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Set It & Forget It Weeknights: 5 Easy Family Dinners

Some nights call for a dinner that practically makes itself. These five family favorites are mostly heat-and-serve, plus one slow cooker roast you can start in the morning.

1. Seasoned Tenderloin Sliders

Recipe Snapshot

Ready in: 20 min

Ellsworth Foods: Seasoned Tenderloin

Pantry: Olive oil, salt & pepper, shredded cheddar cheese

  1. Slice the seasoned tenderloin into slider-sized portions.
  2. Sear in a little olive oil over medium-high heat, about 3–4 minutes per side.
  3. Top with shredded cheddar during the last minute to melt.
  4. Serve on slider buns with a side the kids like.

Kid Tip

Small, easy-to-hold sliders feel special without extra effort on a weeknight.

2. Slow Cooker Half Chuck Roast

Recipe Snapshot

Ready in: 6–8 hours (slow cooker)

Ellsworth Foods: Half Chuck Roast

Pantry: Onion, garlic, salt & pepper

  1. Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper and place in the slow cooker.
  2. Add sliced onion and minced garlic around the roast.
  3. Add a splash of water or broth, cover, and cook on low 6–8 hours until fork-tender.
  4. Shred and serve as-is, over rice, or in sandwiches.

Kid Tip

Cook it in the morning and dinner is ready by the time homework is done — leftovers reheat well for lunches too.

3. Family Meat Lasagna

Recipe Snapshot

Ready in: 30 min

Ellsworth Foods: Family Meat Lasagna

Pantry: Shredded cheddar cheese, salt & pepper

  1. Bake the meat lasagna according to package directions.
  2. Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar on top for the last 5 minutes of baking.
  3. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing into family-size squares.
  4. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.

Kid Tip

One pan feeds the whole family with minimal cleanup — a good night to rest between busier ones.

4. Beef Street Tacos

Recipe Snapshot

Ready in: 15 min

Ellsworth Foods: Beef Street Tacos

Pantry: Onion, salt & pepper

  1. Heat beef street tacos according to package directions.
  2. Sauté a little diced onion until soft and stir in, if desired.
  3. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Serve warm, with extra shredded cheddar on the side.

Lunchbox Remix

Pack the beef in a thermos with small tortillas on the side so kids can build mini tacos at lunch.

5. Mini Cheese Pizzas

Recipe Snapshot

Ready in: 10 min

Ellsworth Foods: Cheese Pizza, 5"

Pantry: Shredded cheddar cheese

  1. Bake the mini cheese pizza according to package directions until the crust is crisp.
  2. Top with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar in the last 2 minutes to melt.
  3. Let cool slightly before slicing into wedges.
  4. Serve as-is for dinner.

Lunchbox Remix

The 5" size is already lunchbox-portioned — pack it cold or slightly warm in an insulated container.

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