Getting Preapproved: Why It Matters Before You Start Home Shopping

by Ronda Swanson

Getting Preapproved graphic featuring a model home, house keys and mortgage paperwork.

If you’re thinking about buying a home, getting preapproved for a mortgage is one of the best first steps you can take. It gives you a clearer picture of what you can afford and puts you in a stronger position when you find the right home.

Know Your Budget

A preapproval helps you understand what you can comfortably afford so we can focus your home search on properties that make sense for your budget.

Avoid Disappointment

It’s easy to fall in love with a home. Knowing your price range before you start looking can help prevent the disappointment of finding the perfect house only to discover later that the financing doesn’t work.

Know Your Payment

The purchase price is only part of the picture. Getting preapproved gives you a better idea of what your monthly mortgage payment could look like, helping you decide what feels comfortable for you.

Give Sellers Confidence

When you submit an offer with a preapproval, it shows the seller that you’re a serious buyer who has already taken steps toward securing financing. That can make your offer more attractive.

Strengthen Your Offer

You never know when you’ll find yourself competing with another buyer. Having your preapproval ready can strengthen your offer and give you a better opportunity to get the home that’s right for you.

Getting preapproved doesn’t mean you have to buy a home right away. It simply gives you the information you need to start your search with a plan—and when the right home comes along, you’ll be ready to make your move.

Considering a new home? Please reach out to me any time at 509.979.5894

Keep Your Spokane Home Secure During Showings

by Ronda Swanson

When your Spokane home is on the market, buyers and their agents will be coming through for showings. While we take steps to keep your home secure, there are a few simple precautions I recommend to every seller.

Showings are managed through SentriKey
Your home’s showings are managed through SentriKey, a secure electronic lockbox system that helps control and track access to your home.

Licensed agents
Your home is shown by licensed, background-checked real estate agents. However, their buyers are not. It’s important to keep that in mind when preparing your home for showings.

Secure your home after showings
When you return home, take a quick walk through and check that doors and windows are closed and locked.

Secure your valuables
Lock up jewelry, important documents, medications, cash, and other valuables—or take them with you, especially during showing periods. Avoid leaving personal or financial information where it can easily be seen.

Have a concern?
If something doesn’t seem right after a showing or you notice an issue in your home, contact me right away.

A few simple precautions can help protect your home and belongings while still making it easy for buyers to tour your property.

Listing Your Home • Spokane Real Estate • October 3, 2026

How to Prepare Your Home for Showings

by Ronda Swanson

When your home is on the market, you never know which showing might be the showing—the one where a buyer walks in and starts picturing themselves living there.

The good news is that preparing for a showing doesn’t have to be complicated. A few thoughtful details can make your home feel brighter, more spacious, and more inviting.

Let the Light In

Before you leave, open the blinds and curtains and turn on the lights throughout the house—even during the daytime.

A bright home feels more open and welcoming, and you don’t want buyers walking into a darker room and searching for a light switch.

Keep It Clean and Simple

Clear kitchen and bathroom counters, make the beds, put away everyday clutter, and keep décor clean and intentional.

You want buyers to notice the features of the home rather than being distracted by too many personal items or clutter.

Create More Space

Take a look at each room and consider whether removing some furniture could make it feel larger and easier to move through.

Oversized pieces or too much furniture can make even a good-sized room feel smaller. A short-term storage unit can be a great option for extra furniture, boxes, seasonal items, and other things you won’t need before your move.

Keep Scents Subtle

It can be tempting to light a strongly scented candle or plug in an air freshener before buyers arrive, but subtle is usually better.

Heavy fragrances can make buyers wonder whether an odor is being covered up. Weather permitting, open a few windows before the showing and let some fresh air circulate through the house. Just remember to close and secure them before you leave.

Do a Quick Final Check

Right before you walk out the door, take one last trip through the house.

Put away dishes, empty visible trash, straighten pillows and towels, close toilet lids, and tuck away pet bowls, toys, litter boxes, and other pet items when possible.

These little details add up and help your home look its best when buyers walk through the door.

Take Your Pets With You

Whenever possible, take your pets with you during showings.

