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19 Quick and Easy Dinners That Somehow Taste Better Than a Slow-Cooked Meal

It’s always a win when dinner is on the table before your mood runs out. These 19 quick meals keep things moving without sacrificing the “wow, that’s good” part. No one needs to know it didn’t take hours—just accept the compliments and carry on. Quick to make, hard to share, and somehow still feels like comfort food.

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

Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style

Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style dish in a round ceramic plate with cooked snails topped with herbs and butter sauce, and slices of bread on a wooden board.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

With Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style, you can bring a touch of elegance to your weeknight dinner routine. These bites cook up quickly and provide a deeply fulfilling flavor that’s reminiscent of a leisurely French dinner. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or just treat yourself after a long day, this recipe has got you covered.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style

Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon

A black bowl filled with Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon with a spoon on the side.
Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

For a hearty meal that feels like a hug in a dish, Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon is your best friend. It’s straightforward, homey, and carries a comforting simplicity that makes any dinner feel more like home. Whip this up and enjoy the effortless blend of flavors that seems like it’s been simmering for hours. It’s the perfect way to end your day with a bit of warmth and nostalgia on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon

Grandma’s Salmon Cakes

Two Salmon Cakes on a white plate with mixed leafy greens and a lemon wedge.
Grandma’s Salmon Cakes. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Remember the comforting flavor of Grandma’s Salmon Cakes? Now you can recreate that beloved taste in no time. These salmon cakes offer a burst of homestyle cooking with every bite, promising a meal that’s both quick to prepare and rich in flavor. Gather around the table for a dinner that brings back cherished memories and creates new ones.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Salmon Cakes

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Blackstone Sausage & Peppers

A bowl of sausage and peppers.
Blackstone Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Blackstone Sausage & Peppers might just be the secret to a lively dinner without slaving away in the kitchen. The simplicity of the ingredients comes together on the grill, presenting an array of flavors that’s hard to beat. Serve this up for a casual yet flavorful meal that keeps prep and cleanup to a minimum. It’s an ideal choice for a laid-back evening with friends or family.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Sausage & Peppers

Grandma’s Steak Fried Rice

Steak fried rice on a white platter on white tiles with striped cloth on the side.
Grandma’s Steak Fried Rice. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Channel the comforting flavors of Grandma’s Steak Fried Rice to your dinner table in a fraction of the time. Easily thrown together and packed with savory goodness, this dish makes for a fulfilling end to your day. It’s a no-fuss meal that promises the warmth of nostalgia without the need for a time-consuming recipe. Share this generous dish any day of the week for a true taste of home.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Steak Fried Rice

Corned Beef Hash Casserole

Corned Beef Hash Casserole in a square baking dish.
Corned Beef Hash Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Corned Beef Hash Casserole is a marvel for those who appreciate a fulfilling meal without the elaborate preparation. This dish brings together rich flavors in a form that couldn’t be simpler to execute. It’s ideal for busy evenings when you want to put together a dinner that warms from the inside out. Plus, it’s bound to be a hit with anyone at the table craving comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Hash Casserole

Coronation Chicken Salad

A pan of coronation chicken salad next to a plate of lettuce and tomatoes.
Coronation Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A royal treat awaits with Coronation Chicken Salad, a dish that boasts flavors that speak of complexity but is deceptively simple to make. Quick to assemble, it serves as a light yet satisfying dinner option. It’s a fantastic choice when you’re looking for something that’s both refreshing and pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad

Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fried Rice served in a white bowl.
Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Unlock the secret to a quick yet heartily enjoyable dinner with Ground Beef Fried Rice. This dish is a staple for those busy nights when time is of the essence, but you still crave a full-flavored meal. It’s a practical, one-pan wonder that’s loaded with all the right elements for a delicious dinner experience.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice

Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet with Broccoli

Golden-browned lemon chicken thighs served over orzo pasta with tender broccoli florets, garnished with fresh lemon slices in a cast-iron skillet.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet with Broccoli. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Experience the joy of a well-rounded meal with Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet with Broccoli. This dish is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a refreshing and wholesome dinner in practically no time. Perfect for those evenings when you want to whip up something nourishing without the fuss, it’s a cheerful addition to your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet with Broccoli

Reuben Quesadillas

Three Reuben quesadilla slices with herbs on a white plate, accompanied by a pickle and a small dish of dipping sauce.
Reuben Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Infuse a bit of playfulness into your dinner lineup with Reuben Quesadillas, a cross-cultural twist on a classic. This meal turns an otherwise ordinary evening into something to look forward to, combining ease with a burst of flavor. It’s perfect for when you want a fun and quick option that’s brimming with character.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Quesadillas

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.

Enjoy the restaurant experience at home with quick and inviting Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. This recipe captures the essence of a favorite dish in a fraction of the time you’d expect. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a gourmet-like meal without the reservation or the wait. So, gather your loved ones and serve a dish that feels indulgent while being blissfully straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Reuben Sliders

Reuben sliders on a slate board.
Reuben Sliders. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring a playful touch to your table with Reuben Sliders, a smaller yet equally tantalizing version of the classic sandwich. Preparing these sliders is a cinch, letting you serve something that looks like it came from a boutique deli. They are a fantastic choice when you’re in the mood for a casual yet impressive meal.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Sliders

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.

Relish the comforting flavors of a well-loved soup with Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup. This is your go-to for a creamy, heartwarming meal that comes together without a hitch. Perfect for those chilled evenings or just when you’re in the mood for a nourishing bowl of goodness. You’ll want to ladle this up on repeat for a reliable dose of comfort any night.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

A plate of Thai pork & Green beans with rice, topped with a fried egg, served with chopsticks on the side.
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

You’ll see how easy it is to turn your backyard into a Thai street food stall with Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle. This dish is a simple way to infuse vibrancy into your evening with minimal effort. Fire up the griddle and get ready for a lively dinner that will surely break the midweek monotony.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Close-up of a hand holding a fork with a bite of copycat Alice spring chicken.
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken is a ticket to a stress-free yet wonderful dinner. This dish allows you to replicate an iconic restaurant favorite without the need for reservations. Easy to put together, it’s a dish that will grace your table with a burst of flavor and minimal effort. Wrap up your day with a lovely meal that transports you to a cherished eatery at a moment’s notice.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Transform an ordinary evening into something spectacular with Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. This recipe is your expressway to a fabulous meal that speaks of outdoor grilling prowess. Quick to prepare yet rich in taste, it’s steak night simplified but never compromised. Fire up the grill for a dinner that will make any night feel like a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Ham & Asparagus Pizza

A pizza with ham and asparagus on a pizza stone.
Ham & Asparagus Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who said speedy dinners can’t be special? Ham & Asparagus Pizza changes the game by offering a fun spin on pizza night that comes together in no time. It’s a pleasant surprise for those seeking a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor or creativity. Enjoy a slice of this lively option that’s tailor-made for sprucing up your routine.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

A close-up of a hand holding a copycat Taco Bell Cantina chicken burrito.
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Enliven your evening with a Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito, a dish that marries convenience and bold flavors. This homemade take on a fast-food favorite is both uncomplicated and immensely satisfying. Bite into this easy-to-make burrito and marvel at how simple and rewarding cooking at home can be.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

Texas BLT

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

Amp up your sandwich game with a Texas BLT that packs a punch without stealing your evening. This classic with a twist is perfect for a fuss-free yet delicious dinner option. It’s especially fitting for those nights when you desire something quick that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. Enjoy the simple pleasure of a well-prepared sandwich that’s bursting with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT

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