Quick Dinners You Can Make Any Night Of The Week
We've all been there before. You've had an insanely hectic day where you're running around non-stop leads to finally getting home and having a moment to breathe... until that moment gets interrupted by the reminder that you still need to cook dinner.
Odds are that this scenario plays out in your life at least once a week. The go-to meals during nights like these usually include fast food, takeout, frozen food, or some leftovers in your fridge. But what if we told you that you could whip up delicious, homemade, dinners with a bare minimum of time and effort?
No, it's not a dream. These meals really do exist. In fact, these recipes are so tasty, you'll want to make them even when you have the whole night free. Whether it's soul-satisfying comfort food like turkey chili or sloppy joes, or some easy grilled burgers or shrimp, these are the quick dinners you can make any night of the week.
One-pot spaghetti
Spaghetti is the go-to dinner when you're short on time, and for good reason. It's cheap, easy to make, and can feed a table full of hungry eaters. And with this one-pot spaghetti recipe, there's almost no cleanup afterward.
As promised, the recipe is decidedly simple to follow, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish. Put all the ingredients in a large Dutch oven, bring to a boil, and cook for 10 minutes. Then stir in some shredded Parmesan cheese and serve. It's really that easy!
Turkey chili
Few meals are as hearty and comforting as a bowl of hot chili. Generally, meals that garner those adjectives take an exorbitant amount of time and effort to make. But this turkey chili can be prepped, cooked, and on your table in just 40 minutes.
The recipe couldn't be any easier to follow. Start by browning ground turkey in a large Dutch oven. Then add in onion and some garlic. Stir in beans, tomatoes, broth, and spices, and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes. Finally, add in corn and green chiles and you're done!
This turkey chili freezes very well, so it may be a good idea to simply double the batch and freeze half of it. Then the next time you need a quick and easy dinner, all you have to do is simply defrost a portion.
Cabbage and noodles
Maybe the most important quality a quick dinner recipe requires is simplicity. If so, this seven-ingredient recipe for cabbage and noodles certainly fits the bill.
Most of the dish's flavor comes from the onions and cabbage, so properly caramelizing them is key. To do so, first, cook them in a covered pan for five minutes. This steams the vegetables and softens them. Then take the lid off and cook for an additional 12 to 15 minutes until they are good and browned. All that's left to do at this point is to cook the egg noodles and combine them with the vegetables. While the dish is traditionally vegetarian, you can also add some bacon or kielbasa for those carnivorous nights.
Grilled shrimp
What if we told you that you could have a delicious seafood dinner prepped, cooked, and ready to eat in just 16 minutes? Impossible, right? Not with this easy grilled shrimp recipe it isn't.
All you need to do is thread the shrimp onto wooden skewers, drizzle them with a buttery lemon sauce, then throw them on the grill for three minutes on each side. Could it get any easier? Actually, yes. If you want to save yourself even more time when dinner rolls around, make your shrimp skewers ahead of time and save them in the refrigerator.
Although they're on the smaller side, a handful or two of shrimp can be rather filling. That said if you're looking for something a little satiating, add the grilled shrimp to another easy dinner, such as tacos, salads, or pasta.
Turkey burger
Burgers are never a bad choice and, since these turkey burgers take just 30 minutes to make, they're a particularly apt meal for a busy night. The turkey patties are made from ground turkey, eggs, sautéed onions, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Once the patties are formed, simply start cooking. We recommend using a cast iron grill on the stovetop but a grill, pan, griddle, or even a broiler will work. Cook for five minutes on each side, assemble the burger with the toppings and condiments of your choice, and dig in!
Sloppy joes
A sloppy joe may not be the most elegant dinner around, but what it lacks in refinement, it makes up for in flavor, ease, and heartiness. By following this easy sloppy joe recipe, you can cook up a delicious dinner for six in just 30 minutes. Start by browning the ground beef, then add chopped onion and bell pepper, and lastly garlic. The sauce, which can be made ahead of time, consists of many ingredients you likely already have on hand, including tomato sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Whip those together, then add the sauce to the meat. After about five minutes, it should thicken up and you're ready to serve!
Don't think that sloppy joes have to be bad for you, either. To up the health factor, wap out the beef for chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat and throw in some more vegetables to the mix.
Shrimp rolls
Although shrimp rolls are usually an appetizer, there are no rules when you're in need of a quick dinner. Now, you might think that assembling this treat requires a great deal of skill and time. But these easy shrimp rolls can be made by most amateur chefs in less than 20 minutes. That said, it may require a trip to the grocery store for some of the more unique ingredients.
To get started, boil the shrimp and noodles separately while you make the savory peanut butter-based dipping sauce. After that, it's time to assemble. Lay a wet rice paper wrap flat and add the veggies, noodles, and shrimp. Lift one side of the wrap, fold it over, and tuck in the corners. Serve with the dipping sauce and enjoy!