Even the friendliest dog or cat can make some buyers uncomfortable. You want buyers to feel free to explore every room, step into the backyard, and take their time looking at the home.

Give Buyers Some Space

Plan to leave at least 15 minutes before the scheduled showing. Buyers and agents occasionally arrive early, and it’s best to have the home ready and give them plenty of space.

Buyers are more likely to slow down, talk openly, look carefully at the home, and start imagining where their furniture might go when they have privacy.

Make Every Showing Count

Selling a home means asking buyers to imagine making it their own. Cleaning, decluttering, staging, good lighting, and a little preparation before each showing can help your home make the best possible first impression.

You don’t get to know ahead of time which buyer will fall in love with your home, so it’s worth making every showing count.

Recipes • October 1, 2026

Seven Easy Family Dinners, One Chocolate Dessert, and a Grocery List for the Week

by Ronda Swanson

Seven-day meal plan graphic featuring chicken fajita bowls with rice, peppers, avocado, and lime, with text reading “Includes a Grocery List.”

Seven Easy Family Dinners, One Chocolate Dessert, and a Grocery List for the Week

Deciding what to make for dinner can feel like one more thing on an already full to-do list. A little planning ahead helps—and this week’s recipes bring together comforting flavors, everyday ingredients, and easy cooking methods.

From Crock-Pot chicken and dumplings to colorful sheet-pan fajita bowls, these seven dinners offer plenty of variety without making every evening a big kitchen project. There’s also a chocolate dessert to enjoy when you’re in the mood for something sweet.

Choose the meals that fit your schedule, check your pantry, and use the grocery list below to get started.

This Week’s Dinner Plan

Monday: Crock-Pot Apple & Onion Pork Chops

Start the week with thick-cut pork chops cooked over apples and onions in a lightly seasoned broth. With just 10 minutes of prep, this cozy dinner is easy to get started in the afternoon.

Serve with: Mashed potatoes and green beans.

Get the Crock-Pot Apple & Onion Pork Chops recipe

Tuesday: Sheet-Pan Chicken Fajita Bowls

Seasoned chicken, bell peppers, and onions roast together before being served over rice. Set out salsa, avocado, and lime wedges so everyone can finish their bowl just the way they like it.

Easy shortcut: Use microwave rice.

Get the Sheet-Pan Chicken Fajita Bowls recipe

Wednesday: Instant Pot Beef & Vegetable Stew

Tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and peas make this a hearty choice for a cozy evening. The beef cooks first, followed by a shorter cooking stage for the vegetables.

Serve with: Bread or dinner rolls.

Get the Instant Pot Beef & Vegetable Stew recipe

Thursday: One-Pan Unstuffed Cabbage Skillet

Enjoy the familiar flavors of cabbage rolls in a simple skillet meal. Ground beef, chopped cabbage, and a savory tomato sauce simmer together with no stuffing or rolling required.

Serve with: Rice, baked potatoes, or bread.

Get the One-Pan Unstuffed Cabbage Skillet recipe

Friday: Crock-Pot Chicken & Dumplings

Tender shredded chicken and vegetables cook in a savory broth, topped with homemade drop dumplings. Allow extra time at the end for the broth to heat and the dumplings to cook.

Helpful tip: Use a 6-quart Crock-Pot so the dumplings have room to expand.

Get the Crock-Pot Chicken & Dumplings recipe

Saturday: One-Pan Smoky Sweet Potato & Turkey Hash

Ground turkey, sweet potatoes, bell pepper, and onion come together with smoked paprika, garlic, and cumin. It’s a colorful skillet dinner with a little sweetness and plenty of savory flavor.

Serve with: Toast or a simple green salad.

Get the One-Pan Smoky Sweet Potato & Turkey Hash recipe

Sunday: Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken thighs, bell peppers, and onions cook in an Italian-seasoned tomato sauce, then are served over pasta. It’s a comforting way to finish the week with a homemade dinner.

Serve with: A green salad or bread.

Get the Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore recipe

Something Sweet: Chocolate Chip Cookie Cobbler

Save a little room for Chocolate Chip Cookie Cobbler. Whether you make it for a weekend dinner or an evening treat, it’s a sweet addition to this week’s menu.

