Quick & Healthy Pre-Packaged Food Ideas
Meal Planning Tips, Recipes, & the Power of Pre-Packaged Food
The idea of preparing dinner after a long, busy day can be daunting. Fortunately, with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be. The Colorado Potato Administrative Committee is here to simplify dinnertime with 10 meal-planning hacks that give you peace of mind without compromising on nutritional value or taste.
Embrace Stress-Free Dinner Hacks
When the fridge seems bare, the kids are restless, and you have no desire to go to the grocery store, look to the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee. We’re here to shed light on the art of stress-free dinners. From practical shortcuts to proactive planning, we’re here to unveil the best no-fuss meal solutions.
Master Sheet Pan Dinners
Eliminate the tedious task of having to prepare and sort different ingredients into separate cookware. Welcome simplicity into your kitchen with sheet pan dinners. Toss your choice of meat, potatoes, and other vegetables along with your favorite spices and lay them on a sheet pan to pop in the oven for minimal dishes and maximum flavor.
Stock up on Staple Ingredients
Avoid that dreaded empty fridge feeling by stocking up on staple ingredients. Staple ingredients refer to versatile foods with an extended shelf life that can be used to make several different meals. Our must-have staples include:
- Potatoes
- Canned beans
- Olive oil
- Vinegar
- Pasta
- Rice
- Tomato sauce
- Garlic
- Onions
- Pickles
- Chicken broth
The Microwave Is Your Friend
Cut your meal-prep time in half and achieve a nutritious dinner by throwing last night’s leftover meat and some well-seasoned potatoes into the microwave. Contrary to popular belief, fancy pots and pans are not prerequisites for a good meal. Potatoes are equally delicious when tossed in spices and steamed in the microwave.
Adopt the Pre-Boil Method
Starting dinner from scratch is not always possible. To save time, adopt the pre-boil method. The pre-boil method involves boiling a bag of potatoes on Sunday (or whatever day works for you) to minimize daily meal prep and cooking times. Pre-boiled potatoes can be used for a variety of meals, from savory potato salads to easy sheet pan recipes.
Stick It to the Grill
Whether you have an outdoor grill or a grill pan, lean on this practical tool for a prompt and delicious meal. When you just don’t have the energy for an intricate recipe, skewer protein, potatoes, and other ingredients and stick them on the grill for a no-fuss dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Toss It In the Slow Cooker
If your days are packed from morning until evening, consider purchasing a slow cooker for easy dinner preparation. Throw a few ingredients in the slow cooker, turn it on before you leave the house, and when you return home, you’ll be met with a delicious aroma and a flavorful, hot, and ready-to-go meal.
Don’t Overcomplicate Your Ingredients
While your Pinterest board may be loaded with delectable eats, the ingredients required for these dishes are not staples you can find in your fridge at any given time. Don’t overcomplicate it; stick to meals that call for five ingredients or less.
Discover Healthy Pre Packaged Food
Healthy pre packaged food is an excellent addition to just about any meal. Rather than stress over perfecting every side of your dinner, opt for pre-packaged food ideas, such as pre-packaged salads that include all the fixings or pre-packaged potatoes that come perfectly seasoned and ready to heat.
Reduce Waste & Get Creative
When you’re left with ingredients that don’t seem to fit together for a meal, it’s time to get creative. Reduce waste and put a unique spin on dinner by chopping up whatever you find, including cold cuts, beans, cheese, pickles, potatoes, and more. Once chopped, create loaded salads, sandwiches, wraps, or a stir-fry.
Reach Out for More Ideas to Optimize Your Meal Planning
The Colorado Potato Administrative Committee is your source for potato recipes, storage solutions, and unmatched educational resources that allow you to take your meal planning to new heights. Browse our potato recipes and unlock the inspiration to easily optimize your weekday dinners. Reach out to us to learn more today.
