How to Make Easy Weeknight Dinners

Katie Lee Gives Three Quick Ways to Make Dinner Tasty on Busy Weekdays

(CBS)  Eating dinner together is important to many families, but with today's busy schedules, finding the time can be difficult.

"Early Show" contributor Katie Lee shared her solution: three quick and delicious meals -- perfect for any busy weeknight.

RECIPES:

Spaghetti and Tuna Meatballs

INGREDIENTS:
1 box spaghetti
2 (6 ounce) cans tuna packed in oil
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Parmesan (plus more for serving)
1 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley
1 garlic clove
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup prepared pesto
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice

METHOD:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.

In the meantime, combine tuna, breadcrumbs, parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, salt and pepper in a food processor. Shape into balls by the tablespoonful.

In a large nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown meatballs for about 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside. Add cooked pasta, pesto, cream, lemon juice, and pasta water to pan. Toss until pasta is evenly coated. Add meatballs and gently toss. Serve with parmesan.

Turkey Taco Salad

INGREDIENTS:
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 bunch scallions, white and green parts, thinly sliced
1/2 cup cilantro, minced
1 pound ground lean turkey meat
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons garlic salt
1/2 cup salsa
Juice of 1 lime
1 can kidney beans
Salad greens
Tortilla chips

For garnish: sour cream, shredded cheese, guacamole, jalapeno peppers

METHOD:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the canola oil, scallions and cilantro. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add turkey and use a wooden spoon to break up the meat. As meat is browning, stir in the chili powder and garlic salt. When turkey has cooked through, stir in the salsa, lime juice, and beans. Lower heat to a simmer and stir occasionally, until most of the liquid has absorbed.

Serve turkey mixture over salad greens with tortilla chips and garnish with sour cream, shredded cheese, guacamole, and jalapeno peppers.

For a Pan-Seared Steak recipe, go to Page 2.

[mswolfestock]

My husband would have me committed if I served Tuna Meatballs with his spaghetti . . . . . . . . they call them "MEATballs" for a reason. Either make them with some kind of meat (beef, venison, pork) or forget about them altogether and stick with spaghetti and pesto.

[kathoma]

Katie Lee had a receipe for round steak on Sept 30, 2009 show, where is the receipe?

Thank you
Kay Thomas