17 quick meals that taste like they’ve been cooking all day

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Get dinner on the table fast with these 17 quick meals that taste like they’ve been cooking all day. Perfect for busy nights when you need something that feels like a cozy home-cooked dish. These meals are so effortless, you’ll have time to kick back and relax. Your family will wonder how you managed to pull off such a feat in record time.

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

A plate of Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers sprinkled with chopped herbs.
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers brings the restaurant experience right to your kitchen with minimal effort. The combination of sausage and peppers in this dish offers a comforting meal that feels like it’s been simmering for hours. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave something hearty but don’t have all day to cook. This recipe provides a fast track to a mouthwatering dinner that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A plate of Salisbury steak with gravy on mashed potatoes, and a side of peas on a white square dish. The meal is set on a white wooden table beside silver cutlery and a floral napkin.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Preparing Diner Style Salisbury Steak at home brings the classic comfort of a diner into your dining room without the wait. This dish, with its rich gravy and tender meat, encapsulates the essence of a home-cooked meal that seems like it took all day to make. It’s ideal for a fulfilling weeknight dinner that everyone at the table will appreciate. Plus, it leaves a lingering aroma in your kitchen that’s as inviting as the meal itself.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Salmon Pasta Salad is a refreshing change of pace from the typical pasta dish, incorporating flaky salmon for an infusion of protein. It’s a go-to recipe for a quick lunch or light dinner, offering a nutritious yet delicious option. The combination of pasta and salmon makes for a fulfilling meal that feels like a treat. Best of all, it comes together in the time it takes to boil pasta, ensuring you’re not tied to the kitchen all day.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots on parchment paper, topped with Alfredo cheese, green onions, and a drizzle of white sauce, placed on a dark rectangular slate plate.
Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a creative twist on a beloved classic, Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots deliver an explosion of flavors. This dish combines the essence of a Philly cheesesteak with the crispy, comforting base of tater tots, creating something truly unique. It’s perfect for game day gatherings or a fun family dinner that breaks from the norm. Everyone will be asking for seconds, wondering how you managed such a feat on a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Spring salad with asparagus and potatoes on a white plate.
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Welcome the freshness of the season with a Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes. This salad is a vibrant mix of spring vegetables, making it a light yet filling option that’s perfect for any occasion. It serves as a wonderful side dish or a main course on warmer days. Plus, it’s quick to assemble, leaving you more time to enjoy the beautiful weather outside.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

Two bowls of Copycat Jason's Deli Irish Potato Soup on a wooden table.
Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Warm up with a bowl of Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup, a comforting and creamy option that’s ready in no time. This soup manages to capture the essence of a slow-cooked meal without the lengthy cooking time. It’s ideal for chilly nights when you need something to warm you from the inside out. The rich taste and smooth texture make it a hit with both adults and kids alike.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with crumbled feta cheese, on a yellow plate with flower designs.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Mediterranean Chopped Salad is a burst of freshness that’s as colorful as it is delicious. It brings together a medley of vegetables with a tangy dressing for a quick and healthy option. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish that complements any meal. It showcases the simplicity and beauty of Mediterranean cuisine without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich on a white plate with chips.
Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This recipe brings the iconic flavor of this classic sandwich into your home with surprising ease. The unique texture and simple ingredients make for a fulfilling meal that’s different from your average burger or sandwich. It’s perfect for a casual dinner or lunch and is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich proves that fast food doesn’t have to come from a drive-thru.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding wedges of a quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Transform last night’s dinner into today’s lunch with a Leftover Steak Quesadilla. This dish is a clever way to repurpose steak into something new and exciting. It’s quick to prepare and packs a punch of flavor, making it a lunchtime favorite. This easy recipe is a great solution for those who dislike wasting food but love trying new meals, ensuring you enjoy every bite without any regret.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

A roast beef sandwich with melted cheese on a hoagie roll, accompanied by crinkle-cut fries and a bowl of brown dipping sauce on the side.
Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich is the perfect answer when you’re craving something tangy and fulfilling. This recipe captures the essence of Cole’s beloved sandwich, complete with tender meat and a flavorful au jus for dipping. It makes for an impressive lunch or dinner that comes together quicker than you might think. Despite the rapid cooking time, the result is a meal that tastes like it took all day to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.
Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This dish is a fantastic way to whip up a fulfilling meal using simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Ground Beef Fried Rice is not only quick to make but also customizable, allowing you to throw in whatever veggies you have lying around. It’s a versatile option for a busy weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce more vegetables into your diet in a delicious way.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A white bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce, garnished with cheese and green herbs, is placed on a wooden surface. A hand is holding a fork with a piece of pasta.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a touch of Italian elegance without the wait, Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka offers a creamy, comforting pasta dish that’s ready in a flash. This recipe provides a delicious way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. The creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta create a luxurious dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s the perfect solution for those nights when you crave something special but have limited time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Chinese Chicken Salad brings a mix of crunchy textures and tangy flavors to your mealtime routine. This salad is light, refreshing, and can be tossed together quickly for a nutritious lunch or dinner. It’s a great way to add some variety to your salads, moving beyond the basic lettuce and tomato. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and a tangy dressing makes it a balanced meal that’s anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips on a white plate.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re in the mood for comfort food, Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips might just be what you’re looking for. This dish offers the rich flavors of beef simmered in a tangy sauce, reminiscent of hours spent stewing, yet it’s quick to prepare. It’s perfect for a hearty dinner that satisfies without requiring too much time in the kitchen. The result is a meal that feels like a weekend treat, even on a weekday.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Mediterranean Cod

Mediterranean cod on a rectangular platter.
Mediterranean Cod. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Introduce a taste of the Mediterranean to your table with Mediterranean Cod. This dish is a simple yet elegant option that pairs the mild taste of cod with vibrant Mediterranean ingredients. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a healthy dinner on a busy night. Not only does it cook in a snap, but it also offers a meal that’s both nutritious and full of taste.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

A pulled pork sandwich with fries on a slate board.
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese. Photo Credit: Grill What You Love.

Level up your sandwich game with a Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese. This recipe combines the melty goodness of grilled cheese with the rich taste of pulled pork, creating a match made in heaven. It’s an inventive way to enjoy two favorites in one, and it’s quick enough to make for a fulfilling lunch or dinner. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a winning choice for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Fried Rice is the ultimate fast and versatile dinner solution. This dish makes use of simple ingredients to deliver a meal that’s both filling and flavorful. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a meal that feels complete. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover rice, making it a smart option for reducing food waste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

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