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
- Slice the seasoned tenderloin into slider-sized portions.
- Sear in a little olive oil over medium-high heat, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Top with shredded cheddar during the last minute to melt.
- 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
- Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper and place in the slow cooker.
- Add sliced onion and minced garlic around the roast.
- Add a splash of water or broth, cover, and cook on low 6–8 hours until fork-tender.
- 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
- Bake the meat lasagna according to package directions.
- Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar on top for the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing into family-size squares.
- 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
- Heat beef street tacos according to package directions.
- Sauté a little diced onion until soft and stir in, if desired.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- 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
- Bake the mini cheese pizza according to package directions until the crust is crisp.
- Top with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar in the last 2 minutes to melt.
- Let cool slightly before slicing into wedges.
- 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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