We totally understand; the holiday season is often overwhelming. You’re juggling more tasks than you have free hours, and suddenly, the thought of preparing dinner feels like a steep uphill climb. But, who says creating a quality meal has to eat up your entire day?
You shouldn’t have to resort to takeout during this special time of the year. That’s where these 17 quick and easy dinners step in. They’re straightforward, stress-free, and perfectly slot into whatever little time you’ve managed to save for cooking. These speedy recipes will ensure your dinner table remains a haven of delicious, hearty food, all without adding to your holiday stress. Remember, you can absolutely handle this!
Garlic Shrimp Scampi
The allure of Garlic Shrimp Scampi isn’t solely in its inviting aroma, but also in how quickly it comes together. It’s the perfect amalgamation of succulent shrimp, sautéed with zesty garlic in a bed of perfectly cooked pasta. And the best part? It doesn’t take hours in the kitchen to prepare this sinfully delicious dish. Truly a time-friendly, indulgent treat that’s perfect for elevating busy weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Tacos Dorados
Hearty, satisfying, and remarkably easy to prepare, Tacos Dorados are perfect when you’re short on time. These crispy tacos easily adapt to any filling you have on hand, making them an ideal last-minute dinner solution. The golden-brown crunchy shell provides the perfect contrast to the soft, flavorful fillings inside – every bite is pure bliss. Say goodbye to stressful cooking and hello to scrumptious meals that are an absolute cinch to prepare. No wonder they’re the perfect dish to whip up during the busy holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados
Leftover Roast Beef Stew
With Leftover Roast Beef Stew, the scrumptious journey of your holiday roast extends far beyond a single meal. The broth-infused, tender slices of leftover beef are stewed gently with a medley of hearty vegetables creating a warm, filling meal. Don’t let the simplicity fool you – every spoonful is packed with robust flavors delivered right to your taste buds. The beauty of this recipe lies in its quick preparation time, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying meal on your busiest days. A heartwarming, easy stew – perfect for those cozy, wintery evenings during the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Roast Beef Stew
Chicken Tinga Tostadas
If you’re craving a gourmet meal without the accompanying hours spent in the kitchen, Chicken Tinga Tostadas are your perfect out. Loaded with savory shredded chicken, zesty homemade tinga sauce, and complemented by your favorite toppings, these tostadas offer a burst of vibrant Mexican flavors. With a combination of satisfying protein and crispy tostada shells, every bite is utterly delicious. Better yet, making these tasty tostadas doesn’t require any complicated chef moves or exotic ingredients. A simple, quick, yet phenomenal dish that turns a busy holiday night into a small fiesta.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas
Steak & Pasta Salad
Being time-pressed doesn’t mean you have to skimp on quality meals. Meet the Steak & Pasta Salad – a rescuer on busy days. Generous slices of juicy steak mingling with perfectly cooked pasta and vegetables, dressed with a light, tangy dressing–it’s a whole balanced meal packed into one dish. Despite its gourmet appeal, it requires minimal effort and even lesser time, perfect when seeking something quick and substantial. In the realm of fast, delicious, and fulfilling, this salad sits right at the top–a must-try during the busy holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Ham & Asparagus Pizza
Who said homemade pizzas need to be complicated and time-consuming? The Ham & Asparagus
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza
Salmon Pasta Salad
Turn busy weeknight dinners into a breeze with the Salmon Pasta Salad. Flaky, succulent pieces of salmon are tossed together with pasta and vibrant veggies, offering a symphony of flavors. With surprisingly little preparation required, it brings a refreshing, healthful and indulgent meal to your table. The balance of protein, carbs, and freshness earns this salad a permanent spot on your quick, nutritious dinner menu. A fabulous, time-saver meal perfectly attuned to busy holiday nights.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Blackstone Sausage & Peppers
Nothing spells comfort like a serving of Blackstone Sausage & Peppers. The aroma of smoky sausage sautéed with fresh, crunchy peppers will make your kitchen feel like a rustic countryside dining haven. The perfect blend of just a few ingredients delivers an explosion of flavor, proving you don’t need complex recipes for a delicious meal. Quick to prep, even quicker to disappear, it’s an easy, satisfying solution for busy weekday dinners. During the holiday season when time is truly of the essence, it’s dishes like this that truly save the day.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Sausage & Peppers
Cabbage Roll in a Bowl
Bid goodbye to painstaking meal preparations with the Cabbage Roll in a Bowl. This deconstructed version of the traditional cabbage roll allows you to enjoy all the wonderful flavors without the involved preparation. Fragrant beef, onions, and shredded cabbage come together quickly, creating a delightful bowl of comfort that satisfies your cravings. It wins major points for being speedy, delicious, and healthful. Little wonder it’s a favorite when quick and cozy meals are called for during the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Roll in a Bowl
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Crispy, juicy, and flavorful– the Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a dream come true for busy home cooks. Engulfed in a well-seasoned, garlic-infused honey glaze, every bite of these chicken thighs will make your taste buds dance with joy. The real charm lies in their simplicity and the incredibly quick cooking time — a quick toss, a swift fry, and voila, dinner’s ready! When the holiday cooking frenzy begins, it’s heavenly recipes like these that help you stay sane. After all, who wouldn’t love an amazing dinner that doesn’t steal all their time?
