by Rick Robinson

Created on: September 11, 2009   Last Updated: September 17, 2009

As the man of the house, I usually grill or barbecue outside for the whole family. But every once in a while I want to take some stress off of my wife so I cook dinner. These are usually days when she calls me and tells me how hard her day is. It's usually when I've already been home for some time and she's on her way home. I always have a few meals up my sleeves for these kind of days. Everyday meals around the average house are usually planned throughout the week or even while you're at work that day. You at least have enough time to consider what's on hand and what you can cook to make everyone happy. Plans? When do plans ever go expected. Planning is only as good as how tired you are at the end of the day. Yeah, last night's idea to grill grouper with sauteed asparagus was fantastic until you enter the door to three hungry kids. I have three foolproof meals that we always have on hand so that when my wife comes home in that mood, she doesn't have to worry because I've got it covered.

Sausage and Cabbage: Prep time 5 minutes Cook time 45 minutes

Ingredients- Head of Cabbage, 2 lbs. new potatoes, 1 lb carrots, 1 lb. smoked sausage

My favorite meal that we cook frequently is cabbage and sausage. It's the simplest of all recipes with only four ingredients! It consist of a head of cabbage, smoked sausage, new potatoes, and whole carrots. That's it! Throw it all in a big pot, add 3 cups of water turn on high and cover for 45 minutes. Yeah, I know 45 minutes seems long but you don't do anything. You put the lid on and forget about it. This meal is knock you down good, hearty, healthy, very filling, and even kids like it. It doesn't require any side items or bread which makes it that much better. It's also the only meal that I truly crave all year round.

Poor Man's Spaghetti w/ Meatballs: Prep time 10 minutes Cook time 20 minutes

Ingredients: 1 lb Ground beef, Spaghetti Sauce, Pasta, Breadcrumbs

Spaghetti is my all time favorite food. It's an absolute staple around our house. I think we always have on hand the ingredients to make this easy dish on a whim. There are nights like after the ballpark or ballet practice that we come home and can always throw this easy meal together. Instead of browning meat and draining which can be time consuming, try meatballs. I call this Poor man's spaghetti because the meatballs aren't fancy. They consist of ground beef, salt, pepper, and bread crumbs. Meatballs only take about 7-10 minutes in the oven and they can be cooking while the noodles boil and the sauce heats up. Always have this meal in the pantry, it can be a life saver.

Mac&Cheese&Veggie&Bacon: Prep time 5 minutes Cook time 15 minutes

Macaroni and cheese with bacon and broccoli is a concoction that I made up last year. I got home from school and my wife didn't want to cook. I was tired and pulled a few things out of the pantry. Little did I know it would be one of my favorite "easy dinner meals" ever. Just make a box or two of macaroni and cheese. Mix in bacon bits and microwave broccoli florets to where they are soft. Chop up the broccoli and add to the macaroni and bacon. The key to this dish is extra cheese. Add more shredded cheddar or Monterey jack and you have a fantastic meal. Quick, easy, and kids will eat the broccoli!

There are hundreds of ideas that are quick and thrown together. Rachel Ray has 30 Minute Meals, but Rick Robinson has Last Minute Meals. These are just a few of my favorites.

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