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15 Family Meals in Minutes That Save Weeknights When Your Calendar Is Overbooked

You don’t have to sacrifice a good meal just because you’ve got a packed schedule. These 15 quick family-friendly dishes come together in no time, giving you more moments to spend with your loved ones. They’re perfect for those busy evenings when you need something quick, delicious, and stress-free. Once you see how easy these meals are, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try them sooner.

Two Texas BLT on a black slate plate.
Texas BLT. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Mediterranean Salmon

Mediterranean Salmon on a white rectangular plate.
Mediterranean Salmon. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

No need to stress when you’ve got a meal like this in your back pocket. Mediterranean Salmon is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s quick to put together and perfect for busy nights. It’s packed with fresh ingredients that come together in minutes, leaving you with a meal that tastes like you spent hours preparing. When everyone loves it, you’ll be glad it was so easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salmon

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

Double halves of Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak on a slate plate.
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Got a packed schedule and still want to feed the family something delicious? Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak is a quick meal that’s done in no time, perfect for hectic evenings. This recipe brings the flavors of Philly right to your table without the long wait. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to prepare and how quickly it disappears from the table.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A white bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce, garnished with cheese and green herbs, is placed on a wooden surface. A hand is holding a fork with a piece of pasta.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Weeknights should never mean giving up on a good meal. Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka brings comfort food to the table without dragging out the process. Skipping complicated techniques keeps the focus on bold flavors that work together effortlessly. Serving this up fast makes it even better when there’s still time left to relax after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

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Reuben Quesadillas

Reuben quesadilla slices are arranged in a circle around a black bowl of creamy dipping sauce, garnished with chopped parsley on a round plate.
Reuben Quesadillas. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Need a fun twist on a classic that won’t take forever to make? Reuben Quesadillas combines all the great flavors of a Reuben in a crispy, cheesy quesadilla. It’s a fast, easy meal that’s perfect for nights when you’re running low on time but still want something hearty. Your family will be asking for these again as soon as they’re finished.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Quesadillas

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with crumbled feta cheese, on a yellow plate with flower designs.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Light, fresh, and packed with flavor, some meals prove salads never have to be boring. Mediterranean Chopped Salad comes together quickly, offering fresh flavors that’ll have everyone digging in. Perfect for those evenings when you need a quick, healthy option without sacrificing taste. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare and how much everyone enjoys it.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi with a slice of lemon on a black dish.
Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When time is short, a meal that feels special without the extra work is the way to go. Shrimp Scampi brings bold, bright bites with deep, rich contrast that make every forkful feel like a restaurant dish. The balance of smooth textures and fresh layers keeps things light but full of character. Guests will think it took hours, but only you’ll know the truth.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwich served on a white rectangular plate.
Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Wrapping big flavors into a quick, handheld meal makes busy nights feel a little easier. Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches stack smoky, well-seasoned bites with fresh, bright contrast in every bite. Soft yet crisp textures hold everything together, making each forkful feel balanced. Quick, flavorful, and easy to grab, these sandwiches disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

A plate of Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers sprinkled with chopped herbs.
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Craving Italian but don’t want to spend all night cooking? Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers is a quick fix that brings all the flavors you love. It’s a fast and easy way to enjoy a hearty meal, perfect for those overbooked evenings. Once you serve it up, your family will be asking when you’re making it again.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

Salmon Gnocchi Bake

Salmon Gnocchi Bake on a casserole dish.
Salmon Gnocchi Bake. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Quick, easy, and full of flavor—this dish checks all the boxes. Salmon Gnocchi Bake brings together tender salmon and creamy gnocchi in a baked dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. It’s a hearty meal that’s done in no time, making it the perfect option when you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Expect your family to ask for this one again after they taste how good it is.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Gnocchi Bake

Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna

A skillet lasagna topped with melted cheese, a dollop of ricotta, and fresh basil.
Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When you need a meal that’s quick and will please the whole family, this is your answer. Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna combines all the delicious flavors of lasagna in a quick, one-pan skillet version. It’s perfect for nights when you’re short on time but still want something comforting and filling. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to prepare, and your family will keep asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna

Turkey Fried Rice

A plate of Turkey fried rice with a fork, set against a green cloth on a textured surface.
Turkey Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A meal that keeps up with a busy schedule and still delivers big flavor is a must-have. Turkey Fried Rice packs smoky, crisp bites with deep, rich contrast that keeps every forkful exciting. The combination of textures makes it impossible to resist while still being quick to prepare. Leftovers won’t last long with this on the table.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice

Lemon Chicken Broccoli Orzo Skillet

Lemon Chicken Broccoli Orzo Skillet, diced tomatoes, lemon slices, and parsley garnish.
Lemon Chicken Broccoli Orzo Skillet. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Looking for a one-pan meal that’s full of fresh flavors? Lemon Chicken Broccoli Orzo Skillet is quick to make and perfect for those busy nights when you need something light yet filling. It’s a meal that won’t take long to prepare, but it’ll leave everyone satisfied and asking for more. You’ll love how easy it is to clean up afterward too.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Broccoli Orzo Skillet

Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

A closeup of Jason's Deli Irish Potato Soup.`
Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup offers rich, creamy soup that’s ready in no time. Perfect for those nights when you need something warm and comforting but don’t have a lot of time. It’s so easy to make, you’ll be adding it to your weekly rotation. Craving something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Check this out.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Need something fresh and filling in a pinch? Chinese Chicken Salad is quick to put together and bursting with bright, crunchy flavors. It’s a meal that comes together in minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. After everyone’s had a bite, they’ll be asking for more, and you’ll be happy to oblige.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Texas BLT

Two Texas BLT on a black slate plate.
Texas BLT. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you love the classic BLT, this is the twist you’ve been waiting for. Texas BLT takes everything you love about a BLT and turns it into a quick, hearty sandwich that’s ready in minutes. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but doesn’t require a lot of time or effort. You’ll be serving it often once everyone gets a taste.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT

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