Your go to easy meal (few ingredients, minimal prep time) and pantry essentials for easy meals!

AlyssaPetsDogs
AlyssaPetsDogs Posts: 421 Member
edited November 16 in Recipes
While managing school work and trying to keep pain from a disc problem at bay, I am exhausted and having difficulty preparing elaborate meals as standing too long in the kitchen is painful after being at school all day.

My go to meal this week has been 200g of fat free refried beans spread on 3 tostada shells with 28g of reduced fat cheese and a drizzle of taco sauce and salsa verde on top. So simple and takes less than 5 min to heat the shells in the oven and microwave the beans and throw it all together and they clock in at 424 calories or so. They definitely satisfy me and fit in with my macros.

I'm also doing rice cakes with laughing cow spread on top. Also very easy!

I know I will get bored of these eventually. What else do you make that is simple and easy to throw together?

I have several things pinned on Pinterest, but ideally looking for more suggestions. No dietary restrictions for me. I try to avoid pastas because they are a trigger food and I will eat an ungodly amount of it if given the opportunity. Just trying to keep my calories in check (I'm on 1200 a day) since I am less active given my condition and still hoping to lose even though I can't exercise.

My mom is coming this weekend to care for me a bit and I know she is going to stock up my pantry so I want to be ready with what else I need! What are some essentials you like to keep on hand for easy meals? I know I'll be getting some more beans and taco shells, but wondering what else you guys like to keep in the pantry.

Thanks in advance!
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Replies

  • DietPrada
    DietPrada Posts: 1,171 Member
    We would eat kransky sausages with stirfried mushroom and zucchini seriously 3 times a week. Not sick of it yet. Plus, hubby cooks during the week and anything tastes better than having to cook dinner yourself.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    Most of my week night meals are easy and quick...here's a couple...

    https://sweetcsdesigns.com/one-pot-5-ingredient-tuscan-baked-fish/

    http://peasandcrayons.com/2016/02/szechuan-shrimp-and-broccol-recipei.html

    http://wholeandheavenlyoven.com/2016/10/21/lemon-garlic-parmesan-baked-salmon-with-green-beans-mushrooms/#more-19401

    As far as pantry staples and whatnot goes, that would be a laundry list about a mile long...we cook at home the vast majority of the time so we have a lot of staples.
  • Kullerva
    Kullerva Posts: 1,114 Member
    You can see it in my diary: I've been leaning on Cheerios lately. But I work full time and I'm buying a house and dealing with an injury that requires constant doctor's visits. Also, Cheerios calm me and settle my stomach, so I don't want to eat much afterward. (Mom credits her prenatal habits for giving me this characteristic. For about two months, she inhaled Cheerios and little else...)
  • need2belean
    need2belean Posts: 358 Member
    oatmeal. Water. Oats. some berries. Done
  • flowerld1
    flowerld1 Posts: 1 Member
    Raw chicken breast w/ seasoning. Put on cookie sheet with tin foil. Broil til done (about 15 min). BBQ sauce for dipping on side. Done.
  • MsChucktowski
    MsChucktowski Posts: 121 Member
    I like to make a quick stew with veggies (zucchini, mushrooms, onion, etc), canned tomatoes, lentils or black beans, and have it on toast or with rice. I make enough for two or three serves.

    Also:
    - baked beans on toast
    - omelette with veg/meat
  • Trnava
    Trnava Posts: 30 Member
    You'll need a cutting board for this. Chop up a small potato, pepper, and onion (Slice peppers and onion in bulk and freeze on a tray. Store in a freezer bag so you always have them ready to go) and saute in a bit of oil. When almost done, add canned sardines until heated through. Use whatever veggies you have on hand - zucchini, carrots, kale - that sound good. Vegetables and omega 3s. Times we're too busy to cook may be when we need brain food the most.
  • AlyssaPetsDogs
    AlyssaPetsDogs Posts: 421 Member
    Trnava wrote: »
    You'll need a cutting board for this. Chop up a small potato, pepper, and onion (Slice peppers and onion in bulk and freeze on a tray. Store in a freezer bag so you always have them ready to go) and saute in a bit of oil. When almost done, add canned sardines until heated through. Use whatever veggies you have on hand - zucchini, carrots, kale - that sound good. Vegetables and omega 3s. Times we're too busy to cook may be when we need brain food the most.

    I haven't had sardines in SO long! I definitely will have to try this!l I have never actually cooked with them before (my gramma would put them on French bread for us straight from the can and it was amazing!)
  • KellieTru
    KellieTru Posts: 285 Member
    Rotisserie chicken. Add to a bagged salad. Dress with fav dressing. Yum!
  • annacole94
    annacole94 Posts: 994 Member
    My quickest, easiest meals:
    Omelets. I do mine with 2 eggs, hubby's with 3. Fill with sauteed veggies and a bit of cheese.
    Soup. This one is so easy, but good: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/14132/black-bean-and-salsa-soup/
  • jcraig10
    jcraig10 Posts: 477 Member
    Rotisserie chicken is a great idea. I like to buy it, pick it and seperate it how I like it and then use throughout the week. Husband loves chicken salad so I make a lot of that...super easy and usually add some ACV, grapes, cucumbers, salt, and pepper to the chicken & mayo.

