Semi-Homemade Meals: Easy Weeknight Recipes with BIG FLAVOR & ZERO FUSS!
Hey friends, welcome to another episode of my Semi-Homemade Meals series! This is my nod to the old Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Cooking show on Food Network. She was a genius at taking a little help from regular grocery store convenience items and turning them into something amazing. That idea stuck with me, and I’ve been using it for years to make cooking faster, easier, and still just as delicious. In today’s video, I’m sharing some more semi-homemade recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights—big flavors, minimal effort, and plenty of shortcuts to make your life easier. #inthekitchenwithmommamel #mommamel #semihomemademeals #shortcutrecipes
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Need some more dinner inspiration, check out this playlist of my most viewed and loved recipes:
Tonight’s Recipes:
Printable versions (or Pinterest links, if you prefer)
00:00 Hey Friends
00:46 Chicken Bean & Rice Burritos https://inthekitchenwithmommamel.com/recipes/crispy-chicken-bean-rice-burritos/
6:57 Easy Fish Tacos https://inthekitchenwithmommamel.com/recipes/fish-tacos-the-sauce-is-the-boss/
10:59 Lazy Marry Me Chicken https://inthekitchenwithmommamel.com/recipes/lazy-marry-me-chicken-pasta/
16:01 Skillet Tortilla Pizza https://inthekitchenwithmommamel.com/recipes/easy-skillet-tortilla-pizza/
Need some more dinner inspiration, check out my playlists:
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Any information related to food, food safety, cooking, recipes, etc. are my opinions only. Melonie Effler, Momma Mel LLC, In The Kitchen With Momma Mel are not liable and/or responsible for any advice, services, or product you obtain through this video.
24 Comments
Watch my entire playlist of semi-homemade meals here for more easy dinner ideas https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsaNkLvMA08y5fQ8UCA5qRLUOjjBTXjHB&si=r1SYYet2miwhiH-u and let me know what you make semi-homemade for your family below. Thanks so much for being here!
I have to check sauces for anchovies because my husband is allergic to fish.
Hi Mel. I really enjoyed this video. Thanks for sharing these quick and easy recipes. I love to just use what I have and make something up. It always turns out delicious!🤗💕
I love these types of meals. I call them “better then fast food”
Mel, I agree with you about not always liking to sub mayo or sour cream with Greek yogurt! Sometimes the classics are the best❤
All of them looks so yummy and delicious… Thank you for sharing your recipes with all of us and God Bless y'all ❤️ .. Can't wait to try all of them..
I loved watching the Sandra Lee show,watched every episode.
Oh my goodness I need 1 of those jar openers, I struggle opening jars sometimes.
Loved these meal ideas!! 😊😊
Hey Mel. That is the Awesome Pan, a dupe of the expensive Always Pan that made it's way through YouTube a few years ago. I have that same skillet, same color. It's actually my second one. Let me caution you to not cook in the skillet over medium heat. I successfully used mine for 2 years before my daughter decided to use it to make fried rice (cooking on high) one day when I wasn't home. Well, after that it was basically ruined. Everything stuck to it and I had to get rid of it. Fortunately I found another one back in the fall. Lol. She now knows better. I also have the mini skillet and the stock pot. I love them. Hope you enjoy yours too! ❤
Great recipes! I bought that pan from Aldi and love it! I use it almost everyday!
You looked so cozy and cute at the end. And that cheese pull! Mmmmm
That jar opener is wonderful. A older friend introduced me to it. I don’t know how I made it before I got one! ❤❤❤❤
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I saw Sandra on TV just a couple of weeks ago. If I remember correctly her home got destroyed in the fires.
Mel, could you give me the info on Wildgrains? I wrote it down and seem to have misplaced it. I’ve been looking thru your videos and can’t seem to locate it. I would greatly appreciate it. ❤️
I used to watch Sandra & enjoyed her show, but I agree with Alma ~ who needs her when we have you👍🩷🙂 I have the under the cabinet can opener too, I like it.
yum
I loved Sandra Lee. I too have used her ideas and short cuts
I’m trying to catch up on all of these! I haven’t gotten on my own channel much, just had way too much going on with that gallbladder stuff! I am making a grocery list now with these because I think I may be finally able to eat again 😂 and old ones too! I’m trying to find the pecan chicken one!
Try adding a scant tablespoon of bacon grease to canned refried beans! Everyone always thought they were homemade and I didn't say otherwise. 😊
WOW that fish taco sauce is amazing. I ended up using plain yogurt but still so so good.
Mel I watch your recipes all the time and this may be a different request but I would love to see you make possible cooker recipes especially BREAD lol I got one for Xmas and an scared to mess up lol TY for your help ❤️
Have been a long time watcher of your you tube channel. You all are just the best. You are all such amazing, encouraging and Godly family. Thank you for being such a light for God to so many around our beautiful world including my precious family!
Sadly my beautiful Mum passed away unexpectedly on New Year’s Day. My hubby/ myself and our precious boys reside 3 hrs away from Mum. Sadly we lost my Dad almost 2 years ago also. Thankfully we all had a beautiful belated Christmas lunch with her and one of my brothers/ sister in law/ nieces and nephews along with my precious hubby and our beautiful boys as well as two precious life long friends.
We are thankful that we (my hubby/ myself and our boys) are clinging to our faith in God and although my parents didn’t know Him we have continued to share our love of Jesus with them over the past 13 years we have been married (with 1 year of dating before that). As well as praying for them and with them when the opportunity arose. A girlfriend said to me , “we don’t know who we will see in Heaven and that we don’t know what happened in my parents final moments”. We would love to think that yes we will see our family and friends in Heaven one day!
Much love and God Bless from our family to all of yours from Australia xxx
I worked for a major food manufacturer and they sell three diffferent lines of restaurant ready ingredients. One is directed towards basically schools and prisons, one to fast casual restaurants (they serve this line in the company cafeteria), and there is a high end brand aimed at more expensive restaurants. I don’t think there are that many restaurants operating that cook every single item from scratch. It’s basically impossible and I feel like that’s how we should cook at home too. In my mind, if I’m stirring, I’m cooking. 🤷🏻♀️
I recently watched a video where you showed some Carrot cake and Grape jams you Daddy made. Have you ever put out those recipes ? I sure would love those recipes if you can send them or let me know where to get them. Thanks Mel I just Love your channel ❤❤
I put tooth picks in my tacos