Need some dinner ideas you can throw together in little time and on low energy? Here are some of our favorite quick and easy dinners for busy weeknights!
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What is your go-to option for busy weeknight dinners? Does it start with “drive” and end in “thru”? (You can be honest – this is a judge-free zone!)
I get it! With school back in session, your afternoons and evenings just got a lot more full. Between afterschool activities, homework sessions, and prepping for the next morning, weeknight dinners can be daunting!
Plus, you’re tired, they’re tired, everyone is tired, and the last thing you feel like doing is fixing some elaborate meal that’s going to take more energy than you can summon and eat up your precious family time.
The good news is, home cooked meals don’t have to be the fancy fare you might be thinking! It is absolutely possible to fix good, wholesome meals that aren’t complicated, don’t require a lot of time, and won’t drain all your energy.
If you need ideas and inspiration, check out these 10 quick and easy dinners for busy weeknights!
10 Quick & Easy Dinners for Busy Weeknights
Need some dinner ideas you can throw together in little time and on low energy? Here are some of our favorite go-to dinners for busy weeknights:
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Spaghetti
Cook spaghetti or any kind of pasta you have on hand. Add marinara sauce. Take it up a notch by tossing in some chopped veggies or adding meatballs, which you can make and freeze ahead of time or buy in the frozen food section of the grocery store.
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Tacos
Tacos and all the taco variations.
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Korean Beef
Get the recipe here. Serve over rice.
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Taco Soup
Taco soup is the easiest soup to throw together. This taco soup recipe can be done on the stove or in the slow cooker.
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Sheet Pan Kielbasa & Veggies
Toss veggies (peppers and green beans are our favorites) in olive oil, spread on a sheet pan, and sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper. Add sliced kielbasa. Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes.
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Salsa Verde Chicken
Here is a slow cooker recipe and one for the Instant Pot. Either recipe can also be made with regular salsa.
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Stromboli
Use pre-made dough for a quick meal. Roll out and fill with your favorite toppings. (We’ve done pizza, taco, and cheeseburger fillings) Snip slits in the sides and braid, sealing each end. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.
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Rice Bowls
Cook rice. (I do it in the Instant Pot.) Serve in bowls and top with meat, beans, or eggs, and cooked veggies. A little cheese is often nice, too! This is a great way to use up random bits of leftovers.
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Instant Pot Cheeseburger Mac
Mix 1lb ground beef, 1 T dried onion, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp thyme, 1/4 cup ketchup, 3 cups dried macaroni, and 3 cups beef broth in your Instant Pot. Set for 6 minutes. Use a quick release, then stir in 2 cups shredded cheese.
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Instant Pot Honey Chicken Thighs
For more quick and easy dinners for busy weeknights, sign up for a FREE
“25 Family Favorite Dinners (You Can Throw Together in Minutes)” PDF!
Recipes included.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
- 25 One Pot / One Pan Meals for Easy Dinners
- 10 On-the-Go Meals You Can Make Ahead of Time
- 25 Pantry Meals You Can Make With What You Have on Hand
- 25 Meatless Meals (That Aren’t Pasta)
Share your thoughts!