Between running errands, carpooling the kids, and tackling that ever-growing work to-do list, finding the time to whip up a quick and easy meal on a busy weeknight can seem impossible. But with these ten simple and delicious recipes, you can make something tasty and nutritious to feed your family in next to no time.
1. Delicious Dinners Made in 30 Minutes or Less
The fast-paced modern life has us all running against the clock. When that happens, something has to give and that’s usually family dinners. Put your worries aside because these recipes prove put together a delicious dinner is possible, even when you’re tight on time.
- Spaghetti and meatballs: All you have to do is boil a pot of water with the spaghetti in it and put together some quick home-made meatballs. This classic combo can be put together in around 20 minutes and is sure to be a hit with everyone at the dinner table.
- Philly cheesesteak sliders: These mini sandwiches are so tasty that you won’t believe how easy they are to make. Get some deli roast beef, grab some onion rolls and toss on some cheese and you’re good to go. Dinner is served in 15 minutes.
- Fish tacos: Fish is surprisingly quick to cook so take advantage of it when you’re looking for something that’s both easy and delicious. Grab some fish fillets, some ready-made salsa and sour cream, and lettuce. Fry the fish and assemble the tacos. Dinner is ready in 10 minutes.
Need something lighter? How about pasta salad or an omelette with some grilled vegetables on the side? Both of these can be made within 10 minutes. And if you’ve got a bit more time on your hands, try your hands at a one-pot dish like chilli con carne or jambalaya. With the right ingredients, you can get dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Family dinners don’t have to be an impossible dream. With a bit of pre-planning and the right recipes, you can enjoy some delicious meals in no time.
2. Easy Ingredient Combinations for Busy Weeknights
With the hustle and bustle of modern times, making dinner can seem like a Herculean task after a long day’s work. But don’t despair – you can whip up delicious and nutritious meals with only a few ingredients! The following are some of the simplest yet yummy recipes for those busy weeknights:
- Spicy Quinoa Salad: Cook quinoa according to package instructions and season with chili flakes, garlic powder, oregano, and sea salt. Meanwhile, mix together your choice of diced red peppers, corn, black beans, and cherry tomatoes. Add the quinoa and mix in lime juice, olive oil, and avocado. Serve on a bed of greens for a light, zesty meal!
- Kale and Avocado Toast: Cook kale in a little olive oil until crisp. Toast multigrain bread and top with avocado slices, cooked kale, toasted almonds, and a drizzle of olive oil. Add a couple of slices of tomato for an extra zing!
- Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry: Toss beef strips with garlic powder, onion powder, and soy sauce. Heat a pan over medium heat, and cook the beef until browned. Set aside. Stir fry broccoli in sesame oil until softened. Add the beef back into the pan, season with pepper and more soy sauce, and toss together until the ingredients are coated. Serve warm with steamed rice or quinoa.
- Fish Tacos: Preheat oven to 375°F. Rub cod fillets with seasoning mix of choice – try cumin, smoked paprika, garlic, and chili powder. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the fish flakes easily. Meanwhile, combine diced avocado, tomato, red onion, and cilantro in a bowl. Serve the fish in warm corn tortillas with the topping mixture and a drizzle of lime juice.
With these easy recipes, you can have dinner on the table in no time. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make delicious meals!
3. 10 Fast and Filling Meals for Weekday Suppers
Weekdays can be hectic, leaving little time to whip up something nice after your job. Bringing something tasty and filling to your dinner table has never been easier when you can quickly prepare one of the following 10 meals for weekday suppers.
- Grilled cheese sandwiches with soup – A classic favorite, it’s hard to resist a hot and gooey cheesy sandwich with a bowl of your favorite soup. Add some minced chives to the soup to boost the flavor!
- Quesadillas with side salad – Quesadillas may just be the easiest and cheesiest meals out there, and they can be filled with whatever you like. Pair the quesadillas with black beans, vegetables, and some avocado slices for a tasty salad.
- Pasta with vegetables – It doesn’t get any easier than pasta! Boil any type of pasta you’d like, toss it with some olive oil, and top with vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or mushrooms.
- Tacos with beans – Soft tacos can be ready in no time. Fill them with beef, chicken, or veggies such as bell peppers and onions. Serve them as a meal with a side of refried beans and some hot sauce!
- Burrito bowls – Burrito bowls are guaranteed to be ready in no time! Assemble chicken, black beans, avocado slices, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, and any other ingredients you’d like to include.
Not feeling the above options? Here are some more meals to try:
- Stir-fry with rice – Heat up some oil in the wok, add vegetables and meat, and quickly stir-fry away! Serve the stir-fry over a bed of rice for a delicious, filling, and super fast meal.
- Ramen soup – If you don’t have much time, making ramen from a package is the way to go. Top with some boiled eggs, spring onions, and your favorite vegetables for a comforting, flavorful, and quick dinner.
- Tostadas with salsa – Fry some tortillas with oil and fill them with beef, chicken, or veggies. Top with your favorite salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, and black beans. A great, tasty, and fast meal!
- Fish and chips – For something a little more indulgent, try this classic meal. You can either buy pre-made chips or whip up some homemade ones. Add a fillet of your favorite white fish for a tasty and comforting meal.
- Vegetarian lasagna – Another classic favorite that is easy to make, vegetarian lasagna is the perfect meal to try. Layer pasta sheets, veggies, tomato sauce,and cheese, and bake until golden.
The options are endless for quick and easy weekday dinners. Try any of the above meals for an effortless supper you won’t regret!
4. Cut Kitchen Time Without Sacrificing Flavor
When it’s time to whip up a tasty meal at the end of a chaotic day, it’s not always convenient or enjoyable to spend hours chopping, stirring, and cleaning up. If you’re seeking to get dinner on the table quickly without sacrificing on flavor, check out these time-saving culinary tips that will revolutionize your dinnertime:
- If chopping isn’t your forte, look for pre-cut fruits and vegetables. Markets, superstores and even online stores are offering a large variety of pre-cut items that will save you time and hassle.
- Make your supply bin full. Having key ingredients like well-stocked canned goods, shelf-stable vegetables, and whole grains on-hand make it easier to make a meal with minimal effort.
- Take it slow…cooking, that is. Crock Pot recipes are perfect for people who don’t have time for a lengthy cooking process but don’t want to compromise on flavor. Some dishes can even be cooked overnight while you sleep!
- Double your recipes. Cooking in batches means you can freeze the extra food and have ready-made meals for easy reheating when you have a busy day.
Be creative with your leftovers! An unfinished bag of fried onions can be turned into a creamy onion soup. A bit of cooked chicken can be transformed to an amazing pie or slurpy noodles. With some imagination and a few fresh ingredients, those untouched leftovers can become amazing new meals.
Doing a bit of planning ahead of time and keeping your pantry stocked with essentials are two simple ways to save time and energy in the kitchen. Plus, you don’t have to sacrifice the flavor of your meals!
We hope this list of quick and easy meals has given you a simple way to make weeknight dinners stress-free, flavorful, and enjoyable. No need to worry about juggling time while cooking. With these 10 easy and quick meals for busy weeknights, it’s easy to gather everyone around the table for a delicious dinner. Bon appetite!
