When you’re crunched for time and need to whip up last-minute meals, it’s a relief to have recipes that are both quick to make and a hit with the kids. We’ve all been there: it’s nearing dinner time, the day has been hectic, and you’ve got hungry mouths to feed. No need to stress, though. This list of 20 quick-fix dishes is packed with options that are not only easy to throw together but are also great choices that your kids will actually want to eat.
Canned Chicken Patties
These patties come together in 20 minutes with canned chicken and a few pantry items. They’re easy to make — just mix, shape, and cook. Great with veggies, in a salad, or as a sandwich. Try them with some steamed broccoli on the side. They keep in the fridge for three days, so they’re ready to go for last-minute dinners. Packed with flavor and ready in no time, these patties are perfect for those evenings when cooking feels like the last thing you want to do.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Spend some time making these poppers with chicken, bacon, egg, cheese, and spices, then bake until golden. They’re perfect for meal prep; make a batch, freeze them, and bake as needed. It’s a great way to have a delicious meal ready in no time. Serve with ranch for an extra flavor kick. With these chicken bacon ranch poppers on the menu, your kids might just start asking for more nights in. They’re fun to eat and even more fun to make. Plus, they’re the perfect finger food for a family movie night or gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
This casserole takes all the great flavors kids love from stuffed peppers and makes them into an easy, one-pot dinner. It’s perfect for those nights when time isn’t on your side. Just mix everything up, pop it in the oven for 45 minutes, and you’re all set. It’s so simple that anyone can make it, and it’s a hit with the family. Plus, if there are any leftovers, they keep well in the fridge for a quick meal the next day. Watching your family dive into this hearty meal will remind you why it’s worth staying in for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
If you need something quick and delicious, these garlic butter chicken bites are just the thing. They’re ready in 20 minutes, using only one pan, which means less cleaning up. They go great with rice or salad or even on top of mashed potatoes, making sure all that great sauce doesn’t go to waste. It’s a quick and easy solution for dinner that’s a crowd-pleaser. Not to mention, the kids will love the rich, buttery flavor, making dinner time a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
When you’re in a rush, this casserole is a lifesaver. Just take some frozen broccoli and cauliflower, add cheese and bacon, and you’ve got a dish that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s a great way to make sure your kids enjoy their vegetables, and it’s so easy to make. A sprinkle of green onions on top adds a bit of color and flavor, making it a great choice for a last-minute meal. This dish proves that quick meals can also be hearty and appetizing, keeping everyone happy and full.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This one-skillet meal brings together cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms for a filling dish ready in 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want something cheesy and filling. Plus, it stores well, so you can enjoy it throughout the week. After a long day, this creamy ground beef skillet promises a stress-free dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds. Watching the skillet go from stove to table in just half an hour will make you a hero on those hectic evenings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Fajita Baked Chicken
For something a little different but still quick and easy, try this Fajita Baked Chicken. It’s got chicken, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, all baked together for a meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes. It’s a great way to change up your dinner routine without spending the whole evening in the kitchen. Whether you wrap it in tortillas or serve it with cilantro lime rice, it’s a hit with the whole family. The burst of flavors in this dish will make it a requested favorite, keeping dinner exciting and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
This is the recipe to remember when you’re too busy to think about dinner. Just mix pasta, peas, and tuna, then bake. It’s ready in under an hour and great for when you’re looking for something simple. Feel free to swap in elbow macaroni or even canned chicken if you like. It’s always a foolproof way to keep everyone happy and well-fed on hectic nights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This is about as straightforward as it gets for a hearty dinner. Throw some sausages and your favorite veggies on a sheet pan, bake them, and in 30 minutes, you have a meal that’s both easy to make and clean up after. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re looking for something simple yet filling. And the best part? The leftovers are great for the next day’s lunch. This no-stress dinner not only saves time but also fills up the family with a balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
With this recipe, you’ll get crispy pork chops without the need to fry, all in just 25 minutes. It’s super easy and just what you need for a great dinner at home. A fantastic option for those nights when you want something good on the table quickly. The irresistible crunch of these pork chops is sure to bring the kids running to the dinner table as soon as they hear the oven timer go off. Pair them with a simple side of mashed potatoes for a great meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs
