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Weeknight Dinner Hacks: 5 Quick and Easy Meals with Pasture-Raised Meats

written by

Stacie Edwards

posted on

October 15, 2024

Hey busy mom! We get it—after a long day, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. But you still want to feed your family wholesome, delicious meals, right? 

That’s where we come in! With these 5 weeknight dinner hacks, you can have nutritious, pasture-raised meals on the table in 30 minutes or less. Let’s dive in!

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1. One-Pan Chicken Stir-Fry

This chicken stir-fry is a family favorite and super easy to throw together.

  • Serves: 4
  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb Edwards Family Farms pasture-raised chicken tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
    • 2 cups frozen stir-fry veggies (carrots, broccoli, snap peas) - or fresh from the farmers market
    • 3 tbsp soy sauce
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Instructions:
    1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
    2. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
    3. Toss in garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
    4. Add frozen veggies and soy sauce. Stir-fry for another 5 minutes until veggies are hot and tender.
    5. Serve over rice or noodles.
  • Hack: Pre-cut chicken and frozen veggies make this a breeze!
  • Side: Serve with quick-cooking noodles or microwaveable rice for a complete meal.
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2. Beef Tacos

Taco night is always a hit! You can have these beef tacos ready in no time.

  • Serves: 4
  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb Edwards Family Farms pasture-raised ground beef
    • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
    • 8 small tortillas
    • 1 cup shredded cheese
    • 1 cup lettuce, shredded
    • ½ cup salsa
    • Optional: sour cream, avocado slices
  • Instructions:
    1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
    2. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
    3. Warm the tortillas in the microwave or oven.
    4. Assemble tacos with beef, cheese, lettuce, and salsa.
  • Hack: Cook up extra beef and freeze in portions for quick future meals.
  • Side: Pair with chips and guacamole or a quick batch of refried beans.
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3. Sausage & Veggie Sheet Pan Dinner

Sheet pan meals = fewer dishes and a hands-off cooking process. Win-win!

  • Serves: 4
  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb Edwards Family Farms forest-raised pork sausage links, sliced into 1-inch pieces
    • 2 bell peppers, sliced
    • 1 large onion, sliced
    • 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
    2. Toss sausage, peppers, onions, and potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
    3. Spread everything on a large baking sheet.
    4. Roast for 20-25 minutes until sausage is browned and potatoes are crispy.
  • Hack: Using pre-sliced sausage and baby potatoes means no extra chopping.
  • Side: Serve with crusty bread or a light salad.
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4. Quick Pork Stir-Fry Lettuce Wraps

Lettuce wraps are a fresh, light dinner that comes together in a flash.

  • Serves: 4
  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb Edwards Family Farms pasture-raised ground pork
    • 3 tbsp soy sauce
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
    • 1 tbsp sesame oil or olive oil
    • 1 head butter lettuce or romaine, leaves separated
    • Optional: shredded carrots, chopped peanuts for topping
  • Instructions:
    1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    2. Add ground pork and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
    3. Stir in garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
    4. Spoon pork mixture into lettuce leaves and top with shredded carrots and chopped peanuts if desired.
  • Hack: Pre-wash and separate the lettuce leaves to speed up assembly.
  • Side: Serve with jasmine rice or a simple cucumber salad.

5. Grilled Chicken Salad

Keep it simple and healthy with a fresh grilled chicken salad.

  • Serves: 4
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 Edwards Family Farms pasture-raised chicken breasts
    • 4 cups mixed greens
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1 cucumber, sliced
    • ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 tbsp lemon juice
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through.
    2. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
    3. Toss greens, tomatoes, cucumber, and feta in a large bowl.
    4. Top the salad with sliced chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  • Hack: Grill the chicken ahead of time and store in the fridge for quick assembly during the week.
  • Side: Serve with garlic bread or a side of quinoa for added protein.

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These meals are designed to help you get dinner on the table fast without sacrificing quality. 

With pasture-raised meats at the heart of each recipe, you’re serving your family the best—nutrient-dense, wholesome, and packed with flavor. 

So, the next time you’re staring into the fridge wondering what to make, grab one of these recipes and make weeknight cooking a little less stressful!

From our farm to your table, we’ve got your back in the kitchen!

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