Want to spend less time and effort on a weeknight meal while still skipping another takeout order? Get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes with these time-saving cooking hacks.
Cut down on prep time
Putting together a meal can be a daunting task. Who wants to spend the extra time chopping, slicing, and dicing food after a busy day? Find ways to cut down on prep time, such as purchasing pre-cut vegetables to complete a well-rounded meal, like Swanson®’s Brussels Sprouts Steamfresh®. It goes straight from your freezer to the microwave so it’s ready in minutes, and comes in tasty restaurant-quality flavours that’ll elevate any protein it’s served alongside.
Get the recipe for Pan Fried Gnocchi With Sage, Lemon, and Brown Butter
Keep it simple
Dinner does not have to be an elaborate affair every night of the week. Build a collection of recipes that use the fewest ingredients, and keep them on standby whenever you’re too hungry to wait for dinner. Simple pasta dishes are some of the most satisfying meals you can make, like this comforting pan fried gnocchi with brown butter that comes together in 20 minutes.
Have easy staples on hand
The urge to order in can become even more powerful when there’s nothing to cook! Instead of wasting time trying to figure out what to make, stock your freezer with easy sides like Swanson®’s Broccoli Cauliflower Oven Roasters™, a great option that comes pre-seasoned and pre-cut. This way, you’ll always have something delicious, easy and fast at the ready. Simply roast your veggies according to package instructions and pair it with a tasty protein like halloumi, chicken or shrimp that can be roasted at a similar time and temperature.
Get the recipe for 20-Minute Tuscan White Bean Skillet
Discover one-pot meals
If you love the simplicity of a sheet pan supper, you’ll probably want to try one-pot meals as well. An easy cooking method that combines all of your ingredients in a single pot or skillet while cooking, the possibilities are endless. Not only will you save time cooking the meal, but you’ll also spend less time cleaning up afterwards. Get started with this colourful Tuscan white bean skillet dinner.
Get the recipe for Immune-Boosting Chicken Soup
Leverage those leftovers
Sunday dinners that include main dishes like roast chicken, prime rib, turkey, and pork tenderloin usually result in leftovers. Use those leftovers to guide your weeknight meals. Leftover chicken is perfect for a comforting soup or easy taco filling. Leftover beef can be used for hot, open-faced sandwiches. If spaghetti and meatballs were on your weekend menu, the remaining meatballs and sauce are perfect for weeknight subs.