Between work, school, and extracurricular activities, weeknights can be incredibly hectic. The last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen preparing dinner. Luckily, there are plenty of quick and tasty recipes that you can whip up in no time. Here are some delicious dinner ideas for busy weeknights.
Delicious Dinner Ideas for Busy Weeknights
Meatball Subs with a Twist
A classic meatball sub is always a crowd-pleaser, but why not switch things up by adding some unexpected flavors? Try making meatball subs with a Mediterranean twist. Use lamb or beef meatballs and top them with tzatziki sauce, feta cheese, and pickled red onions. Serve them on a soft hoagie roll for the ultimate comfort food.
Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
If you haven't jumped on the air fryer bandwagon yet, you're missing out. Air fryers are a game-changer when it comes to cooking crispy and juicy chicken. Try making air fryer chicken thighs with your favorite seasoning blend. They'll come out perfectly crispy on the outside, yet tender and juicy on the inside.
Pizza Casserole: A Family Favorite
Pizza night is always a hit with the kids, but making individual pizzas can be time-consuming. Instead, try making a pizza casserole. Layer cooked pasta with marinara sauce, pepperoni, and your favorite pizza toppings. Top it off with mozzarella cheese and bake until bubbly.
Beef Enchiladas Made Easy
Enchiladas are a comforting and flavorful meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Try making beef enchiladas with a shortcut by using canned enchilada sauce. Simply roll seasoned ground beef in corn tortillas, pour the sauce over the top, and bake until bubbly and golden. Top them off with shredded cheese and fresh cilantro for a satisfying meal.
Instant Pot Taco Soup: A Hearty Meal in Minutes
The Instant Pot is a lifesaver when it comes to cooking hearty and flavorful meals in minutes. Try making Instant Pot taco soup for a filling and satisfying meal. Simply brown ground beef with taco seasoning, add in canned tomatoes, black beans, corn, and broth. Pressure cook for 10 minutes and serve with shredded cheese, tortilla chips, and avocado.
Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce
Pasta is always a quick and easy meal, but why not switch things up by making a creamy tomato sauce? Try making bowtie pasta with a creamy tomato sauce that's simple to make but bursting with flavor. Sauté garlic and onion in olive oil, add in canned tomatoes, cream, and seasonings. Toss with cooked bowtie pasta and serve with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Homemade Hamburger Helper: A Comfort Food Classic
Hamburger Helper is a classic comfort food that's been around for decades. But why settle for the boxed version when you can make a homemade version that's even tastier? Brown ground beef and onion, add in stock, pasta, and seasonings. Cook until the pasta is tender and stir in some shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy and satisfying meal.
Chicken Spaghetti: A Southern Staple
Chicken spaghetti is a Southern staple that's perfect for feeding a crowd. Try making it for your family on a busy weeknight for a comforting meal. Simply cook spaghetti until al dente, mix with cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, and canned tomatoes. Bake until bubbly and top with grated cheese.
Healthy and Flavorful Turkey Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a classic dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. Try making a healthier version by using ground turkey instead of beef. Mix together ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. Form into a loaf and bake until cooked through. Serve with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a comforting and healthy meal.
Baked Ravioli with Homemade Marinara Sauce
Store-bought ravioli can be a lifesaver on busy weeknights. But instead of boiling them and tossing with sauce, try baking them for a crispy and cheesy meal. Top the ravioli with a homemade marinara sauce made from canned tomatoes, garlic, and onion. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a comforting and easy meal.
Creamy and Cheesy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser, but making it from scratch can take a while. Enter the Instant Pot. Try making Instant Pot mac and cheese for a quick and easy meal that's rich and creamy. Simply cook pasta in the Instant Pot, stir in some evaporated milk, and add grated cheese. Stir until melted and serve.
Sweet and Savory Bourbon Chicken
Bourbon chicken is a Chinese takeout favorite that's easy to make at home. Try making it for your family on a busy weeknight for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Sauté chicken with garlic and ginger, add in soy sauce, brown sugar, and bourbon. Simmer until the sauce is thick and serve over rice.
Chicken Noodle Casserole: A Cozy Meal for Cold Nights
Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food, but it can be time-consuming to make. Try making chicken noodle casserole for a cozy meal that's easy to make. Layer cooked egg noodles with shredded chicken, frozen peas and carrots, and cream of chicken soup. Top with buttery breadcrumbs and bake until golden brown.
Lasagna Soup: All the Flavor, Half the Work
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that's perfect for feeding a crowd. But making individual servings can be time-consuming. Try making lasagna soup for a quicker and easier meal that's just as satisfying. Sauté garlic and onion, add in ground beef, canned tomatoes, and broth. Simmer until the beef is cooked, and add cooked pasta and cheese. Top with fresh basil and serve.
Crispy and Tender Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are a classic kids' meal that's easy to make in the air fryer. Try making them for your family for a crispy and tender meal that's ready in minutes. Simply coat chicken tenders in seasoned breadcrumbs, and place them in the air fryer. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
With these quick and tasty dinner ideas, you'll be able to feed your family delicious meals on even the busiest of weeknights. Don't sacrifice flavor for convenience – try these recipes out and enjoy satisfying meals without the stress.
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