(Family Features) Work, school, extracurricular activities, social events and more can make the winter months feel frantic and it can often seem like you’re running out of time. This seasonal time crunch makes it even more difficult to answer the age-old, mealtime question kids are always asking: “What are we having?”

To help solve that daily meal dilemma and discover family-pleasing recipes that take 35 minutes or less, the RAGÚ Meal Wheel lets the entire family take an active role in choosing what’s on the menu. Simply ask one of your kids to click the “spin” button to find delicious, quick-and-easy recipes like Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo with Fettuccine and Mini Turkey Sloppy Joes.

Both easy-to-make recipes take 35 minutes or less and feature RAGÚ sauces, which come in a variety of taste-tempting classic flavors and styles, perfect for any mealtime occasion. Created 85 years ago by an Italian mother using a family recipe she brought to the United States from Naples, Italy, the sauces are made from quality ingredients like vine-ripened tomatoes, hearty vegetables, Italian cheeses, herbs and spices, allowing home cooks to “Cook Like a Mother” and quickly create affordable, crowd-pleasing meals for their busy families.

To find more quick and mouthwatering recipes to feed your family during the chilly winter months, visit RAGU.com/meal-wheel.

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo with Fettuccine

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 jar RAGÚ Classic Alfredo Sauce
• 1 package (12 ounces) frozen broccoli florets, thawed
• 1 package (12 ounces) fettuccine pasta
• grated Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)

1. In large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Cook chicken, in batches if necessary, stirring occasionally, until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. In same skillet, add sauce and broccoli; stir. Bring to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is heated through, about 5 minutes. Stir in chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through, about 2 minutes.
3. In separate pan, cook fettuccine according to package instructions.
4. Serve chicken, broccoli and sauce over hot fettuccine and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.

Mini Turkey Sloppy Joes

Recipe courtesy of "Honey and Birch" on behalf of RAGÚ
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup finely diced carrots
• 1 medium green pepper, diced
• 1 medium red pepper, diced
• 1 jar RAGÚ Simply Chunky Marinara Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 mini buns

1. In large skillet over medium heat, heat extra-virgin olive oil. When hot, add onion and garlic; sauté until onion is translucent.
2. Add ground turkey. Break up meat and stir frequently until browned. Add carrots, green pepper and red pepper. Cook 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add marinara sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ground mustard, salt and pepper. Stir and bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer and partially cover pan. Cook 10 minutes.
4. Serve on mini buns.

Source: RAGÚ

(Family Features) Liven up your mealtime routine with the fresh global flavors of an at-home fiesta for a memorable way to rethink your menu. With nearly countless ways to spice up the kitchen using inspiration from around the world, it’s easy to find something new and exciting.

For example, these Sloppy Joe Mini Tacos from “The New York Times” bestselling cookbook author Stephanie Banyas offer a true flavor fusion. The lively blend of ground turkey or pork chorizo, cheeses, spices and veggies pop when combined with the high-quality ingredients of Fresh Cravings Salsa.

These boldly flavored salsas are made with vine-ripened tomatoes, crisp onions, zesty peppers and spices. Plus, they’re never cooked or pasteurized, meaning you’re enjoying a vibrant dip that’s never soggy or dull. Available in a range of heat levels among restaurant style, chunky and pico de gallo, they complement any at-home fiesta.

“This is the ultimate mashup of two school lunch favorites: Sloppy Joes and Tacos,” Banyas said. “It includes some serious attitude thanks to Fresh Cravings Salsa’s hearty blend of diced tomatoes, onions, fragrant cilantro and Anaheim and Serrano chili peppers.”

Visit freshcravings.com for more ways to spice up your at-home fiesta.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Sloppy Joe Mini Tacos

Recipe courtesy of Stephanie Banyas
Yield: 12-15 tacos

• 1          container (16 ounces) Fresh Cravings Restaurant Style Salsa (mild or medium)
• 3          tablespoons ketchup
• 2          tablespoons yellow, brown or Dijon mustard
• 2          teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2          heaping tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2          tablespoons vegetable oil
• 8          ounces ground turkey or pork chorizo
• 8          ounces 90% lean ground chuck or turkey
• salt, to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4       cup water
• 15        tortillas
• 1/4       cup finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 1          cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 1          cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (optional)
• 1/2       red onion, thinly sliced, soaked in ice water 30 minutes and drained

Avocado Mash:

• 1          ripe Haas avocado, halved, pitted and removed from skin
• 2          tablespoons finely diced red onion
• 1/2       lime, juice only
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