Get the Chocolate Chip Cookie Cobbler recipe

Combined Grocery List for the Seven Dinners

These quantities cover one batch of each dinner. Optional toppings and serving suggestions are listed separately. Add the ingredients from the linked cookie cobbler recipe if you’re making dessert.

Meat & Poultry

4 thick-cut pork chops, about 1 inch thick
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1½ pounds beef chuck
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground turkey

Produce

2 apples
7 onions: 5 medium and 2 large
6 bell peppers
8 garlic cloves, about 1 bulb
6 large carrots
2 celery stalks
½ large head green cabbage, about 6 cups chopped
1½ pounds potatoes
2 medium sweet potatoes

Canned, Boxed & Frozen Items

Chicken broth: 5¾ cups, plus extra as needed
Beef broth: 3½ cups, plus extra as needed
1 can diced tomatoes, 14½ ounces
1 can tomato sauce, 8 ounces
1 can crushed tomatoes, 28 ounces
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup frozen peas
Rice to make 3 cups cooked
12 ounces pasta

Pantry & Seasonings

Check what you already have before shopping:

All-purpose flour: 1½ cups
Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
Cornstarch: 4 tablespoons, plus 1 tablespoon for the optional pork chop sauce
Brown sugar: 1 tablespoon
Olive oil: 7 tablespoons
Olive oil or vegetable oil: 2 additional tablespoons for the dumplings
Garlic powder: 4 teaspoons
Dried thyme: 2 teaspoons
Chili powder: 2 teaspoons
Ground cumin: 1½ teaspoons
Paprika: 2 teaspoons
Smoked paprika: 1½ teaspoons
Italian seasoning: 3 teaspoons
Salt and black pepper

Optional Toppings & Sides

Choose the extras that fit your dinner plans:

Salsa
Avocados
Limes
Green beans
Salad greens and dressing
Bread, toast, or dinner rolls
Additional potatoes for mashed or baked potatoes
Additional rice for the cabbage skillet
Your preferred mashed potato ingredients

A Little Planning for an Easier Week

Chop vegetables ahead when you have a few spare minutes, check which nights work best for slow-cooker meals, and keep the quicker skillet dinners for your busiest evenings. You can also rearrange the menu to fit your family’s schedule.

Whether you’re settling into a new home or gathering around a familiar table here in Spokane, a simple homemade dinner can be a welcome part of the day. Hopefully, this week’s recipes make deciding what to cook a little easier.

Recipes • October 1, 2026

Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

by Ronda Swanson

Chicken cacciatore with bell peppers, onions, and tomato sauce over penne pasta beneath a navy title banner with a gold border.

Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore: A Comforting Pasta Dinner Made Simple

Tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a savory tomato sauce make this Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore a satisfying meal for an evening at home. Served over pasta, it’s a hearty dinner made with familiar ingredients and just 15 minutes of prep.

The Instant Pot handles the chicken and sauce while you cook the pasta separately. With garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning bringing everything together, this recipe is an easy way to add something new to your family’s dinner rotation.

Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

Servings: 4–6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: About 35–45 minutes, including pressure buildup and release; allow extra time if thickening the sauce

Ingredients

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, sliced
2 bell peppers, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
¾ cup chicken broth
1 can crushed tomatoes, 28 ounces
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
12 ounces pasta, cooked separately

Instructions

Heat the oil. Select Sauté on the Instant Pot and add the olive oil.
Cook the vegetables. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook for 4 minutes, then stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Scrape the bottom. Pour in the chicken broth and thoroughly scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.
Add the chicken and seasonings. Place the chicken thighs in the pot and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Layer the tomatoes on top. Pour the crushed tomatoes over the chicken. Do not stir. Keeping the thick tomatoes on top helps prevent a Burn warning.
Pressure-cook. Lock the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on HIGH pressure for 10 minutes.
Release the pressure. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully release the remaining pressure.
Check and cut the chicken. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove it and cut or shred it into large pieces.
Finish the sauce. Stir the sauce. If you prefer it thicker, select Sauté and simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combine and serve. Return the chicken to the sauce and serve over the separately cooked pasta.

