We're in a rut. Every week it's the same rotation: spaghetti, tacos, chicken something, pizza night. The kids eat it but I'm bored out of my mind. Looking for ideas that don't take 45 minutes and that won't get rejected by my picky 8yo. What are you guys actually making that works?
Curry? Like an actual easy yellow curry with rotisserie chicken and pre-cut veggie bags. Takes 20 mins, tastes way more interesting than your standard rotation
Stir fry. Seriously. Chop stuff ahead of time on Sunday, then you're just cooking for 15 mins on weeknight. Way less boring than spaghetti for the 400th time
Sheet pan meals are your friend - throw some chicken thighs and veggies on there with whatever seasoning, 25 mins in the oven. Barely any cleanup too
The rotation you described is exactly us and it's killing me too. Been thinking about adding something with ground turkey but keep forgetting to plan for it
Sheet pan dinners saved me from this exact rut. Throw protein + veggies on a pan with some seasoning, 25 minutes in the oven. We do like 4 different versions and kids never complain
Honestly? Rotisserie chicken + rice + whatever vegetable is on sale. Takes 20 min to throw together and so flexible. Can do it Asian style one night, Mediterranean the next, taco vibes another time
We started doing a taco bar situation and it actually works. Same base (seasoned ground beef, shells) but kids can load up however they want and suddenly it feels different than 'tacos again'
Slow cooker is a lifesaver - throw stuff in the morning, comes back cooked. Carnitas, pulled pork, whatever. Throw it on rice or in tacos. Not super exciting but at least different from your list
Breakfast for dinner gets slept on. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, toast. Kids think it's a treat, takes 25 minutes, and you're not eating the same thing you had for lunch 3 days ago
We started doing breakfast for dinner once a week - scrambled eggs, toast, some fruit. Takes 10 mins, kids actually get excited about it
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Same rotation here. Started doing build-your-own nights now - taco Tuesday but also burrito bowls, quesadillas, nachos. Takes like 30 mins and everyone's actually engaged