Simple Meals for Busy Days

When life takes over but you still need to eat, it can be tempting to hop in the car and head for the nearest drive-thru. However, that’s not the friendliest habit for your pocketbook or your waistline. Instead, try heading to the kitchen. If you live at Williamsburg North, you’re in luck. Our Indianapolis, Indiana apartments feature kitchens complete with all your major appliances plus floor plans that all include a dining area. But what can you cook when time is short and your stomach is empty? Try one of these 5 easy recipes! 

#1: 5-Ingredient Chili

Sometimes the best food is classic comfort food, so why not go for some chili to snuggle up with on a cool night? As it says in the title, this recipe only needs 5 ingredients. Of course, you can make it your own by dressing it up with different toppings, mix-ins, and spices, but if you’re in a rush, 5 ingredients are all it takes. And one of them is just some water! This recipe pairs perfectly with dippable bread or biscuits, both of which you can buy premade or ready-to-bake. Another bonus of this recipe is that it takes only 10-15 minutes of prep, then you leave it to simmer for 35 minutes. That gives you time to take care of other things around your home or even put your feet up and relax. 

#2: Breaded Pork Chops

This is another recipe that only takes 5 ingredients, and it’s entirely possible you already have 4 of the 5 in your pantry or fridge (eggs, milk, saltines, and canola oil). If you’re feeling intimidated by the prep, you can really rest easy on this one. It has only two steps, and the cooking time is 8-10 minutes. If you’re worried about sides, take it easy on yourself. Pick up a bag of frozen, microwaveable vegetables or a salad kit and some pre-prepped fruit from the produce section. You’ll have a fresh, tasty meal ready in no time. 

#3: Steak Fajitas

You can please almost any picky eater with some fajitas because you can dress them up however you’d like. The directions for this recipe also give you pro tips for resting your meat and keeping it juicy and tender. You can make this one your own with toppings and sides that are all easy to find in the grocery store. Grab some tortilla chips and salsa and fun toppings like cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and beans. You can also use the leftovers in a variety of ways. If you’re going for a low-carb approach, use your meat and veggies to top off a salad. You can grab some extra cheese and large tortillas and make fajita quesadillas. Finally, you can build yourself some big burritos by wrapping your steak and veggies with some beans and cheese in a flour tortilla then topping them with more cheese or queso and warming them in the oven. 

#4: Adult Mac and Cheese

Just because you’re a “grown-up” doesn’t mean you like mac and cheese any less than you did as a kid. Try this simple vegetarian recipe for an updated version of this nostalgic favorite. It’s a short list of only 6 ingredients, and it’s another one that includes some fridge and pantry staples (salt and pepper, unsalted butter, whole milk). When you’re done, you’ll have a warm, cheesy bowl of comfort. You can serve any sides you like, or you can dress up your mac and cheese with some add-ins or toppings. You could use some bacon, sauteed onion, and peas for a carbonara feel, use more than one cheese for an extra indulgent dairy experience, or add in some fresh herbs or spices. 

#5: 5 Ingredient Vegetable Lasagna

It is common to feel intimidated by the idea of making homemade lasagna. But this recipe takes out a major source of stress by using no-boil lasagna noodles so you don’t have to worry about them falling apart while you construct your masterpiece. It’s also a great option if you’re picky about what vegetables you like to eat. If it’s a vegetable you can steam, it’s a vegetable that works in this recipe. After you build up your layers, you can relax while it bakes in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, giving you plenty of time to do whatever you’d like. Add a salad or some crusty bread for a quick and easy side. 
If you are in search of apartments in Indianapolis that make it easy to cook up a feast, then come visit Williamsburg North. Our apartment homes have spacious kitchens and dining areas where you can sit and enjoy your meal. The time you save with these easy meals can also be spent enjoying one of our many amenities, like the dog park, pool, or fitness center. Call us for full details: (317) 648-5854