Quick and Easy Meal Ideas

This post is part of YummyMummyClub.ca’s and Campbell’s “Quick and Easy Meal Ideas” sponsored program. This post reflects my personal opinion about the information provided by the sponsors.

I have a big and busy family.

I am a work from home mom and have three kids that live at home (one who does not) and very crazy schedule. We are just starting up soccer season and in the middle of Track & Field. So this means every single night we have either practice or a game somewhere. I know my children’s schedule ahead of time but when I get in a working groove the schedule is out the window. A few times a week the kids have said to me “We are leaving for practice in an hour, what is for supper?” I look up and realize I had nothing planned. I try to throw something together that is not boring and good for them. Having 2 of the kids being very picky does not make this easy. Quite honestly after 18 years I get bored of the same old same old as well. I try to create new recipes, make them taste great and add the things moms should.

I try.

But it does not always work out. Sometimes the older kids are on their own and make something quick. Not so great, maybe in the microwave. Then I feed me and the little one later. Cooking separate meals is not fun. I really love to eat dinner as a family — even when we are rushed.

Meals that can be made quickly and in one pan are the best for me. Less for me to clean up, as well. I often worry that because I am in a hurry my family is not getting the quality they should in my meals. *sigh* Mom guilt. Weekends are the times I make the long ‘cook all day’ meals that are warm and filling. The feel good meals. Why can we not eat like this during the week?

Well guess what? We can. Last week I made two dishes that were quick, easy and all in one pan. I rocked the kitchen. We ate together and my kids ate everything. We were not late for practice and my work was still complete. I discovered Cook with Campbell’s and their endless recipe possibilities.

The first meal I made was Mac ‘n Cheeseburger Casserole. This is from the Cook with Campbell’s Comfort Food section.

Mac’n Cheeseburger Casserole
Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 60 min | Serves: 6 people

• Ingredients
• 1 lb (500 g) extra lean ground beef
• 2 cups (500 mL) sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup (250 mL) chopped red and yellow peppers
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) each, chopped onions and chopped celery
• 1 can (14 oz) stewed tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (284 mL) CAMPBELL’S® Condensed Low Fat Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 2 cups (500 mL) uncooked whole wheat elbow pasta
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) chili powder
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Directions
1. Cook beef until browned at medium-high heat in large non-stick skillet. Add mushrooms, peppers, onions, and celery. Cook and stir for 3 minutes.

2. Place mixture into shallow 2 qt (2 L) baking dish. Stir in all other ingredients, except cheese.
3. Bake covered, at 400 °F (200 °C) until pasta is tender – about 50 minutes.
4. Stir. Sprinkle with cheese and let stand 5 minutes before serving.

I was worried the kids were not going to like it. Having veggies of any kind made me think they would fuss. I did keep the sliced mushrooms out. I figured adding the can was enough to test it out with them. Since everything was small they hardly noticed. I think I also called it “Taco Casserole”. For some reason when we eat tacos and nachos they will eat veggies. I was happy they all ate it. They loved it and my boys asked for seconds. The next day I had the leftovers for lunch.

A couple of days later I was feeling creative and again was pressed for time. Having some really tasty items from Campbell’s in my kitchen I started dinner. What I made does not have a name. We called it Sunday dinner on Wednesday. It was just like a beef roast but in the skillet. I added the following:

• Stewing beef (large family pack)
• Beef stock
• CAMPBELL’S® Condensed Cream of Celery Soup
• CAMPBELL’S® Condensed Tomato with Basil and Oregano Soup

Cooked until meat was done and tender. Then added the following:
● Diced potatoes not peeled
● Baby carrots

Everything thickened up and was done in 30 minutes. The kids loved it.

I forgot how having a few key ingredients in the pantry can make meal time go smoother. I also find having the Campbell’s soups in my house helped me plan out my meals for this week. I bought some chicken today and am planning to try out one of their chicken themed Kid Pleaser recipes this week. With limited prep time I can have dinner ready in no time. I am really pleased to have this resource (the Cook with Campbell’s site) at my fingertips. I see what I have in my house and go find a recipe to whip up. They do not call for any crazy ingredients. Most of it I already had.

I am looking forward to discovering my future meal creations and again eating as a family throughout the week. Who says you need to wait until the weekend to have a home cooked hearty meal anyways 🙂

Find more great recipes on the YMC Quick and Easy Meal Ideas page and on the Cook With Campbell’s website.