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15 Quick-Fix Family Favorites That Make Busy Weeknights Feel Almost Manageable

Rushing through the evening routine is practically a sport, and dinner is the biggest hurdle. These meals are the ones that make it to the finish line without anyone losing their mind. Quick, simple, and guaranteed to keep everyone from raiding the snack cabinet an hour later. With 15 solid choices, at least one of them will work—even for the picky eater of the house.

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

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

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

Ever wonder how to make dinner feel effortless without resorting to another frozen meal? Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins is the answer, bringing a mix of bold spices and a hint of sweetness in every bite. The combination of textures makes it impossible to stop eating, and it works for any meal, any time. By the time the first serving is gone, planning the next round won’t take long.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Broccoli Rabe and Sausage in a serving bowl with tomatoes in the background.
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chaos might be the theme of most weeknights, but dinner doesn’t have to add to the mess. Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta delivers big, bold flavors without turning the kitchen into a disaster zone. The balance of textures makes every forkful worth slowing down for, even when time is short. One pot, one meal, and one less reason to call for takeout.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Shrimp Scampi Pizza

A pizza with shrimp and cheese on top.
Shrimp Scampi Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pizza night just got an upgrade that doesn’t require waiting on delivery. Shrimp Scampi Pizza brings together buttery seafood goodness with the crispy, cheesy comfort of a perfect slice. A little garlic, a little richness, and just the right amount of crunch make it impossible to resist. It’s fast, it’s different, and it turns a busy night into something worth looking forward to.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pizza

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Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Chicken Tinga Tostada on a plate.
Chicken Tinga Tostadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The best kind of weeknight meals are the ones that feel special without extra effort. Chicken Tinga Tostadas bring smoky, saucy goodness with just the right amount of crunch. The combination of tender chicken, crisp shells, and bold toppings makes every bite worth it. Quick to assemble and even quicker to disappear, they turn a hectic night into something memorable.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Corned Beef Hash Casserole

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

Casseroles exist for a reason—less work, fewer dishes, and a meal that practically cooks itself. Corned Beef Hash Casserole delivers crispy edges, a rich center, and a combination that keeps everyone coming back for more. The kind of dish that’s just as good for breakfast as it is for dinner, making leftovers something to look forward to. One pan, one meal, and no extra stress.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Hash Casserole

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who has time for complicated meals when dinner needs to happen fast? Chicken Fried Rice is the perfect way to throw something together that looks and tastes like it was planned. A little bit of crunch, a little bit of chew, and plenty of flavor in every bite make it an easy win. Whether served straight from the pan or eaten straight from the fridge the next day, it never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Blackstone Smash Burger

A burger held in two hands.
Blackstone Smash Burger. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This Blackstone Smash Burger delivers crispy edges, a juicy center, and just the right amount of char to make every bite unforgettable. No need for fancy toppings or complicated prep—just pure, beefy goodness in a bun. Quick, easy, and so good it might ruin all other burgers for you.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Smash Burger

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Al pastor chicken quesadillas pulled apart.
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Weeknights aren’t the time for slow, complicated meals. Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas bring bold, smoky sweetness wrapped in a crispy, golden tortilla. Quick to assemble and even faster to disappear, they’re the perfect balance of crunch and melty goodness. A fast dinner that feels like something from your favorite taco spot—without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

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.

Breakfast for dinner always wins, and Montreal Smoked Meat Hash makes it even better. Crispy potatoes, smoky meat, and the perfect level of seasoning turn a simple meal into something worth sitting down for. It’s quick, requires minimal effort, and fills the house with an aroma that pulls everyone to the table. No one complains when this is on the menu, and that alone makes it a keeper.
Get the Recipe: Montreal Smoked Meat Hash

Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

A plate of sliced Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri, served on a white rectangular dish.
Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Steak night doesn’t have to be a weekend-only event. Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri bring bold, juicy perfection to the table in record time. A simple sear locks in all the good stuff, while the fresh, herby topping adds a kick that takes it to the next level. It’s fast, flavorful, and turns an ordinary night into something that feels a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

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.

The best dinners are the ones that cook up fast and disappear even faster. Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle brings bold, punchy flavors with a perfect mix of crunch and tenderness. The high heat sears everything to perfection in minutes, making it a go-to for nights when time is short. A quick meal with restaurant-quality results is always a win.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

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.

Salad doesn’t have to be boring, and Chinese Chicken Salad proves it. Crisp, refreshing, and packed with texture, it brings just the right balance of crunch and bite. A quick toss, a handful of toppings, and suddenly dinner is done without turning on the stove. Fast, fresh, and completely foolproof—exactly what’s needed on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A white plate with Salisbury steak topped with mushroom gravy on mashed potatoes, accompanied by a side of green peas.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Some meals just feel like comfort on a plate, and Diner Style Salisbury Steak is one of them. Juicy, rich, and smothered in sauce, it brings back memories of classic diner meals without the wait. A simple sear and a quick pan sauce turn it into something that feels way fancier than it is. Served up with a side of whatever is on hand, it’s an easy answer to the dreaded “What’s for dinner?” question.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

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.

Who says restaurant-quality meals have to take hours? Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers brings rich, bold bites packed with deep, slow-cooked goodness in every forkful. The mix of textures makes it feel like something that took way more effort than it actually did. Before the first serving is gone, plans to make it again will already be in place.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

Texas BLT

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

Sandwiches aren’t just for lunch when Texas BLT is on the menu. Thick, crispy layers, fresh toppings, and a little something extra make this version better than the classic. It’s quick, completely filling, and perfect for nights when cooking feels like too much effort. A meal that takes minutes but feels like a guilty pleasure is always a good idea.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT

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