1. Preheat oven to 300 F.
2. In blender or food processor, process salsa until smooth. Remove 1/2 cup processed salsa and set aside for garnish.
3. In medium bowl, mix remaining salsa, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar until combined.
4. In large saute pan over high heat, heat oil until it begins to shimmer. Add chorizo and ground meat; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook, breaking up meat with wooden spoon, until golden brown and just cooked through, about 8 minutes.
5. Add salsa mixture and water; bring to boil, reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Taste for seasoning.
6. Wrap tortillas tightly in foil and heat in oven 10 minutes. Remove and keep wrapped tightly until ready to serve.
7. To make avocado mash: In medium bowl, coarsely smash avocado halves with fork. Add onion and lime juice then season with salt and pepper, to taste, and gently mix to combine.
8. Place tortillas on flat surface, top each with meat mixture and garnish as desired with reserved salsa, avocado mash, cotija, Mexican cheese and sliced red onion.

Source: Fresh Cravings

(Family Features) During the hustle and bustle of a busy school week, juggling after-school activities, homework, dinners and next day lunch prep can be exhausting. Finding ways to simplify evenings while running a more efficient kitchen routine can make life more delicious for parents and children alike.

Consider these ways to make family meals work overtime for you.

Plan for leftovers. One easy way to make the most of your time in the evening is to make dinners that serve dual purpose – choosing recipes that shine when leftovers are reinvented for lunch the next day, like an all-time classic: chicken fingers. Making them at home is not only healthier than typical restaurant offerings, but leftovers can be used in a recipe like this Chicken Tender Smart Pocket, perfect for packing in your child’s lunchbox.

Use kid-friendly, better-for-you ingredients. It’s no secret it can be tough to serve smart choices your kids will actually reach for again and again. Set up a simple toppings bar with a favorite protein, chopped crunchy veggies and simple sauces alongside fun, do-it-yourself foods like stuff-able Toufayan Smart Pockets. Available in Original, 100% Whole Wheat, Everything and Organic Sprouted Whole Wheat varieties, they’re easy to hold, fun to stuff and only 80 calories each.   

Focus on family favorites. When you’re busy making a meal the whole family loves, your time spent in the kitchen may not feel so much like a drain on the evening. Throw it back to childhood with these Sloppy Joe Smart Pockets, an easier-to-eat version with the timeless taste of seasoned beef.

Discover more family meal solutions at Toufayan.com.

Chicken Tender Smart Pocket

Servings: 1

• 3          breaded chicken tenders
• 2          tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1          Toufayan Smart Pocket, any variety
• 2          pieces curly lettuce, washed and dried
• 2          thinly sliced tomatoes
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

1. Bake chicken tenders according to package instructions.
2. Spread mayonnaise evenly on insides of pita bread pocket.
3. Layer lettuce then tomatoes and place chicken tenders evenly across pita bread pocket. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Serve immediately.

Sloppy Joe Smart Pockets

Servings: 4

• 1          pound ground beef
• 1/4       cup finely chopped celery
• 1/4       cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4       cup finely chopped carrot
• 1          clove minced garlic
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/8       teaspoon pepper
• 1/4       cup tomato paste
• 2          tablespoons brown sugar
• 2          teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2       teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1          cup water
• 4          Toufayan Smart Pockets, any variety

1. In large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef, celery, onion, carrot, garlic, salt and pepper, breaking up beef until browned and no longer pink, approximately 6-8 minutes.
2. Add tomato paste, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard and water; mix well.
3. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer and cook 15-20 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
4. Remove from heat; taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary.
5. Divide evenly among pita bread pockets and serve.

Source: Toufayan

(Family Features) When your family is short on time, there's no need to shortchange them when it comes to a wholesome dinner. The key to getting dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less is to plan ahead. Here are some tips to help you do just that.

* Make a Menu. Planning your meals for the week is the best way to save time and money. Stock up on quick dinner recipes, then stock up on the ingredients you need to make them. The two recipes here bring Bob Evans Food Products' farm-fresh taste to the family table in no time.

* Plan Your Leftovers. Instead of wondering what to do with the leftovers from Monday's meal - or worse, just throwing it out - plan your menu to turn one night's leftovers into another night's dinner. Leftover rotisserie chicken can turn into spicy quesadillas. Extra meatballs can morph into meatball grinders.

* Cut Down Prep Time. Take advantage of prepared foods in your grocery store. Pre-cut veggies, pre-washed bagged salads, pre-made pizza crusts, even Bob Evans Refrigerated Mashed Potatoes - they can all come in handy and save you time. Also, think about making double batches of food - one lasagna to serve now, one to freeze for later. Roasting two chickens tonight doesn't take that much longer than one and saves you from having to do it twice.