    Go to easy meal when I feel like doing a bit of prep - chicken tacos
    Go to easy meal when I don't feel like doing anything - grilled cheese with Campbell's tomato bisque

    Its also easy enough to throw some meat (chicken, pork chops) in a pan with some seasoning and then throw a bag of frozen veggies (steamer bags) in the microwave. Done in 10 min or so.

    Essentials? I always have chicken breast, cheese (both shredded & sliced), broccoli, eggs, olive oil, mayo, flour tortillas (for tacos, breakfast burritos, etc), and frozen vegetables.
  • jcraig10
    jcraig10 Posts: 477 Member
    Kullerva wrote: »
    You can see it in my diary: I've been leaning on Cheerios lately. But I work full time and I'm buying a house and dealing with an injury that requires constant doctor's visits. Also, Cheerios calm me and settle my stomach, so I don't want to eat much afterward. (Mom credits her prenatal habits for giving me this characteristic. For about two months, she inhaled Cheerios and little else...)

    haha! I've eaten cheerios every morning this week for breakfast...I love cheerios. Plain with no milk ;)
  • abelcat1
    abelcat1 Posts: 186 Member
    Ok chicken soup is ready in 20 :D and taste just yum. Chop and fry in a tiny bit of oil a chicken breast no skin. Add a bag of frozen vegetables of choice. Stir for a minute with plenty of curry and dried ginger. Ad chicken stock and 500 ml of water. Cook for 5-10 minutes. I like to add a little bit of cornstarch for a less watery soup. I eat this soup several times a week. My freezer is full of different combination of stirfry vegetables. (And by the way... this recipe allow several servings for a few calories,- I´m hungry when I get home from work, and like to eat.. :-)
  • trisH_7183
    trisH_7183 Posts: 1,486 Member
    One of my favs with a lot of flavor is to drain a can of mushrooms,add cheese ,thin sliced onion & pepper & a drizzle of any sauce you like.Can heat in oven or microwave.Use as a filling in lettuce leaves or tacos.Add scrambled egg....heat a bag of frozen veggies to go with.
    I keep a container of cucumber/ onion slices in the fridge.Add water,sugar,vinegar to taste.S & P......keeps good & so tasty as a side salad.
    A pan of veggies,onion,carrots & cabbage with beef seasoning ....so easy to heat up.Can eat on it for a wk.
    Google chicken & plum sauce. Easy & yum.
  • aganey
    aganey Posts: 501 Member
    In the morning, I will throw a pack of boneless skinless chicken thighs, a bottle of zesty Italian dressing and about 2 tbsp of BBQ rub seasoning in a ziplock bag. Let that marinate in the fridge all day. When you get home put them on a baking sheet for 30-35 min on 375. While that's baking I will either steam a bag of veggies in the microwave or heat a can of veggies on the stove. Maybe do some instant mashed potatoes with garlic powder. Even eat it on a salad. We eat that chicken all the time. I keep the sides simple so they will be done by the time the chicken is done.
  • Nikion901
    Nikion901 Posts: 2,467 Member
    Pretty much everything I cook on a regular basis is ready in under 30 minutes from start of cooking to plating.
    I use a skillet a lot more than I do a saucepan. It always starts of with slicing or shredding my base vegetables and softening them up in a skillet. From there, it could be grains, or protein of some sort, or more of a different vegetable, and sometimes even pasta or left over something ... one skillet dinner or lunch. Usually less than 500 calories for the meal.
  • estherdragonbat
    estherdragonbat Posts: 5,283 Member
    I usually cook on Thursdays and eat leftovers till they run out. Tonight was red bean chili with bulgur over cornbread.

