Scrambling to put together last-minute meals that will tempt your kids to ditch their plans and gather around the dinner table can be a challenge. But with these 21 quick and great recipes, you’ve got the perfect playbook for encouraging your kids to stick around and enjoy a good meal. Whether they’re rushing between studies or social commitments, these meals are a surefire way to get them to pause and enjoy a home-cooked dinner that’s way better than anything they’d grab on the go.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
This casserole takes the beloved flavors of stuffed peppers and transforms them into a simple, one-pot dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Even beginner cooks can easily assemble it without stuffing any vegetables. Mix everything together, bake for 45 minutes, and you’ve got a delicious meal the whole family will enjoy. Dish it up straight from the oven and watch it disappear. The leftovers store perfectly in the fridge for the next day’s dinner, too; just keep them in an airtight container.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Here’s a quick dinner fix that won’t disappoint: chicken bites cooked in an irresistible garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes and using only one pan, so less time cooking and cleaning. They are versatile, too — toss them over rice or a salad for a complete meal. Perfect for when you need to pull dinner together fast. Delicious atop garlic mashed potatoes, soaking up that rich buttery sauce. It’s a quick fix for a fast dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
If you need to throw something together fast, this casserole is perfect. Grab some frozen broccoli and cauliflower, mix in cheese and bacon, and you’ve got an easy, hearty dish that the kids will love. Ready in 30 minutes, making it a solid choice for busy nights. Definitely bookmark-worthy. Serve with a sprinkle of green onions on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Toss sausages and your favorite veggies on a sheet pan, bake them, and in just 30 minutes, you have a great dinner ready. Perfect for busy nights – quick, easy, and you get your meat and vegetables all cooked together. The kind of meal that makes your evening less hectic, giving you a delicious and hearty dinner without a lot of work. Slice it up and serve directly from the pan for an easy cleanup. Leftovers store well in an airtight container for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Fajita Baked Chicken
When you’re looking for something a little different but still easy, this Fajita Baked Chicken fits the bill. Chicken, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella all come together in one flavorful dish, ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for shaking up your dinner routine without taking up your whole evening. A great choice for a no-stress, flavorful dinner that the family will absolutely love. For a complete meal, wrap it in tortillas or serve it alongside a heap of cilantro lime rice.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Chicken Corn Soup
This is a go-to option for a quick, flavorful meal prepared in one pot in less than an hour. Tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth come together in this soup. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley for fresh flavors. Perfect for cozy nights spent with family without requiring much kitchen time. Plus, it stores well in the fridge for up to three days, making it great for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Cabbage and Sausage
This cabbage and sausage stir-fry is a 25-minute solution for a quick, easy dinner with simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Add a dollop of mustard for a tangy contrast. Perfect for busy weeks when you need to whip up an easy, filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
This Shake and Bake Pork Chops recipe features an effortless way to achieve flavorful, crispy pork chops without frying — all in 25 minutes. Perfect for a night home with your family, this one is extra easy to make and a great choice for anyone who just wants to get a good meal on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Keep this recipe handy for times when dinner is the last thing on your mind. Pasta, peas, and tuna mixed together and baked to perfection in less than an hour. A solid choice for a last-minute meal that reheats well, so extras become lunch. For the egg noodles, you can substitute them with elbow macaroni. As for the canned tuna, consider swapping it out for canned chicken or canned salmon. Serve straight from the oven with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Canned Chicken Patties
With canned chicken and pantry staples, whip up these patties in 20 minutes. Simple to prepare — just mix, form, and cook on the stovetop for crispy outside, tender inside patties. Serve with salads, veggies, or as a sandwich filling for a well-rounded dinner. Steamed broccoli makes a simple side. Refrigerate the patties for up to 3 days, making them a great make-ahead option. When you’re short on time, just reheat, and you have last-minute dinner ready.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Transform the timeless comfort of a chicken pot pie into a soothing soup in just one hour. Easy-to-find ingredients combine protein, veggies, and carbs like the classic pot pie. A great choice for a comforting dinner on busy weeknights and laid-back weekends alike. Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the rich, creamy broth. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for even better flavor the next day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a wholesome, hearty meal that comes together in just 30 minutes using one skillet with cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms. Perfect for busy nights when you need an easy, cheesy dish. It also stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, so you can freeze, reheat and serve for that quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This casserole mixes ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, spinach, and cheddar cheese for that balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and dairy. It’s a quick and filling meal ready in about 30 minutes and using one skillet. Perfect for when you’re short on time but want something homemade. Serve hot from the oven for a cozy meal. Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge in a sealed container and enjoyed for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Spend an hour preparing these chicken, bacon, egg, cheese, and spice poppers, roll them into balls and bake until golden brown. These poppers are excellent for meal prep. You can make a batch ahead of time, freeze them, and then bake them as needed. No long prep/cook time required. This is convenient for households looking to have a convenient and delicious meal option available at any time. Serve with ranch dressing for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs
Turn leftover chicken into a new 20-minute meal in one pan by mixing shredded chicken thighs with green chiles. Fast way to get dinner on the table using leftovers. Top with sour cream and cilantro. This dish can be served on its own or paired with rice, tortillas, or your favorite side dishes. You can customize the meal according to your preferences and dietary needs. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs
Spinach Chicken Bake
This Spinach Chicken Bake is a creamy, filling chicken dish that bakes in just 30 minutes with chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach. Perfect for those evenings when you need to get a delicious dinner on the table quickly to make weeknights easier. Pair it with a simple side salad for a complete meal. Stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Italian Sausage Soup
This Italian Sausage Soup is a comforting, one-pot meal ready in 30 minutes. It features Italian sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes — perfect for cozy nights with the kids. Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley to boost the flavors. Any leftover soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days for that convenient option for future meals. This makes meal planning easier and reduces food waste.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Creamy Garlic Chicken
This Creamy Garlic Chicken is one we keep bookmarked because it delivers an impressive Parmesan garlic cream sauce with chicken in just 30 minutes using one pan. A go-to for evenings when you’re craving something special but don’t have time for complex cooking. Serve over pasta or with roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce. Leftover creamy garlic chicken can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. This allows you to enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week, saving time and effort on future meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
In just 25 minutes, you can enjoy this family-favorite recipe that showcases cabbage, bacon, and onion, all cooked in one pan. It’s incredibly easy to make and packs a lot of flavors, making it perfect for those nights when you need a quick and easy meal. Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge and reheated for up to 2 days.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
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. This dish minimizes cleanup, making it perfect for busy nights when you want a comforting meal without the hassle. 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 with 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.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup