Dinner done easy: 15 Quick ideas for tonight

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Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent on the go, or simply someone who values the precious moments of free time in the evening, these recipes are designed to save you both time and stress in the kitchen. From hearty one-pot wonders to mouthwatering sheet pan suppers, we’ve compiled an array of culinary solutions that will have you serving up delectable dishes without breaking a sweat. So, bid farewell to the hassle of dinner prep and say hello to delightful dining made easy.

Cheesy mexican meatballs in a skillet.
Enchilada Meatballs. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow cookr beef pot roast with carrots and potatoes.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

When you want a hearty meal without the hassle, turn to this slow cooker pot roast. Just a few minutes of prep, and your slow cooker does the rest. The result? Tender, succulent beef, and perfectly cooked vegetables, all in a savory broth, ready to serve without hours of cooking.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A cast iron skillet with chicken in a creamy sauce.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Creamy garlic chicken is a weeknight savior. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking process, you can enjoy a creamy, flavorful dish in no time. It’s comfort food made easy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Air Fryer Pork Steak

Air Fryer Pork Steak in the basket of an air fryer.
BBQ Pork Steak. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Craving juicy pork with a crispy exterior? Look no further than the air fryer. Air fryer pork steak is a speedy solution to achieve that satisfying crunch without deep frying, making it a swift and delicious option for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Steak

Enchilada Meatballs

Cheesy mexican meatballs in a skillet.
Enchilada Meatballs. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Craving the flavors of enchiladas but short on time? These enchilada meatballs are a speedy alternative. Combine simple ingredients, form meatballs, bake, and smother in sauce for a satisfying dinner that’s quicker than traditional enchiladas.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Meatballs

Buffalo Chicken Salad

A crispy buffalo chicken salad featuring crispy chicken, buffalo sauce, blue cheese, and dressing.
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Buffalo chicken salads offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Tender, spicy buffalo chicken breast strips take center stage, adding a kick of heat to a bed of crisp lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, cool cucumber slices, and creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing. Topped with crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar and a drizzle of tangy buffalo sauce, these salads are a perfect blend of zesty, spicy, and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad

Oven BBQ Chicken

Oven BBQ chicken in a tray with a salad.
Oven BBQ Chicken. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

When you’re in the mood for barbecue but short on time, try oven BBQ chicken. A simple marinade, a quick roast in the oven, and you’ll have tender, flavorful chicken without the need for grilling or extensive prep.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Chicken

Blackened Shrimp

Blackened shrimp on grits with a fork on the right side.
Blackened Shrimp. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Blackened shrimp brings bold flavors to your table in a flash. A quick sear in a hot skillet and you’ll have spicy, succulent shrimp ready to enjoy without a lengthy cooking process. Serve over pasta, or grits, or better yet crusty bread rolls to make sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp

Creamy Ranch Chicken

Creamy Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Creamy ranch chicken is a speedy recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a lusciously creamy meal with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something tasty without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ranch Chicken

Chicken Fajita Casserole

Chicken Fajita Casserole with avocado slices on the side.
Chicken Fajita Casserole. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Capture the essence of fajitas without the individual pan-frying. Chicken fajita casserole is a quick and convenient way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. Prep, bake, and serve in no time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Casserole

Chicken Piccata

Crispy Pork Chops

Crispy pork chops on a platter with thyme.
Crispy Pork Chops. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Craving crispy perfection without the fuss? These crispy pork chops are a speedy way to achieve that desired crunch. Quick to prepare and cook, they’re sure to satisfy your craving for a savory, crispy meal without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Pork Chops

Easy chicken piccata in a cast iron skillet on a linen.
Easy Chicken Piccata. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Chicken piccata is a speedy yet elegant dish that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Sautéed chicken in a lemony, buttery sauce with capers makes for a quick and impressive meal that’s perfect for busy nights. Bonus?? It’s a Dupe for Olive Garden’s Chicken Piccata!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Oven BBQ Pork Chops

BBQ Pork Chops in a cast iron frying pan.
Oven BBQ Pork Chops. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Skip the grill and opt for oven BBQ pork chops when you want smoky, barbecue flavor in a hurry. With a simple rub and a quick bake, you’ll have tender, flavorful pork chops without the need for extensive cooking.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Pork Chops

Mini Meatloaf

Mini Meatloaves on a white platter with sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts behind it.
Mini Meatloaf. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Craving classic meatloaf but don’t want to wait for a large loaf to cook? Mini meatloaves are your solution. Quick to mix and bake, they offer all the comforting flavors of meatloaf in individual servings.
Get the Recipe: Mini Meatloaf

Crispy Panko Chicken

Panko coated chicken on a plate with sliced tomatoes.
Panko Chicken. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Achieve a delightful crunch without the deep fryer. Crispy panko chicken is a quick-cooking alternative that’s both delicious and healthier. It’s a perfect choice when you’re short on time but crave crispy satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Panko Chicken

Chicken Taco Soup

Chicken taco soup topped with shredded cheese, corn chips, and cilantro.
Chicken Taco Soup. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska

Need dinner in a hurry? Chicken taco soup is a go-to option. It comes together quickly, with simple ingredients and a burst of Tex-Mex flavors, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Soup

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