A Few Simple Tips

Keep the tomatoes on top. Wait until after pressure cooking to stir them into the sauce.
Cook the pasta while the chicken cooks. This helps everything come together around the same time.
Choose your favorite pasta. Penne, rotini, or spaghetti all work well with the chicken and tomato sauce.
Adjust the sauce to your liking. A few minutes of uncovered simmering will help reduce excess liquid for a thicker sauce.

What to Serve Alongside

A simple green salad or steamed green beans makes an easy side. Add bread if you’d like something for soaking up the tomato sauce.

This comforting chicken and pasta dinner brings plenty of flavor to the table without a complicated ingredient list—a welcome addition to a busy week.

Recipes • October 1, 2026

One-Pan Smoky Sweet Potato & Turkey Hash

by Ronda Swanson

Ground turkey, cubed sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and onions in a skillet beneath a navy title banner with a gold border.

One-Pan Smoky Sweet Potato & Turkey Hash: An Easy Weeknight Dinner

A simple skillet dinner can make a busy evening feel a little easier. This One-Pan Smoky Sweet Potato & Turkey Hash brings together ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, bell pepper, and onion with a flavorful blend of smoked paprika, garlic, and cumin.

The sweet potatoes add a touch of natural sweetness that pairs nicely with the smoky seasoning. With 15 minutes of prep and about 25 minutes of cooking, it’s a colorful, hearty meal you can bring to the table without a pile of dishes afterward.

One-Pan Smoky Sweet Potato & Turkey Hash

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: About 25 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into small ½-inch cubes
1 bell pepper, diced
½ cup chicken broth, plus more if needed
1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Heat the skillet. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the turkey and onion. Add the ground turkey and diced onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking up the turkey as it cooks, until it is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the turkey and onion to a plate.
Start the vegetables. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet, followed by the sweet potatoes and bell pepper. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cover and cook until tender. Pour in the chicken broth. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender. Add a splash of broth if needed to keep the skillet from drying out.
Combine and season. Return the turkey and onion to the skillet. Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Finish the hash. Cook uncovered for 3–5 minutes, stirring, until everything is hot and any excess liquid has evaporated.

A Few Simple Tips

Keep the sweet potato cubes small. Aim for evenly sized ½-inch pieces so they cook within the suggested time.
Use a skillet with a lid. Covering the vegetables helps the sweet potatoes soften without needing lots of oil.
Choose smoked paprika. It gives this dish its signature smoky flavor.
Check for tenderness. The sweet potatoes should be easy to pierce with a fork before you return the turkey to the pan.

What to Serve Alongside

Serve this hash with toast for an easy, filling dinner, or add a simple green salad for a fresh side. It’s also a convenient way to bring protein and vegetables together in one dish.

A few everyday ingredients, warm smoky seasoning, and one skillet are all it takes to make this comforting dinner part of your weeknight routine.

Recipes • October 1, 2026

Crock-Pot Chicken & Dumplings

by Ronda Swanson

Shredded chicken, fluffy dumplings, carrots, celery, and onions in a slow cooker beneath a navy title banner with a gold border.

Crock-Pot Chicken & Dumplings: A Cozy Homemade Family Dinner

Tender chicken, savory broth, and fluffy homemade dumplings make this a comforting meal to gather around. With carrots, celery, and onion tucked into every bowl, these Crock-Pot Chicken & Dumplings are a hearty choice for a chilly evening.

The slow cooker handles most of the work, and the dumplings come together with simple pantry ingredients. There’s no rolling or cutting—just mix the dough, drop small spoonfuls onto the hot broth, and let them cook.

