If you’re like me, you probably love spending hours in the kitchen cooking while the kids are running around behind you...NOT. I need dinner ideas that take thirty minutes or less.
With the help of a few friends, I’ve put together a few quick (but healthy) family-friendly Mexican recipes perfect for a busy weekday. Feel free to pin this for later or print off the recipes at the bottom to reference again and again. I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as I do!
Lauren’s Tortilla Soup
Serves 6
Ingredients ::
- 2 large chicken breasts or 2-4 thighs, cooked and shredded (400 degrees for 40-50 min)
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2-3 tsp minced garlic
- 2 zucchini cut into half moons
- 2 squash cut into half moons
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 15oz can of diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp basil
- 1/2 tsp cayenne
- Salt and pepper to taste…important for final flavor
Toppings: Avocado, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, diced onions
Directions ::
Cook chicken breasts or thighs (see above).
In a Dutch oven or large pot, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil for 3-5 minutes. Add zucchini and squash and sauté for 10-15 more minutes until tender. Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil.
Turn to low heat and simmer for 30 or more minutes. Add the cooked shredded chicken when it is done cooking. Add toppings.
Note: This recipe cooks longer than 30 minutes but take only takes 30 minutes or less to prepare.
{recipe approved to be shared by my friend Lauren}
Shredded Salsa Chicken
Serves 6
Ingredients ::
- 4-6 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts
- 1 24 oz jar of salsa
- 1 15 oz can of corn (or frozen)
- 1 15 oz can of black beans
- salt to taste
- Tortillas
Toppings: Shredded cheese, guacamole, diced onions, shredded lettuce, etc…
Directions ::
Place the chicken breasts in a 5-7quart crockpot. Mix in the salsa, black beans, and corn until the chicken is covered. Cook for 4 to 5 hours on high or 8 to 10 hours on low. Shred the chicken in the crock pot. Serve on tortillas with toppings.
I usually serve this with refried beans, rice, and chips.
You can also use the shredded chicken to make burritos or enchiladas.
Easy Ground Beef Tacos
Serves 6
Ingredients ::
- 1 lb of ground beef (or ground turkey)
- Taco shells
Toppings: Shredded cheese, guacamole, diced onions, shredded lettuce, etc…
Homemade Taco Seasoning ::
- 1 T of chili powder
- 1/4 tsp of paprika
- 1/8 to 1/4 tsp of red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp of onion powder
- 1/4 tsp of garlic salt
- 1 ½ T of cumin
- 1/4 tsp of oregano
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 1/2 tsp of pepper
Directions ::
Using a skillet, brown and break up the meat on medium to medium-high heat.
When the meat is cooked, transfer it into a serving bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning for every 1 lb of meat used.
Assemble tacos as desired.
I usually serve this with mixed vegetables and refried beans. Most grocery stores sell whole grain taco shells.
If you cook any of these recipes for dinner, I would love to receive your feedback!
What are some of your favorite recipes perfect for fall?
