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Be the weeknight dinner hero with this extensive list of quick dinner ideas to make every night deliciously successful, and hassle-free!
We Love Easy Meals!
Soups, salads, and sandwiches are go-to quick dinner ideas in our home. These tasty main dishes don’t take much time to put together making them perfect for busy nights. Most of these meals make great freezer meals, easily double the recipe when you have time and save one for when you don’t. Along the same lines, we love dinners that can be made in the morning and are ready when it’s time to eat (think crockpot!)
- For more quick dinner tips & tricks, scroll to the bottom of this post!
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Go-to Quick Dinner Ideas
From tortillas filled with cheese and chicken in our favorite quesadillas to simple white sauce pasta, there are plenty of easy and quick dinners to choose from!
Chicken Quesadilla
Our easy homemade chicken quesadilla recipe is cheesy, crispy, and packed with flavor—perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal!
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Fettuccine Alfredo
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this easy fettuccine alfredo that's on the table in only 30 minutes!
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White Sauce Penna Pasta
This incredibly easy white sauce penne pasta is packed with deliciously cheesy flavor, loved by all, and on the table in only 20 minutes!
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Easy Meatball Recipe
This easy meatball recipe delivers juicy, flavorful perfection with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
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Flautas
These crispy beef flautas have been enjoyed for generations – they're fried to perfection and ready to eat in under 30 minutes!
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Best Grilled Cheese Recipe
This best grilled cheese recipe is easy to make and loved by everyone. It's easily changed up, but this version is our go-to!
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Chicken Tacos
Skip the wait and cost – whip up restaurant-quality chicken tacos at home in under 30 minutes for a satisfying crunch and explosion of flavor!
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Hamburger Helper Recipe
Better than the box, Homemade Hamburger Helper is a perfect one-pot meal that comes together in under 30 minutes!
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Beef Stroganoff Recipe
This Easy Beef Stroganoff recipe is simple and flavorful. Served with egg noodles, this creamy stroganoff made in the slow cooker is a classic Sunday dinner recipe and is perfect to enjoy any night of the week.
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Pizza Casserole
Easy cheesy pizza casserole is prepped in under 10 minutes and only requires 5 ingredients for a dinner win!
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More Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas
I love to keep a collection of easy dinner recipes that I can pull out on those days when I’m stumped, especially ones that utilize pantry staples! You’ll love these simple ideas.
Corn Dog Recipe
This recipe is a beyond simple delicious hand-dipped corn dog making you never want to buy store-bought again!
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Sloppy Joe Recipe
This sloppy joe recipe is quick and easy, perfect for feeding a crowd! You'll make these meaty sandwiches from scratch every time.
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Italian Sausage Pasta
Easy cheesy Italian sausage pasta is creamy, delicious, and perfectly spiced. It's a family favorite ready in only 20 minutes!
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Easy Baked Ziti
Easy baked ziti recipe is a meaty baked pasta smothered in a cream cheese tomato sauce. It's ready in 30 minutes and feeds a crowd!
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Pasta Bake Recipe
Pasta Bake is a deliciously cheesy meal, perfect for any night, and one that the whole family will love and devour in no time!
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Taco Soup Recipe
Taco Soup is one of the EASIEST dinner recipes of all time! Just dump, simmer, and enjoy in under 20 minutes!
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Walking Tacos Recipe
Walking tacos are an easy grab-and-go meal that is full of flavor! They are no mess, easy to make, and perfect for large gatherings!!
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Pigs in a Blanket
Quick and easy pigs in a blanket bring that nostalgic, kid-approved dinner to the table in just 20 minutes, for a guaranteed family favorite!
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English Muffin Pizzas
Simple 5-ingredient English muffin pizzas are ready in only 15 minutes and freeze well for a quick and easy snack!
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Mini Pizzas
These bite-sized mini pizzas are topped with fresh tomatoes and basil and are on the table in only 20 minutes!
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Crockpot BBQ Meatballs
Our sweet & savory crockpot bbq meatballs recipe are a hit at every party and only require 5 minutes of prep.
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Tostada
An crunchy open-face tostada is topped with all of your favorite Mexican ingredients and on the table in 20 minutes!
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Bean Burrito Recipe
This is Great Grandma's famous bean burrito recipe, filled with amped up creamy beans and on the table in 30 minutes!
