17 quick dinners that practically make themselves

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Busy nights call for quick dinners, and these recipes deliver with options that feel effortless. Each one is designed to save time, making it feel like dinner practically makes itself. Winter is the perfect season for these comforting meals that take the hassle out of cooking without compromising on flavor.

A fork lifting a portion of cooked noodles with vegetables from a pan, with a bowl of chopped green onions in the background.
Spicy Garlic Beef Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

A close-up of a hand using chopsticks to lift cooked noodles from a black pan. The noodles are mixed with vegetables and sauce. A small dish is visible in the background.
Garlic Chili Oil Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

If you’ve got a hectic schedule, Garlic Chili Oil Noodles offer a quick solution for a rewarding meal. Just whip them up in minutes, and enjoy the flavors that come alive in this straightforward dish. Ideal for those chilly evenings, it’s like a warm hug in the form of a comforting noodle bowl. As you wind down from the day, let this dish be the effortless highlight of your night.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

Hoisin Beef

A white bowl with rice and hoisin ground beef and chopsticks on the side.
Hoisin Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Hoisin Beef is a reliable go-to for a no-fuss dinner on busy weeknights. It comes together so quickly, making it hard to believe something so simple can be so rich in flavor. When the days are short and the evenings are cold, this dish will warm up the dinner table without much effort. Kick back and relax while dinner virtually takes care of itself.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

Pizza Carbonara

A close-up of a pizza slice topped with a runny egg yolk, grated cheese, bacon bits, and black pepper.
Pizza Carbonara. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Forget about delivery, Pizza Carbonara is your shortcut to a cozy evening at home. It combines comfort food with ease, giving you more time to unwind under a warm blanket. Simple to prep and quick to cook, you’ll be sitting down to a hot slice before you know it. Indulge in the homely goodness without the hassle of lengthy prep.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Carbonara

Szechuan Shrimp

Low angle shot of szechuan shrimp in a wok.
Szechuan Shrimp. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

On nights when you crave something with a bit of a kick, Szechuan Shrimp comes to the rescue. It’s an effortlessly prepared dish that’s bursting with flavor, and it’s ready before you even think of reaching for a takeout menu. Gather the family around for a dinner that’s both warming and time-efficient. This meal will be the steaming centerpiece of your evening in no time.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp

Bombay Sandwiches

Bombay Sandwiches layered with potato, tomato, cucumbers, and an herb chutney sauce.
Bombay Sandwiches. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When you want a touch of exotic flair without leaving your cozy kitchen, Bombay Sandwiches are your answer. They’re incredibly easy to put together, and the result is instantly gratifying. Ideal for a fuss-free meal that’s still out-of-the-ordinary, it’s a surefire way to brighten up a cold evening. Enjoy the leisurely pace of dinner with a dish that’s quick to the table.
Get the Recipe: Bombay Sandwiches

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Bringing a fusion of flavors to your dinner routine, Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps make meal planning a breeze. As they cook to perfection with minimal supervision, you can relax or finish up other tasks. For a dinner that brings warmth and spice, look no further. And once it’s time to eat, you’ll see how it easily becomes a weeknight favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Cajun Shrimp and Grits

A bowl of grits topped with cajun shrimp.
Cajun Shrimp and Grits. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Spicy and comforting, Cajun Shrimp and Grits is a dish that brings Southern charm straight to your kitchen table. It’s ready in a snap, letting you enjoy extra time with loved ones. On a cool evening, this meal provides both warmth and a flavor kick. It’s a straightforward way to introduce some variety into your dinner routine, without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Harissa Chicken

Harissa chicken in a baking pan with a plate of it over rice with yogurt and herbs on the side.
Harissa Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Add a dash of North African flair to your dinner repertoire with Harissa Chicken. This meal requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction, especially on brisk nights. Quick to prepare, it allows more time for coziness and less time in the kitchen. Enjoy the rich, bold flavors in the comfort of your home, snug and satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Harissa Chicken

