WFH life gives you access to your kitchen when lunch hits, but that doesn’t mean you have time to stop and prepare a complicated dish for your family. Make-ahead options and dishes that come together quickly are key ingredients for a successful midday meal. Here are a few of our favorites that should appeal to kid and parent palettes alike. 

Energy Boost Lunch Box

Via GatheringDreams.com

This option works equally well at home or in the office. It’s more of a collection of snacks than a lunch and we couldn’t be happier about it — or the five minute prep time. 

Ingredients:

  • 5.3 ounces Greek yogurt

  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

  • 1/2 cup mixed nuts - almonds, walnuts and cashew nuts

  • 1 cup mixed berries

  • 1 apple

  • 1 tablespoon peanut or almond butter

1 Serving

For the full recipe, click here. 

Make-Ahead Korean Beef Bowl 

While this one takes a little prep work, once that’s done you have lunch for the week. Score! This dish is also a way to introduce kids to a new culture through delicious flavor. 

Via DamnDelicious.net

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup brown rice

  • 4 large eggs

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 4 cups chopped spinach

For the beef

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

  • 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil

  • 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha, or more to taste

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

  • 1/4 teaspoon sesame seeds

4 Servings

For the full recipe, click here. 

One Pot Sausage and Tomato Pasta

Did someone say one pot? Sign me up for meals that come together quickly with minimal mess. 

Via TheKitchn.com 

Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces linguine

  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

  •  1/2 fennel bulb (thinly sliced)

  • 1 cup torn fresh basil leaves

  • 12 ounces smoked Andouille sausage (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)

  •  2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

  • 4 1/2 cups water 

4 Servings

For the full recipe, click here. 

Black Bean Tacos

Via Skinnytaste.com

Here’s another dish that comes together in a flash. It’s a perfect way to get a jumpstart on Taco Tuesday or celebrate Meatless Monday. 

For the beans:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • ½ small yellow onion, diced

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed

  • ½ teaspoon cumin

  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • 1 tablespoon water

For the tacos:

  • 8 hard corn taco shells, I like Old El Paso Stand ‘n Stuff

  • 4 ounces Hass avocado, from 1 small

  • Juice from 1/2 small lime

  • Pinch kosher salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 plum tomato, diced

  • 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce