5 EASY, AMAZING WEEKNIGHT MEALS TO MAKE WHEN YOU’RE IN A COOKING SLUMP

We haven’t even gotten to Thanksgiving yet, but it’s undoubtedly the busiest time of the year already and I don’t know about you guys, but this is when I find myself running out of ideas for dinner every night. I love trying new recipes, but I’ll admit that this time of year is when I fall back on some family favorites that everyone loves and gets excited to eat. I thought I’d share five recipes that are on heavy rotation in our house, in case anyone else is in a cooking slump and needs some inspiration! These are quick and easy to prepare and are all AMAZING, with two thumbs up from both of my kiddos. I shared my favorite cookbooks here, along with my favorite recipes from each, so be sure to check those out, as well!

Half Baked Harvest Slow Cooker Mustard Herb Chicken, Broccoli and Creamy Orzo – I have made this once a week for the past month and I always double it because the kiddos love it so much that they take it to school for lunch the next day. I use my crockpot for this one, but there is also an Insta Pot option, as well. It’s so hearty and tasty, a perfect recipe for gray fall and winter days!

Ina Garten’s Herbed Pork Tenderloins – This is so easy and so elegant that I’ve also served this for dinner guests! My kids love the herbs and prociutto and even more so when I make homemade applesauce on the side with it (I just put 7 or 8 halved apples, skin on, in the Insta Pot with a bunch of cinnamon and 1/2 cup of water for seven minutes on high pressure and then blend and serve warm). It’s always such a hit!

Pinch of Yum Baked Meatballs – These are such a huge hit with my kids, they get so excited when I make them! I prefer to use ground beef over ground chicken, I think they are way juicier and the parmesan and spices just make them so tasty! I like to serve them with garlic mashed potatoes and a mixed greens salad with homemade balsamic vinaigrette.

Insta Pot Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeno Ranch Slaw – If you love tacos, you will LOVE these! The pineapple adds such a sweet touch and the jalapeno ranch is great on grilled chicken for leftovers!

Half Baked Harvest Cheesy Baked Tacos – Tuesdays have become Baked Taco Tuesdays in our house for the past few months, thanks to this ridiculously easy recipe from Half Baked Harvest! These are a HUGE hit with my kids; I serve it with cilantro lime rice and guac. SO GOOD.