I love food. My kids love food. My husband definitely loves food. Unfortunately, like most families, finding time to cook the food we love is easier said than done.
Busy weeknights are packed with games, practices, and homework. Weekends, instead of being a break, turn into catch-up time for all the things we didn’t get to during the week. Like laundry. Ugh.
When we do manage to carve out time to cook and gather around the dinner table, we often rely on our trusty, easy comfort food – or the instant pot. Either way, we keep whipping up the same recipes until everyone’s completely over them. Burgers, spaghetti sauce, baked chicken – rinse and repeat. And don’t forget the white rice with or without peas at this point.
There are only so many times a family can cycle through the same meals before someone starts threatening a kitchen revolt.
And honestly? Complicating things is the reality that I am no chef. (Picture my family feverishly nodding behind me.)
I love the idea of home-cooked meals, but the reality of cooking them? That’s where it all falls apart. If I’m going to have a meal during the week – or heck even most Sunday dinners – I need meal prep to be relatively quick, based on a foolproof, easy recipe, and, most importantly, be flat-out delicious.
Oh, and ummm, these meals need to be for us.
You know what I mean. Black History Month is every month around here so I’m on the lookout for meals for us – Black people food!
Foodies with Everyday Recipes for Black Families
While I might not be a culinary expert, I am great at finding people who are—and giving them their well-deserved props! I’m also pretty skilled at finding ways to avoid things I don’t want to do. Like making big meals during busy weekdays.
Enter this Black parent’s dream: badass foodies who share brilliant, healthy, and absolutely tasty recipes online! The best part? These recipes are make-ahead, freezer-friendly, and perfect for whipping up leftovers that actually get eaten.
Leave it to these foodie queens to come to the rescue with recipes that’ll have you—and your family—eating like royalty.
The Seasoned Skillet
Taneisha from The Seasoned Skillet just gets me. I don’t know where to begin with my favourites from her site because there are so many. Her soups, though are everything.
Soups are a freezer staple in my life. I’ll make a big batch (throwback to Saturday soup!) – and freeze leftovers in single-serve portions. They’re perfect for quick weekday lunches, cozy dinners at home, or even on a cold night when I’m stuck in the car waiting for one of my kids after practice.
Or in my car waiting for them after they finish work.
Or in my car waiting to pick them up from a friend’s house.
You get the picture.
Anyways.
Taneisha’s soups and stews always bring the bold. And I’m getting much better at prepping ahead, putting my slow cooker to work and letting these greet me at th eend of the day. My personal favourites? The Coconut Curry Lentil Stew and The Best Jamaican Chicken Soup.
The Right Food Fuels Family Movie Night
And let’s talk about oxtail – one of my absolute favourite meals. Whether it’s simmering all day on the stove or in the slow cooker, this tender perfection is always a winner in my house. It’s not an everyday meal, though, so having a batch in the freezer feels like a little slice of heaven.
Taneisha’s recipe for the Most Authentic Jamaican Oxtail Recipe is hands-down the best version I’ve found online. It’s rich, flavorful, and freezes beautifully, making it perfect for those Sunday nights when I want something special without all the effort.
Here’s the best part: made-ahead oxtail is the secret weapon for winning over my kids during our 90s Black Movie Marathon. A plate of this savoury goodness paired with Soul Food or The Nutty Professor? Pure perfection for our family.
Quick Family-Friendly Dinner Recipes Save Time and Money
One of the best things about meal prep is how it can turn even the busiest weeknight into a win. There’s just something deeply satisfying about pulling off a homemade dinner midweek—it feels like a small victory for both my soul and my wallet.
Sure, UberEats or “Breakfast for Dinner” has its place (in fact, it’s practically a sacred ritual in our house), but let’s be real: even diehard brunch lovers can only handle so many nights of pancakes and eggs before the charm starts to fade.
Ok now if you’re like me and seem to have toddlers, teens and all manner of folks grazing in your kitchen day and night – you’ll love the next few sites. They offer the best of all worlds.
The Canadian African
When my 5-year-old niece finished a bowl of Afia Amoako’s Kid-Friendly Tomato Stew without so much as a peep, I knew I had struck gold. Afia’s blog, The Canadian African, is filled with magic.
Her post about the best Jollof in West Africa might raise an eyebrow depending on your African roots – but is an absolute masterpiece. She doesn’t just share a rice recipe; she is a storyteller and takes you on a journey showcasing how Jollof is uniquely prepared – and claimed – throughout regions.
One standout rice recipe from her site is the Vegetarian Native Jollof Rice. It’s not only delicious but also perfect for meal prepping. Freeze it, reheat it, and you’ve got a nutritious, flavour-packed dish ready to go.
My Digital Kitchen
If you’re looking for something special to elevate your weeknight dinners – or wow guests at your next gathering Chef and cookbook author Valerie Azinge has a gift for offering recipes that make cooking fancy dishes look easy and healthy eating mighty good.
These recipes are my faves at all times. They are great for special occasions and family gatherings or just a day when the whole family comes through.
Pomegranate Braised Lamb Shanks changed my life, ok? I didn’t think I could cook something so pretty! I have also used a variation of this sauce on a slow-roasted Lamb shoulder and it was just amazing.
And yes, I’m here for another soup because Coconut Ginger Shrimp & Sweet Potato Stew should not be missed. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
And yup, everything I’ve tried has kept perfectly in the freezer.
The Black Foodie
I’m pretty sure that when she created it, Eden Hagos intended for me to get lost in her Black Foodie blog. Even for someone like me, for whom cooking does not come naturally – the recipes are easy to follow and also interesting enough that I’m willing to try.
This blog feels like home. It’s not just about recipes; it’s about culture, connection, conversation and celebration.
Her site offers everything from savoury dishes like Andros Crab & Rice to snack-worthy bites like Summer-Ready Tostones & Spicy Mango Chow. Every recipe is a flavorful nod to African, Caribbean, and Southern U.S. traditions.
Cami cooks
Cami Cooks is all about creating wholesome meals with a friendly, approachable vibe. Whether you’re craving something savoury, traditional, or sweet, this site has something for everyone.
Standout recipes include the Trinidadian Bake, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic Tahini Dressing, and the Strawberry-Pear Cobbler – a dessert that’s simply a chef’s kiss.
9jafoodie – Nigerian Food Recipes
Dive into the rich and flavorful world of traditional Nigerian recipes along with information about health, and wellness on Ronke Edoho’s site 9jafoodie.
Ronke invites us into Nigerian food and traditions along with health and wellness. From Jollof Coconut Rice to her line of food products 9jafoodie has something for every foodie.
Recipes that Help Make the Most of Family Meals
I started out looking for ways to make my nights easier and tastier, but stumbling onto these talented Black chefs has introduced me to a whole new way to keep meals exciting.
These Black food bloggers and their incredible recipes have transformed our kitchen. With their make-ahead meals, snacks, slow cooker and freezer-friendly dishes, I can enjoy real food, stay well-fed amidst the chaos, and keep things fresh and delicious.
Between the joy of these recipes and the freedom that comes with Being OK with Mess (and yes, even if I meal prep sometimes I leave dishes in the sink overnight – whew) – there is now variety, joy, and excitement in our mealtime routine. I hope their ideas do the same for you.
Like, comment, or share if you try any of these recipes – and let me know which ones become your favourites!
