Posted by Tastefully Simple on September 23, 2024
As the days grow shorter and fall sets in, the to-do lists in everyone’s lives seem to get longer. Whether your kids are starting a new school year, you’re in the middle of a busy work season, or weeknight activities are in full swing, one thing is certain: After a long day, cooking a big meal can feel like a daunting task. You want something delicious and nutritious, but also quick and easy, so you can make the most of your evening. That’s why we’re sharing some of our favorite quick and easy meal ideas for busy weeknights—so you don’t have to choose between a quality dinner and quality time. Let’s dive in.
At Tastefully Simple, we have countless recipes that can be made in 30 minutes or less. While it was hard to choose, we’ve narrowed down a few of our favorites to share—and don’t worry, we’ll keep it quick! Let’s kick things off with a twist on a classic: Buffalo Sloppy Joes. In many households, sloppy joes are a go-to because they’re so easy and always tasty. To spice up the classic, try our Buffalo Joes, which take just 20 minutes from start to finish. Add fresh bleu cheese and crispy fried onions on top for extra flavor. The secret to this dish? Our Buffalo Wing Cheese Ball Mix—it adds that perfect punch without any extra effort.
It’s always tempting to order takeout on a busy night, but you can have the best of both worlds with our Hibachi-Style Bayou Chicken Fried Rice. In 30 minutes or less, you can skip the takeout and whip up a healthier, quick recipe that’s just as delicious. Stir-fry chicken with your favorite veggies and serve it over rice, all flavored with our Bayou Bourbon™ Glaze. If you’re feeling adventurous, top it off with a fried egg for the perfect meal in a pinch.
Looking for a vegetarian-friendly recipe when you’re short on time? We’ve got you covered with our Simple Stovetop Mac & Cheese. This dish is a perfect example of how quick and easy doesn’t have to mean boring. In under 20 minutes, you can have creamy, homemade mac and cheese infused with just a hint of garlic, thanks to our Garlic Garlic™ Seasoning. Trust us, this recipe’s a keeper!
One of our favorite time-saving meals is the classic one-pot wonder. Just throw everything into one pot, cook and enjoy! Our One Pot Pesto Linguine is ready in 30 minutes or less and makes weeknight dinners a breeze. Don’t let the idea of pesto intimidate you—this recipe is simple! With our Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto Mix, you’ll be whipping up a pesto dish like a pro in no time.
While all of these meals can be made in 30 minutes or less, we understand time is precious, and sometimes you need to speed things up even more. One way to do that is by prepping ingredients ahead of time and freezing them for later use. Vegetables, meat, and even potatoes can be prepped in advance, giving you an easy grab-and-go option when you’re short on time during the week.
Tastefully Simple also offers a variety of one pot meal mixes that let you put your slow cooker to work. Just add your protein, a few fresh ingredients, our signature seasoning mix and set and forget. With a little morning prep, you’ll have dinner on the table at the end of the day. Check out the selection here.
Another way to save time in the kitchen is to minimize the number of dishes and pans needed for your recipes. Less mess equals less clean-up time. One pan cooking is a great option. You’ll make a complete meal all in one pan and reduce the number of dishes that need to be washed. Take a look at the one pan meal mixes available—everything from skillet dinners to sheet pan chicken dinners. So simple and so delicious.
Do you have a favorite Tastefully Simple recipe that’s quick and easy? Or are you already part of the Tastefully Simple community? We’d love for you to host an Meals in Minutes Online Pop-Up with us! Not only will you discover even more recipe ideas from fellow members, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with others and share your favorites too. Whether you join a experience or try one of the recipes above, don’t forget to share it with us using the hashtag #TastefullySimple. We can’t wait to see your time-saving tips and delicious dishes!