Easy 5 o’clock Dinner Ideas

You’re in trouble.

It’s 5 o’clock and you have nothing ready for dinner. No meat thawed, no meal planned and you’ve got hungry animals kids waiting t be fed! Well, don’t worry. I’ve been where you are, in fact that is where I am right now. I didn’t plan dinner for tonight and we’ve been cleaning out the fridge of all the left overs for the past few days. I have four little ones depending on my ability to “plan” and prepare their meals. So what does that mean? Do we order pizza and forget about it? No! Here are four quick and easy meals you can make when you “forgot” you had to feed everyone.

Grilled Cheese

One of my kid’s favorite meals. Although, I am not the biggest fan of the dish, everyone can appreciate a delicious grilled cheese with some tomato soup (if you’re lucky enough to have some in the cabinet) or some veggies on the side. My two older boys eat these sandwiches like I am the queen of dinnertime!

Fried Rice

Rice is a staple in my house and so are frozen veggies. When I haven’t thought ahead, I throw on some rice to boil and start getting my veggies ready. I dice up a few onions and garlic, quickly head them up in a little bit of oil. Then I throw in some of those frozen veggies and the cooked rice and fry it for a little bit. After a few minutes, I move the rice mixture to the sides of the pan making a small “whole” in the center where I crack an egg and fry it. Then I just mix it all together, add some soy sauce or teriyaki sauce and tada! Dinner in a flash!

Breakfast for Dinner

We’ve all been here. Some people love breakfast food so much that they have it twice a day. A couple of eggs, some bacon or sausage and toast it a great end to a great day. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, add some waffles or pancakes! I always make my pancakes from scratch. Don’t have that kind of time? Give your little ones something special by making cinnamon toast. Mix 1/4tsp cinnamon and ¼ tsp. sugar, sprinkle it on your buttered toast. Something simple and special.

Buffalo chicken with veggies

Okay, I know what you are thinking. This sounds super complicated, but it really isn’t. In fact this is one of my go-to lunches. Simply bake up some chicken fingers (yes, chicken nuggets works good too). Grab some buffalo wing sauce; if you don’t have that on hand, you can use chili sauce or Sriracha (super yummy but be aware of the spiciness). Heat up equal parts butter and your “sauce”. Add in a dash of garlic power and pepper and heat until the butter is melted. Once your chicken is cooked, coat with the wing sauce. Serve with veggies and ranch dressing.

Don’t buckle under the pressure of grabbing fast food. You can make your own, family inspired fast food at home. I hope your kids enjoy your meal as much as they would have a “planned” dinner. Enjoy!