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Pizza Roll Ups Recipe
Crazy fast and easy to make, these Pizza Roll Ups are oozing with cheese and pepperoni. They are tiny pockets of big flavor!
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Cheeseburger Casserole
This 30-minute cheeseburger casserole with ground beef, pasta, and loads of cheese delivers all the burger flavor without the bun!
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Bean Chimichangas Recipe
Easy and delicious Bean Chimichangas are filled with beans, cheese and ROTEL and they taste just like the ones at the restaurants!
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Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
Deliciously cheesy Chicken Parmesan Sliders make a perfect appetizer, but can hold their own as a main dish too!
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Mac and Cheese with Ham
Hearty mac and cheese with ham is a deliciously cheesy baked casserole that will feed a crowd and is perfect for sharing!
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Cheese Quesadilla
Look no further for the best cheese quesadilla! They are everything you want in a queso-filled golden brown slice of heaven.
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Monte Cristo Sliders
Our favorite sandwich made mini – quick prep Monte Cristo sliders are sweet and savory for the ultimate party food!
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Ham and Cheese Slider Recipe
Our hot ham and cheese slider recipe is easy and on the table in 30 minutes – an absolutely addicting crowd favorite that disappears in a heartbeat!
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Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe
Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese is stuffed with mozzarella, pepperoni sandwiched between two pieces of buttery garlic toast. It's a fun twist on a classic.
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Quick Dinner Ideas For Family
Feeding a family (especially a big one) can seem overwhelming at times. Casseroles and pasta recipes are always a success, but you’ll also love any of these tasty dishes.
Croque Monsieur
Croque Monsieur is not your typical ham and cheese sandwich! It has dijon mustard, an egg coating, and is fried for a hot and melty dish.
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Teriyaki Pork Chop recipe
Simply sweet and savory teriyaki pork chops make the perfect dinner recipe and are ready in only 20 minutes!!
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Fried Pork Chops Recipe
Simple pan fried pork chops in lemon butter sauce are crunchy on the outside and perfectly tender and delicious on the inside!
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Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
Easy ham and bean soup is perfect for using up leftover ham. It is warm, hearty, and full of savory flavors!
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Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe
Deliciously smooth & Creamy Tortellini Soup is cheesy, hearty and SO warm and delicious. Everyone loves this quick, easy soup!
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Potato Corn Chowder Recipe
This thick and creamy chowder is filled with bacon, corn, potatoes, and big flavor! The whole family will love Bacon Potato Corn Chowder.
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Pasta Carbonara Recipe
Pasta carbonara is a creamy and deliciously flavorful pasta dish that is on the table in under 30 minutes!
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Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is one of the easiest pasta dishes you can make! It uses only 6 ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes to make!
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Skillet Lasagna
Easy cheesy skillet lasagna is a one-pot wonder that's on the table in only 30 minutes for a quick comfort food any night of the week!
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Hawaiian Haystacks
Totally customizable Hawaiian haystacks are a pile of fluffy rice stacked with chicken, gravy, and all your favorite toppings!
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Fajita Chili Recipe
With just 8 ingredients and 30 minutes you can whip up this bold & flavorful Fajita Chili. It's simple and delicious!!
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Country Fried Steak
Crispy country fried steak is topped with a savory homemade gravy for classic comfort food in only 30 minutes!
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Smothered Pork Chops Recipe
This creamy Lemon & Thyme Smothered Pork Chops recipe always gets rave reviews. It's flavorful and ready in 35 minutes or less.
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Taco Pizza Recipe
This delicious, Homemade Taco Pizza is simple and on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s topped with meat, beans, cheese and more making it flavorful and easy to customize based on all the flavors you love most.
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Green Chili Smothered Burritos Recipe
Pull together canned items in your pantry to make super easy green chili smothered burritos. This flavorful meal comes together in a pinch!
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Best Hamburger Recipe
This is the BEST Hamburger recipe for grilling up a juicy American classic. You'll have a perfect burger every time!
Sausage Alfredo Recipe
Creamy Sausage Alfredo packed with smoky sausage is a family favorite. It's on the table in only 30 minutes!!
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Baked Ravioli Recipe
Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli is a quick, simple, and delicious dinner recipe that the whole family loves! It's so cheesy and so tasty!
