Home ยป 19 Quick Recipes I Turn To When The Day Gets Away From Me

19 Quick Recipes I Turn To When The Day Gets Away From Me

Long days don’t mean dinner has to be whatever’s easiest to grab from the fridge while standing over the sink. With 19 quick recipes, there’s an easy fix for nights when time vanishes, but hunger doesn’t. These meals work for the nights when energy is running low, but the need for real food is still there. It’s about making something decent without committing to an hour of chopping, stirring, and waiting.

Three pieces of Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions on a white rectangular plate.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Fried Rice

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

Isn’t it great when you find a dish that’s both a crowd-pleaser and a time-saver? Chicken Fried Rice hits that sweet spot. It turns your leftovers into a new meal, making it perfect for those evenings when time isn’t on your side. Easy to whip up and even easier to customize, it’s a no-brainer for a quick, fulfilling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

A pulled pork grilled cheese sandwich on a slate plate.
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Have you ever thought about combining two comfort food favorites into one? Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese does just that, marrying smoky pulled pork with the gooey, melty goodness of grilled cheese. This sandwich is a game changer on days when you crave something heartwarming yet straightforward. It’s the ultimate comfort dish that promises to satisfy without keeping you in the kitchen all night.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

I've gathered 31 of my favorite casseroles for you and your family to love! I've created and tested each recipe many times, and you can be sure of no AI. Just dependable, scratch-made dishes to dig into!

You'll get ad-free recipes like:

  • Spaghetti Casserole
  • Sloppy Joe Casserole
  • Sausage-Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
  • Tuna Noodle Casserole.
  • and so many more!
$7.99 for a limited time!
This is a digital product. You'll receive an instant download link after purchase.

Mediterranean Cod

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

When you’re looking for a meal that feels a bit more special without the extra effort, Mediterranean Cod is your answer. This dish brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something light, flavorful, and, above all, quick. Plus, it’s a surefire way to impress anyone at the dinner table with your savvy cooking skills.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheeseburger Casserole in a baking dish.
Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Who says you can’t enjoy the flavors of a cheeseburger any day of the week? Cheeseburger Casserole takes all the beloved elements of a cheeseburger and turns them into a comforting casserole. This dish is a lifesaver for busy weekdays, combining ease with the all-American taste of cheeseburgers. It’s a fun, fuss-free meal that the whole family will get excited about.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Your trusty air fryer can be a lifesaver on hectic days, especially with this dish. Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is an ingenious way to whip up an elegant meal in a fraction of the usual time. It marries convenience with a touch of class, providing a fuss-free path to a dinner that seems like you spent hours on it. Busy evenings just got a little bit easier and a whole lot tastier.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re in the mood for something that screams summer any day of the year, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is there to satisfy. It combines the ease of pasta salad with the fresh flavors of the sea. This dish is as versatile as it is delicious, perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. It’s a straightforward way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean into your home.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

A plate of sliced Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri, served on a white rectangular dish.
Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Fancy a quick trip to South America without leaving your backyard? Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri will transport you there with its vibrant flavors and aromas. This dish is uncomplicated, requiring just a few minutes on the grill, and it’s guaranteed to turn any meal into an occasion. It’s ideal for those times you crave something a bit special but are pressed for time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

California Eggs Benedict

Eggs benedict with ham and avocado on an English muffin served on a black plate.
California Eggs Benedict. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Brunch lovers, rejoice! You don’t need to wait for the weekend to enjoy a little brunch luxury. California Eggs Benedict brings a sunny, California twist to the classic dish, making it perfect for a high-vibe breakfast any day. It’s surprisingly simple to whip up, ensuring you can treat yourself even when time is of the essence.
Get the Recipe: California Eggs Benedict

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Craving Italian on a tight schedule? You can count on the quick and hearty Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. This dish will have everyone at the table eager to dig in, with its robust flavors and comforting textures. Enjoy a meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

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.

On days when you’re craving something light yet fulfilling, reach for Chinese Chicken Salad. This dish is a burst of flavors and textures, promising to refresh and fill you up without any heaviness. It comes together quickly, making it a fantastic choice for last-minute meals or a nutritious lunch option. Who knew fast could taste so good?
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

A plate of Thai pork & Green beans with rice, topped with a fried egg, served with chopsticks on the side.
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Sometimes, it’s all about that sizzle. Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle brings the thrill of cooking outdoors, combined with the tantalizing flavors of Thailand. It’s a quick, interactive way to get dinner on the table, offering an experience as well as a meal. Perfect for when you want to step up your grilling game without any complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

Coronation Chicken Salad

A pan of coronation chicken salad next to a plate of lettuce and tomatoes.
Coronation Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for something a bit different but still easy? Coronation Chicken Salad is a dish with a history, offering a unique blend of flavors that’s both comforting and exotic. It’s incredibly simple to put together, making it an excellent choice for a breezy lunch or dinner. This dish is a testament to the fact that quick meals can still be interesting and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad

Grilled Beef Finger Meat

Grilled Beef Finger Meat on a wooden cutting board.
Grilled Beef Finger Meat. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

When the craving for barbecue hits, but time isn’t on your side, Grilled Beef Finger Meat comes to the rescue. This quick-grill option offers all the satisfaction of a barbecue feast without the all-day commitment. It’s straightforward, delicious, and perfect for impromptu grilling sessions. Sometimes, simple really is best, especially when it tastes this good.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Beef Finger Meat

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Close-up of a hand holding a fork with a bite of copycat Alice spring chicken.
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Ever wish you could recreate your favorite restaurant meals at home—and quickly? Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken lets you do just that. It captures the essence of a beloved dish, all while keeping things simple and speedy in the kitchen. It’s a fun way to bring a taste of dining out into your home without a lot of fuss or time required.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Steak & Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with a pasta salad containing farfalle, steak slices, radishes, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, nuts, and crumbled blue cheese, garnished with parsley, on a wooden board next to a spoon.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A combination of hearty and refreshing notes can be exactly what you need after a busy day. With Steak & Pasta Salad, enjoy the best of both worlds without overstaying your time in the kitchen. This meal offers the comfort of steak and the lightness of a salad, seamlessly blended together. It’s the ideal pick-me-up that comes together rapidly for your convenience.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Shrimp Scampi Pizza

A pizza with shrimp and cheese on top.
Shrimp Scampi Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Why settle for a regular pizza night when you can add a twist? Shrimp Scampi Pizza takes the beloved garlic and butter flavors of shrimp scampi and spreads them generously atop a crispy pizza crust. It’s a quick way to level up your pizza game, offering a delectably different kind of pie. Ideal for when pizza night needs a little shaking up.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pizza

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Curried chicken salad in a blue bowl.
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Opt for an exotic touch when your day doesn’t leave much room for cooking. Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins offers a distinct blend of flavors that can be assembled in snap. It’s a refreshing departure from the everyday rush, providing a quick culinary escape. This salad is proof that simple ingredients can create a meal that’s anything but ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Broccoli Rabe and Sausage in a serving bowl with tomatoes in the background.
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Need something hearty and quick? Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta is your dish. It merges the robust flavors of sausage with the slightly bitter, earthy notes of broccoli rabe in a comforting pasta dish. This meal is a no-brainer for a filling, hassle-free dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Three pieces of Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions on a white rectangular plate.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

On the hunt for a dish that’s sweet, savory, and speedy? Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs tick all those boxes. Using an air fryer, this recipe not only cuts down on cooking time but also on the mess, without sacrificing any of the flavor. It’s a fantastic choice for a quick, delicious dinner that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

By

Leave a Comment