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17 Quick Dinners That Get the Job Done Without Wrecking Your Kitchen or Your Sanity

Cooking after a long day shouldn’t feel like running a marathon. These 17 quick dinners make sure you get a good meal without spending hours chopping, stirring, and cleaning up. There’s no need for complicated steps or a pile of dirty dishes to deal with afterward. Just straightforward meals that come together fast, so you can eat well and move on with your evening.

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

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.

Looking for an option that brings boldness without effort? Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle will do the trick, letting bold flavors lead the way. Quick stir-fry works so well for fast meals, especially ensuring your kitchen stays manageable. This dish is ready to add some excitement to your meals without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

Shrimp Scampi

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

Cooking doesn’t have to mean endless pots and pans, and this dish is proof. Shrimp Scampi is all about simplicity, using just a skillet to blend flavors into a smooth sauce and juicy shrimp. It’s a no-fuss way to prepare a meal that feels like a special occasion but requires little cleanup after. Plus, the whole thing comes together quickly, making it perfect for those busy weekday nights when time is short but hunger is real.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

A Pastrami Reuben sandwich on a plate with chips and pickles.
Pastrami Reuben Sandwich. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sandwich night doesn’t have to be boring with this favorite. Meet the Pastrami Reuben Sandwich, offering layers of mouthwatering ingredients that deliver a punch of flavor. No need to juggle multiple dishes; this one packs everything into delicious bites. It’s a straightforward meal with complex tastes that will help you keep your kitchen routine manageable.
Get the Recipe: Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

Mediterranean Salmon

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

Keeping things light without losing flavor is what makes this dish a winner. Mediterranean Salmon pairs flaky, tender fish with a mix of fresh, bold seasonings that make every bite stand out. The crispy edges and juicy center create just the right balance, making it an easy go-to for a quick, no-fuss dinner. It’s a simple, flavorful meal that comes together fast without leaving a pile of dishes behind.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salmon

Montreal Smoked Meat Hash

A white rectangular plate with Montreal smoked meat hash on it.
Montreal Smoked Meat Hash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

No need to overthink a hearty meal when you’ve got this option. Montreal Smoked Meat Hash turns a few ingredients into a hearty dish in no time. Perfect for lazy nights or when you’re craving something comforting after a long day. Just a quick whip-up with minimal cookware, keeping your kitchen in less chaos while enjoying something classic.
Get the Recipe: Montreal Smoked Meat Hash

Ham & Asparagus Pizza

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

Put a twist on classic pizza night with something new. Ham & Asparagus Pizza delivers something different while being easy on the prep and cleanup. The contrasting ingredients come together in a warm embrace, making each slice as good as the last. Perfect for breaking up the weekday meal routine without overcomplicating dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts

Four bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on a white rectangular plate garnished with sprigs of parsley.
Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

If grilling is your thing, this meal makes it even better without extra hassle. Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts bring a deep, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy outer layer and juicy center. With just one grill and a few simple steps, it’s an easy way to get big flavors without a complicated process. It’s hard to beat a dinner that keeps things simple, and still delivers bold, rich bites in every serving.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts

Ham Fried Rice

Ham fried rice on a white plate.
Ham Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Need something fast that uses up leftovers and still feels like a real dinner? Ham Fried Rice has you covered with its simple yet effective mix of ingredients. One pan does the job, making it perfect for those evenings when washing dishes is the last thing you want to do. Fill up with minimal mess, all in less time than it takes to order takeout.
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding wedges of a quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Using leftovers can make a big difference in dinner spontaneity. Leftover Steak Quesadilla is all about transforming last night’s steak into a new meal. It’s an easy blend of flavors with minimal fuss, needing just a simple pan and some quick prep. A melt-in-your-mouth kind of recipe that makes weeknight meals a breeze and helps keep waste at bay.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

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.

When a good steak is cooked just right, it doesn’t need much, but this one takes it a step further. Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter bring a smoky charred crust with a rich, flavorful topping that melts into every bite. The contrast between the crispy edges and juicy center makes it easy to see why this one stands out. It’s a no-fuss way to get big flavors without complicated steps or messy clean-up.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Curried chicken salad in a blue bowl.
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simplicity doesn’t have to mean a lack of bold flavors. Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins brings a rich, slightly sweet kick along with fresh textures that make every bite intriguing. The mix of creamy, chewy, and crunchy components transforms it from a basic salad into something special. Enjoy it on its own, in a wrap, or paired with something crispy for an easy and delicious variety.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Blackstone Sausage & Peppers

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

Some meals take forever to prep, but this one skips the hassle while still bringing bold, smoky flavor. Blackstone Sausage & Peppers balance crispy edges with juicy bites, making each forkful just as good as the last. The mix of flavors works so well that nothing feels like it’s missing. It’s a quick, one-pan meal that makes dinner easy without sacrificing a bit of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Sausage & Peppers

Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich on a white plate with chips.
Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Turning classic diner fare into an easy home meal is a smart move. Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich manages to capture that fun, casual vibe with very little fuss. With a stovetop method, everything comes together quickly, giving you dinner that’s ready in little time. Just a simple, tasty sandwich without a pile of dishes afterward.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

Creamy Low Carb Chicken Marsala

A plate of chicken marsala with chopped green onions.
Creamy Low Carb Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Keeping things lighter while still enjoying creamy goodness is doable. Creamy Low Carb Chicken Marsala gives you the best of both worlds: flavor and a tidy kitchen. It’s perfect when you’re watching your carb intake but still want a dish that hits all the right notes. With an easy skillet method, this dish keeps the clean-up minimal and your dinner options exciting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Low Carb Chicken Marsala

Steak & Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with a pasta salad containing farfalle, steak slices, radishes, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, nuts, and crumbled blue cheese, garnished with parsley, on a wooden board next to a spoon.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you blend hearty steak with fresh greens and some pasta, you get a meal that won’t leave you hungry. Steak & Pasta Salad has that perfect mix of protein and carbs, giving you energy without weighing you down. You don’t need to dirty multiple pots to make something healthy and filling. Save time, feel full, and avoid the post-dinner mess.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish

Three pork chops with tomato and green onion on a white plate.
Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Quick meals don’t have to be plain, and this one proves it. Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish bring juicy, tender meat together with a fresh, flavorful topping that adds the perfect contrast. The mix of textures keeps things interesting, making every bite feel balanced and complete. It’s simple enough for a busy night but has the kind of flavor that feels like a restaurant-quality meal.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish

Texas BLT

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

Sandwiches are always a solid choice for laid-back dinners. Texas BLT adds a fun twist to what’s already a loved classic, packing layers of flavor without needing much more than a single pan or plate. This easy prep makes it an obvious choice for those times when simple and tasty is at the top of your list. It’s a sandwich that gets things done without adding more to your plate literally and figuratively.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT

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