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Hi friends!
If weeknights feel chaotic and you still want a nourishing dinner on the table fast, this email is for you. One of my biggest time-saving strategies is using high-quality, pre-cooked proteins as a shortcut. Honestly, it’s been a game changer for getting dinner on the table in under 20 minutes!
Lately, I’ve been stocking up on some of my favorite protein staples from Costco: sliced top sirloin, cooked chicken meatballs, chicken skewers, and chicken sausages. They’re flavorful, versatile, and cut down SO much prep time without sacrificing nutrition.
1. Sliced Top Sirloin → Thai Beef Drunken Noodles
This is one of my go-to meals when I need something fast but satisfying. Since the beef is already cooked and sliced, all you have to do is sauté veggies, toss in noodles, and stir in the beef for a restaurant-worthy meal in minutes.
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2. Cooked Chicken Meatballs → Chicken Satay Meatballs
Using pre-cooked meatballs means you skip the mixing and baking step completely. Just warm them up and coat in the creamy satay sauce for an easy, protein-packed dinner the whole family loves.
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3. Chicken Sausages → Sausage Stir Fry with Mustard Sauce
This is SUCH a weeknight win. Slice the sausages, toss them into a hot skillet with veggies, and drizzle with the honey mustard sauce for a sweet, savory dinner that comes together ridiculously fast.
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4. Chicken Skewers (or any pre-cooked chicken)→ Bacon Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Pre-cooked chicken makes this comfort-food favorite totally doable on a busy night. Just chop, mix with your other ingredients, and bake for a cozy, high-protein dinner with minimal effort.
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My philosophy: you don’t have to cook everything from scratch to make a wholesome, balanced dinner. Smart shortcuts = less stress + more consistency.
If you’ve been feeling stuck in a dinner rut, try keeping 1–2 pre-cooked proteins in your fridge each week and build simple meals around them with veggies, grains, and a flavorful sauce. Dinner can truly come together in 20 minutes (or less). This is so helpful as we participate in the "Eat at Home Challenge"!
I’ll link all four recipes below so you can mix and match with whatever protein you have on hand:
🎉 Quick reminder: the Eat at Home Challenge ends in ONE week!
This is your final push to cook more meals at home, try new recipes, and stay consistent in the kitchen. Don’t forget: I’m giving away a $100 prize to one participant who comments on blog posts or shares/reposts recipes on Instagram during the challenge. Every interaction counts!
Let’s finish strong together 💛
xo,
Amy
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