    But fast and easy, spur of the moment? I guess you could call it a freestyle nondairy frittata. Get a saucepan that's oven safe. Grease the bottom and sides, either with cooking spray or with a small amount of oil smeared around with a paper towel. Heat a tsp of oil on medium high. Add all the veggies you want and cook for 5-10 minutes, depending on how long it takes for them to soften. (If you have time, you can parboil the harder ones like carrots and potatoes; the one I did recently used green beans, mushrooms, onions, and cherry tomatoes.) Season with salt and pepper, and any other seasonings you want. Beat up 2 or 3 eggs, add salt and pepper, and pour over the veggies. Let it sit on the burner until the bottom starts to set (you'll see it pull away from the sides a little). Then stick the whole thing under the broiler until the top is browned. Invert onto a plate. You can serve with salsa or enjoy plain. And if you want to make a large amount, you can use a larger pan or skillet. Just increase the number of eggs and veggies.
  • ksz1104
    ksz1104 Posts: 260 Member
    Quesadillas.... rotisserie chicken, flour (wheat or low carb if you refer) tortillas, shredded cheese (whatever kind you like), cilantro, and i like to season mine with a sprinkle of Adobo and maybe add some sauteed onions. Pile all that stuff onto a tortilla, top with another tortilla, put it in a pan, crisp up on both sides. serve with salsa and sour cream. Husband and two year old love it and it takes maybe 5 minutes to make 1. And you can control your portion by the size of the tortilla you buy. I make mine with fajita sized.
  • Snyderm0m
    Snyderm0m Posts: 4 Member
    Looking for group that talks easy fast meals! Please add me.
  • lporter229
    lporter229 Posts: 4,907 Member
    crazyravr wrote: »
    Thai red curry, that I make at least once a week.
    Frozen shrimp + frozed veggies + canned coconut milk + thai red curry paste. All done in about 15 minutes. Make it 30 minutes if you want to serve with rice or noodles :)

    xdbfiv9ur6zy.jpg

    I make this often as well. Same exact way. Sometimes I use tofu instead of shrimp.

    My go-to quick, easy, don't have to go to the store meals are either, clean-out the-fridge omelets, which usually include deli meat, cheese, onions, mushroom, spinach, etc. or burrito bowls with rice, beans, frozen corn, salsa and whatever protein and veggies I have on hand.
  • ad28517
    ad28517 Posts: 27 Member
    2 # boneless, skinless chicken, 1 package taco seasoning (I use fajita), 1 jar salsa all in crockpot. Shred with forks. Eat with anything - in an omelet, with some veggies as a bowl, in chili, tacos, whatever. Freezes well.

    My go-to meal is 1c frozen hashbrowns, 1/4 chicken or turkey kielbasa (or similar), and 1 or two eggs all in a bowl. I like that I can make it one portion at a time so I don't have a bunch of leftovers I have to eat all week.

    The Blue Diamond coconut almonds are pretty awesome too for a quick snack :)
  • Geocitiesuser
    Geocitiesuser Posts: 1,429 Member
    crazyravr wrote: »
    Thai red curry, that I make at least once a week.
    Frozen shrimp + frozed veggies + canned coconut milk + thai red curry paste. All done in about 15 minutes. Make it 30 minutes if you want to serve with rice or noodles :)

    Over and over I like your cooking skills :+1: You need to write a cookbook. "easy high protein recipes by crazyravr", then I will buy said book.
  • kenyonhaff
    kenyonhaff Posts: 1,377 Member
    Tyson Fit and Trim (precooked chicken) on
    * Mission Carb balance wrap with lowfat cheese and some veggies
    * Some sort of packaged salad (Fresh Express Caesar or Apple Salad are favorites)
    * High Fiber Pasta (a bit high on carbs and calories but still doable).

    BAM! A decent meal in a few minutes with taste, nutrition, minimal prep, and angst.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    5 Ingredient Tuscan Baked Fish is pretty much the easiest and quickest thing in my repertoire.

    Tuscan-baked-fish-filets-these-are-delicious-quick-and-easy-No-fishy-smell-or-taste-with-this-5-ingredient-dish-284x1024.jpg

    https://sweetcsdesigns.com/one-pot-5-ingredient-tuscan-baked-fish/

    Actually making it this evening as I won't be home until after 7...
  • rdevol
    rdevol Posts: 278 Member
    Two scrambled eggs on lightly buttered whole wheat toast. Peanut butter on toast. Chicken breasts in crockpot with cream of chicken soup dumped over it. Cook on low 6-10 hours and serve over brown rice if desired.
  • PrincessMel72
    PrincessMel72 Posts: 1,094 Member
    We like to do taco chicken in the crock pot. 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, one packet of taco seasoning and one large jar of salsa. Cook on low for 6hrs. Chicken shreds right up and you can use it for tacos, burritos, whatever. Easy peasy!
  • dklibert
    dklibert Posts: 1,196 Member
    I really like sheet pan suppers or meals. You can line a sheet pan with foil for easy clean up. Add meat and veggies, roast in the oven. It is supper easy if you buy pre chopped veg. I have done so many variations. Tons of ideas on Pinterest too.

    Salmon, red peppers, bok choy
    Chicken fajitas https://youtube.com/watch?v=Qp8Tc4ncJgI
    Shrimp fajitas
    Chicken sausage, sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts
    Chicken, snow peas, mushrooms and peppers

    This inside out egg roll is super easy too. soupspiceeverythingnice.blogspot.com/2013/12/inside-out-egg-roll-re-post.html
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