Fourth of July weekend is always busy and full of life for us, and I love having the opportunity to step back and celebrate our country. Now, we’re back to our regular summer schedules (and catching up on sleep!), which means it’s time for another menu with protein-packed, family-friendly, and crazy easy meals.
Macaroni Monday: Hamburger Helper
It’s National Macaroni Day! This creamy and cheesy mixture of elbow macaroni and ground beef is so comforting — even in the middle of summer — and my boys love how much protein it has.
Hot tips
- Add in any leftover chicken thighs or cooked veggies from the weekend.
- I usually serve a big salad on the side to get our veggies in, like a garden salad or Caesar salad.
Mom-Friendly Tuesday: Mom’s Easy Meatball Soup
I love this meatball soup so much because it reminds me of my mom, and it’s one of the quickest soups to prep. Do a bit of rolling, sautéeing, and simmering, and you’ll have a soup that the whole family loves in under an hour!
Hot tips
- Sometimes, I enjoy swapping the rice for egg noodles or whatever pasta I have on hand.
- Serve the soup with Ukrainian garlic bread (YUM).
Way-Too-Easy Wednesday: Grilled Pork Tenderloin
This pork tenderloin is one of my favorite “set it and forget it” recipes. In the morning or around lunchtime, I start the marinating process, then all that’s left to do is grill. Have I mentioned how tender and delicious the meat is??
Hot tips
- Complete the tablespread with olivier potato salad and air fryer asparagus.
- Double up the recipe and use the leftovers to prep breakfast burritos!
15-Minute Thursday: Air Fryer Salmon
This recipe has been a lifesaver for me on so many busy weeknights. Salmon is one of my favorite things to cook in the air fryer because it turns out so juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The combo of butter, lemon, and garlic parsley salt is also *chef’s kiss*!
Hot tips
- Keep your air fryer out for air fryer potato wedges, air fryer broccoli, or air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon.
- Cook up a double batch of rice for tonight and tomorrow’s dinner.
Sushi Friday: Salmon Sushi Bowl
When I think of this sushi bowl, three words come to mind… fresh, filling, and fast. It only takes 10 minutes to throw together, and it’s super satisfying whether you eat it hot or cold.
Hot tips
- You can use the leftover salmon from yesterday’s dinner, or try smoked salmon for a unique twist.
- This Sriracha mayo is my go-to sauce for sushi bowls. If you’re not a fan of spice, opt for Japanese (kewpie) mayo, regular mayo, or Japanese BBQ sauce.
Breakfast of the Week: Omelette Roll
Are you looking for something new to try for breakfast? Look no further — this baked omelette roll is so easy to make, and you can add all your favorite mix-ins!
Dessert of the Week: Blueberry Muffins
July and blueberries go together like bread and butter. These muffins are loaded with juicy, fresh blueberries and topped with a bakery-worthy crumble… yumm.
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Thank you for great cooking ideas 👍
Daniel, absolutely 🙂 Enjoy all the dinners!