16 Easy-to-Make Meals That Helped Me Cut Down on Eating Out
Finding the time to cook at home in a hectic schedule can be challenging. However, relying too much on takeout or eating out can be costly and result in bad eating habits. But don’t worry; we have got you covered! You can prepare tasty and nourishing meals at your kitchen’s convenience with some planning and creativity.
I have discovered 16 easy-to-make meals that have helped me reduce eating out and have become staples in my weekly meal rotation. These meals save me time and money and ensure that I eat healthy and feel my best.
Cauliflower Fried Rice
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Are you looking for a healthier and quicker alternative to traditional fried rice? Try switching out the rice for cauliflower rice! With this low-carb and flavorful option, you can sauté cauliflower rice with diced vegetables, scrambled eggs, and soy sauce to create a scrumptious and nutritious meal in just minutes. Give it a try for a quick and healthy dinner tonight!
Veggie and Hummus Wrap
A veggie and hummus wrap is a great meal option that is simple and satisfying. It is perfect for lunch or a quick dinner. To prepare this wrap, spread hummus onto a whole wheat tortilla bread. Then layer thinly sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, shredded carrots, avocado slices, and any other veggies you like. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, and then roll up the wrap tightly.
Chicken Caesar Salad
Chicken Caesar salad is a classic dish that is both delicious and filling and takes little time to prepare. Make Chicken Caesar salad by grilling a chicken breast, slicing it, and tossing it with chopped romaine, croutons, grated Parmesan, and Caesar dressing.
Turkey and veggie wraps
Make a quick and satisfying turkey and veggie wrap by adding hummus to a whole wheat tortilla bread, adding sliced turkey breast, lettuce, shredded carrots, cucumber, salt, and pepper, then rolling it up tightly and cutting it in half diagonally. Perfect for a healthy lunch on the go!
Tofu Stir-Fry
Tofu stir-fry is a protein-rich dish for vegetarians and vegans. You can give it a try even if you love meat. Press extra-firm tofu and cut it into cubes. Heat oil in a wok and add tofu cubes. Stir until golden brown; remove from the skillet. In the same skillet, add chopped veggies and minced garlic. Your mouthwatering meal is ready to be served.
Vegetable Frittata
Vegetable frittatas are a versatile and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed anytime. Sauté diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach in an oven-safe skillet. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and cheese in a bowl. Pour the egg concoction on top of the vegetables in the skillet, then bake. Slice and enjoy it hot or at room temperature with mixed greens or crusty bread.
Shrimp and Vegetable Skewers
Grilled shrimp and vegetable skewers are a colorful and delicious meal for summer. Marinate shrimp in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and seasoning. Thread shrimp with vegetables on skewers and grill until the shrimp are cooked and the vegetables are tender. Serve hot with rice, quinoa, or couscous.
Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious dish that is super easy to make. Layer tender, breaded eggplant with marinara and mozzarella, and then bake. You can also smoke the eggplant over coal or wood for an extra bit of taste. It’s easy and satisfying!
Spinach and Feta-stuffed Chicken Breast
Another tasty yet quick meal that you can add to your weekly meal plan is spinach and feta-stuffed chicken breast. Make spinach and feta-stuffed chicken breasts by pounding the chicken until flat, spreading a mixture of spinach, feta, garlic, and oil on each breast, rolling them up, and baking with seasoning at 375F for 25–30 minutes. Serve with roasted vegetables or a salad.
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quesadillas
If you are vegetarian, this dish is especially for you! Sweet potato and black bean quesadillas are a scrumptious and satisfying vegetarian meal option that is ready to be a part of your meal plan. To prepare this dish, roast sweet potatoes, sauté black beans with spices, layer with cheese on a tortilla, cook in a skillet, and serve with salsa, guacamole, and yogurt.
Zesty Chicken Salad
Zesty Chicken salad is your classic go-to dish with a twist. To prepare this grilled or baked chicken breast, toss it with romaine lettuce, a dressing of your choice, croutons, Parmesan, black pepper, and lots of lemon juice for a quick and tasty zesty chicken salad. You can add lemon shavings to the salad for an extra kick.
Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes is a quick and easy dish you can prepare in less than 30 minutes. Cook whole wheat pasta until al dente; toss with pesto sauce and halved cherry tomatoes. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with Parmesan cheese and basil leaves.
Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich
Mediterranean veggie sandwiches are a great choice if you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying yet light lunch or dinner option. To make a delightful Mediterranean veggie sandwich, toast whole grain bread, spread hummus, and add sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, roasted red peppers, and arugula. Top it with another slice of bread, cut it in half, and serve it with mixed greens or soup.
Chicken Burrito Bowl
Chicken burrito bowls are another customizable and delicious meal easily prepared at home by cooking rice, grilling chicken seasoned with taco seasoning, and assembling with beans, salsa, avocado, and cheese. If you have chipotle sauce, it will add another taste dimension to the bowl.
Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil. To prepare, slice the tomatoes and mozzarella, arrange them with basil leaves, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. This refreshing salad is perfect for summer and makes a light and healthy appetizer or side dish.
Greek Yogurt Parfait
Greek yogurt parfaits are a quick and nutritious breakfast or snack option: layer Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh berries in a glass or bowl. Add honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness. This treat is loaded with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making it perfect for starting your day or refueling after a workout. You can also have it with different fruits, nuts, or seeds to suit your taste.
Conclusion
You don’t need to spend the whole day in the kitchen to make a healthy meal. People who prefer to eat out to save time can benefit from the 16 easy homemade meals that are light on the pocket, easy on the tummy, and great for health.
