by Kimberly A. Smith

Created on: July 20, 2008   Last Updated: September 09, 2010

Busy families need quick and easy dinner recipes to ensure that everyone can sit down together. Recipes that you can prepare ahead and leave in the fridge are wonderful options when time is limited. When you get home from work, you can just put it in the oven and relax with your family. These types of recipes are also perfect when you have company. It ensures that you can spend as much time as possible having fun instead of worrying about dinner.

Lasagna and enchiladas are two perfect make-ahead dinners. They can be adapted for the tastes of any diners, no matter how picky your family is. This three-bean enchilada recipe is a vegetarian classic that even devout carnivores enjoy. If you have trouble rolling the tortillas, try warming them in the microwave before you begin.

Simple Three Bean Enchiladas

Ingredients:

1 package corn tortillas

1 (15 oz) can black beans

1 (15 oz) can pinto beans

1 (15 oz) can Cannellini Beans

1 large can (28 oz) enchilada sauce

1 package Mexican-style shredded cheese

Directions:

1. Rinse and drain beans.

2. Add 2/3 of the cheese and 1/2 cup enchilada sauce to the beans. Mix thoroughly.
3. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a large baking pan.

4. Add approximately 1/2 cup bean mixture to each tortilla and roll up.

5. Place tortilla in pan, seam side down.

6. Top enchiladas with remaining sauce and cheese.

7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F. Remove foil and bake for five more minutes, or until cheese is bubbly.

Lasagna is one of the most adaptable Italian recipes around. You can fill it with any of your favorite vegetables, add ground beef, or change the sauce to a creamy Alfredo sauce and make white lasagna. Create a "kitchen sink" lasagna by opening the fridge and seeing what leftovers could be thrown in. This basic cheesy recipe is gooey and delicious.

Easy Cheesy Lasagna

Ingredients

1 pound lasagna noodles
4 cups ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese 2 eggs
White pepper to taste

1 (32 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Boil pasta until al dente (normally about 8 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water.

3. Combine ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, eggs, and white pepper in a large bowl.

4. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9 X 13 baking dish.

5. Cover with a layer of noodles, then a layer of the cheese mixture, then a layer of sauce. Repeat, ending with a layer of noodles topped with sauce.

6. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

7. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes.

Either of these dishes can be assembled, covered, and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before being baked. They don't take much time to put together, and can be served with simple sides like salad and bread. It is easy to have a hot dinner on the table without spending much time. Plan ahead and you can enjoy these fantastic, easy dinner recipes.

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