5 Step Healthy Dinner

When Josh and I first got married (nearly 20 years ago) I was a terrible cook and not much has changed. lol. BUT I have found a few simple meals that we can both agree on as staples to have semi-regularly. I’m not your gourmet chef, in fact I would say I strive to spend as little time in the kitchen as possible. But if you want a quick, simple meal that will last for days with leftovers, this is our go-to. It is the most customizable recipe and can easily be multiplied to feed an army if necessary. But why am I sharing this recipe on a blog about moving to Central Florida or Living near Disney World?

There are a couple of reasons.

1) Many people when they come to visit Walt Disney World or Central Florida prefer to VRBO, AirBNB, or stay at an extended stay and cook a meal or two to save some cash. The Disney Life can be fast paced, especially if you’ve just moved here, the kids are starting sports, activities, school or you are living it up at the parks, you may need something that heats up fast.

2) It’s National Nutrition Month and I love a healthy, easy meal.

ITEMS ON HAND

• 1 Skillet

• 1 Pot with a lid

• 1 Spoon/Spatula or 2

• 1 large storage container for left overs

• May require a Strainer or Colander

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Box of Your Favorite Boxed Pasta/Noodles (Mine are Gluten Free)

• 1 Packet of Taco Seasoning

• 1 Bag of Your Favorite Shedded Cheddar or Mozzarella

• 1 Bag of Your Favorite Frozen Veggie Blend (I used peas and carrots. Can also use peppers and onions)

• 1-2 units of Your Favorite Queso (I used 2 Large Queso from Chipotle

• 1-1.5 pounds of THE LEANEST HAMBURGER YOU CAN FIND (I Aim for 92/8.) *Essential especially if you don’t have a strainer/collander

• 1 Can of STEF’S SECRET INGREDIENT (See Below)

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1. HEAT A SKILLET with garlic and whatever herbs you want.

THEN brown the LEAN HAMBURGER and add the TACO SEASONING.

STEP 2. BOIL WATER FOR PASTA/NOODLES. (I use 1/2 of what it calls for and let it cook in; less to drain.)

If you really want, you can use a Kraft Mac and Cheese or something, but my options are more limited than that.)
Cook the pasta to your level of done and drain the remainder of the water.

STEP 3: ADD STEF’S SECRET INGREDIENT

I LOVE THESE TOMATOES…

This is not a sponsored post. But I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you this is what makes the flavor in the recipe. I put it in everything that requires tomatoes.

STEP 4: ADD IN THE VEGGIES AND THE PASTA

Microwave the veggies and toss them in to the pasta. (drain them first, if necessary.)

STEP 5: ADD THE QUESO AND CHEESE

Stir, let simmer until melted and serve.

If you want to add some extra pizzaz, dump the whole thing in a casserole dish melt the cheese and add some shredded parmesan.

If you try this, let me know what you include and how you like it. Leave me a comment!