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Chicken Scampi
Instead of spending hours stirring and simmering, reach for a quick yet elegant dinner solution like the Chicken Scampi. Tender, succulent chicken with a medley of vibrant herbs, mellowed with a squeeze of zesty lemon and a pat of butter–it’s a luxuriously quick dinner. The sublime combination of flavors means everyone at the table is in for a treat. And with minimal prep and clean-up needed, you can spend less time cooking and more time savoring. Hearty, simple, and quick – a boon when navigating the busy holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Scampi
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta comes to the rescue on those days when you’re short on time but longing for a satisfying dinner. It boasts the perfect duo of mild yet flavorful sausage and fresh, slightly bitter broccoli rabe. Throw in some well-cooked pasta, and you have a balanced, wholesome dish ready in minutes. Offering a delicious, quick solution, this pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights during the holiday season. This is where convenience meets elegance in one incredible dish.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Chicken & Corn Chowder
Turn the busiest of days into relaxing ones with a steaming bowl of Chicken & Corn Chowder. Creamy, comforting, and packed with hearty components, it’s the culinary equivalent of a warm, soothing hug. Savor the tender chicken, sweet corn, and hearty potatoes, all lovingly simmered in a rich, creamy broth. Without an elaborate preparation process and prolonged cooking hours, this meal checks all boxes during the busy holiday season. It’s the perfect antidote to a chilly evening, a hectic schedule, and a growling stomach.
Get the Recipe: Chicken & Corn Chowder
Baja Fish Tacos
The exotic Baja Fish Tacos are a culinary vacation right there, waiting at your table. The golden crispy fish, soft tortilla, crunchy slaw, and tangy crema create a harmonious blend of flavor and texture with each bite. Surprisingly, none of the delightful complexity translates into preparation–they are quick and easy to make. Ideal for those busy holiday evenings when maximum flavor and minimal cooking time are equally vital. From the busy streets of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula to your own home, deliciousness has never been quicker.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos
Ham Fried Rice
Two words: Ham Fried Rice. This dish proves that an appetizing meal doesn’t need countless hours to prepare. With a balanced blend of hearty ham, fluffy rice, and colorful veggies, it’s a grand symphony of flavors unfolding on your plate. Quick, convenient, and comforting, this recipe redefines the concept of fast food during the holiday season. It allows you to bring dinner to the table in no time, ensuring you spend your precious time with your loved ones rather than staying tied to the stove.
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas
The Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas are a flavor-packed ticket to paradise, straight from your kitchen. Juicy, smoky chicken, sweet pineapple, smoky chipotle–this quintessential Mexican classic is loved everywhere. While it provides a mouthwatering dining experience, it’s not demanding when it comes to cooking; preparation is quick and the ingredients are simple. Amidst the flurry of holiday cooking, these quesadillas serve as the perfect mini-escape. They pack a punch of flavor without stealing precious minutes, making them a superb choice for a quick holiday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas
Blackstone Smash Burger
Bid your long kitchen hours goodbye with the incredibly quick and irresistible Blackstone Smash Burger. Despite its simplicity, this burger delivers a mega dose of juiciness and flavor. Layers of fresh, crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a well-seasoned burger patty–a carnival of texture and flavor awaits you! These fuss-free, quick-to-make burgers are perfect for those busy holiday days when you yearn for a straightforward yet delightful meal. Holiday dinners don’t need to be extravagant–sometimes a great burger really hits the spot!
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Smash Burger