For more fast, family-friendly recipes, visit www.bobevans.com.

Sloppy Joes

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Makes 4 servings

• 1 pound Bob Evans Original Recipe Roll Sausage
• 1 medium onion, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)
• 1 1.3 ounce envelope Sloppy Joe seasoning mix
• 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 8 sandwich buns, split and toasted

1. In large saucepan, over medium heat crumble and cook sausage, onion and pepper until sausage is browned. Stir in seasoning mix, tomato paste and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer 10 minutes. Serve on buns.

Speedy Spaghetti

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Makes 4 servings

• 1 pound Bob Evans Original Recipe Roll Sausage
• 1 28-ounce jar of your favorite pasta sauce
• 1 8-ounce (minimum) package of your favorite pasta

1. In a skillet, crumble and brown sausage over medium heat until cooked. Stir in your favorite pasta sauce and heat until warm. Cook pasta according to package directions. Serve sauce over pasta.

Source: Bob Evans Foods

(Family Features) Back-to-school season means plenty of evening hours spent completing homework, attending extracurricular activities and preparing to repeat the school-day routine the next day. For many families, having time to prepare and cook quality, nutritious meals can be next to impossible.

Instead of choosing between valuable family time and hours spent in the kitchen, RAGÚ blogger, fitness enthusiast and busy mom Jamie Krauss Hess recommends stocking up on go-to pantry staples you feel good about and including them in quick, nutritious recipes everyone can enjoy together.

Try recipes such as Mini Turkey Sloppy Joes, which swap out beef for ground turkey to provide a flavorful alternative while offering a special twist to a classic family favorite. Quinoa Penne with Savory Tomato-Basil Sauce can hit the spot with just a handful of ingredients. Or, if the little ones clamor for a more kid-friendly dish and the adults don’t mind a throwback to childhood, Grown-Up Tomato Mac and Cheese can provide the best of both worlds.

All three recipes take less than an hour to make and feature RAGÚ Simply pasta sauces, which are made with 100 percent olive oil and contain no added sugar. They’re available in four varieties including: Traditional, Chunky Marinara, Chunky Garden Vegetable and Flavored with Meat. By using simple ingredients like California vine-ripened tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, onions and spices, the result is a taste-tempting sauce with recipe versatility.

Find more family-pleasing and simple-to-prepare recipes ideal for busy school nights at ragu.com.

Grown-Up Tomato Mac and Cheese

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8

• 1          box (16 ounces) gemelli pasta
• 4          cups water
• 2 1/2    cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
• 1/2       cup (2 ounces) Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
• 1          tablespoon corn starch
• 1          can (5 ounces) evaporated milk
• 1          jar (24 ounces) RAGÚ Simply Traditional Pasta Sauce
• 2          teaspoons cracked black pepper

1. In large pot, combine pasta and water. Cook over medium-high heat 20-22 minutes, or until pasta is done, stirring occasionally.
2. In bowl, combine 2 cups cheddar cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese and corn starch. Reduce heat to medium; stir milk, cheese mixture and sauce together with cooked pasta. Cook 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and mixture is thickened, stirring frequently.
3. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese and pepper; serve immediately.

Tip: This stovetop method eliminates the need to drain the pasta after cooking. The starchy pasta water gets stirred in and helps create an extra-rich sauce. Elevate this dish by sprinkling crushed Parmesan cheese crisps on top before serving.

Mini Turkey Sloppy Joes

Recipe courtesy of Honey and Birch
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8

• 1          teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1          cup onion, diced
• 3          cloves garlic, minced
• 1          pound ground turkey
• 1          cup carrots, finely diced
• 1          medium green pepper, diced
• 1          medium red pepper, diced
• 1          jar (24 ounces) RAGÚ Simply Chunky Marinara Sauce
• 1          tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1          teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/2       teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2       teaspoon black pepper
• 8          mini buns

1. In large skillet over medium heat, heat extra-virgin olive oil. When hot, add onion and garlic; sauté until onion is translucent.
2. Add ground turkey to pan. Break up meat and stir frequently until meat is browned. Add carrots, green pepper and red pepper. Cook 5 minutes so vegetables can begin to soften.
3. Add marinara sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ground mustard, kosher salt and black pepper. Stir and bring to boil. Reduce heat so it simmers; partially cover pan. Cook 10 minutes.
4. Serve on mini buns.

