platemehappy, Author at Plate Me Happy

Family-Friendly Homemade Ground Beef Tacos – Quick 20-Min Weeknight Dinner

Taco night was always the most excited affair growing up, every family member got to build their own masterpiece right at the table. I’d watch my mom carefully arrange fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, melty cheese, and warm shells, and the joy in our home was tangible. Now, as a parent, I carry that tradition forward […]

Family-Friendly Homemade Ground Beef Tacos – Quick 20-Min Weeknight Dinner Read Post »

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Juicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs – Sweet & Savory One-Pan Dinner with Rice & Broccoli

Growing up, my mom had a way of turning even the busiest weeknights into something special. After long days at work, she’d whip up dishes that were quick, nourishing, and full of flavor. One of our favorites was her honey garlic chicken thighs: tender, juicy, and glazed with a sweet-savory sauce that made every bite

Juicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs – Sweet & Savory One-Pan Dinner with Rice & Broccoli Read Post »

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5-Day Meal Plan: Chicken Thighs & Ground Beef Edition with Shopping List

Embrace five evenings of warmth, flavor, and simplicity. This thoughtfully designed plan centers around two rich, adaptable protein: chicken thighs and ground beef, making dinner planning both delightful and easy. By focusing on overlapping ingredients, the plan keeps your grocery list streamlined, your kitchen efficient, and your meals full of variety. Here’s what awaits you:

5-Day Meal Plan: Chicken Thighs & Ground Beef Edition with Shopping List Read Post »

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Creamy Garlic Alfredo Pasta with Butter & Parmesan — Easy Italian-Inspired Weeknight Dinner

When my kids ask for “creamy pasta night,” I know I’m in for an evening of calm and connection. This Alfredo pasta holds a special place in our family’s routine. It’s one of the first meals I mastered from scratch amid the chaos of early motherhood. I love how simple ingredients: garlic, butter, Parmesan, and

Creamy Garlic Alfredo Pasta with Butter & Parmesan — Easy Italian-Inspired Weeknight Dinner Read Post »

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Flavorful Veggie Lasagna with Roasted Vegetables, Ricotta, and Mozzarella – Easy Meatless Dinner

Veggie lasagna has been a staple in our household for years, especially when we have guests with varying dietary preferences. It’s a dish that brings everyone together, offering comfort and satisfaction without compromising on flavor. I remember the first time I made it; the kitchen was filled with the aroma of roasting vegetables and bubbling

Flavorful Veggie Lasagna with Roasted Vegetables, Ricotta, and Mozzarella – Easy Meatless Dinner Read Post »

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Classic Meat Lasagna with Ground Beef, Ricotta, and Mozzarella – Hearty Family Favorite

Lasagna night has always been a cherished tradition in our home. I remember the aroma of simmering tomato sauce and melting cheese filling the kitchen, signaling that something special was on the way. This particular recipe is a nod to my mother’s classic version, with a few personal tweaks to make it my own. The

Classic Meat Lasagna with Ground Beef, Ricotta, and Mozzarella – Hearty Family Favorite Read Post »

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One-Pot Pantry Chili with Canned Beans & Ground Beef – Quick Family Dinner

On one particularly cold evening, I realized I hadn’t done any grocery shopping and dinner options looked bleak. That’s when I turned to my pantry and decided to throw together this chili using all staples I already had. What started as an emergency fix quickly became a beloved family recipe. The aroma of simmering onions,

One-Pot Pantry Chili with Canned Beans & Ground Beef – Quick Family Dinner Read Post »

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Not Just for Dessert: Creative Ways to Use Ice Cream Scoops & Cookie Cutters

Let’s be real — every kitchen drawer has a few tools that were bought for one job… and then kind of forgotten. But what if I told you that your ice cream scoop and cookie cutter are actually the unsung heroes of a family-friendly kitchen? Over time, I’ve found so many ways to use these

Not Just for Dessert: Creative Ways to Use Ice Cream Scoops & Cookie Cutters Read Post »

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Extra Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies with Gooey Centers — Easy Family Baking Recipe

There’s a special kind of magic in the air during rainy afternoons when my kids and I pull out the flour and chocolate chips. We’ve turned baking these soft, gooey-centered chocolate chip cookies into a cherished ritual, complete with flour-dusted countertops, giggles over spilled sugar, and the sweet anticipation of warm cookies straight from the

Extra Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies with Gooey Centers — Easy Family Baking Recipe Read Post »

#all-seasons, #baking-sheet, #baking-soda, #butter, #chocolate-chips, #desserts, #egg, #flour, #kids-and-family, #nuts, #oven, #platemehappy, #quick-meal, #snacks, #sugar, #vanilla, #vegetarian, cookies, fall, mixing-bowl, recipe, spring, summer, vanilla-extract, winter

Extra-Fluffy Family Breakfast Pancakes with Vanilla — Weekend Morning Staple

Weekend mornings at our house are a gentle promise of slow starts and warm smiles. There’s a ritual involved: measuring out flour, whisking batter, and sneaking extra vanilla until the kitchen smells like childhood. My husband manly flips the pancakes, the kids choose their favorite toppings (sometimes creative and sticky), and I quietly feel gratitude

Extra-Fluffy Family Breakfast Pancakes with Vanilla — Weekend Morning Staple Read Post »

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