this idea or concept, but basically, you cook or grill your hot dogs or sausages, place them in a bun, wrap in foil, and leave in your slow cooker on warm. That way when someone gets home from a practice or event, dinner is ready. Or it can be grabbed after school en route to an activity. The same can be said for another make-ahead assemble and foil foods like burritos or hoagies.

Now it’s your turn. I had such a great response to my latest Instagram post where I asked you all what your favorite go-to, fast weeknight meal is. Anyone else have something delicious to share?!