Give leftover chicken a new life in just 20 minutes. Mix it with green chiles for a quick and delicious dish. Top with sour cream and cilantro for extra flavor. It’s a fast way to get dinner on the table and works great with rice, tortillas, or sides of your choice. This green chile chicken dish turns leftovers into a flavorful adventure, perfect for a stress-free dinner that gets everyone excited. Transform yesterday’s chicken into today’s masterpiece, showing that leftovers are anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs
Chicken Corn Soup
This soup mixes tender chicken with hearty vegetables in a flavorful broth, all cooked in one pot in under an hour. It’s just the ticket for a cozy night in, giving you more time to spend with the family and less time cooking. Ladle it into bowls, top with parsley, and you’ve got a fresh-tasting meal on the table. It keeps well for up to three days in the fridge, making it perfect for planning ahead. Your kids won’t think twice about staying home when they smell this comforting soup simmering on the stove.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Cabbage and Sausage
Whip up this cabbage and sausage stir-fry in just 25 minutes. It’s the perfect go-to for a fast, filling meal using ingredients you probably already have. The mustard adds a nice tangy flavor that everyone will love. Great for those super busy weeks when you need something straightforward but hearty. This quick dish is a clever way to get the kids excited about dinner time with its familiar flavors and quick preparation. Serve it hot right out of the pan with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all the great flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Turn the classic chicken pot pie into a comforting soup in just an hour. It’s filled with all the good stuff–protein, veggies, and carbs – making it a great pick for a comforting dinner any night of the week. Don’t forget the crusty bread for dipping. Leftovers taste even better the next day. Nothing says home like a bowl of chicken pot pie soup, especially when it’s cold outside, making it a perfect reason for the whole family to gather around the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Mix ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, spinach, and cheese for a quick, nutritious meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes. It’s a cozy, delicious dinner perfect for busy evenings. Leftovers keep well, making your next meal just as easy. This cheesy casserole is like a hug in a dish, sure to make any night feel special and convince the kids that staying in beats eating out any day. It’s the perfect way to sneak in those veggies, making dinner both nutritious and irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Spinach Chicken Bake
This creamy chicken dish, with chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach, bakes in 30 minutes. It’s an easy way to get a comforting meal on the table quickly. Pair it with some veggies on the side for a complete dinner. Plus, it’s just as good the next day. On those nights when you’re all craving something comforting, this spinach chicken bake comes to the rescue, confirming that quick meals can also be incredibly delicious. It’s a balanced meal that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Italian Sausage Soup
Ready in 30 minutes, this comforting soup with Italian sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes is perfect for a cozy evening. Top with Parmesan and parsley to bring all the flavors together. It keeps well, making future meals easy and delicious. The cozy and comforting flavors of this Italian sausage soup are like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening, great for family nights spent together. It’s a bowl full of comfort that brings the family together, sharing smiles over spoonfuls.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Creamy Garlic Chicken
In just 30 minutes, enjoy chicken in a creamy Parmesan garlic sauce. This one-pan wonder is great for those nights when you want something special but easy. Goes great with pasta or veggies to make the most of the sauce. This creamy garlic chicken is a surefire way to keep the dinner mood upbeat, with its rich flavors making it a hit among kids and adults alike. It’s like bringing a touch of fine dining home, making an ordinary night feel like a special occasion without the need for reservations. So, if your kids love to go out to eat at local restaurants, make this one at home, and they’ll ask you to make it again and again.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Enjoy comfort food at its best with this one-pan meal that’s ready in 30 minutes with chicken thighs in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and pepper. You may be surprised by how much kids like this one. It’s a recipe that minimizes cleanup, so it’s perfect for busy nights when everyone wants a comforting meal, but you don’t want to spend all night in the kitchen. Serve over quinoa or rice to soak up the rich sauce. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
This Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a creamy, wholesome soup you can make in about an hour using just one pot of sweet potatoes and red peppers. An excellent weeknight option for a homemade meal without keeping you in the kitchen all evening. Garnish with sour cream and parsley before serving. Stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days. This vibrant soup not only livens up the evening but also adds a pop of color and nutrition to your meal, encouraging kids to enjoy their veggies in a fun way.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup