15 quick-fix meals for when you have next to no time to cook

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These 15 quick-fix meal recipes are ideal for when you have next to no time to cook. Each offers a quick and straightforward way to get a filling and delicious meal on the table. Designed to minimize time spent in the kitchen while maximizing flavor, these recipes provide practical solutions for tight schedules.

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a one-pan meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Mix ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms to create a flavorful dish that’s perfect for when you’re short on cooking time but still want a hearty meal. A convenient and time-efficient option, you’ll find this recipe great for a busy weeknight. It’s all about saving time without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Cabbage and Sausage

A fork in a bowl of cabbage and sausage.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cabbage and Sausage dish is another one-pan wonder that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. Filled with the wholesome ingredients of cabbage and sausage, it provides a fast and straightforward solution for dinner when time is of the essence. Quick to make and simple to clean up afterward, it’s a go-to recipe for a time-crunched evening.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

A fork with cheesy broccoli on it being pulled up from a loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is prepared in a half-hour and is a quick fix for a busy night. The blend of steamed broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and crispy bacon makes for a convenient weeknight meal that won’t have you standing for hours in the kitchen. Efficient and uncomplicated, this casserole answers the “what’s for dinner?” dilemma on a busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with fresh herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is your solution for a quick, one-pan, 30-minute meal. This easy-to-follow recipe combines chicken with a rich garlic cream sauce, providing a straightforward yet flavorful dish perfect for busy evenings. It’s an excellent choice for those nights when cooking time is limited, but you still want a flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is designed to simplify your dinner routine, as it’s ready in just 30 minutes. Roasted sausage and vegetables are cooked on one pan, making preparation and cleanup a breeze. This recipe is a reliable choice for a quick dinner solution.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake is a filling dish you can prepare in only 30 minutes. The chicken thighs are marinated and then topped with cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach, making it an easy choice when you’re short on time but want something wholesome. Ideal for those busy evenings, this dish keeps mealtime simple and efficient.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Bowl of creamy dill cucumber onion salad in a bowl with spoons.
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is a quick 30-minute dish that balances sour cream and mayo for a harmonious blend of flavors. It’s a convenient choice when you’re in a hurry and need to put together something fast yet flavorful. Perfect for rushed days, this salad is both quick to prepare and enjoyable to eat.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Bell Pepper Sandwich

Bell pepper sandwich cut in half on a plate.
Bell Pepper Sandwich. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Bell Pepper Sandwich refreshes the traditional sandwich concept in a unique 10-minute recipe. Swap bread for bell peppers and stuff them with your preferred sandwich fillings. It’s an inventive and fast option when you’re pressed for time but still want a meal that’s a little different.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is ready in 30 minutes, making it another ideal quick-fix meal. With ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese, it’s a straightforward dish for those busy days when you need a meal on the table quickly. Easy to make, it’s a no-fuss option for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A pot of creamy Italian sausage soup with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a 30-minute recipe that combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream for a rich texture. It’s a quick and straightforward option when you’re in a rush but still want something comforting and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy sun dried tomato chicken served on a plate.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken requires only a single skillet and 30 minutes of your time. This dish is ideal when you’re pressed for time but still crave a meal with depth of flavor. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs meet a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, resulting in a balanced dish that’s quick to prepare and easy to clean up.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken is a straightforward 30-minute meal that combines well-seasoned chicken with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and melted mozzarella. This is your go-to option when you need a fulfilling dinner but are short on time. Cooked in one baking dish, it makes for an easy cooking and cleaning process. The blend of peppers and cheese complements the seasoned chicken, providing a well-rounded meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Canned Chicken Patties can be prepared in as little as 20 minutes. This recipe is perfect for those moments when you need a meal on the table quickly. Serve them alone, inside a sandwich, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal that requires minimal effort. The preparation and cooking process is simple, letting you focus on other tasks.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried cabbage with bacon garnished with parsley in a pot.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon takes 25 minutes from start to finish. If you need a quick meal, this dish offers a flavorful combination of cabbage, bacon, and onion. It’s a great choice for a fast weeknight dinner. The one-pan approach ensures you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Easy keto cauliflower cheddar cheese bacon soup in a pot with a spoon.
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup is a comforting choice when time is of the essence. In this dish, steamed cauliflower joins a mixture of seasonings, butter, heavy cream, and cheese, creating a flavorful base. Topping it off with crispy bacon adds a textural contrast. The recipe can be made quickly, making it perfect for rushed evenings when you still want to enjoy a warm, filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

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