I’ve gathered some simple, healthy meal ideas perfect for a busy weeknight. These are tried-and-true recipes I found on Pinterest and have been making for years. Resist the temptation of ordering from Grub Hug again and try cooking these healthy meals. I promise you they’re easy and delicious!
Sheet Pan Meals
Sheet pan meals are such a great option for the weeknight because they use minimal dishes. You pretty much need a knife and cutting board and one sheet pan! A simple “recipe” we make a lot is chicken sausages and veggies such as brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and onion cut into big chunks tossed in avocado oil and roasted at 400-425° for 20-30 minutes (depending on the size of veggies – just check it every few minutes!) Here are a couple more actual recipes to try. Feel free to switch out the proteins or veggies, too!
Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Salmon and Rainbow Veggies from Cooking Classy
The honey mustard sauce in this recipe is so flavorful and easy! The “rainbow veggies” are cherry tomatoes, yellow summer squash, broccoli, and red onion. They’re filling on their own or you can eat with quinoa or rice so you have more leftovers!
Sheet Pan Balsamic Salmon with Asparagus & Brussels Sprouts from Joyful Healthy Eats
Yes, another sheet pan salmon – but this one is totally different! And salmon is a quick-cooking protein, making it great when short on time. This recipe is salmon on a bed of brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and asparagus! The potatoes and brussies make it hearty and filling.
Casseroles
If you think of a lumpy tuna fish casserole when reading this word, think again! I am a reformed casserole-hater and these recipes helped change my mind. Similar to the sheet pan dinners, casseroles are all in one dish, making them super easy for busy weeknights.
Chicken Zucchini Casserole from Easy Family Recipes
The cheesy goodness in this recipe makes it easy to pack in a bunch of lean protein and veggies underneath. It has pesto, onions, summer squash, chicken breasts, and lots of baked cheese – yum!
Chicken Enchilada Casserole from Gimme Some Oven
Enchiladas require some extra time to roll and line up in the pan. This recipe has all the ingredients of regular enchiladas, but you just layer in the tortillas! We also use canned sauce and pre-shredded chicken to make it easier. Ali makes her food look so amazing. Ours typically looks like a #pinterestfail, but tastes great!
BBQ Baked Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole from Food Faith Fitness
I’ll admit this one takes a little more time, but it’s SO GOOD and still simple! I make it easier by using rotisserie or pre-bought shredded chicken. Check out my post about reading food labels so you know how to be critical when picking your BBQ sauce – they often have sneaky hidden ingredients.
What do YOU make on busy evenings?
I’d love to hear if you try any of these recipes or have any more easy weeknight ideas!