These 21 express evening meals are here to prove that you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to make something worth eating. Forget about complicated recipes—these dishes are quick, easy, and actually taste amazing. After a long day, the last thing anyone wants is to slave over a stove, but these meals let you skip all the hassle. You’ll still get all the flavor without needing to call for takeout.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style
Combining the heartiness of steak with the elegance of escargot-inspired flavors results in a dish perfect for those who enjoy a meaty bite without spending all evening in the kitchen. Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style can turn an ordinary evening into a special occasion. Serve this dish with a simple side to highlight its rich flavors. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for a busy workday.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style
Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon
If you’re in the mood for something hearty and comforting, look no further. Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon brings together filling ingredients in a dish that warms from the inside out. It’s a simple, straightforward meal that reminds you of the joys of rustic, home-cooked dinner. Ideal for a chilly evening, this quick meal doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s the perfect example of how simplicity often leads to the best meals.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon
Grandma’s Salmon Cakes
For a nostalgic trip down memory lane, Grandma’s Salmon Cakes are a delicious choice. This recipe brings back the warmth of Grandma’s kitchen, where love was a key ingredient. These cakes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and can be whipped up in no time. Ideal for a quick dinner, they also work great as leftovers. Enjoy a taste of tradition any night of the week without toiling away for hours.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Salmon Cakes
Lemon Chicken Broccoli Orzo Skillet
When you need a quick meal that doesn’t compromise on health or taste, this skillet dish is the way to go. Lemon Chicken Broccoli Orzo Skillet combines fresh flavors and textures in a one-pan wonder, saving you both time and cleanup. With ingredients that cook together harmoniously, this dish is ready before you know it. It’s perfect for those who need a speedy but nourishing meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Broccoli Orzo Skillet
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Who knew that using an air fryer could give you incredibly juicy meatballs in a flash? Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs are a testament to modern cooking convenience, blending classic comfort with contemporary technology. These meatballs are ideal for a high-protein meal that comes together without fuss. Serve them over pasta or with a side of veggies for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Reuben Quesadillas
Sometimes, merging two classics creates something even better. Reuben Quesadillas are a perfect example, where the taste of a Reuben sandwich meets the quick and easy nature of a quesadilla. This dish is fantastic for a quick lunch or a casual dinner. It’s a fun and fast way to satisfy your craving for something a little different. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to spark conversation at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Quesadillas
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins
Breaking away from the typical salad, Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins introduces an exotic twist with bold flavors. This dish is as refreshing as it is satisfying, perfect for those warmer evenings or a mid-day brunch. It combines the sweetness of raisins with the tasty depth of curry. Quick to assemble, this salad offers a flavorful escape from the mundane. It’s also great for preparing ahead, making your mealtime a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins
Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish
Are you looking for something that sizzles on the plate and takes less than 30 minutes? Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish might just be your evening hero. This dish offers a vibrant topping over succulent pork chops, providing a delicious contrast in flavors. It’s quick, satisfying, and sure to be a hit with those who treasure a good pork chop. Perfect for a last-minute meal that looks anything but rushed.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish
Turkey Fried Rice
Stir-frying is a fantastic way to speed up dinner without skimping on taste—Turkey Fried Rice allows you to toss everything into one pan for ultimate efficiency. This recipe is not only fast to make but also great for using up leftovers. It’s full of flavors that meld wonderfully as they cook together. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, it’s a smart pick for a hassle-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
When pasta night needs a quick yet robust makeover, Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta rises to the occasion. This meal effortlessly brings together rich tastes and textures that please the palate. It’s a great way to incorporate greens into your diet in a way that everyone will enjoy. Tailor it with your choice of sausage for a custom flavor experience. Quick to boil and even quicker to become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Chicken Tinga Tostadas
Throw a little fiesta in your kitchen tonight with some Chicken Tinga Tostadas, where spice-infused chicken meets the crunch of freshly toasted tostadas. This recipe allows for a ton of flavor without needing a ton of time, perfect for a busy evening. It’s also customizable to everyone’s spice level, making it a family-friendly option. You can whip this up in about half an hour, proving that fast food can be homemade and wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas
Montreal Smoked Meat Hash
If you’re in the market for a hearty meal that will fuel you through the evening, Montreal Smoked Meat Hash has got you covered. This dish is a gratifying mix of smoked meat and diced potatoes, all cooked to crispy perfection. It’s ideal for those nights when you want something filling but not overly complicated. This hash is as easy to make as it is enjoyable to eat, perfect for a relaxed meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Montreal Smoked Meat Hash
Garlic Shrimp Scampi
There’s something about shrimp that just says ‘fancy’ without all the fuss. Garlic Shrimp Scampi is the perfect example of this, offering a meal that feels special but is straightforward to prepare. It’s light yet flavorful, ideal for a quick dinner after a long day. Pair it with some pasta or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish is a delicious way to enjoy seafood that doesn’t require a trip to a fancy restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Coronation Chicken Salad
This Coronation Chicken Salad is a dish that brings a touch of royal flair to your dining table without requiring hours in the kitchen. This meal is both refreshing and rich, with a flavor profile that’s both unique and familiar. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for unexpected guests or a spontaneous meal. Enjoy it on its own or as a sandwich filler—it’s versatile and vibrant in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Explore this tasty dish that promises to be a regular request at your table. Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe makes for an excellent dish when you want both comfort and convenience. This skillet meal ticks all the boxes for a wholesome dinner that comes together in no time. It’s packed with flavor from the sautéed sausage and the greens, while the gnocchi provides a gratifying base.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Embrace the Mediterranean vibe at your dinner table tonight with Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. This dish is a colorful ensemble of flavors and ingredients, bringing a fresh taste to mealtime. It’s quick to toss together, especially on a busy night when time is of the essence. The shrimp add a wonderful protein boost, making this salad both filling and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
This Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef is robust and versatile, ready to serve up a storm in under twenty minutes. This is the kind of recipe that adapts to multiple dishes, making it a superb choice for a busy evening. Use it as a filling for tacos or a topping for nachos. It’s incredibly flavorful and exceedingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for one or a whole crowd, this dish ensures everyone leaves the table happy and full.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches w/ Hot Honey Butter
Who says quick meals can’t be indulgent? Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches w/ Hot Honey Butter are here to challenge that notion. This isn’t just any grilled cheese—it’s a crispy, tasty, and slightly sweet creation that caters to your comfort food cravings. The hot honey butter adds a unique twist, upgrading a classic to new delicious heights.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches w/ Hot Honey Butter
Shrimp Scampi Pizza
Combine the allure of seafood with the universal appeal of pizza and you get Shrimp Scampi Pizza, a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to prepare. This pizza brings a whole new twist to your usual pizza night with a flavor that’s both refreshing and rich. It’s crafted quickly and will disappear from the table just as fast. Perfect for a social gathering or a quiet night in, it’s a brilliant blend of simplicity and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pizza
Blackstone Smash Burger
Picture coming home and getting a juicy, perfectly cooked burger on the table in no time. That’s exactly what you get with Blackstone Smash Burger. It’s a favorite for those nights when you crave something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It shows that quality doesn’t have to be sacrificed for speed, combining convenience with the joy of biting into a well-made burger.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Smash Burger
Texas BLT
Nothing beats a classic with a twist, and Texas BLT brings just that with its extra flair. Enjoy the crispy textures of lettuce and bacon, with a kick that takes it right over the top. It’s a quick fix for lunch or dinner and offers a gratifying crunch with every bite. This sandwich is proof that even the simplest meals can be the most gratifying. It’s a fan favorite that goes beyond the typical BLT, providing a taste of Texas in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT