3 Easy and Delicious Meal Ideas

We all know that cooking can be exhausting, especially when you’re not excited about what you’re making. I have found that planning meals ahead of time inspires me more when the time comes to pick up the spatula. Here are some of my favorite recipes that require minimal work but are extremely tasty.

1. Spicy Ground Beef or Chicken Tacos
   These tacos are easy to make, and the flavor is both spicy and savory.
   Directions:
   Sautee one yellow onion in vegetable oil. Add two cloves of garlic as well as your ground beef or chicken. When the meat is about halfway cooked, add two tablespoons of tomato paste, one tablespoon of Worcester sauce, half a cup of your favorite salsa (I love chipotle garlic), and one tablespoon of hot sauce. I season the meat with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, chili powder, cayenne, and cumin. If using chicken, shred or cube it after it’s been cooked and toss back into the sauce in the pan. Finally, grab some tortillas and build your tacos (Pepper Jack cheese, lettuce, sour cream, etc.) and enjoy! The meat is great as leftovers to use in Mexican bowls or quesadillas.
   
   
   
2. Garlic Parmesan Pasta
   This recipe is so easy. It’s a perfect last-minute meal.
   Directions:
   Boil your favorite kind of pasta. After, add two tablespoons butter, one tablespoon olive oil, fresh or minced garlic (as much or as little as you want), 1⁄4- 1⁄2 cup parmesan cheese, half of a lemon squeezed, a teaspoon of basil and parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. This recipe is very flexible with ingredients, I usually just eyeball everything.
   
   
   
3. Breaded Cajun Chicken
   One of my favorite things I’ve ever made! This one is more complicated, but totally worth the effort.
   Directions:
   Use as many chicken breasts as needed. Filet them in half, so they are skinnier. First coat them in flower, then a scrambled egg mixture. Let the egg drip off the chicken before adding it into the bread crumbs. I use Panko bread crumbs seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, cajun seasoning, garlic salt, and cayenne (if you like extra spice). Using your hands, press the bread crumbs into the chicken, so they stay coated while they fry. Let them sit for a few minutes before heating up the pan. Use 1 1⁄2 cups of vegetable oil and heat medium high. Once heated, add the chicken, and cook until golden brown. Usually about 3-4 minutes per side. Let cool, pair with your favorite sauces, and enjoy!