The start of a new school year brings plenty of changes to the family schedule. Between homework, sports, activities and getting everyone out the door in the morning, dinner can easily become one more thing to squeeze into the day.
You don’t need an elaborate recipe to put a good meal on the table. A few versatile ingredients can make it easier to pull together dinner when time is short.
When you have 30 minutes
Bison burgers with Navajo Mike’s BBQ Sauce
Burger night is an easy choice for a busy evening. Swap traditional ground beef for ground bison and top your burgers with Navajo Mike’s BBQ Sauce for a little extra flavor. Add sliced vegetables, fruit or a simple salad on the side and dinner is ready.
When you have 20 minutes
Wild rice taco bowls
Red Lake Nation Quick Cook Wild Rice makes a convenient base for a quick taco bowl. Add seasoned ground beef, turkey or bison, then let everyone choose their own toppings. Lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, avocado and salsa are easy options.
For some extra heat, add Sakari Farms Hot Sauce. You can also prepare the wild rice ahead of time and use it for several meals throughout the week.
When you have 15 minutes
Chicken tenders with wild rice
There is nothing wrong with taking a shortcut on a busy school night. Pair chicken tenders with a side of Red Lake Nation Quick Cook Wild Rice and some fresh fruit or vegetables. Serve the tenders with Navajo Mike’s BBQ Sauce or Sakari Farms Hot Sauce for dipping instead of the usual ketchup.
This is an easy way to turn a freezer staple into a more interesting dinner without much extra work.
When you have no energy
Breakfast for dinner
Some nights, breakfast is the easiest answer. Wild Rice Pancake Mix can be turned into a quick dinner with eggs, fruit and sausage or bacon. Add Red Lake Nation Chokecherry Syrup to the pancakes for a sweet-tart topping.
Breakfast for dinner is also a good option when you need something the whole family will eat without much negotiation.
When you planned ahead
Tepary bean tacos
A little preparation earlier in the week can make dinner much easier. Ramona Farms Tepary Beans are a great option for tacos, bowls or another quick meal. Cook a batch ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator for busy nights.
Warm the beans with your favorite taco seasoning and serve them in tortillas with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado and your favorite toppings. You can also add leftover rice or vegetables to use up what’s already in the refrigerator.