As promised, I am sharing some of my go-to pork and beef recipes, plus a couple on my list to try.

We probably eat pork or beef for dinner once a week, sometimes twice. With my current simplified meal planning technique, every day has a dinner theme, and Wednesdays is usually the day for meat. Cooking meat is probably my area of least culinary expertise, so I’m always happy when grilling season rolls around and my husband happily takes charge of determining doneness!

The key to making beef and pork a healthy part of your diet is to make sure they are just a small part of what’s on your plate–your plate should also be filled with veggies and whole grains. I also try to buy humanely raised pork and grass-fed beef–it’s more expensive, but when you eat it in smaller portions and less often this is ok.

Here are 5 recipes that are on my go-to list: 

Steak and Lettuce Wraps

These are a cinch to cook and the kids love all the accompaniments–raw carrots, cucumbers, lettuce–simple food, but the finished product is fun, not to mention delicious. The key with flank steak is to slice it against the grain, this will make it more tender and easier to chew.

Roasted Pork Tenderloin

My kids love this flavorful pork tenderloin recipe. Pan seared and finished in the oven, it’s also simple to make and ready in under half an hour. While it cooks in the oven I make or finish the side dishes and, if it’s a really good night, have the kids set the table!

Swedish Meatballs

Who doesn’t love Swedish meatballs? These meatballs won both my kids over during their early picky meat eating years. They are also delicious when made into Swedish Meatball Sliders. The key is the finely grating the onion, sauteeing it a little and then letting it cool before adding it to the ground beef. Save time by making these earlier in the day or on the weekend.

Broiled Beef Kebabs

Broil or grill these kebabs and use your favorite veggies! Kebabs are a fun way to present meat and also make sure that some veggies take center stage as well. A short marinating time is all that is needed. Serve with a salad and some brown rice and consider dinner done!

Spice-Rubbed Pork with Avocado Salsa

Because I absolutely love avocados…and those who don’t can easily eat this without the salsa! This super simple recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight but festive enough to serve when friends come over. Just make sure to buy the avocados a few days in advance so they are ripe.

Recipes on my list to try:

Freezer Friendly Beef Burritos

These burritos from Sally at Real Mom Nutrition are the perfect make-ahead dinner. Prep on Sunday and pull them out for Taco Tuesday or that super busy Wednesday evening.

Vindaloo Lamb Kebabs

So while lamb is not pork or beef, I guess I place it in a similar category, and couldn’t resist adding this recipe from NourishRDs! It looks a like a fun recipe for entertaining or just a family weekend dinner. Ideally eaten al fresco with some more Mediterannaean accompaniments such as hummus, salad, pita, and olives!

Happy cooking!