Quinoa Penne with Savory Tomato-Basil Sauce

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8-10 minutes
Servings: 6

• 12        ounces (about 5 cups) uncooked quinoa penne pasta
• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 1          large shallot, chopped
• 4          cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/4       cup oil-packed sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1/2       teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1          jar (24 ounces) RAGÚ Simply Chunky Garden Vegetable Pasta Sauce
• 1 1/4    cups tightly packed fresh basil leaves, chopped, divided

1. Cook pasta as directed on package.
2. In large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add shallots; cook 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned, stirring frequently. Add garlic, tomatoes and paprika; cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in sauce and basil, reserving small amount of basil for garnish.
3. Drain pasta; add to sauce mixture. Mix well. Cook 1-2 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle with reserved basil before serving.

Tip: For extra protein, add 1 pound sliced, grilled chicken when stirring in pasta.

Source:  RAGÚ

(Family Features) Making the decision to eat better doesn’t mean you have to stock your fridge exclusively with carrot sticks and lettuce leaves. There are plenty of healthy and delicious meal options that will have your taste buds cheering.

Fill up your fridge

How many times have you raided the fridge, only to eat the first thing you could find? Arrange your fridge so everything at eye level is packed with nutritional benefits. The top shelf is prime space for fresh fruits, berries, vegetable sticks, string cheese and hard boiled eggs.

Keeping lean proteins on hand is another way to take proactive steps towards creating healthy meals. Lean proteins, like the protein found in soy, can help families feel fuller longer and can also help lower the chances of childhood obesity.

Pick the perfect protein

During dinnertime, entrées featuring beef, pork or chicken are often the star of the plate. However, meat proteins can supply your recipes with unwanted saturated fats and cholesterol. Instead of asking your family to forego their favorite meat dishes, try swapping out meat proteins with meat alternatives, using soy protein. Soy is a high-quality vegetable protein that is easy to incorporate into your family’s diet. It can support muscle strength and is an especially good choice for managing healthy weight for the entire family.

MATCH® premium meat alternatives provide the taste, texture and nutrition meat lovers want, without the saturated fats and cholesterol. Look for great flavor matches like ground pork, Italian sausage, ground chicken, crab and ground beef at www.matchmeats.com.

Find recipes for family favorites

Quick, easy and delicious have to be a part of every family’s meal on busy weekdays. Breakfast Burritos are sure to be a family favorite. Simply fill tortillas with MATCH® Italian Sausage, eggs, cheese, salsa and fresh herbs for a hot, tasty start to your morning. Another sure crowd pleaser is Beef Tacos. Just swap out traditional ground beef for MATCH® Ground Beef and spoon your favorite taco ingredients into soft or hard shells. Homemade Beef Sloppy Joes are equally as easy to make. This recipe is a tasty way to get your whole family fed and out the door in time for evening activities.

Once you’ve picked the perfect recipes and filled your fridge with lean proteins, like soy protein, eating well will become a healthy habit the whole family will love.

Beef Tacos

Makes: 6 to 8 tacos

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups yellow onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh garlic, chopped
• 1 pound MATCH® Ground Beef
• 4 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 cups canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 jalapeno, diced with seeds
• 6 to 8 hard or soft taco shells
• Shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, taco sauce or your other favorite toppings

1. Add olive oil to saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until clear but not brown. Add garlic. Sauté for one minute.
2. Add MATCH® ground beef and break apart with fork. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Add taco seasoning and cumin. Increase heat to medium/high and continue browning MATCH® ground beef until outside is crispy.
4. Add black beans and reduce heat to medium. Add jalapeno.
5. Serve with your favorite taco shells and your favorite toppings.

Beef Sloppy Joes

Makes: 6

• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 pound MATCH® Ground Beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 3/4 cups green pepper, chopped
• 1 (16-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon basil, dried
• 1 teaspoon thyme, dried
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 buns

1. Heat oil in large skillet. Sauté MATCH® ground beef, onion and garlic over medium-high heat until browned.
2. Add zucchini, mushrooms and green pepper. Cover and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, basil, thyme, salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered until most of the liquid has evaporated.
4. Serve on toasted buns. Can freeze for future use.

Italian Sausage Breakfast Burrito

Makes: 6 burritos

• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 pound MATCH® Italian Sausage
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup green onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 6 to 10 flour tortillas
• 3/4 cup salsa
• Sour cream (optional)

1. In non-stick skillet, heat canola oil. Sauté MATCH® Italian sausage and break up as you cook. Cook until golden.
2. Add whipped eggs, green onion, salt and pepper. Cook eggs through.
3. Sprinkle with cilantro and cheddar cheese.
4. Fill tortillas with egg mixture, spoon salsa over filling and wrap. Serve with side of sour cream.