- Between work and all the obligations in our busy lives, finding time to cook dinner can seem like an impossible task on weeknights. But don’t panic — tasty, family-friendly dinners don’t require hours of prep! Here’s a selection of 10 quick and easy recipes you can make to get food on the table in no time, but not at the expense of flavor.
One-Pan Chicken Fajitas
Sheet pan chicken fajitas dinner
- One-pan meal, nothing says “quick dinner” more than that! Give chicken, bell peppers and onions a toss with fajita seasoning, then roasting it all on a sheet pan. It’s great with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings for a crowd-pleasing dinner.
- Why It Works: Maximum flavor for minimal cleanup makes this a weeknight winner.
15-Minute Shrimp Stir-Fry
Quick shrimp stir-fry with vegetables
- When time is of the essence, a quick stir-fry can be a lifesaver. Cook shrimp with colorful vegetables and a simple soy-ginger sauce, serving over rice or noodles. It’s good for you, satisfying and quick to prepare.
- Why It Works: Quick, healthy and amenable to just about any vegetables you’ve got.
Easy Beef Tacos
Ground beef tacos with toppings
- But tacos, they’re always a family favorite! Cook up some seasoned ground beef, put some in taco shells, and let everybody pile on fillings — cheese, lettuce, salsa and more.
- Why It Works: It’s fast, fun and accommodates picky eaters.
One-Pot Pasta Primavera
Creamy pasta primavera one pot
- This creamy pasta with loads of vegetables cooks all in one pot. Just throw in pasta, veg, broth, and seasonings, and stir until the parts it is all done verging on at the same time.
- Why It Works: It’s comforting, simple to Prepare dinner, and results in only one pot (or pan) to scrub.
Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
Sheet pan roasted sausage and vegetables
- Chop up your favorite sausages and vegetables, toss them with olive oil and seasonings, and roast them all together on a sheet pan. Serve as is or over rice for a hearty meal.
- Why It Works: This is the great thing about passive cooking: You can take a break while your dinner bakes.
Quick Chicken Fried Rice
Homemade chicken fried rice
- Make a family-friendly meal by adding leftover rice to cooked chicken, mixed veggies and scrambled eggs. And soy sauce and sesame oil for that quintessential fried rice flavor.
- Why It Works: It’s great for using up leftovers and comes together in minutes.
20-Minute Flatbread Pizzas
Flatbread pizza with toppings
- Spread store-bought flatbreads with marinara sauce, shredded cheese and your favorite toppings and layer them. Bake until bubbly, and dinner’s ready!
- Why It Works: It’s pizza night in a hurry, always fun and custom-made.
Turkey and Cheese Quesadillas
Crispy turkey cheese quesadillas
- Quesadillas are the best, no-fuss meal that children and adults alike love. Stuff tortillas with turkey, cheese and any veg you like and cook until crispy and golden.
- Why It Works: Fast, delicious and good alongside salad or vegetables.
Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon
Lemon garlic salmon with broccoli
- Drizzle salmon fillets with olive oil, lemon juice and garlic and bake until flaky. Serve with steamed broccoli or roasted potatoes for a full meal.
- Why It’s Great: It’s healthy, sophisticated and needs very little prep.
Sloppy Joe Sliders
Sloppy Joe sliders for family dinner
- Ground beef stewed in a sweet-tangy sauce and then piled on slider buns — what’s not to love? Serve with chips, or a simple salad, for an easy dinner.
- Why It Works: It’s nostalgic comfort food that’s quick and playful to eat.
Wrap-Up: Dinner Done Right
- With these 10 fast family meals, goodbye to drive-thru dinners! These recipes are intended to help save time, please picky eaters and make your weeknights a bit less stressful. So pull your ingredients together, set your timer and get cooking — your family will thank you!