Getting dinner on the table at the end of a long day can be an uphill battle. Between work, school runs, and attempting to keep everyone’s schedules in line, it’s little wonder you could be at your wit’s end. The last thing you want to be doing is slaving away in the kitchen when all you really want to be doing is sitting down and sharing a meal with your family. But there are tons of ways to simplify dinner time without sacrificing quality or taste. Here are a few tips to help you reduce dinner time stress and have your family fed in no time.
Plan Ahead for a Simpler Dinner Routine
It’s not hard, but planning meals can make a huge difference. Instead of standing in front of the pantry at the last minute trying to figure out what to prepare, take a few minutes during the weekend and map out your meals for the week. It doesn’t have to be a huge, elaborate process. Start with some meals that you know your family loves and switch them up throughout the week.
Simplify Dinner with One-Pot Meals
One of the easiest ways to reduce dinner stress is to embrace one-pot meals. They not only save you preparation time, but they also save you clean-up time. Who desires to be standing at the sink scrubbing away at a stack of pots and pans after a long day? By limiting meals to a single pot, you can spend less time scrubbing and more time at the table with the family. Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup, for example, is a great option. It’s easy to throw together, and the flavors are rich and comforting. It’s all made in one pot! This hearty dish is packed with flavor, and the fact that it’s uncomplicated means that you can focus on the other areas of your life that need your attention.
Use Your Slow Cooker or Instant Pot to Save Time
If you don’t yet have a slow cooker or Instant Pot, now is the time to purchase one. These devices can be a huge time-saver when you’re in a hurry. You can get everything set up in the morning and have it cooked all day, which means dinner will be ready for you when you get home. No last-minute scrambling. Slow cookers are great for stews, soups, and even chicken, and Instant Pots reduce the cooking time of foods like rice, beans, and meats significantly. The greatest thing regarding these appliances is that they do everything for you. Set it and forget it, and come home to a delicious, fully-cooked meal.
Keep Dinner Simple and Stress-Free
It’s tempting to get caught up in the idea that dinner has to be a five-course meal or that every dish has to be gourmet. The truth is simple meals are usually the most delicious and cause the least amount of stress. Don’t overcomplicate it. Keep it simple and keep it fresh. Focus on quality ingredients that taste great on their own, and don’t stress about repeating favorite meals. When you keep it simple, dinner is something to look forward to, not a daily stress. Reducing dinner time stress does not require magic or a tremendous time commitment.
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