Lunches for the Whole Family at Home
When you're trying to get work done, keep the kids happy, and not wreck your kitchen in the process, making lunch for the whole family at home can seem a daunting task. But we've rounded up 10 recipes that are easy to make, ready in 40 minutes or less, and both kids and adults alike will enjoy. So whether you make a batch of mac and cheese, or mix up some sloppy joes, you'll be fueled for the day without sidetracking your afternoon.
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Beefy Lasagna Roll-Ups
Lasagna is delicious, but making all those layers means extra time and messy serving. Instead, make these convenient roll-ups that include beef, onions, and cheese. The best part? The kids can be a part of the process so they're learning and making a meal at the same time.
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Texas Chicken Quesadillas
By using BBQ sauce as the base for these quesadillas, you won't have to worry about salsa being too spicy or tangy for younger palates. To make this dish even easier, use rotisserie chicken in place of the chicken breasts.
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Instant Pot® Mac and Cheese with Ham and Peas
Mac and cheese is made into a meal with the addition of hearty ham and bright green peas. "This is a great and very flexible dish," says Liz. "I've found you can add different types of protein and veggies to this base recipe and it's delicious."
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Herbed Chicken Nuggets
With less than half an hour's prep, you can wow your family with these nuggets that are leaps and bounds better than the frozen variety. Some reviewers suggest using smaller amounts of the red and black pepper to make this recipe less spicy for kids.
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Turkey Sloppy Joes
Thanks to a hearty sauce full of spices and aromatics, your family won't even be able to tell the difference between this turkey sloppy joe and a traditional beef variety.
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Corn Dog Muffins
Corn dogs are delicious, but take a lot of effort to fry up. Simplify this tasty treat by make bite-size muffins that are perfect for individual portions.
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Easy One-Pot Chicken Alfredo
No need to cook separate pans of chicken, Alfredo sauce, and pasta to make this lunch. Everything comes together in one pot for a dish that's easy to serve and clean up.
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Simple Tomato Soup
You'll never go back to the canned stuff after trying this easy homemade tomato soup. Serve with some grilled cheeses on the side for dunking.
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Turkey Wraps
"Delicious wrap sandwich," says Jillian. "Perfect for lunch on the go!" Mix and match your favorite lunch meats and veggies with this tangy sauce for delicious wraps every time.
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Crescent Pizza Pockets
Using crescent dough in place of traditional pizza dough lets these simple pastries bake up in no time. Customize each with your favorite pizza toppings for a unique lunch.