What recipes would you recommend for a very busy mother who isn't the greatest cook?

Question

Need help with cooking for family.

Don't have alot of time on my hands to cook and clean afterwards and personally, I don't enjoy cooking but I am tired of wasting so much money on store bought food from cafe's, deli's, restaurants, etc. I want to provide good food for my family every once in a while and would like to stop wasting so much money going out to eat.

Any easy, quick, and tasty recipes?

Answer 1

I have to agree with the others- a crock pot has got to be one of the best inventions for busy moms there is. Failing that, or until you get one, anything with pasta is always a hit with my family. You can stir fry strips of chicken, pork or beef, along with whatever frozen or fresh veg you have. Mix up a cup of broth(I use Knorr cubes- but whatever is fine), and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. If you want to throw in a bit of garlic, that's fine. When the meat and veg are cooked- stir in the broth/cornstarch and cook to thicken. This is good over rice or pasta.
Eggs and sausage dinners are always quick and easy.
Sauteed chicken breast or pork cutlets, a few mushrooms, and a can of cream of whatever soup for the sauce. Tacos, soft or hard, boxed spanish rice, refried beans from the can. Frozen meatballs, jar italian sauce, on a submarine rolls with mozarella or italian blend shredded cheese- Italian green beans, tossed salad from bag.
Don't be afraid to use some of the ready to use things at the market. Bagged salad is a big help. You can also get the broccoli slaw mix in a bag. That's stir fried rice makings right there. Add a bit of sauteed meat, saute the veggies and dump in the rice. Give it all whirl, add soy sauce to taste, and it's dinner. For a change up, I add a fried egg on top of each serving.

Check out the various food company sites. They have loads of fast and healthy supper ideas.

Answer 2

Since you have so many crock pot suggestions let me suggest an alternative. Ground beef. It cooks quickly and can be added to anything. Choose a pasta and add the ground beef. To that you can add a veggie and pkg brown gravy ( use 3-4 so you won't have dry pasta). You can also buy Ragu brand double cheddar cheese (comes in bottle). You can add that instead of the gravy for a cheesy dish. All of these are like casseroles and only take a few minutes. Inside 20-30 minutes you can have a wholesome meal. Just add bread or salad. You already know about spaghetti ...
You can cook ground beef and put it into a casserole dish and then layer on top of it instant mashed potatoes for shepherd's pie.
Stick with ground beef it's the quickest. Keep mashed potatoes and rice on hand as it goes with everything.
You don't have to be a gourmet to prepare wholesome satisfying meals.

Answer 3

I am raising my 3 children alone now and working 2 jobs. I know what you mean. Here is the best thing that I have found works for me - a crock pot, a good recipe book for making dinner in the crock pot, and the crock pot liners so you don't have a huge mess to clean afterwards.

The recipes are so easy, you pour everything into the crock pot in the morning, turn it on low, and in a few hours, you have a great, homecooked meal. The new crock pots are great too. You can even buy ones which have timers.

Good luck and I hope this helps you out!

Answer 4

Breakfast is always a good place to start. On a day when Mom is not working. Try making pancakes. flour, a little water, pinch of salt, a drop of oil. If you think its too thick, add a little more water. A warm fry pan - best on medium then slightly lower. a drop of grease/oil/butter in the pan. Spoon in small circle - probably get 4 or 5 in. When the little bubbles break - little holes, turn them over. A few more minutes - done. First batch will be a little light in color, 2nd batch will get better. All good w/a little butter & jelly/syrup/honey. The thinner the batter, then thinner the cakes. The thicker the batter, the thicker the cakes - but they take longer to cook.... I like thin and little cookie size. So does Conan.

Answer 5

Try slow-roasting a nice piece of meat from the butcher - and ask him for any cooking tips - they really know their stuff! Some of them will coat it in some dry marinade for you, or sell you sachets of it which really peps up the flavour, and saves you the hassle of making it from scratch. When it comes to veggies, if you buy fresh, seasonal, organic, or locally grown produce, the flavour of the food itself will be better, so all you have to do then, is boil or steam them, season and serve! The most important thing when doing a roast (or any other meal for that matter) is to be confident, and don't worry about any hiccups in the kitchen - they can usually be remedied. Cooking is a learning experience, and you'll find your own style and way of doing things by practice.

Answer 6

2-Step Skillet Chicken Broccoli Divan
From: Campbell's Kitchen
Prep/Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4


Ingredients:

1 tbsp. butter OR margarine
1 lb. boneless chicken breasts, cut up
3 cups fresh broccoli flowerets OR frozen broccoli flowerets
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup OR 98% Fat Free Cream of Chicken Soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions:

MELT butter in skillet. Add chicken and cook until browned, stirring often.

ADD broccoli, soup and milk. Cover and simmer 5 min. or until done. Sprinkle with cheese.

TIP: For another quick recipe, substitute Campbell's® Cream of Mushroom Soup and top with shredded Swiss cheese.

Answer 7

I third the crock pot idea!

Another thing you can do is get a pressure cooker.

You can also bake your food. Baking is very easy. Just buy aluminium pans, add meat, vegetables, and seasonings and pop it in the oven. When you are done, discard. Paper/foam plates are great if you hate cleaning up.

I am a busy person too and I get a lot of my ideas from rachel ray's 30 minute meals on food network. Check her out.

Answer 8

Casseroles are easy and usually made in advance. Cooking in large quantities rather than just one meal cuts your work in half or more. Freezing foods and having later saves time.

Just simple baked chicken, anyone can do, but make three times what you need. Have two other meals using the meat the second time, and copy the baked chicken dinner on a 3rd night.

If you want more info, email me.

Answer 9

Yes! Sweetie, here you go. You must go to the Campbell soup website, it is loaded with quick and delicious recipes that are casserole style, take no time to prepare, 30 to 40 minutes to bake, and are delicious! Also, you have to check out www.foodnetwork.com unbelieveable great recipes for all levels of cooking. Good luck honey!

Answer 10

I second the crock pot. You can make tons of things in it!
Chili, pot roasts,corned beef.....
Do a search for recipies and get the liners for sure.

For other easy recipes try the Kraft website. They also have a free magazine that is really great you can sign up for.