Struggle Meals for Stressed out Moms

Truth: As a mom, I feel crappy when we grab fast food too often. Don’t get me wrong, I love some trash food here and there, but when it becomes more than 2-3 times a week the mom guilt kicks my butt! My wallet definitely takes a hit too. Unfortunately, that has been the case for me dealing with a hard pregnancy, work and a toddler. To pull us out of this rut, I’ve been thinking of my easiest meals that are semi-balanced, quick and require taking little to no time away from my Myles at the end of a busy day. I’ve put this list together and want to share in case you find yourself in a similar situation 😊 Although, if you’re following my blog, I bet you can relate! Comment if you have another easy meal idea to help a fellow reader.

1. Tangy meatballs

Ingredients: 1 bag frozen cooked meatballs, 1 bottle chili sauce, ½ jar grape jelly

Instructions: Dump all ingredients into crockpot and cook on high for 2 hours

Sides: I like to serve this with green beans and mashed potatoes (Bob Evans makes a great pre-packaged mashed potato found in most grocery stores!)

2. Chicken pot no pie

Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken (breast or tenderloins), 1 family size can of cream of chicken soup, 16 oz chicken broth, 1 yellow onion, 1 bag frozen mixed veggies, seasonings (I usually use bay leaves, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder), 1 can biscuits

Instructions: Add all ingredients to crockpot except your biscuits and frozen veggies, cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 8-10 hours. About 1 hour before cook time ends, shred your chicken and add the frozen veggies. Cook biscuits according to package instructions and serve.

Sides: I think the biscuits count!

3. (Crock)Pot roast

Ingredients: beef roast, packet of Au Jus gravy mix, packet of ranch seasoning, pepperoncinis, beef broth, stick of butter

Instructions: Sear your pot roast in a pan until browned on all sides then place into crockpot. Add your seasoning packets, pepperoncinis to taste along with a couple splashes of their liquid, about a cup of beef broth, and a stick of butter. Turn crockpot to low and cook for 6-8 hours depending on the size of the roast. You’ll know it’s done when it shreds easily.

Sides: Can’t go wrong with mashed potatoes and a side salad

4. Cheesy taco rice

Ingredients: 1 box of Old El Paso Cheesy Mexican rice, 1lb ground beef, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 bag frozen corn, desired toppings (we enjoy ours with taco sauce, tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream, avocado, green onions, shredded cheese)

Instructions: Cook rice according to instructions and add corn in the last couple of minutes. Cook ground beef with taco seasoning while the rice is cooking, then add into rice/corn mixture when everything is cooked through. Top with whatever you have on hand and serve.

Sides: Chips and guacamole or queso goes great with this dish.

5. Cajun alfredo

Ingredients: 1 lb pasta, 2 jars alfredo sauce, Cajun seasoning, 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese, frozen cooked shrimp (buy the tail-off bag and thank me later)

Instructions: Boil pasta. While pasta is boiling, thaw shrimp and sauté in olive oil & Cajun seasoning. Drain pasta and add sauce and shrimp. Add cheese and Cajun seasoning to taste and stir.

Sides: Garlic bread, salad (Caesar salad kits FTW)

6. Winner winner chicken dinner

Ingredients: 1-2 lbs. chicken tenderloins, McCormick’s Grill Mates seasoning packet (most of these call for water, oil and vinegar)

Instructions: Marinate chicken for ~30 minutes according to the instructions on the seasoning packet. Place in single layer in air fryer, set to 400 for 20 minutes and flip halfway through.

Sides: You can serve with anything – I enjoy serving with baked Yukon gold potatoes (aka microwaved) and any salad kit

7. Pineapple chicken

Ingredients: 1 lb. chicken, ¾ - 1 cup soy sauce, 2-3 tbs. brown sugar, 2-3 tsp. minced garlic, 1 diced bell pepper, ½ diced yellow onion, seasonings to taste (ginger, salt, pepper, cayenne), 1 can diced pineapple

Instructions: Sauté onion, garlic and bell pepper in olive oil, add the rest of the ingredients and cook until chicken is done/sauce has thickened. Add corn starch slurry if sauce is too runny.

Sides: white rice, broccoli

8. Buffalo chicken sammies

Ingredients: 2 lbs. chicken tenderloins or breasts, ½ bottle Frank’s buffalo sauce, ½ bottle ranch dressing, ½ block cream cheese, shredded cheese to taste, shredded lettuce, hamburger buns

Instructions:

Sides: French fries, pickles

9. Black bean tacos

Ingredients: 2 cans black beans, seasonings, minced garlic, 2 yellow onions, 2 bell peppers, veggie broth, tortillas, toppings to taste

Instructions: In a small pot, sauté 1 diced yellow onion and 1-2 tbs minced garlic until onions are translucent. Add your rinsed and drained black beans and a splash of veggie broth to help keep them from burning. Season to your liking (I usually use cayenne, cumin, salt/pepper, chili powder, paprika). While beans are cooking, sauté thinly sliced onion and bell peppers until slightly charred. When everything is finished, add to your tortillas and top with whatever you have on hand. I like to use sour cream, lime, pico de gallo, Cholula.

Sides: Yellow rice

10. Miso gyoza soup

Ingredients: Trader Joe’s ginger miso broth, chicken gyoza, mushrooms, minced garlic, green onions

Instructions: In a large pot, sauté 2-3 tbs minced garlic and sliced mushrooms in olive oil. Add broth and bring to a boil. Add gyoza and simmer until done. Top with green onions.

Sides: Salad