Overview
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Sometimes it's the prospect of the clean up that makes cooking a complex meal less than appealing. After all, a sink full of pots and pans and a kitchen that looks like a food tornado just swept through is no laughing matter after a hard day at work. Save yourself some time -- and remain sane -- with simple meals that can be prepared in one pan. These meals are hearty yet time-saving for working parents with a family to feed. Best of all, most can be assembled ahead of time and then cooked just before dinner.
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Fajitas
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Fajitas are a great choice because they're fresh, healthy and versatile. Cook meat, tofu or seafood until finished and then add your favorite veggies to the pan. Broccoli, peppers, onions and tomatoes all work well. Cook until veggies are softened but still have a slight crunch to them. Serve with warmed tortillas and you've got an easy meal in less than 20 minutes. If you want to turn the heat up on your fajitas, add a dash of crushed red peppers while cooking the veggies.
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Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
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Chef Nick Strawhecker, owner of Dante! Pizzeria, said his favorite one-pot meal is roasted chicken and vegetables. After finding a fresh, local and range-free chicken, Strawhecker said to "rub the chicken with olive oil and then stuff it with thyme, garlic cloves and half a lemon." Next, spread in-season chopped vegetables over the bottom of the roasting pan, place the chicken on top and season generously with salt and pepper. "Roast for 15 minutes at 500 [degrees] Fahrenheit and then turn down to 375 and roast to an internal temp of 140 to 145," Strawhecker said.
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Vegetarian Chili
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Crock-pot lovers are likely to appreciate this easy recipe. Combine two cans of diced, chili-roasted tomatoes, corn, chili beans, butter beans and other veggies in a crock pot. Add chili seasoning (packaged or homemade is fine) and cover everything with water. Let it simmer all day long and come home to a finished dinner.
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Chicken, Chorizo and Potato Stew
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If you're looking for a meal that requires little prep work and minimizes dishes, chef Ricky Moore, who's appeared on "Iron Chef America" to duke it out with renowned chef Michael Symon, suggests a chicken, chorizo and potato stew. "Brown ground Spanish chorizo in olive oil and add large cut pieces of chicken breast, chopped onions, peppers, tomatoes, garlic and saute together," he said. Add a large diced potato to chicken stock and let it simmer for 30 minutes before serving.
stew with vegetables image by Arkady Chubykin from Fotolia.com
Homemade Pizza
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Many snub homemade pizza since a store-bought or delivered option seems easier. That's not always true, though. Buy prepared pizza dough or make your own the day before. Stretch out onto baking sheet. Add some tomato sauce (store-bought and homemade both work) and sprinkle with shredded cheese. The best part about homemade pizza is the ability to get creative with toppings. Try kale and smoked gouda; tomatoes, garlic and basil; sliced potatoes and corn; or opt for a basic pepperoni.
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