One of our weeknight standbys is always “Mexican Night.” It’s quick to throw together even after swim lessons and after school activities. I always have what I need on hand so it’s the perfect dinner when I feel like there is nothing super creative I can come up with quickly. Perhaps the best part about it is that it allows me to put out all the components separately so everyone can pick and choose what they like. That means no whining!!

Here’s What You Need:

Brown Rice (I use 2 bags of Uncle Ben’s 10 Minute Boil in Bag)

1/2 onion, sliced

1 bell pepper, sliced

2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

1 baked chicken breast (and/or 1 package of tofu or tempeh)

1 can black beans

1 can corn

1 avocado, chopped

Shredded Mexican Cheese (Organic Valley)

Salsa

Hot Sauce

Limes

Cilantro

1 package sprouted wheat or corn tortillas

Ok, this is so simple that it’s not even really a recipe. First prepare the chicken, tofu or tempeh. I usually just bake the chicken with a little olive oil and salt and pepper so the kids won’t complain that it’s too spicy. For the tofu and tempeh I slice it in long strips and saute it on the stove with EVOO and salt and pepper until browned on each side. Saute onions and peppers (and any other veggies you like) on the stove over medium high heat with a bit of EVOO until soft and browned.

Prepare the rice according to package directions. Drain the beans and corn and heat up in the microwave. Heat up tortillas and put out toppings including salsa, cheese, avocado, hot sauce, chopped cilantro, lime wedges and whatever else you like.

Since the kids aren’t so great at eating burritos I typically throw together a little quesadilla for them. For this one I used chicken, cheese and beans. Put it under the broiler for a few minutes until toasty.

Then let everyone make their way through the “Burrito Bar” line and choose what they like. My kids typically put a little bit of various things on their plate. My husband likes to make a big fat burrito and then toast it under the broiler. No, we do not always have name place cards on the dinner table, but this night my kids wanted to make it fancy I guess. I usually make a burrito bowl with rice, beans, corn, veggies, tofu, avocado, hot sauce and a sprinkle of cheese.

And there you have it! A “clean”, nutritious quick dinner that your kids will eat without any complaints and that you and your hubby will enjoy too!