Fall is here and that means it’s back-to-school season! This cozy, beautiful, often hectic time of year comes up fast as we say good-bye to summer and hello to backpacks, carpool, and school lunches! Meals are on our minds more than ever as we try our best to feed our families without taking up too much time or money. Having convenient, versatile, healthy, and delicious options can take a lot of pressure off when it comes to putting a weekday menu together.
In addition to having some quick meal ideas on-hand, making sure my boys have the fuel they need to maintain energy throughout the school day and especially for after-school activities, is so important. Knowing they have full bellies and can keep up with everything they have going on is such a relief, and ensuring they have the protein they need is a huge priority! Beef is packed with ten essential nutrients, protein being among the most notable.
This post is sponsored by the Washington State Beef Commission.
Why does that matter?
*A wealth of research shows that protein helps support strong, lean bodies.
*High-quality lean beef can also help lower cholesterol and reduce high blood pressure.
*People who eat a higher protein diet feel more satisfied which can prevent overeating.
Not only are these beef and cream cheese bagels high in protein, but they’re also versatile. You can make them to fit your child’s taste by adding their favorite veggies and toppings or swap out the regular bagel for gluten-free if you need to! They are not only perfect to throw in the lunch box but can also be eaten on the go from school to sports practice on those crazy weeknights when you know you won’t have time to cook. It’s also a bonus that I can mix up the usual sandwich routine and my kids can enjoy something different but still nutrient-rich! Make these the night before to help your mornings run even smoother. For our family of six, I double this recipe. Deli roast beef is my go-to but left-over roasts or steak work really well on these bagels, too!
Beef and Cream Cheese Bagelwich
4 servings | 15min prep | 29 grams of protein
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces cooked beef (such as steak, roast, pot roast or deli roast beef), thinly sliced
- 4 thin-style flavored bagels or regular bagels, split
- 1/3 cup reduced-fat cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons nonpareil capers
- 8 thin slices of tomato
- 4 thin slices of red onion, separated into rings
- Nonpareil capers for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Spread cream cheese evenly on cut sides of each bagel half. Evenly sprinkle capers over cream cheese. Evenly top with tomato slices and onion rings; top with beef. Garnish with additional capers, if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.
Options for picky eaters:
- If your kids aren’t caper fans, you can substitute them with chopped olives (green or black), pickles, or pepperoncini peppers.
- For more veggie options: add shredded carrots, spinach, or bell peppers.
I hope you and your family enjoy these quick and delicious bagels this Fall and that they make your weekdays just a little bit easier!
PIN THIS!
Read more of Maria’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
