By Trisha Herrick
Picture this: It’s Tuesday afternoon and I’m running out the door to pick up my youngest daughter from school. I’ll have to rush her off to dance class this afternoon. Meanwhile, I’m taking a work call from the car and bracing myself for the inevitable “What’s for dinner, mom?” question. Though weeknights aren’t always like this, I’m sure many of you have been in very similar situations. Sometimes, getting dinner on the table feels like an impossible feat. After all, I’m typically one to plan my meals on the fly.
But when I do plan ahead and have something ready to heat up or quick ingredients to throw together, I feel like the star of my own movie. Having fast, fresh, and easy recipes in my back pocket is a game changer. If you’re a busy mom like me (or just a busy person!), here are my favorite quick and easy meals that can be ready on the table in just 15 minutes.
Open-Faced Tuna Melts with Potato Chips
I’m a firm believer that sandwiches count as dinner and tuna melts are one of my favorite quick meals to pull together at lightning speed. A bonus is that both of my kids love them. We use an air fryer instead of the oven and they always turn out perfectly. I love any recipe that sneaks in beans for more fiber and protein!
Get the recipe: Open-Faced Tuna Melts with Potato Chips
Taco Skillet with Beef and Cauliflower Rice
Whether it’s taco Tuesday or just a busy weeknight, this recipe will save your sanity. It’s ready in just 15 minutes and loaded with yummy veggies, like onions, peppers, and sneaky riced cauliflower. Almost too good to be true!
Get the recipe: Taco Skillet with Beef and Cauliflower Rice
Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Broil
Talk about an easy store-bought hack. This recipe uses only five ingredients and tastes like it was a labor of love. But the secret sauce is store-bought spinach artichoke dip with a touch of fresh spinach to brighten the meal. Serve it over rice for a go-to quick meal any night of the week.
Get the recipe: Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Broil
Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs with Sugar Snap Peas
Goodbye, takeout! These sweet and sour meatballs are restaurant-worthy and on the table in no time thanks to microwaveable rice and frozen turkey meatballs.
Get the recipe: Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs with Sugar Snap Peas
Sesame Beef Rice Bowl
One quick meal that’s on repeat in our house is a simple combination of chicken or beef, a vegetable (or two!), and rice. It’s simple, delicious, and a crowd-pleaser. Try this protein-rich beef bowl, that’s ready in only 15 minutes thanks to microwaveable rice and frozen veggies.
Get the recipe: Sesame Beef Rice Bowl
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
Keep ground beef on hand for quick meals like this riff on Philly cheesesteaks. Everything cooks in one skillet, and if you like convenience, pre-cut peppers and onions are the way to go to get dinner on the table fast.
Get the recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
Nachos to Go
Imagine answering the dreaded “What’s for dinner?” question with “Nachos!”. Whether you’re truly eating them “to go” or just keeping cleanup to a minimum, this super-fast meal is fun and lets everyone customize their toppings.
Get the recipe: Nachos to Go
Italian Chopped Kale Salad
I’m not usually one to jump on trends, but chopped salads are right up my alley. This salad checks all of the fast, fresh, and easy boxes. And bonus, the leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day!
Get the recipe: Italian Chopped Kale Salad
Easy Marry Me Chicken
Chicken in a dreamy creamy tomato sauce? Yes, please! Round out the meal with a quick salad and in 15 minutes you’ll also see why it’s called “Marry Me Chicken”.
Get the recipe: Easy Marry Me Chicken
Chicken Caesar Pizza
OK, I’m cheating here, since it will take 20 minutes to get this on the table, but it’s such a great recipe I had to include it. Make it a mid-week pizza night with five store-bought ingredients that team up to create a family-friendly pizza that will rival delivery. Plus, you won’t even have to tell the kids to eat their greens.
Get the recipe: Chicken Caesar Pizza
Trisha Herrick oversees the design and execution of Savory Magazine. Beyond the pages, she’s a mom to two growing girls, an aspiring homesteader, and a lover of all things DIY. You’ll most often find her sipping coffee and slinging puns.
