Need some easy to make meals for busy weeknights that shake up your family’s boring old routine? One way you can stir up some fun together with your kids and add something different to your family’s menu is by using an old favorite of Chef Boyardee with some new recipes.  Just like many of your families, you probably already love the Chef’s Spaghetti, Ravioli & more, but did you know you could turn it into some tasty casseroles combinations that can be ready in a matter of minutes?

Our family has been enjoying Chef Boyardee for years, but recently we were asked to check out some of their fun new recipes using Chef Boyardee to create some fun and new combinations that the whole family can enjoy.  My little chef helped me out in the kitchen and had to taste test along the way.

 

 

 

Here’s a couple recipes that we tried out and loved. Since I had little helpers in the kitchen, ours weren’t very photogenic, so we’re sharing Chef Boyardee’s photos here, however they were extremely tasty and we’ll be adding them into our our dinner favorites line up on a regular basis.

 

 

 

Italian Ravioli Skillet

 

 

INGREDIENTS

PAM® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray

1 cup shredded zucchini

2 cans (15 oz each) Chef Boyardee® Beef Ravioli

1 can (14.5 oz each) Hunt’s® Diced Tomatoes, drained

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

3/4 cup shredded Italian blend cheese

 

DIRECTIONS

1.     Spray large skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Add zucchini; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.

2.     Add ravioli, drained tomatoes and garlic powder; cook 3 to 5 minutes or until hot, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with cheese, cover and cook 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese melts.

COOK’S TIP

Picky eaters? You may make the recipe without the zucchini or use a vegetable your family likes. Shredded carrot or chopped bell peppers are two vegetables to consider.

 

 

 

Braided Spaghetti Loaf 

 

INGREDIENTS

PAM® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray

1 loaf (1 lb each) frozen bread dough, thawed

2 cans (14.5 oz each) Chef Boyardee® Spaghetti & Meatballs

1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

 

 

DIRECTIONS

1.     Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray large baking sheet with cooking spray; set aside. Roll dough into 14×11-inch rectangle on lightly floured surface. Place dough on baking sheet. Spread Spaghetti & Meatballs lengthwise down center third of dough to within 1/2 inch of each short edge; top spaghetti with mozzarella cheese.

2.     Cut sides of dough into 12 equal strips, almost to filling. To enclose filling, take strip from each side, overlap in center and pinch together. Continue with remaining strips. Press each end of loaf together and fold under. Sprinkle top with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until dough is browned and spaghetti is hot. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting into strips.

 

 

Overall we really enjoyed making several of these fun and delicious Chef Boyardee combinations over the last few weeks. I was really surprised at how easy they were to make and it’s a great way to get a head start on a quick, easy to make and healthy meal for your family.

 

Looking for more easy meals and fun recipes from Chef Boyardee?  Cooking with your kids is not only a way for family fun, but it’s also a great opportunity to create teachable moments in the kitchen. This fall, Chef Boyardee encourages families to get in the kitchen with their little chefs through a series of online activities. For some great kid friendly recipes from Chef Boyardee visit them online.

 

Exclusively for its Facebook community, Chef Boyardee has launched a fun,
recipe e-card that gets you and your family in the kitchen with Hector Boiardi himself! Check it out the Chef Boyardee ME! Recipe Card and show us what’s cooking in your kitchen! Don’t forget to spread the fun and share with your family and friends. In addition to the fun e-card, Chef Boyardee is proud to introduce The Little Chef’s Project: A collection of Kid-friendly tips, tricks and recipes for family fun in the kitchen. You can also tune in to TheMotherhood.com for a six-part series of 30-minute online cook-alongs for tips, tricks and recipe ideas for cooking together in the kitchen. Visit TheMotherhood.com for a complete schedule of the cook-along series.

 

Be sure to check out our Chef Boyardee pizza making making adventure too!