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Cheesy Tortellini Pasta Recipe
Cheesy garlic tortellini pasta is covered in a delish homemade sauce, and is ready in 20 minutes! It is perfect for busy weeknights.
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Quick Healthy Dinner Ideas
Fast doesn’t need to mean unhealthy! These healthy options are perfect to have on hand. It will help you get dinner on the table quickly and avoid a hasty trip to pick up fast food.
Chicken Caesar Wrap Recipe
Fresh Chicken Caesar Wraps are a simple, delicious variation of a Caesar Salad. It's perfect for a lunch or picnic.
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Waldorf Salad Recipe
Waldorf salad is filled with texture and flavor. Tossed in a homemade poppy seed dressing, it's perfect for any lunch, dinner, or appetizer.
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Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Our creamy egg drop soup recipe is quick, simple, and tastes better than takeout. It's made right at home in 20 minutes!
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Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
The tender chicken and flavorful sauce with yummy veggies made this stir fry dish a keeper, and I’m already anxious to try it again.
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Chicken and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe
Healthy and delicious Lemon Chicken and Asparagus Stir Fry is packed with lots of delicious flavors. It's simple and super easy too!
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Pork and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
If you love Asian food, you'll love this simple and delicious Pork and Broccoli Stir-fry!! It is PACKED with flavor!!
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Meatball Soup
Veggie loaded Meatball soup is filling and delicious. Your entire family will love and devour this kid-friendly dish!
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Easy Tortellini Soup
This easy tortellini soup recipe is packed with delicious ingredients, only takes 10 minutes to prep, and is perfect all year long.
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Chicken Taco Salad Recipe
Crunchy and fresh chicken taco salad is a weeknight dinner dream! Easy, flavorful, and a recipe that everyone will enjoy.
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Asian Citrus Chicken Salad Recipe
Bright & Flavorful Asian Citrus Chicken Salad topped with crunchy wontons and a fruity vinaigrette is a family favorite!!
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Chicken Lettuce Wrap Recipe
This chicken lettuce wrap recipe is a copycat of a restaurant favorite. It's fresh and filling and takes just 20 minutes to make!!
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Healthy Flatbread Pizzas Recipe
Try making either of these Healthy Flatbread Pizzas! Chicken Pesto Pizza and Buffalo Chicken pizza – BOTH full of flavor and low on calories!
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Tomato Pizza
Tomato pizza is covered in slices of juicy tomatoes and fresh basil for a mouth-watering vegetarian pizza twist.
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Pasta Primavera Recipe
Pasta primavera is a tried and true dinner recipe. It's filled with peak-of-the-season veggies for a deliciously bright bite!
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Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner
Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies are on the table in minutes and easy to clean up! This healthy dish is a perfect weeknight dinner.
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Steak Bites Recipe
Succulent steak bites are juicy, tender, and cook up in minutes! Serve them as an appetizer or as part of a meal.
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Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
Deliciously crispy baked chicken wings have endless possibilities. Bake in the oven, and dip in your favorite sauces!
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Southwest Salad Recipe
Our favorite Southwest Salad recipe is healthy and hearty and topped with a delicious homemade cilantro ranch dressing.
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Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Baked chicken nuggets are easy to make and packed with flavor. Tastier than the frozen options, they are flavorful and healthy!
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Steak and Tortellini Salad Recipe
Delish Steak and Tortellini Salad is hearty and refreshing. Tortellini, sirloin & romaine in a creamy pesto dressing is a must-have!
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Quick Chicken Dinner Ideas
All are simple, all are delicious, and all of these recipes utilize chicken!! Chicken is a versatile ingredient that can take on so many tasty flavor profiles. There is no shortage of goodness here – you’re sure to find a kid pleaser!
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Loaded with juicy grilled pineapple, red onion and crisp lettuce, this Hawaiian BBQ Chicken sandwich is perfect for summer entertaining!
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How to Bake Chicken
Learn how to bake chicken like a pro! This easy no-fail method yields juicy, tender results every single time.
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Chicken Stroganoff
Creamy chicken stroganoff is perfect for dinner any night of the week. It's full of flavor and is made, start to finish, in under 40 minutes!
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Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe
Quickly whip up this healthy baked bbq chicken in under 30 minutes. With a homemade bbq sauce, the flavor is fantastic!
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Teriyaki Chicken
Our easy teriyaki chicken whips up in minutes for the perfect take-out-inspired dinner any night of the week!
