Let’s face it. When you’ve spent a long day on the go, slaving over the stove is the least appealing thought known to man.
However, if you find yourself reaching for the takeout menu every time the weeknight blues hit – stop! We get it, and we’ve got you covered.
No, we’re not asking you to cook an elaborate feast. And no, you won’t have to spend hours chopping, dicing, and slicing in the kitchen.
If you want something quick, simple, and filling, let’s take a look at the 30 BEST easy weeknight dinners your body will thank you for.
1. Spicy Peanut Udon Noodles
Sometimes, all you need is noodles. These spicy peanut udon noodles will take you just ten minutes to make (including prep time), plus, they’re packed with carbs to help fill those takeout cravings. With a warm, spicy flavor and a creamy coating, these noodles are destined to become your next obsession.
2. Pizza Quesadillas (Pepperoni)
Did somebody say Pizza? AND Quesadillas!? That’s right, get ready to indulge in one of the most incredible speedy meals you’ve ever had: pizza quesadillas. In less than ten minutes, these mouth-watering creations are ready to eat. All you need is tortillas, cheese, pepperoni, pizza sauce, and some olives or mushrooms. Heavenly.
3. Beef Tacos With Tomato Radish Salsa
Tacos: one of the most incredible comfort foods known to man. These charred beef tacos with tomato radish salsa not only LOOK delicious, but they really taste it, too. If you’ve got a little extra time to spare, these will take you twenty minutes to prep, and fifteen minutes to cook. For the spicy steak and punchy salsa, it’s worth every second.
4. Lentil Bolognese With Spaghetti
You can’t go wrong with bolognese. What’s even better though, is that this recipe is super quick, cheap, and healthier than the real deal. The lentils are a superb substitute for beef, and including prep time, this hearty meal can be whipped up in just 25 minutes. No mess, no fuss, just a quick and simple way to tide you over.
5. Stuffed Chicken Breast With Spinach And Artichoke
Yes, you can have something THIS fancy in just 30 minutes. This stuffed chicken breast with spinach and artichoke will take you just 20 minutes to prep, and 12 minutes to cook. Its creamy lemon sauce will refresh your palette and bring a much-needed burst of flavor back into your weeknight mealtimes.
6. Turkey Stir-Fry
This ground turkey stir-fry is nutritious, delicious, and can be whipped up in just 30 minutes. The ingredients list boasts a mouth-watering selection of turkey, onions, peppers, garlic, soy sauce, broccoli, rice, and scallions.
Even for the pickiest of eaters, this ground turkey stir-fry is destined to go down a treat and make it onto your list of essential weeknight meals.
7. Pesto Pasta
When you’ve just tackled a long commute, and a long day at the workplace, sometimes, pasta is the only option. This easy pesto pasta is a simple way to add a charming and tasty burst of flavor to your regular pasta dish. Ready to go in just five minutes, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t give this classic staple meal a go.
8. Cheese Omelet
Simple, hearty, and delicious, this classic cheese omelet is truly iconic. Plus, if you’re not much of a cook, this is one of the easiest recipes you will EVER have to follow. It’s also as versatile as it is tasty – pair this dish with baked beans, a salad, or fried spinach and mushrooms for the easiest and most filling meal you’ll ever have to make.
9. Chicken Fajitas
Fajitas: they’re tasty, quick, and they NEVER disappoint. These easy chicken fajitas can be made in just 25 minutes, and they’re a great way to bring a vibrant burst of color and flavor to your day.
You’ll only need a handful of ingredients, and you can chuck on any extras you have lying around in the fridge – perfect if you’re feeling creative but still want to be as lazy as possible in the kitchen.
10. Vegan Cauliflower And Potato Soup
If the weather is turning colder and you need a classic comfort meal to carry you through, try this stunning vegan cauliflower and potato soup. It’s creamy, nutritious, and ready in around 30 minutes. Plus, it’s super carby but still low cal, so you’ll get that much-needed carbohydrate kick to pull you through the rest of the evening.
11. Zucchini Turkish Gozleme
This simple, meat-free zucchini is here to save the day. It takes just 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, PLUS its irresistible ingredients list will have you drooling at the mouth.
With a mix of chilies, yogurt, cumin, feta, egg, spinach, and more, this Turkish zucchini is easy on the eyes and the palette. If you like a meal with a bit of a kick, you should give this a try.
12. Chorizo Pasta With Harissa And Yoghurt
Yes, this is as delicious as it sounds. This chorizo pasta with harissa and yogurt requires just six simple ingredients, and it’ll only take you around 20 minutes to cook. It’s also a modern and innovative way to cook lasagne sheets without having to make lasagne. In fact, once you’ve given this a go, you’ll probably never crave lasagne again. Get cooking!
13. Spicy Shrimp Tacos With Mango Salsa
If you want to bring that summer beach feel straight to your front room, look no further than these spicy shrimp tacos with mango salsa. This recipe makes twelve tacos (perfect for your mid-week feast), and they’re ready in just 20 minutes. They’re vibrant and utterly irresistible. Go on, treat yourself!
14. Chicken And Broccoli
If you’re after something healthy that’s so quick to cook, that it practically magically appears at the table, get a load of this chicken and broccoli recipe. This quick-fix is ready to go in just twelve minutes, and it’s loaded with flavor thanks to its combination of stir fry sauce, onions, honey, and garlic.
This recipe proves that those weeknight pick-me-ups don’t always have to be a takeaway to hit the sweet spot.