Miso Glazed Salmon

Miso glazed salmon on a plate with rice and spinach.
Miso Glazed Salmon. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Transform a simple evening into something special with Miso Glazed Salmon. It’s a fuss-free dish that won’t have you watching the clock, as it practically prepares itself. For anyone who loves a touch of elegance without extra work, this meal is an ideal choice. Settle in for a peaceful night and let dinner effortlessly come together.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon

Pork Fried Rice

Pork fried rice in a blue and white striped bowl.
Pork Fried Rice. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Turn to Pork Fried Rice for a comforting meal that’s as straightforward as it is satisfying. It’s a dish that allows you the luxury of relaxation while it practically makes itself. Perfect for those times when the weather outside is dreary and you crave something hearty. Enjoy the simple pleasure of a filling dinner with minimal input.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice

Mochiko Chicken

A hand holding a crispy piece of mochiko chicken.
Mochiko Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

You can enjoy the comfort of a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen with Mochiko Chicken. This dish is a cinch to whip up, making it a perfect contender for those cold, busy evenings. It promises a quiet night in with flavors that are anything but quiet. Finish your day with a meal that’s as easy-going as your evening plans.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken

Creamy Gochujang Pasta

A pan of ramen noodles with mushrooms, greens, and a creamy sauce, served with chopsticks.
Creamy Gochujang Pasta. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Creamy Gochujang Pasta is the ideal pairing of ease and flavor for when you want to keep things simple yet delicious. As the nights grow cooler, it’s the perfect time for a dish that warms from the inside out. Its quick preparation means more time tucked away from the cold. Revel in the richness of this pasta as it effortlessly rounds out your day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Gochujang Pasta

Avocado Toast with Grated Egg

Avocado toast on a wooden cutting board.
Avocado Toast with Grated Egg. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

When simplicity is key, Avocado Toast with Grated Egg answers the call for a light, no-fuss dinner. It’s a dish that comes together in no time yet feels perfectly suited for a quiet, cozy night in. The straightforward prep guarantees you won’t be tied to the kitchen. Sit back and enjoy this humble yet filling meal as you nestle into the comfort of your home.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast with Grated Egg

Shrimp Yaki Udon Noodles

A bowl of shrimp lo mein with noodles, shrimp, and vegetables, topped with green onion slices. Chopsticks are placed on top of the dish. The bowl has a patterned design on the inside rim.
Shrimp Yaki Udon Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Experience the joy of a quick and hearty meal with Shrimp Yaki Udon Noodles. It’s a dish that doesn’t keep you waiting, perfect for those evenings when time is precious. Let yourself be warmed by the full flavors and satisfying texture as the wind howls outside. Dinner is ready before you know it, letting you embrace a serene night at home.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Yaki Udon Noodles

Mongolian Chicken

Two bowls of chicken curry with spices and rice.
Mongolian Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For a dash of Asian-inspired flair without the wait, Mongolian Chicken is your express ticket to a delicious dinner. It cooks up swiftly, freeing you up to unwind in the warmth of your home. As you cozy up, relish in the knowledge that a flavorful meal is just moments away. Let this no-stress dish be the effortless star of your evening repast.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Chicken

Spicy Garlic Beef Noodles

A fork lifting a portion of cooked noodles with vegetables from a pan, with a bowl of chopped green onions in the background.
Spicy Garlic Beef Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

With Spicy Garlic Beef Noodles, you serve up a quick and robustly flavored meal without breaking a sweat. It’s an easy answer to “What’s for dinner?” on those nippy, hectic evenings. The dish comes together so fast, it’s ready almost as soon as your appetite kicks in. Enjoy a relaxed dinner where the preparation is swift and the result is purely soothing.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Garlic Beef Noodles

Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken

Stir-fried diced chicken with dried chilies and spring onions in a black skillet.
Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Bring a warm twist to your dinner selection with Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken. This meal is a snap to make, which means more time huddled up with a book or your favorite show. Feel the warmth spread through you as you enjoy a dish made for brisk weather. Serve up some solace on a plate, and watch as dinner becomes the least of your worries.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken

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