Easy Winter Meals for the Family

With the holidays, extended school breaks, and the general craziness of the winter season it’s always helpful to have some easy and satisfying recipes in your playbook. The five recipes below are super easy to prepare, good on a budget, and sure to please the whole family!

Chicken Masala

This savory Italian dish is one of my absolute favorites. The flavors taste like something you’d get at a nice restaurant and yet this dish is both inexpensive and easy to prepare. There are many recipes for chicken masala but try to find one that only uses one pan as this really cuts down cooking and cleaning time. Some recipes will call for prosciutto (the cured Italian ham) but you don’t have it you can substitute it for bacon or omit it altogether. Find the recipe here: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/chicken-marsala-recipe-1951778

Ravioli Lasagna

My family has only tried this recipe a few times but it quickly became as an overall favorite. It’s a delicious recipe that is perfect for the coldest winter nights. Lasagna usually takes some time but this recipe should only take minutes to prepare! Find the recipe here: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/ravioli-lasagna/

Easy Bacon Mac-N-Cheese

Here’s another one that’s sure to please. Who doesn’t like mac-n-cheese? If you’ve never had homemade you’re in for a real treat. This recipe is also very easy and requires little preparation. Find the recipe here:https://www.sunset.com/recipe/bacon-herbs-mac-n-cheese

Breaded Pork Cutlet with Cabbage and Kale

This is a version of a traditional Japanese meal called Pork Katsu. Even through this recipe requires some light frying it is still easy and one of the lighter meals on this list. The kale and cabbage salad add a refreshing texture to compliment the succulent pork cutlet. Find the recipe here: https://www.bhg.com/recipe/pork/breaded-pork-with-cabbage-and-kale/

One Pan Sesame Chicken

Here’s another one-pan meal that is a bit lighter than the traditional stick-to-your-ribs winter fare. Skip the take out and try this ridiculously easy recipe for an all-time Chinese-American favorite! Find the recipe here: https://www.howsweeteats.com/2018/09/sesame-chicken/