grilling your way to fewer dirty dishes
With the kids at home all day, the number of dirty dishes piling up in our kitchen sink can seem like a never-ending lesson in futility. Are you like us, clinging to the hope that a delicious dinner won’t leave you discouraged by yet another mess requiring your effort at the expense of your emotional well-being? Friends, the answer is yes. There is hope, and it starts with our favorite protein, a little bit of fire and your favorite beer or wine. The beer or wine is for you. You deserve it.
You may be asking yourself, “Grilling? Doesn’t that take a fancy backyard, expensive equipment and several friends sitting around with koozies in their hands?” Not really. It doesn’t matter if your grilling setup is the stuff of neighborhood legend or as humble as the trusty kettle grill that has survived the last few winters of neglect, if you have a grill you can have delicious food with very little cleanup.
So, drop what you’re doing and pour yourself a glass. It’s time to bookmark this page, take a few notes and kick your problem of dirty dishes goodbye for good.
how to grill the perfect steak
A grilled steak is the ultimate easy meal that doesn’t clutter up the kitchen and leave a sink full of dirty dishes. Grilling the perfect steak may sound intimidating, but take these simple tips from Beef. It’s what’s for Dinner. So, let’s visit the experts on all things beef for a few grilling basics and click or tap HERE . For general times by cut, tap HERE.
How to cook an entire meal with your grill
What’s the point of turning to the grill if you’re going to mess up the kitchen preparing a set of side dishes? You’re already planning on using that grill for your protein, so why not make an entire meal with it? These recipes prepare everything you need for a balanced meal.
Italian marinated steak with grilled ratatouille
Here is a fun recipe for dinner after the kids have indulged in Disney’s movie Ratatouille. A grilled top round steak served with plenty of hearty vegetables. This recipe also includes enough for a salad the next day.
SANTA FE GRILLED BEEF STEAKS & CORN
The sweetness of grilled corn served alongside a savory steak screams summer (though we think it screams good food year-round). Enjoy these Santa Fe Grilled Beef Steaks with Corn on the Cob.
BALSAMIC MARINATED BEEF TOP SIRLOIN STEAK & ASPARAGUS
Top sirloin was made to be grilled, but did you know the grill is also a great way to cook up some delicious asparagus. This recipe is served with a tangy balsamic vinegar and Dijon-style mustard sauce.
BEEF STRIP STEAKS WITH BALSAMIC GRILLED VEGETABLES
An Italian-style meal that includes KC strip steaks with grill-friendly yellow squash and zucchini.
kabobs
We heart whoever created the kabob (Why isn’t there a kabob emoji yet?). Having the kids stringing kabobs for dinner can be a helpful homeschooling kitchen task and allows the kabobs to be customized everyone’s preferences! For the younger kids, a kabob can be a great way to teach and recognize patterns.
BEEF TOP SIRLOIN & POTATO KABOBS
Potatoes will cook at a different speed than steak, so use the microwave and the grill to expedite the cooking process for these tasty beef and potato kabobs.
Cowboy Kabobs
Kansas beef producers Cooking with the Cowboy give an amazing recipe for kabobs that goes a long way towards solving the problem of what’s for lunch the following day.
CITRUS-MARINATED BEEF TOP SIRLOIN & FRUIT KABOBS
Grilling beef is a given, but did you know you can grill plenty of fruits, too? High-sugar fruits like watermelon, mango and peaches caramelize on the grill and bring out even more sweetness to pair with the smoky flavor of beef.
foil packets
Don't let a busy and hectic day foil your plans (we had to). Foil packets are the ultimate dish for those who have just plain had it with dishes. They can be cooked in the oven, but we prefer them on the grill. Our friends over at Beef Loving Texans have 3 delicious variations on the trusty foil pack.
steak and potatoes foil pack
Steak and potatoes in a packet? Yes please. Add the flavors you like, wrap em' up, and throw them on the grill.
steak fajita foil packs
Think fajitas always have to come to your table in a sizzling pan that leaves behind a trail of dirty dishes and destruction? Think again. These fajita packets bring all the flavor you love in the traditional dish and clean-up is a breeze. If the sound of sizzle is that important to you, just have the kids replace it with "ooohs" and "aaaahs".
beef and veggie foil packs
Build a packet with shredded beef, beef sausage and vegetables and cook on the grill. Super easy and fun for the whole family. And … no clean up.
grilling salad
Grilled salad is the perfect balanced meal. The cool crisp lettuce and garden vegetables mixed with savory steak and your choice of dressing just makes the mouth water. Plus, if you're planning on cooking a steak tonight, throw an extra one (or two) on the grill for salads tomorrow.
grilled steak ensalada
Grill an entire salad, yes salad, for dinner tonight with this recipe from Kansas ranchers Cooking With the Cowboy. This recipe even grills the lettuce and offers an amazing homemade dressing
steak and tomato salad
Fresh salad gets a shot of vitamin B12 and zinc when grilled and sliced top sirloin is added. The combo of chipotle powder and balsamic vinaigrette delivers big, bold flavors in this steak salad.
