One Week’s Meals in One Hour

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LeanCuisine #CollectiveBias

I can’t remember how my obsession started. I think it was when hubby came home from one of his trips and brought back the LEAN CUISINE® Marketplace Ranchero Braised Beef meal. As he scarfed it down for some extra protein before zipping off to the gym, he told me how he recently discovered these tasty treats and how they served as perfect quick meals. So I bought a few more of the same one, then started eating them myself, then started trying all of the flavors, and…well let’s just say that over the past month alone I have bought more than 20 of these delicious things and have my freezer well stocked with more. They’ve been so nice to have during this season while I’ve been swamped with holiday prep. Now that the holidays are over I have felt a bit of that stress fall away. Hubby’s family came to visit, and we luckily had an incident-free Christmas dinner (whew!) and even happened upon some new favorite recipes. But even as I’m writing this we are traveling up the California coast after two days exploring Big Sur and Monterey with the fam bam, and on our way to San Francisco to see a friend who’s in town. After that we have one last day with the in-laws, after which we make the long drive to my own parents’ for a quick New Year’s celebration before hubby has to return to work. If my holidays have been this crazy I’m wondering what y’alls have been like? It has been beyond nice to have these yummy meals ready in my freezer for those days (ie every day this month) when I am either too busy or too tired to put together a good meal myself. In the past I would have reached for a package of my favorite Korean ramen, but I’m glad I have something I can feel much better putting into my body. Lean Cuisine’s Marketplace meals offer protein-packed, gluten-free, non-GMO, organic ingredient options that are above all else delish.

These meals are perfect for pairing with just one simple side dish. So today I am sharing a recipe that I think splendidly complements pretty much any of the Lean Cuisine Marketplace flavors, and matches up to them in ease, convenience, flavor and vibrance. With less than an hour in the kitchen whipping up this side dish you will have an entire week’s worth of wholesome meals at your disposal. And a big FYI: this is the best month to stock up on Lean Cuisine’s meals because Target is offering them at $1.99 (normally $3.00) from 1/1-1/31.

In my photos I showcased the Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Cheese, Sesame Chicken, Spicy Penne Arrabiata, Ranchero Braised Beef, and Spinach Artichoke Tortellini, all delish. But I also love the Sweet & Spicy Korean-Style Beef, Sweet Sriracha Braised Beef, Thai-Style Ginger Beef (can you tell the flavors I lean towards? haha), etc. Check out all the flavors on the Lean Cuisine website, and make sure you take advantage of the great $1.99 price at Target. Have you tried these yet? What are your favorites?

Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Cheese

Sesame Chicken

Spicy Penne Arrabiata

Spinach Artichoke Ravioli

Ranchero Braised Beef (with Chipotle Mashed sweet potatoes)

Garlic Parmesan Winter Veggies
Serves 6-8

•  1 lb. butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 lb. beets, peeled and diced 
• 1 lb. carrots, peeled and diced
• 1-2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1-1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• salt + pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Place all of your veggies on the baking sheet and drizzle with 1-2 Tbsp. olive oil. Give your tray a few tosses to coat the veggies evenly. Sprinkle with garlic powder, then salt and pepper to taste. Bake for about 45 minutes until tender-crisp. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese, then return to the oven to bake another 10 minutes until the veggies are fully cooked and the cheese is starting to brown. Serve with your favorite Lean Cuisines for a complete meal.