, , , , ,

Get Real Weekday Meal: "Jarsauce" Dairy-free, corn-free, wheat-free

1:23 PM

I have 2 kids ages 3.5 and 1.5.    I have 2 cats and a dog and a husband who occasionally gets caught in traffic and has 4:30pm meetings.  Not all of my meals are going to take a lot of time and effort.

Tonight, for instance, at 3:30pm I realized I hadn't showered yet, the baby was refusing to nap, the preschooler needed her tv show changed, the cats were hungry (again),  and the dog was ready to pee on the floor if I didn't take him outside RIGHT THAT SECOND.

So. Dinner...  Dairy-free, kid and adult pleasing... and in the words of Rachel Ray "ready in 20 minutes"... with distractions.  Tonight we're having  "Jarsauce" with mini meatballs, peppers and onions, and mushrooms.  Over wholegrain pasta... with a side of brown mustard balsamic Spring Salad Greens.

Our favorite "Jar Sauce" serves 4 with leftovers
1 jar Classico tomato and basil sauce (or similar with low added sugar)
1/2 pepper sliced ( I do this ahead of time and freeze it for later use)
1/2 sliced cooking onion sliced (I do this ahead of time and freeze)
1 container sliced mushrooms (or you can use canned)
 1 lb 90/10 ground beef rolled into mini meatballs
 2 tbsp olive oil

Create "mini-meatballs" by rolling 90/10 in to 1 inch balls.  Add Olive Oil to a large saute pan (with a lid!).  Brown the meatballs on all sides.  Add all the other ingredients and saute another 2-3 minutes.  Add jar sauce and bring it to a boil.  Reduce to simmer and cover.  Will be ready immediately, or for better flavor infusion allow to simmer for up to 2 hours.

Serve over pasta of choice.

Serve with Salad greens for extra veggies!  We usually make our own Vinegrette as well and it's really easy:

Brown Mustard Balsamic Vinegrette serves 2
1 tbsp brown mustard (we like Wegmans brand)
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar ( you'll learn to "eyeball" it eventually)
2 tbsp Olive Oil

Put all ingredients into a small bowl, or coffee mug and whisk briskly.  
Serve and enjoy... while the kids run around like crazy!




author information goes here

You Might Also Like

0 comments

Like us on Facebook