Quick Gluten-Free Family Dinner Recipes

Let’s face it. The worst part about a gluten-free lifestyle is the lack of fast, convenient meals. Hitting the drive-through or ordering take-out can be complicated in some cities, and downright impossible in others. That’s why I have a handful of meals that I can whip up quickly, from things I usually have on hand, and feed my family.

Spaghetti Night

  • Ronzoni Gluten Free Spaghetti (also Penne, Elbow, Rotini)*
  • Kroger Marinara jarred sauce (add cooked ground beef, chicken or vegetables)
  • Kroger Parmesan-Romano grated cheese
  • Schar baguette
  • Kroger Spinach (in the bag) – plus whatever veggies and gluten-free dressing you like

*Notes about cooking gluten-free pastas:

  1. Overcook it. Seriously. Spaghetti, 3-5 minutes; Rotini, 4-6 minutes; Elbow, 5-7 minutes; Penne, 6-8 minutes.
  2. Drain, rinse in cold water until cooled (regardless if it’s being served immediately or later)
  3. Reheat by toping with piping hot sauce.

 

Tex-Mex Night

With the following ingredients, I can make tacos, nachos and taco salad. Add a can of corn or beans, plus rice, and it’s a fast meal everyone will eat.

  • Kroger Crunchy Taco Shells (corn)
  • Kroger ground turkey, one pound (cook, drain, season liberally with chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, black pepper; cook meat and seasonings for 5 minutes; add one cup of water and simmer for 5-10 minutes; serve)
  • Kroger Nice-and-Cheesey Queso Blanco + Kroger diced chilies
  • Santitas corn chips
  • Private Selection Restaurant-style Salsa, medium
  • Wholly Guacamole, spicy
  • lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, jalapenos, black olives, sour cream

 

Pizza Night

  • Freschetta Gluten Free Pepperoni pizza (frozen) + thinly sliced mushrooms, onions, black olives
  • Kroger Parmesan-Romano grated cheese
  • Kroger Spinach (in the bag) + whatever raw, chopped veggies and gluten-free dressing you like

 

Chicken Nuggets & French Fries Night

  • Nature Raised Farms Gluten-Free Chicken Breast Nuggets (frozen)
  • Kroger Crinkle-Cut Fries, Extra Crispy (MOST frozen potato products contain gluten in the form of barley, a.k.a. “caramel color,” which gives the product a uniform golden-kissed look.)
  • Bush’s Baked Beans, Vegetarian (add your favorite gluten-free BBQ sauce for a nice kick)