19 Dinners So Quick, You’ll Have Time for Seconds (and Dessert)

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19 Dinners So Quick, You’ll Have Time for Seconds (and Dessert)

When dinner’s done in no time, you’ll have plenty of space for seconds (and dessert, of course). These 19 dinners are so quick, they’ll have you wondering what to do with all your extra time. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, these meals get you from stove to table faster than your family can ask, “Is it ready yet?” And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a meal that leaves room for dessert?

A white plate with Montreal smoked meat hash on it.
Montreal Smoked Meat Hash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs in a bowl.
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Every now and then, you stumble upon a recipe like Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs that’s not only quick but also doesn’t skimp on taste. Whipping it up is a breeze, saving you loads of time, perfect for when you’re starving and can’t be bothered to wait. Whether you pair them with pasta or enjoy them as a standalone dish, they hit the spot. So yeah, dinner and maybe even round two can be on your table before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Mediterranean Cod

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

When you’re after something that brings a bit of the ocean to your dinner table without the fuss, Mediterranean Cod should be your go-to. It’s got that ‘cooked all day’ vibe but comes together so fast, you’ll be shocked. Perfect for a midweek dinner when you want something different but don’t have hours to spend. And there’s usually time left over to think about what’s for dessert.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

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

If you thought Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese was just for the big game days, think again. This dish throws in a wrench into your usual dinner routine, bringing together two favorites in a surprisingly easy way. It’s the kind of meal that makes you wonder why you haven’t been eating it every week. Plus, it’s quick enough to leave you contemplating a second helping or what sweet treat you’ll have after.
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 one of those lifesaver dishes for when the fridge is looking a bit bare and you need dinner stat. It’s ridiculously simple to throw together, yet still packs a punch in the taste department. Ideal for those evenings when you’ve gotta feed the crew but time and energy are in short supply. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a bit of extra time for dessert or a second round?
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Cheeseburger Casserole

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

This casserole brings the best of two worlds together: the comfort of a casserole and the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger. It’s an easy win when you’re looking for something to satisfy hunger without spending hours in the kitchen. Cheeseburger Casserole basically serves up cozy vibes on a plate, quicker than you’d expect. Leaving room for dessert or, dare we say, seconds, becomes a happy possibility.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

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

Say goodbye to the boring chicken salads of the past with Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins. This dish turns up the dial on creativity and taste, all while keeping things simple and straightforward. It’s the kind of meal that makes a regular Tuesday feel a bit more special without any extra hassle. Plus, it wraps up quick enough that you might even sneak in dessert before your favorite show starts.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Shrimp Scampi Pizza

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

When you want to mix up the pizza night routine without causing a riot, introducing Shrimp Scampi Pizza can be a game changer. This dish combines the comfort of pizza with the elegance of shrimp scampi, all in a fraction of the time it takes to deliver. It’s a brilliant move when you’re out of dinner ideas and need a win. And yeah, it’s so quick, thinking about round two or a sweet ending is not out of the question.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pizza

Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Chicken Tinga Tostada on a plate.
Chicken Tinga Tostadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a meal that’s as fun to say as it is to eat, Chicken Tinga Tostadas top the list. It’s all about big taste with minimum time spent in the kitchen, perfect for shaking up the dinner routine. This dish has a way of making dinner feel like a mini fiesta, even on the dreariest of weekdays. And the best part? You’re done in time to consider going back for seconds or diving into dessert.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas

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.

Going for that ‘restaurant quality at home’ vibe without the need for a culinary degree or hours of prep? Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka has got you covered. This dish gives you all the feels of a fancy dinner out but comes together in the comfort of your kitchen, quick style. It’s a surefire way to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself on a weeknight. And the cherry on top? There’s probably time to whip up a quick dessert after.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

Grilled pork chops with pineapple salsa on a white plate.
Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Who said grilling is only for weekends? Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa proves that notion wrong, delivering a dish that’s both simple and quick. It’s about throwing together a couple of things for a meal that feels like a mini backyard party any day of the week. Plus, it leaves you ample time to debate the all-important question: dessert now or later?
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

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.

Reinventing salad night is a breeze with Chinese Chicken Salad. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t demand much from you in terms of time or effort but still ends up being a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for when you want something light, but still filling, and definitely don’t want to spend the night in the kitchen. Plus, the quick prep means dessert or seconds are very much on the table.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

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

Leftover Steak Quesadilla is a genius way to give yesterday’s steak a delicious makeover, proving once again that leftovers are far from boring. It’s the perfect blend of efficiency and flavor, making for a meal that’s both quick and comforting. This dish is all about making the most of what you’ve got, turning it into something new and exciting. And, it’s done so quickly, you’ll have plenty of time to debate dessert choices.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

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.

When you want to switch up your dinner game with something a bit out of the ordinary, Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle does the trick. This dish is quick to prepare, letting you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying. It’s a straightforward way to bring some excitement to your dinner table without any fuss. And before you know it, you’re finished cooking and can start planning for dessert or round two.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

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.

After a long day, who wouldn’t want dinner to be easy and quick to plate? Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken brings a bit of restaurant charm right to your kitchen, no reservation needed. You’ll barely have any cleanup and plenty of time to relax afterwards or even sneak in an extra helping. Perfect for those evenings when you need something straightforward but still crave a fulfilling meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

Double halves of Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak on a slate plate.
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When you need a quick fix that fills you up, Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak is your go-to. It’s simple to whip up and even easier to enjoy with the fam or friends. You’re looking at minimal cooking time, which means more leisure time or maybe even an impromptu movie night. Good food doesn’t need to keep you tied to the stove, and this dish proves just that.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

Mediterranean Salmon

A plate of Greek salmon with grape tomatoes and olives.
Mediterranean Salmon. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Got 20 minutes? That’s more than enough time to get Mediterranean Salmon on the table. This dish is all about getting you fed without the fuss, and it’s packed with the right kind of vibe for a quiet night in. Whether you’re aiming for healthier eating or just want a quick dinner solution, this recipe caters without complicating. And you’ll still have plenty of evening left for chilling.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salmon

Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches w/ Hot Honey Butter

Four grilled cheese sandwiches with hot honey butter on a black slate serving board.
Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches w/ Hot Honey Butter. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes, you just need something with a bit of an edge to wind down your day. Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches w/ Hot Honey Butter might just be your new comfort food hack. With a cooking process that’s straightforward, your dinner will turn out super fast, giving you extra downtime. It’s about enjoying your meal without spending all night making it.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches w/ Hot Honey Butter

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.

Dinner rush? No problem! Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta mixes quick prep with bold tastes. No need to stress over a lengthy clean-up; this one’s designed to keep things light on mess. It’s the perfect pick when you’re short on time but still want a dinner that hits all the right notes. Let this be your effortless route to a fulfilling dinner on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Montreal Smoked Meat Hash

A white plate with Montreal smoked meat hash on it.
Montreal Smoked Meat Hash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Craving something hearty without the hefty time commitment? Montreal Smoked Meat Hash comes together quickly and leaves everyone satisfied. It’s ideal for those evenings when simplicity is key but you still want a meal that feels a bit special. Plus, if you’re into hassle-free cooking, this meal has got your back, letting you cap off the night on a good note.
Get the Recipe: Montreal Smoked Meat Hash

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