Crock-Pot Chicken & Dumplings

Servings: 4–6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 4–5 hours on LOW, then about 60–80 minutes on HIGH, including heating the broth and cooking the dumplings

Ingredients

For the chicken:

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 carrots, thinly sliced
2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, diced
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water

For the dumplings:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
⅔ cup water

Instructions

Fill the slow cooker. Add the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, chicken broth, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper to the Crock-Pot.
Cook the chicken and vegetables. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Shred the chicken. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
Heat and thicken the broth. Turn the Crock-Pot to HIGH. Stir in the cornstarch mixed with cold water. Cover and let the broth get hot and gently bubbling, about 15–20 minutes.
Mix the dumpling dough. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the oil and water just until a soft dough forms.
Add the dumplings. Drop small, tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the hot broth, leaving some space between them. Do not stir them in.
Cover and cook. Cook on HIGH for 45–60 minutes, keeping the lid closed for the first 45 minutes.
Check before serving. Split a dumpling open to make sure the center is fluffy and cooked through. If it is still doughy, cover and cook longer.

A Few Simple Tips

Use a 6-quart Crock-Pot. The dumplings need room to expand as they cook.
Slice the vegetables thinly. This helps the carrots and celery become tender during the initial cooking time.
Mix gently. Stir the dumpling ingredients only until the dough comes together.
Keep the dumplings small. Tablespoon-sized portions cook more evenly than large scoops.
Leave the lid closed. Keeping the heat and steam inside helps the dumplings cook through.

What to Serve Alongside

Chicken, vegetables, and dumplings make this a satisfying meal on its own. If you’d like something alongside, a simple green salad adds a fresh touch.

This is the kind of homemade dinner that makes an evening at home feel a little cozier—a warm bowl, familiar flavors, and time to sit down together.

Recipes • October 1, 2026

One-Pan Unstuffed Cabbage Skillet

by Ronda Swanson

Ground beef, chopped cabbage, tomatoes, and onions in a skillet beneath a navy title banner with a gold border.

One-Pan Unstuffed Cabbage Skillet: A Simple, Hearty Family Dinner

If you enjoy the comforting flavors of cabbage rolls, this easy skillet dinner deserves a spot on your menu. Ground beef, tender cabbage, and a savory tomato sauce come together in one pan, with no stuffing or rolling required.

With just 10 minutes of prep and everyday ingredients, this One-Pan Unstuffed Cabbage Skillet is a practical choice for busy evenings. Serve it with rice, baked potatoes, or bread for a hearty homemade meal.

One-Pan Unstuffed Cabbage Skillet

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ large head green cabbage, chopped, about 6 cups
1 can diced tomatoes, 14½ ounces, undrained
1 can tomato sauce, 8 ounces
½ cup beef broth
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Brown the beef and onion. In a large, deep skillet with a lid, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain any excess grease.
Add the garlic. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Combine the ingredients. Add the chopped cabbage, undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Cover and simmer. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cook until tender. Simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender. Add a splash of broth if the skillet becomes dry.
Taste and serve. Adjust the seasoning as needed, then serve warm with your choice of sides.

A Few Simple Tips

Use a roomy skillet. Six cups of cabbage take up plenty of space before cooking down, so choose a large, deep pan with a lid.
Chop the cabbage evenly. Similar-sized pieces help it cook evenly.
Keep the tomato juices. Add the diced tomatoes without draining them—the liquid helps the cabbage simmer.
Make it tender to your liking. Check the cabbage near the end of cooking and give it a few extra minutes if you prefer it softer.

What to Serve Alongside

Spoon the beef and cabbage mixture over rice, serve it beside a baked potato, or add bread for soaking up the tomato sauce. Each option makes an easy addition to this simple skillet meal.

Comforting dinners don’t have to be complicated. This one-pan recipe brings familiar flavors to the table with a little prep and less cleanup afterward.

Recipes • October 1, 2026

Instant Pot Beef & Vegetable Stew

by Ronda Swanson

Beef stew with potatoes, carrots, peas, and onions in a cream bowl beneath a navy title banner with a gold border.

Instant Pot Beef & Vegetable Stew: A Hearty Dinner for a Cozy Evening

There’s something comforting about a warm bowl of beef stew at the end of the day. Tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and peas come together in a savory broth for a satisfying dinner that invites everyone to slow down and gather around the table.

