The Recipe Reality Check

There are some meals you plan ahead for and then there are the ones you make because your toddler suddenly decides they are starving and need food immediately.

This recipe for 5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese falls firmly into that second category.

I wanted something quick, easy, and kid friendly without reaching for a microwave cup. And this one promised to be ready in about 10–15 minutes. Honestly? That alone made it worth trying.

The Process: Fast and Simple

This recipe is about as straightforward as it gets. Everything goes into the Instant Pot, cooks quickly, and comes together with minimal effort. No complicated steps, no extra dishes, and no long wait times.

From start to finish, it really did take about 10–15 minutes, which is a huge win on a busy day.

This is exactly the kind of recipe you keep in your back pocket for those “I need dinner right now” moments.

The Taste Test: Kids Approved, Adults Have Notes

This was one of those meals where the kids and adults had very different opinions.

Family Taste Test

✔️ My Verdict: Not my favorite. I noticed an aftertaste I didn’t love, and the texture was a little too runny for me. If I make it again, I would definitely add extra cheese to help thicken it up.

✔️ Paul’s Verdict: He liked it, but it wasn’t a favorite. Solid, but not something he’d specifically request.

✔️ Ben’s Verdict: Started off saying he wasn’t hungry, then took one bite and proceeded to steal my bowl. I think that says everything.

✔️ Charlotte’s Verdict: Ate her share happily which is always a win.

✔️ Overall Verdict: A big win for the kids, but more of a “just okay” for the adults.

Final Thoughts

This is one of those recipes that serves a very specific purpose and does it well.

It’s:

• fast
• easy
• and very kid friendly

While it may not be my personal favorite, I can absolutely see myself making it again when I need something quick that I know the kids will eat without a fight. And sometimes, especially on busy days, that’s exactly what you need.

Want to try this recipe for yourself? You can find it here! Mac and Cheese

Looking for more kid friendly recipes? You can find my list here! Kid-Friendly

Quick, easy, and weeknight friendly: this cabbage roll skillet has a lot going for it. Not a home run for our family, but a decent shortcut dinner when time is short.

Why I Tried This Recipe

I love the idea of cabbage rolls. Cozy, comforting, old school dinner vibes. What I do not love? Blanching cabbage, stuffing leaves, and turning a Tuesday night into a project.

So when I saw a cabbage roll skillet, all the same flavors, none of the fuss, I was in. Especially because it promised fast, easy, and reasonably healthy. Weeknight buzzwords that always get my attention.

How It Actually Went

I’ll give this recipe a lot of credit right out of the gate:

• It was easy: Everything cooked in one skillet
• It was fast: From prep to plate in about 35 minutes

You really do get the cabbage roll “feel” without having to touch a single boiled cabbage leaf. For a busy night, that alone makes this recipe appealing.

The Taste Test

Me: I thought it was just fine. Not bad. Not amazing. Just solidly okay. It had a lot going for it structurally. It was hearty, filling, and comforting but flavor wise it didn’t knock me off my feet.

Paul: He actually liked it more than I did. He went back for seconds, which is always a good sign. However, He’s already asked that if I ever make it again, I leave out the cinnamon.

Ben: Hard no. One bite and he was out. This one was not toddler approved in our house, which is important to note if you’re cooking for picky eaters.

Final Verdict: Will I Make This Again?

Yes but not often.

This isn’t going into our regular rotation, and it’s definitely not a new favorite. But when I’m craving something quick, fairly healthy, and comforting and I absolutely do not have the energy for extra steps, I could see myself coming back to this one.

Next time, I would:

• Dial way back on (or fully skip) the cinnamon
• Possibly add extra seasoning for depth
• Accept that it’s more for us than for Ben

Want to try it for yourself? You can find the original recipe here!

Looking for more ideas for a quick weeknight meal? Check out my reviews here: Easy Weeknight Meals