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Your New Favorite Quick and Easy Weeknight Meals

Back to school time! The days are crazy busy, starting at 5 am every day and ending with us all finally, happily collapsing into our beds late every night. Somewhere along the way I drive a carpool for about 24 miles daily, create three yummy meals for three hungry men, make it on time to soccer and after school activities, all while making sure everyone’s homework is done and teeth are always brushed.

It’s a tough job, and someone’s got to do it, and no one else is going to take care of my three men like I am so I’m doing it!

These men I love deserve delicious dinners every day, and so do I. I also deserve a bit of a break, so I want meals that are quick, easy, and delicious (and still made in my kitchen). Here is my favorite tip for other moms who also want to provide their families a variety of delicious dinners that don’t take too long…keep Johnsonville® Italian Style meatballs in your freezer and heat them up for quick weeknight meals that are hearty and happy-making, like…

Meatballs Subs

meatballs subs

A photo posted by Penelope (@penelopenyc) on

Cut a few small bread loaves in half (we love to use pretzel bread or Italian bread) and add Johnsonville® Italian Style meatballs cooked in marinara sauce to one half, and sprinkle liberally with shredded parmesan cheese…yummy!

Meatball Kebabs

meatball kebabs

We thread delicious, stovetop cooked Johnsonville® Italian Style meatballs with ciliegine mozzarella balls and grape tomatoes onto wooden skewers. It’s a fun way to enjoy dinner and perfect when surprise company or the kids’ friends pop over too!

Spaghetti and Meatballs

spaghetti and meatballs-2

Of course! Because what’s spaghetti without meatballs? While the Johnsonville® Italian Style meatballs and spaghetti are cooking, you can help the kids with their homework and when they are done, everyone’s favorite slurpable pasta dish is ready for a family dinner.

There is no reason that parents can’t have an amazing dinner on the table for their family every night, without too much time or work. School night? Early start at work the next day? No problem, there is time to get homework done, and plenty of sleep, as long as your fridge and pantry are stocked with the basics, like Johnsonville® Italian Style meatballs, cheese, spaghetti, and bread.

Johnsonville® Italian Style meatballs are made with premium cuts of meat, and no artificial flavors, colors, or MSG. They would even be a perfect addition to soups and salads! Johnsonville® Meatballs can be found in the frozen aisle. Their package is resealable so you just have to count out how many you need to cook up, and store the rest back away in the freezer for the next day!

You can check and see if Johnsonville® Meatballs are available in your market with the Johnsonville Product Locator. Find Johnsonville® on facebook and twitter for updates and recipes.




  • Robin

    We have spaghetti and meatballs at least once a week. It’s an easy dinner and everyone loves it in our house.

  • Debra

    OOH, that meatball hero looks so delish. That would be a perfect quick weeknight meal for my family.

  • This is a great dinner idea. My kids would love it too so I will have to give it a try next week (the subs particularly).

  • Catherine S

    All three of these look yummy. I am all about quick and easy meals especially on work nights.

  • Stacey

    That looks so good! I love cooking up frozen foods like this. It saves so much time.

  • Dawn

    The best part about those meatballs is what you just showcased. You can use them for all kinds of recipes.

  • Betsy

    Those Meatball kababs look so good and easy to make! I love quick, hearty meals!

  • Marcie W.

    These are all excellent ideas. A hearty meatball sub sounds fantastic and now that football is back, they would be perfect for game day too!

  • Pam

    My daughter has been wanting meatball subs all week! These meatballs would make prep a lot easier.

  • Shell

    What easy meals! I like to make sweet and sour meatballs in the crockpot.

  • Tracey

    These look amazing! Would be perfect for meatball subs! I’ll have to keep my eye out for these at the store.

  • Donna

    I love meatballs. They are so versatile with the recipes you can do with them!

  • Valerie

    This looks so delicious. I love meatballs in menus.

  • Laura Gregory

    Each idea looks fabulous. Great ideas and I am always in a hurry so these will be quick and easy.

  • I’m loving the kabob idea. That would be a really fun, quick meal in a pinch.

  • Rachelle J

    All of these recipes look SO yummy! And now I want a meatball sub!

  • Jeanine

    Yum these look so amazing! My kids love meatball and subs so this would be so perfect to make!

  • Chrystal

    My husband was just talking about meatball sandwiches. I’ve never tried this brand before. Might be worth testing. YUM!

  • Christie

    I forget how versatile meatballs are for meals! I need to grab a bag for my family