Wholesome Dinners Made Simple: 5 Easy Hacks for Making Delicious Meals That Beat Takeout on Your Busiest Nights!
It’s been a long day, you’re juggling a million things, and the last thing you want to think about is what’s for dinner. Sound familiar? Don’t worry—you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or nutrition just because you're short on time. These five easy hacks will help you whip up delicious, wholesome meals that satisfy your family and beat takeout—plus, they’re a lot easier on your wallet (and waistline) than that overpriced takeout you keep turning to!
1. Start with High-Quality Ingredients
When you begin with great ingredients, half the work is already done. Good ingredients make a world of difference when it comes to taste, texture, and the overall satisfaction of your meal. Whether it’s tender beef or juicy pork, starting with farm-fresh, locally raised meat means that even the simplest dish will be flavorful. Whether it’s a juicy steak or versatile ground beef, starting with high-quality meat ensures your meal will be delicious, no matter how simple. It’s about putting your trust in quality so that no matter how busy you are, you can serve your family something wholesome and tasty every time.
2. One-Pan Wonders
Busy days call for minimal cleanup, and that’s where one-pan meals come in. Toss meat, veggies, and a few seasonings on a baking sheet or skillet, and let the oven or stove do the work. With just a few ingredients, you can create a hearty, satisfying dinner. Think sheet-pan pork chops with roasted veggies or skillet beef stir-fry. If you're short on time, check out our Skillet Egg Roll Recipe—a fun and easy take on a one-pan meal that the whole family will love.
3. Batch Cooking for the Week
Make life easier by batch cooking your protein on the weekend. A big batch of roasted chicken, pulled pork, or browned ground beef can be turned into multiple meals throughout the week. Tacos on Monday, pasta on Wednesday, and a quick stir-fry on Friday—batch cooking saves time and eliminates the stress of last-minute meal planning.
4. Crockpot to the Rescue
There’s nothing better than coming home to a meal that’s already cooked. The crockpot is a lifesaver for busy days—just throw in your favorite meat, some veggies, and a few spices, and let it slow-cook while you go about your day. By dinnertime, you’ll have a hot, comforting meal ready to serve. Looking for inspiration? Try our Barbacoa Crockpot Recipe, a simple yet flavorful meal that can cook while you're at work or running errands.
5. Stock Up on Quick-Cooking Cuts
It helps to keep fast-cooking cuts like ground beef, sausages, or thin-cut pork chops on hand. They cook up quickly and can be used in a variety of dishes. Ground beef can become tacos, a quick pasta sauce, or a stir-fry, while sausages can be grilled or sautéed for an instant meal. Recipes like Balsamic Glazed Beef & Tomato Pasta are crowd pleasers and easy to throw together quickly.
Let Us Help You Even More!
At Gander Family Farms, our beef is rich in flavor, tender in texture, and raised naturally. This makes it easier for you to create a delicious meal in no time, while having peace of mind of what you are serving. If you're local, stop by our Farm Store (located right on the farm) to stock up on premium quality steaks, roasts, bacon, sausages, and more.
We know life is busy, so we’ve made dinner even simpler with our Simple Meals Box—a no-fuss solution to family meals. Each box comes with farm-fresh meats and recipe cards for three quick, easy meals like crockpot, sheet pan, and stovetop options. With the Simple Meals Box, we’ve done the planning for you, so you can focus on making and enjoying dinner with your family.
And if you're looking to fill your freezer with even more of our delicious, farm-raised beef, check out our Beef Boxes. From grilling essentials to slow-cooking favorites, we have a box for every meal prepper, busy mom, foodie, health nut, or home cook. It’s an easy way to ensure you always have high-quality, local beef on hand—so dinner is never a hassle.
👉 Learn more about our Simple Meals Box and our full selection of Beef Boxes to make your next dinner a breeze!