What are your go-to emergency foods?

cookinwithbaby

When it's 6 p.m., I want to eat dinner so we can get on with the bedtime routine. But either I or my partner (usually both of us) are tired from the day and the toddler is cranky. We're all hangry. I don't have the energy or time to cook a meal. Even a 30 minute meal is not really 30 minutes when you count rinsing and chopping ingredients. Usually, we reheat frozen meals, leftovers, or just get on with the cooking and eat at 7 p.m. (sometimes later).

Other than frozen pizza and sandwiches, which we eat very frequently, what other emergency foods do you suggest when everybody is HANGRY?

_beckywhite_

I understand the struggle of getting a healthy dinner on the table when you're all feeling tired and hungry. In those situations, having some go-to "emergency" meal options can be a lifesaver. Beyond frozen pizza and sandwiches, here are some suggestions that can be prepared quickly with minimal effort.

- Canned soup or chilli - Just heat it up and serve with some crusty bread or a salad.
Look for options with protein to make it more filling.

- Pasta with jarred sauce - Boil some pasta and heat up a pre-made sauce. You can even add frozen veggies to make it more nutritious.

- Baked potatoes - Top with things like cheese, broccoli, bacon bits, or leftover chili for a hearty, quick meal.

- Breakfast for dinner - Eggs, pancakes, oatmeal, or breakfast burritos can be thrown together in no time.

- Rotisserie chicken - Pick one up from the grocery store and pair it with a bagged salad and pre-cooked rice or potatoes.

- Frozen veggie stir-fry - Just heat it up and serve over rice or noodles.

The key is having a stash of easy-to-prepare, nutrient-dense options on hand for those evenings when time and energy are limited. With a little planning, you can ensure your family stays fed and happy, even on the busiest weeknights.