Most moms have at least one easy meal idea they feel good about making. It takes little time, thought and preparation – and the kids like it too. It’s nutritious as well as good tasting.
So I thought I’d kick off our easy family dinner series with my own burrito recipe. I like this easy meal because it’s fun (and messy) for my daughter to eat. It’s also high in protein and fiber – and she eats all the tomatoes in the burrito.
If you have an easy meal idea you’d like to add to our Quick Dinners section, send it in through Contact Us. Remember, these are uncomplicated, nutritious and quick recipes that you keep in your head.
At the grocery:
-Lean ground turkey, lean beef or soy protein burger/soy substitute of choice.
-Can of black beans
-One organic tomato
-One ripe avocado
-Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese mix (reduced fat or regular)
-Whole wheat tortillas made with olive oil (Trader Joes)
-Taco seasoning, cumin and garlic
-Salsa of choice (optional)
Pre-Prep: Chop tomato & lettuce, slice avocado(s), grate cheese, pour salsa and put in small bowls on the table.
Cook: Turn stove to medium-high heat and place the turkey/beef in a canola-oil- sprayed pan. With a spatula stir the meat and break it up into small pieces while cooking (if substituting with soy cook as desired). Sprinkle once with taco seasoning. When the meat is done (browned) set aside, mince two garlic cloves and place in a smaller pan with one tablespoon of olive oil on medium heat. When the garlic sizzles, add a can of rinsed black beans, stir and sprinkle with cumin. When bean mixture boils it is done. Heat the tortillas up in the microwave.
Serves 4-5 people: Everyone makes their own burrito – add cheese, meat, beans, tomatoes, salsa and avocado and wrap it up tight. Small children will need their burrito made for them as well as help taking small bites. Infants eating finger foods can eat small pieces of meat/soy, tortilla, cheese, tomatoes and beans. Babies on pureed food can eat pureed beans, meat and mashed avocado.
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We have a very similar quick dinner. Quesadillas made with ww tortillas, cheese and refried beans, or cheese and shredded leftover chicken are a big hit. I mix up a little lowfat sour cream with a little lowfat mayo, then add chili powder and salsa to make a mild sauce to spread inside. We use up the last little dabs of lettuce, onion, tomato, olives, avocado, corn, etc.
Everyone gets to add what they like, we avoid wasting the last little bits of ingredients, its quick and easy. Yay!
I like taco/tostada/burrito night, but I always put chopped romaine lettuce for my kids to eat and always put a bowl of chopped fresh baby spinach and/or dark leaves for me. Finally both of my girls have tired the darker greens and my 7 year old keeps doing it! It takes time, but they do watch what you do!