Mix it all together for quick, easy, and healthy meals. 

Whether you want a quick-and-easy healthy dinner or a fun family project, one-container recipes are a great option. Combine protein, a starch, vegetables, and a tasty sauce in one pan to save cooking time and make clean up a breeze. Read our free tip sheet about one container meals. 

Choose Recipes Wisely

Is this for one meal or do you want to double the batch and freeze some for a future meal? Sauces, soups, and chili all hold up well in the freezer. What do you have on hand? What are your family’s favorite foods? Either is a good strategy for choosing one-pot or sheet pan recipes. Look for recipes that line up with your household’s needs. 

Mix and Match

You can use both shelf-stable pantry foods, and items in your refrigerator and freezer. This helps expand the types of meals you can make. Use the “first in, first out” method for your food supply by using older items first. Keep this in mind for fresh produce as well. Check out this do-it-yourself sheet pan meal guide @ DIY Casserole Basics. 

Make it a Family Affair

All family members can help in the kitchen, making meal preparation a fun event. Planning and making family meals together builds family bonds, cooking skills, and nutrition knowledge. Younger children can measure or count ingredients, whisk or stir foods, and use a plastic knife to cut soft foods such as bananas. Older youth can chop fruits and vegetables, practice with cooking on the stove, and measure temperatures with a food thermometer. 

Keep it Safe and Prevent Waste

Once shelf-stable foods, such as salad dressing, sauces or canned vegetables, are open, store any remaining food in the refrigerator. Plan to use those leftover meals in 3 to 4 days. If you have a large batch recipe, freeze half for a meal next week.