Speedy suppers for fall

The lazy days of summer are behind us, and fall schedules have busy families crunched for time – including time to prepare a home-cooked dinner for the family to enjoy.

Here are some tips and recipes to make meal prep quick and easy:

• Always have some basic ingredients on hand, such as frozen vegetables, which can be served as a side or added to soups, rice and pasta dishes; beef, chicken and vegetable broths for making soups and sauces and for flavoring vegetables and rice; and add-ins, such as nuts, sesame seeds, parsley, dried fruit and cheese, which can jazz up main dishes, sides and salads and make them more nutritious.

• Purchase time-saving products, such as frozen rice that steams in the microwave in minutes; pre-cut vegetables; and pre-seasoned ingredients, such as canned tomatoes with garlic and onions, cheese made with jalapeño, and marinated meats.

• Do some prep work when your schedule allows. Chop vegetables, shred cheese, brown ground beef, and cut meats into recipe-ready portions.

• Cook once and eat twice by doubling recipes and freezing half for another time. Or, plan a second meal around leftovers, such as using Monday’s taco meat for a taco salad another night.

The following recipes, provided courtesy of Minute® Steamers, are perfect for busy families on busy nights.

 

Basil Rice and Tomato Soup

Serves: 4 (1 1/4 cups each)

1 bag Minute® Steamers Brown Rice

1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Prepare rice according to package

directions.

In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine pasta sauce, cream and basil. Cover loosely and microwave on high for 5 minutes, or until heated through. Stir in prepared rice.

Tips:

• If a thinner soup is desired, add 1 cup heated chicken broth.

• Serve with cheese crostini and olive tapenade.

• Top with shredded Parmesan cheese.

 

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

Serves: 4

1 bag Minute® Steamers Broccoli

and Cheese Rice

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) cream

of chicken soup

6 ounces (about 1 cup) cooked,

diced  chicken

1/2 cup milk

Prepare rice according to

package directions.

In medium, microwave-safe dish, combine soup, chicken and milk. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir in rice.

 

South of the Border Turkey Dinner

Serves: 4

1 bag Minute® Steamers Brown Rice

1 pound ground turkey,

cooked and crumbled

1 can (11 ounces) southwestern

corn blend

1 cup prepared salsa

Prepare rice according to

package directions.

In medium, microwave-safe bowl, combine turkey, corn and salsa. Microwave on high for 2 minutes.

Stir in rice.

Tips:

• Add 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese.

• Use as filling in tortillas and top with shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes.

• Roll into burrito-sized tortillas and serve with sour cream.

Photos courtesy of Minute® Steamers