How I Actually Get Dinner on the Table at 5 pm
It’s 4:58 pm. Annabelle just asked what’s for dinner for the fourth time. I have defrosted chicken and whatever’s in the pantry. This is a judgment-free zone,
I am not here to tell you to meal prep on Sundays. I tried that. I lasted three Sundays and then I spent the fourth doing absolutely nothing, and I don’t regret it.
What I am here to tell you is that I’ve figured out a few things that reliably get food on the table on the nights when I have zero plan and even less energy. And I’m sharing them because every mom deserves to feel like dinner is survivable.
These are not gourmet. They are not aesthetic. One of them is technically just “components that happen next to each other on a plate.” But they work. Annabelle eats them. Scott says thank you and I call that a win.
My 3 Non-Negotiable 5 pm Saves
Save #1 – The protein bowl we all love. Yes, it’s probably the one that just came to your mind that went viral and so many people love. All you need is some sweet potatoes (diced or fries work great too), taco seasoned ground beef, cottage cheese, avocado, and top it with some hot honey. It really is that simple and it tastes great!
Save #2 – The real meal, that even Annabelle requests. Teriyaki turkey meatballs with rice and broccolli. I will tell you that this does take some time to prep the meatballs, but they are worth it – delicious, healthy, and a great amount of protein to help you hit your goals (I know we’re all working on something).
Save #3 – A kids favorite, and it works for us as adults too. Air fry some chicken nuggets or tenders, cook up some mac and cheese, then a side of veggies (green peas are a fave in our house). Yes, it’s such a classic kids meal, but it’s a great source of protein with a few sides that end up being great when you need to pull something together quick for dinner.
Gowdy Italian Spaghetti Sauce
My father-in-law spent some time living in Italy and this is a classic spaghetti sauce recipe he learned to make there, and now we love making it together for a tasty family dinner. I know there are times you want to be in the kitchen alone making dinner, but this is one that’s great to bring the family in and make it together. We recently made this together as a family and it was such a special day preparing and meal gather together to eat.
Making it Work for Our Family
At the end of the day, getting dinner on the table by 5 isn’t about being a perfect cook or having it all together — it’s about having a few go-to meals that work for your family and leaning on them without guilt. Whether it’s a protein bowl thrown together in fifteen minutes or a pot of Gowdy Italian Spaghetti Sauce simmering away, these are the recipes that get us through the busy weeks. I’d love to hear what’s on your dinner rotation — drop a comment and let me know which one you’re trying first!