15. Kimchi Grilled Cheese
Is there anything better than cheese? With this recipe, I think not. Packed with a combo of garlic, cheese, bread, chives, and fresh basil, this kimchi grilled cheese is one of the fanciest, tastiest sandwiches you’ll ever eat. In just 20 minutes, you’ll enter grilled cheese heaven, and you’ll probably never want to leave!
16. 15 Minute Wonton Soup
Bring your night to life with this gorgeous wonton soup. It’s filling and warming but still low cal, plus its incredible combination of ingredients (including ginger, leeks, chicken, or sriracha) is truly out of this world. It’s also so adaptable that you can feel free to leave or add in whatever ingredients you may have around the kitchen. Perfect!
17. Black Pepper Tofu With Bok Choy
This black pepper tofu with bok choy will keep you coming back for more. It’s quick, easy, and vegan, and you’ll be ready to eat in just 20 minutes. You’ll also only need a few basic ingredients to whip this one up, including tofu, salt, and garlic – ideal if you’re running low on supplies.
Guaranteed to please even the pickiest of palettes, this black pepper tofu with bok choy is a must-try.
18. Beans On Toast
This British mealtime staple is so simple and delicious that we just had to include it! Ready in just 10 minutes, beans on toast is one of the simplest meals you’ll ever have to make.
Simply toast some bread, put your beans on the hob, grate some cheese (optional), and you’re good to go. This recipe can also be tweaked to include any other seasoning you may like, but honestly, it’s pretty good the traditional way.
19. Mac And Cheese
Ready to learn a three-ingredient mac and cheese hack that can yield you this creamy, mealtime staple in just 15 minutes? Then check out this recipe! Hearty, simple, and delicious, mac and cheese should ALWAYS be on your list of easy weeknight meals. This carb-heavy classic is the best way to unwind and indulge after a long day at work.
20. BBQ Chicken Nachos
Nachos, anyone? This cheesy twist on regular nachos can be made in less than 30 minutes. Packed with jalapenos, onion, cheese, chicken, and bbq sauce, these may just be the BEST nachos you’ll ever taste.
Plus, you can fill these out with whatever fruits or vegetables you have leftover. From avocados to pineapples, anything goes.
21. Goulash
If you want something tasty and filling, but you can’t bear to face a mountain of washing up, try this one-skillet Goulash. Ready in just under 30 minutes, this irresistible recipe of beef, cheese, macaroni, and seasonings will dance around your tastebuds and make those takeout cravings a thing of the past.
Plus, this recipe is so simple to follow that you definitely don’t need to be a whizz in the kitchen to master it.
22. Diner-Style Tuna Melt
Now, THIS is really something. Delicious, gooey and cheesy – it’s the perfect weeknight meal! This diner-style tuna melt can be made in as little as 15 minutes, and it requires very few ingredients. Don’t let that put you off, though, because sometimes, less is more.
23. Ramen Fried Rice
Ditch your instant cup noodles for this homemade, ramen-fried rice recipe. We promise it won’t disappoint you. With just six ingredients, you can make these in as little as ten minutes, and this recipe can make you enough for two to three servings. So, if you’re feeling extra peckish after work, this recipe may be for you.
24. Stovetop Burgers
Nothing screams comfort like a juicy cheeseburger. This stovetop burger recipe will let you create the tastiest, the pan-fried burger you’ll EVER eat. Best of all, they’ll be ready in just twenty minutes! Take one look at this masterpiece, and suddenly, fast food doesn’t look so good. Top with onion, lettuce, or anything your heart desires, and you’ll go to bed with a soul as happy as your stomach.
25. Chicken Burrito
These chicken burritos are as easy to cook as they are to eat. The best bit? They’re also incredibly nutritious, so you won’t feel guilty about eating them!
Ready in just ten minutes, these chicken burritos are made with shredded chicken, avocado, cheese, cilantro, tortillas, and oil. It’s really never been easier to satisfy your weeknight hunger (or laziness) with this recipe.
26. Herb And Onion Frittata
This Italian-style classic can be partnered with almost any combination of herbs you can think of.
Plus, it’s low-cal, gluten-free, and vegetarian. What more could you ask for!? This notorious crowd pleaser is ready to go in just ten minutes, and it’s so easy to make, that you’ll be wondering why you never tried it sooner.
27. Pasta Pomodoro
The next time you’re craving pasta, try making this simple pasta Pomodoro. Made with a combination of onion, basil, tomatoes, and garlic, it’s a cheap and simple way to get your weekly pasta fix with an extra burst of color and flavor. Plus, this recipe serves for, so you can even freeze the sauce and save it for later.
28. Bangers And Mash
Bangers and mash is another British classic that definitely doesn’t skimp on flavor. Ready in under thirty minutes, get ready to feast on a delightful mix of sausages, mashed potato, and gravy.
You’ll need just six ingredients, each of them a kitchen staple. This meal is ideal for winter months or if you just need some general comfort food to make your evening brighter.
29. Caesar Salad
This legendary meal is in a league of its own, and with this recipe, your Caesar salad will be ready to eat in no time. Made with a mouth-watering mix of bacon, mustard, cheese, garlic, and more, get ready for the TASTIEST salad you will ever eat. It might not be the healthiest, but it’s heavy on the greens, so you’ll still get a splash of nutrition.
30. Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Sometimes, after a long day at work, all you want is a sandwich, and this avocado grilled cheese sandwich takes pleasure to a whole new level. It’s vegetarian, ready in 5 minutes, and made with the simplest of ingredients.
Plus, because sandwiches are so versatile, you can include anything else you desire – from onions and lettuce to mustard or garlic. Honestly, it just tastes great with anything!
