As we approach longer days, tanner skin, and a bit of a slower pace with summer heading our way, the last thing we as moms need is to be stuck in the kitchen all afternoon preparing dinner.

Seeing as how grocery prices aren't trending downward and bellies seem to always be hungry with all the summer playtime fun, this season needs to be full of homecooked, protein-packed, delicious meals that make everyone happy. These meals do not need to be complicated, though. A simple single dish is all that you need to feed your family well!

Simple and Healthy One-Dish Delicious Summer Dinners 

While grabbing the chicken nuggets and frozen veggies will always work in a pinch, they get expensive and boring. Instead, buy a larger quantity of protein (5-10lb frozen chicken pieces or full pork tenderloin that you slice into pork chops at home) to save money. The following few recipes can be made quickly, contain healthy ingredients, and taste so wonderful that even your toddler will approve.

Lemon Pepper Yogurt Chicken and Rice by Half-Baked Harvest

You don't get much easier than tossing chicken with yogurt and seasonings and placing over uncooked rice with broccoli. Some water and butter are added in and the entire thing bakes together in the oven. You can make the flavors your own and add different vegetables for variety.

Egg and Sweet Potato Scramble

Breakfast for dinner just made the menu. Thinly diced sweet potatoes cook before adding in any other vegetables you are craving. Simply adding eggs and milk with a few dashes of seasoning will provide high protein meal everyone will love. You can leave it on the stove top for a scramble or bake it into a frittata! 

Baked Pork Chops and Rice (add in veggies)

Again, grab a full pork tenderloin and take 5 minutes to cut your pork chops at home to save some money. You can mix the rice, broth, creamed soups, and seasoning right in the baking dish before adding the pork and covering to bake. Consider adding in slice mushrooms, frozen peas, and any other vegetables you have on hand for a complete meal. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving to let the rice really soak in the flavors.

Pizza Casserole (sneak in every vegetable!)

Let's talk about a new favorite! This pizza bake will have everyone begging for more. You do need to cook the noodles and ground beef before adding them into the baking dish, but it's worth it. If you aren't in the mood to make the meat, buy grilled chicken strips from the freezer section and just toss them in the casserole instead of the beef. You can dice and hide several vegetables in the dish that will be hidden by the pizza sauce and cheese.