Finding time to cook dinner on weekdays is a challenge. You’re tired and may still have some work after coming home – it becomes tougher. Cooking dinner seems like an even bigger challenge when you have a grocery budget to plan around.
If you haven’t had a chance to meal plan this week, don’t sweat it! We have all been there. When our work schedules or personal commitments have us running ragged, it is tempting to order in or stop at the closest restaurant so we can head home. But we’re here to tell you there are some easy meals you can make without much preparation or cooking skill.
Here’s a list that will help you out, all these meals are easy to make and don’t require hours in the kitchen!
Rice Bowls
Rice bowls are one of the go-to meals when you’re short on time or don’t like cooking much. All you need is rice, some veggies, and protein, then top with your favorite sauce or dressing. This recipe uses quinoa as its base; quinoa has lots of fiber and protein, making it a great choice if you’re looking for something healthy but still filling.
It’s also naturally gluten-free! People love pairing their rice bowl with avocado slices because they add creaminess without adding oil or fat. The best part? You can pair it with smoothies!
Spaghetti and Meatballs
This is one of those classic family meals that everyone loves. This is a great meal on weeknights when you need something quick and easy but still want something filling and delicious. The meatballs are super easy to make and freeze well so that you can make them ahead of time. You can also cook the pasta and meatballs in advance and add them to the spaghetti sauce at the last minute.
Salmon Burgers
These salmon burgers are a great choice if you’re looking for a quick, easy, delicious dinner. They’re packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients that can help keep your brain and body healthy. The secret to these burgers is the combination of mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese — it gives them a unique, creamy texture that makes them so good!
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
This quick and easy beef and broccoli stir fry is a meal the whole family will love. It’s made with ground beef, carrots, onions, mushrooms, and broccoli in a savory soy sauce-based sauce. This delicious dish is great for any night of the week!
Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Sauce
If you like Asian food, this pork tenderloin with garlic sauce is sure to be right up your alley. It has an Asian flair, but it’s still pretty easy to make if you can access some basic ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, and fresh ginger root. Most of the work involved here is just chopping up all of your ingredients so it shouldn’t take 20 minutes or so before everything is ready to go into the pan for cooking.
Taco Salad
Tacos are always a favorite because they’re so versatile. You can make them with ground beef, chicken, or even fish. Plus, they’re super easy to make at home — add all your toppings together in a bowl, top with taco meat and enjoy! This recipe uses chicken as its base and includes lettuce, corn, tomatoes, guacamole, and cheese for an authentic Mexican flavor that’s sure to please everyone in the family.
Chicken Pot Pie
Pot pie is another classic that never goes out of style. This is a classic comfort food, but it can be time-consuming to make from scratch. This recipe uses store-bought puff pastry to cut down on prep work, and the filling is made with frozen mixed veggies and rotisserie chicken instead of fresh. The result is a creamy chicken pot pie that you can whip up in less than 30 minutes.
Sheet Pan Nachos
Sheet pan nachos are a quick and easy dinner idea that can feed the whole family in less than 30 minutes. The base of this meal is simple: tortilla chips layered with cheese and your choice of meat or veggies. Baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly, this dinner will be ready before you know it!
If you’re looking for a kid-friendly dinner idea that’s quick and easy to make, try the sheet pan nachos with ground beef and pico de gallo salsa. This recipe makes enough for two adults or four kids (or one hungry adult!).
Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon is a quick and easy dinner made in just one pan. It’s sweet and savory, with a rich garlic flavor that comes together in minutes.
The salmon cooks quickly in a hot pan while the honey and garlic infuse to create an incredible flavor. You can even make this recipe with frozen salmon fillets!
With only six ingredients, this meal comes together easily. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you don’t have much time to cook but still want something flavorful and healthy.
Chopped Caprese Salad
Chopped Caprese Salad is a simple and delicious dish perfect for a quick dinner or lunch. This recipe calls for baby spinach, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and balsamic vinegar. The ingredients are chopped up and tossed with a simple dressing made of oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Chopped Caprese Salad is a great way to use leftovers from other meals. If you have leftover chicken or steak on hand, add it to this salad for an extra protein boost. You can also use dried herbs instead of fresh ones if you don’t have any.
Takeaway
Quick dinners can be a godsend for anyone with a time-crunched schedule or a large family to feed. They allow you to get a healthy meal on the table in around 30 minutes. Tasty, satisfying, and affordable, they are guaranteed to leave your head space free to relax and enjoy with your family instead of stressing over what’s for dinner.