This Instant Pot Beef & Vegetable Stew gives you that familiar comfort without hours of simmering on the stove. The beef cooks first, then the potatoes and carrots go in for a shorter cooking time to help them keep their shape. Serve with bread or rolls for soaking up the rich broth.

Instant Pot Beef & Vegetable Stew

Servings: 4–6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: About 65–80 minutes, including pressure buildup and release

Ingredients

1½ pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1½ pounds potatoes, cut into 1½-inch chunks
3 large carrots, cut into thick pieces
1 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

Brown the beef. Select Sauté on the Instant Pot. Add the olive oil and brown the beef in two batches. Transfer it to a plate.
Cook the onion and garlic. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Scrape the bottom of the pot. Pour in about ½ cup of the beef broth. Scrape the bottom thoroughly to loosen every browned bit.
Add the stew ingredients. Return the beef to the pot. Add the remaining broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Pressure-cook the beef. Lock the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on HIGH pressure for 35 minutes.
Release the pressure. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully release the remaining pressure.
Cook the potatoes and carrots. Add the potatoes and carrots. Lock the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on HIGH pressure for 4 minutes. Carefully quick-release the pressure.
Finish and thicken. Select Sauté. Stir in the frozen peas and the cornstarch mixed with cold water. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stew thickens and the peas are hot.
Taste and serve. Adjust the seasoning as needed, then ladle into bowls and serve warm.

A Few Simple Tips

Brown in batches. Giving the beef room in the pot helps it brown instead of steam.
Scrape thoroughly. Loosening the browned bits adds flavor to the broth and helps prevent a Burn warning.
Keep the vegetables chunky. Larger potato chunks and thick carrot pieces hold up better during pressure cooking.
Plan for the full cooking time. The Instant Pot needs time to build pressure for both cooking stages, so allow about 80–95 minutes from prep to serving.

What to Serve Alongside

Bread or soft dinner rolls make an easy companion to this hearty stew. For a little freshness alongside, add a simple green salad.

Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re simply craving a familiar homemade meal, this beef and vegetable stew is a comforting way to bring everyone to the table.

Recipes • October 1, 2026

Sheet-Pan Chicken Fajita Bowls

by Ronda Swanson

Chicken fajita bowl with rice, roasted bell peppers, onions, avocado, and lime beneath a navy title banner with a gold border.

Sheet-Pan Chicken Fajita Bowls: An Easy, Colorful Weeknight Dinner

Busy evenings feel a little easier when dinner comes together with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup. These Sheet-Pan Chicken Fajita Bowls combine seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, and onions—all roasted together and served over rice.

With just 15 minutes of prep, this recipe is an easy way to get a homemade meal on the table. Set out salsa, avocado, and lime wedges so everyone can finish their bowl just the way they like it.

Sheet-Pan Chicken Fajita Bowls

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes

Ingredients

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
3 bell peppers, sliced
1 large onion, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
3 cups cooked rice
Optional toppings: salsa, avocado, lime wedges

Instructions

Preheat the oven. Heat your oven to 425°F.
Prepare the sheet pan. Place the chicken strips, sliced peppers, and onion on a large rimmed sheet pan.
Add the seasonings. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat, then spread everything into an even layer. Use two pans if needed to avoid crowding.
Roast the chicken and vegetables. Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Build your bowls. Divide the cooked rice among four bowls, then top with the chicken, peppers, and onions.
Make it your own. Finish with salsa, sliced avocado, a squeeze of lime, or your favorite combination.

A Few Simple Tips

Give everything room. Spread the chicken and vegetables out so they roast evenly. If your pan feels crowded, divide the mixture between two pans.
Cut evenly. Keep the chicken strips similar in thickness so they cook at the same rate.
Take a shortcut. Microwave rice makes this dinner even easier. Heat it while the chicken and vegetables finish roasting.
Let everyone choose their toppings. Serve the toppings at the table for an easy meal everyone can customize.

What to Serve Alongside

These bowls bring protein, vegetables, and rice together in one meal. If you’d like a little something extra, add warm tortillas or tortilla chips with salsa.

A colorful dinner, a few everyday ingredients, and less cleanup afterward—this is the kind of recipe that makes a busy weeknight feel a little more manageable.