if you're a busy mom holding down a job and you have kids to feed, you can shallow pan-fry steaks at night while doing other chores in the kitchen. do not overcook as you're going to reheat them for dinner. once the steaks have cooled, pour olive oil all around and keep them in the fridge. the purpose of the olive oil is so when you reheat the steaks in the oven they are not dry as the steaks will have absorbed the olive oil.

you can also prepare the veggies like the carrots and potatoes by boiling them quickly with a pinch of salt and sugar. once cool, keep them in the fridge so when you get home you only have to put a bit of olive oil or butter and reheat them in the microwave or oven with some freshly chopped herbs. or sparingly sprinkle a teaspoon of dried herbs. they will appear freshly roasted.