Five dinners. One less thing to figure out.

We all know the question that comes around every afternoon: What's for dinner?

Whether you're planning meals for a busy weeknight, feeding the whole family or simply looking for a little inspiration, sometimes all you need is a great cut of meat and a few fresh ingredients to get started.

At Otter Co-op, our Meat Department offers a variety of Western Canadian-raised beef, pork and chicken to help bring your next family meal together. Our team can also hand-cut your meat just the way you want it, making it easier to find the right option for your recipe.

Need a little dinner inspiration? Here are five easy meal ideas to add to your weekly rotation.

1. Classic Beef Stir-Fry

A quick, colourful dinner that's easy to customize.

When time is short, beef stir-fry is a great way to get dinner on the table without a lot of fuss. Thinly sliced beef cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables and your favourite stir-fry sauce.

Start at the butcher counter:
Ask for beef suitable for stir-frying, such as sirloin or another tender steak cut. Our Meat Department can help slice it into thin strips, ready for the pan.

Pick up from the grocery department:

• Bell peppers

• Broccoli

• Carrots

• Onion

• Your favourite stir-fry sauce

• Rice or noodles

Make it a meal: Serve over steamed rice or noodles. Add sesame seeds or sliced green onions if you have them on hand.

2. Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

A family favourite with very little hands-on prep.

Set it, forget it and come home to a comforting dinner! Pulled pork is perfect for busy days when you want something hearty waiting for you at the end of the day.

Start at the butcher counter:
Pick up a pork shoulder or pork butt roast. These cuts are ideal for slow cooking because their connective tissue breaks down over time, creating tender pork that's easy to shred.

Pick up from the grocery department:

• Hamburger buns

• Your favourite barbecue sauce

• Coleslaw mix

• Coleslaw dressing

• Pickles

Make it a meal: Pile the pulled pork onto toasted buns, top with coleslaw and serve with oven-baked potato wedges or a simple green salad.

3. Sheet-Pan Chicken and Vegetables

Simple prep, easy cleanup and plenty of flavour.

When you want a satisfying dinner without using every pot and pan in the kitchen, sheet-pan chicken is a winner. Everything cooks together, making this a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Start at the butcher counter:
Choose Western Canadian-raised chicken thighs or drumsticks. Both work beautifully with roasted vegetables and your favourite seasonings.

Pick up from the grocery department:

• Baby potatoes

• Carrots

• Broccoli

• Red onion

• Olive oil

• Garlic and your favourite herbs or seasoning

Make it a meal: Toss your vegetables with olive oil and seasoning, arrange them around the chicken on a baking sheet and roast until everything is tender and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature. Serve straight from the pan!

4. Beef Tacos with All the Fixings

A fun, customizable dinner the whole family can build their own way.

Taco night is always a good idea! It's easy to prepare, simple to customize and a great way to let everyone build a plate with their favourite toppings.

Start at the butcher counter:
Pick up Western Canadian-raised medium or lean ground beef for full flavour. It's a versatile option that cooks quickly and works perfectly with your favourite taco seasoning.

Pick up from the grocery department:

• Taco shells or soft tortillas

• Taco seasoning

• Shredded lettuce

• Tomatoes

• Shredded cheese

• Sour cream

• Salsa

• Avocado (optional)

Make it a meal: Brown the ground beef, add taco seasoning and prepare a toppings station so everyone can build their own tacos. Serve with rice, beans or corn for an easy side.

5. Pork Chops with Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans

A classic dinner that feels a little special without being complicated.

Sometimes the best dinners are the simplest ones. Juicy pork chops, roasted potatoes and fresh green beans make a delicious combination that's perfect for any night of the week.

Start at the butcher counter:
Ask for Western Canadian-raised pork chops. Our Meat Department can hand-cut them to your preferred thickness, depending on how you like to prepare them.

Pick up from the grocery department:

• Potatoes

• Fresh green beans

• Garlic

• Butter or olive oil

• Your favourite pork seasoning

• Fresh herbs (optional)

Make it a meal: Season and roast your potatoes until golden. Pan-sear or grill the pork chops until they reach a safe internal temperature, then sauté the green beans with a little garlic and butter. Dinner is served!

Don't Forget the Fresh Produce!

A great dinner starts with quality meat, but fresh ingredients help bring the whole meal together.

While you're shopping at your Otter Co-op Food Store, pick up fresh vegetables, potatoes and other ingredients to round out your dinner plans. Look for the Grown In Canada symbol to help identify fresh, locally grown produce and support Canadian growers.

It's a simple way to add more local goodness to your family's table.

Great Meals Start at Otter Co-op

Five dinner ideas, plenty of ways to make them your own and one less thing to figure out when the dinner-hour question rolls around.

From Western Canadian-raised beef, pork and chicken to hand-cut options prepared just the way you want them, our Otter Co-op Meat Department is here to help you find the right ingredients for your next great meal.

Stop by your local Otter Co-op Food Store, visit the butcher counter and let dinner inspiration take it from there.

Otter Co-op. Proudly Canadian.