Do you ever find yourself at the end of the day, exhausted and wondering what to make for dinner? Being busy during the week can be challenging enough, without having to figure out what to cook for last minute meals. Luckily, there are plenty of quick and easy weeknight meals that make it possible to get a delicious dinner on the table in no time.
1. Busy Weeknights? No Problem!
Weeknights can be hectic. From the rush to get dinner ready to helping with homework and sports, there’s just not enough time to get everything done. Don’t worry – we have some tips to help you make the most of your busy weeknights!
Think Ahead: Meal planning can be essential for busy weeknights. If you already have dinner planned and the ingredients in the house or prepped, you can get dinner on the table quickly and without fuss. And bonus? Leftovers the next day!
Make It a Routine: Household routines can make a huge difference in reducing stress on weeknights. Keep on top of laundry, dishes, and other chores during the day or on weekends, so you have more time for things like dinner, homework, and quality time with your family.
All Hands-On Deck: Have your family help you on busy weeknights. There are plenty of things even kids can do – set the table, help put away the groceries, or help prepare a simple meal. Demonstrating how working together can help make stressful situations easier can be an invaluable life lesson.
Stay Positive: Remember that this too will pass and you’ll be back to leisurely weekend breakfasts before you know it. Take a deep breath and stay positive – you’re doing the best you can and that’s all anyone can ask of you.
2. Mouth-Watering Meals Ready in Minutes
It’s hard to have a healthy and tasty meal when you’re short on time. But with these quick and easy recipes, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
1. Chili-Lemon Grilled Tilapia
This dish is a tangy twist on a grilled classic. All you need is a pound of tilapia fillet, a few tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Start by mixing the chili powder, lemon juice, garlic, and butter in a bowl. Then coat the tilapia with the mixture and cook in a preheated pan over medium heat for 6 minutes per side. Serve with a side of greens for a complete meal.
2. Creamy Mac and Cheese
This indulgent dish doesn’t take much time to make. You’ll need a box of macaroni, ½ cup of butter, 1 tablespoon of garlic salt, 2 eggs, 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and a can of evaporated milk. Boil the macaroni, and melt the butter in a separate saucepan. Add the garlic salt and eggs to the melted butter. Then add the cheddar cheese and evaporated milk and stir until fully melted. Pour the sauce over the macaroni and serve.
3. Spicy Salmon Burgers
These vibrant salmon burgers dish also takes no more than 15 minutes to make. In a bowl, mix 2 pounds of salmon, 1 egg, 2 teaspoons of chilli powder, 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Form the patties and cook over medium heat in a greased skillet for 3 minutes per side. Serve the burgers with a slice of avocado and your favorite bun for a delicious meal.
4. Caprese Salad with Grilled Chicken
This classic Italian salad is a great way to get several servings of veggies in one meal. Marinate 4 strips of chicken breast in a mixture of olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes. Grill the chicken for 8 minutes per side, then slice and set aside. Assemble the salad by combining heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, and aged balsamic vinegar in a bowl. Top the concoction off with the grilled chicken for a hearty, savory meal.
3. Delicious Dinners in a Dash of Time
Don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen cooking dinner? Don’t worry – there are plenty of delicious dinners you can whip up in a jiffy. Here are three of our favorites:
- Chinese Lettuce Wraps: You don’t have to order Chinese food to enjoy a delicious wrap. With ground pork or beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauces, these lettuce wraps are incredibly easy to make and don’t require a lot of time. Try out a vegetables-only version for an easy vegan meal.
- Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup: What’s better than cheesy goodness and hot soup? Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup is a classic combo that requires minimal ingredients and is super quick and easy to prepare. Deluxe it with bacon and extra cheese, and enjoy!
- Crispy Potato Casserole: A few simple ingredients are all you need to make this delicious and comforting casserole. Layer potatoes with onion, cheese, and bacon, and top with a crispy topping for a savory dish that’s sure to please the whole family.
With all of these options, there’s no excuse for a boring dinner. All of these can be easily customized as well, so feel free to be creative and make each meal your own. Get creative and you’ll be able to whip up a delicious dinner in no time at all!
4. Fast & Flavorful Feasts for the Busy Bee
When you’re short on time but still in the mood for some excellent cooking, look no further than these tried and tested fast and flavorful feasts. Â
A delicious and filling feast can be had in no time with these recipes. From noodles with pork and ginger to cheese and prosciutto filled filo parcels, here is a collection of five dishes that are time-conscious and tasty. In one hour or less have a beautiful home-cooked meal on the table with these crowd pleasers.
- Pork and Ginger Noodles: This Asian-inspired stir fry is ready in 30 minutes and uses a handful of ingredients. Marinated pieces of pork pairs deliciously with noodles, ginger, and plentiful vegetables, making it a nutrient-packed and flavourful meal.
- Mexican Cornbread: This easy Mexican-style cornbread is a great accompaniment with all manner of dishes. Use canned corn, peppers and spices to make it even faster. It cooks in 20 minutes and is perfect with a serving of beans or chili.
- Stuffed Caponata Filo: A delicious cheesy puff pastry parcels filled with caponata vegetables. This is a quick and easy dish that takes less than an hour to make. Serve with a crunchy garden salad for a balanced meal.
- Vegetable and Bean Spread: This delectable spread is so fast and easy to make it almost requires no cooking. High in protein, this nourishing dip comes together in 20 minutes with the combination of roasted and raw vegetables and cannellini beans. Serve with toasted pitas or crunchy crudities.
- Sticky Pork Ribs: These melt-in-the-mouth sticky pork ribs are a great dinner idea for busy bees. A combination of sweet, while still mischievous ingredients dances perfectly together to make a sticky, Asian-style glaze that caramelizes the ribs in less than an hour.
These five tasty dishes are great for busy bees that crave home-cooked meals. In just an hour, you can be tucking into these fast and tasty feasts. School nights, time crunches, and busy weekends, these simple and delicious dishes will ensure you never resort to takeout ever again!
At the end of a long day, it’s a relief to whip up a delicious, fuss-free dinner in a flash. With these tasty and simple dishes, you can make weeknights worry-free with a nutritious, home-cooked meal. Bon Appétit!