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Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
This flavorful lemon garlic chicken is ready in 15 minutes or less! It's a great weeknight chicken dinner.
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Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Flavorful and tender Lemon Pepper Chicken is simple and requires just a few ingredients. Served on its own or over rice, this buttery chicken dish is perfect any night of the week for a simple, quick dinner idea.
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Chicken and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe
Healthy and delicious Lemon Chicken and Asparagus Stir Fry is packed with lots of delicious flavors. It's simple and super easy too!
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Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Hearty chicken gnocchi soup is filled with veggies and on the table in only 30 minutes. It's a favorite copycat recipe!
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Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe
Honey Mustard Chicken Salad is one of the heartiest, most delicious salad recipes you'll try! With greens, fruits, nuts, and a tangy dressing, it's a real winner.
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Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
Simple Avocado Chicken Salad is fresh, delicious, and whips up in minutes. Enjoy it as a salad or sandwich!
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Chicken Alfredo Pizza Recipe
This Delicious Chicken Alfredo Pizza is made with a homemade pizza crust, homemade white sauce and is topped with chicken and spinach.
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BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Switch up pizza night with this smoky BBQ chicken pizza recipe – with some simple shortcuts, it's on the table in no time!
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Chicken bacon ranch casserole is smothered in alfredo and on the table in under 30 minutes for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
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Parmesan Chicken and Noodles Recipe
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Noodles recipe. So delicious and recipe includes egg noodles, peas, chicken, panko, and parmesan in a creamy sauce!
Chicken Penne Pasta
Creamy, cheesy, and ready in 30 minutes, this classic chicken penne pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food.
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Chicken Pesto Pasta
Cheesy chicken pesto pasta is a quick and easy family favorite that can be on the table in under 30 minutes!
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Orange Chicken Recipe
Skip the takeout and eat in with this incredibly tasty sweet and spicy orange chicken recipe. It's on the table in no time!
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Honey Chicken Recipe
Spicy and sweet honey chicken is great to serve with rice or noodles. Add your favorite veggies to make it even better!
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Chicken Nuggets Recipe
This homemade chicken nuggets recipe is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and a million miles away from anything frozen.
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Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets Recipe
Get the crispy, delicious copycat Chick Fil A nuggets without leaving the house. They taste just like the real thing!
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FAQS
How do I make a dinner menu plan?
- Prep ahead of time. When the meals are planned for the week, ingredients can be prepped ahead of time.
- Save time and money. Instead of running to the grocery store several times a week, make a list of what you’ll need for the weekly menu, and only go once.
- Flexibility. Having all the needed ingredients for a week of meals allows you to adjust your daily plan. If something unexpected pops up, simply switch that day’s meal with a quicker one planned for later that week.
- Variety. Planning allows for more variety and healthier eating. No more hasty trips to pick up fast food.
What are ways that I can make a quick dinner?
- 30 minutes or less. Collect 30-minute meal recipes to have quick options on hand. As an added tip, keep all needed pantry staples on hand for easy recipes you make often.
- Chicken. Have cooked meat on hand that’s ready to throw into pasta, soup, or even enchiladas. Shredded chicken is perfect to be kept in the freezer.
- Freezer meals. Double the recipe and save the extras in the freezer, for later. Thaw the dish in the fridge overnight and heat it for dinner the next day!
- Instant pot. This is especially helpful when I forget to thaw my meat. Unlike the crock pot, you can quickly cook completely frozen meat in an instant pot.
- Leftovers can be a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Use leftover Crock Pot Pot Roast to make Green Chile Burritos, leftover Best Chili Recipe to make loaded nachos or chili dogs, or put leftover Baked BBQ Chicken on top of a salad.
For More Easy Dinner Ideas:
Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
12 mins
Pizza Casserole
30 mins
Homemade Hamburger Helper
30 mins
Easy Meatball Recipe
20 mins
Really like the recipes.
I made walking taco for the first time and two great things happened. The Fritos, which are always left untouched in the chip box, got eaten and my kids asked me to make them again this week. I hope the other easy recipes on the list are as well received.
Best ideas ever! The variety is simply amazing. Who doesn’t like quick and easy?
The word caught my attention!! I am all about fast & easy!! That’s exactly what these recipes are! And, they taste so good! We’ve never been disappointed!