17 Weekend Feasts That Taste Like Hours of Prep—But Aren’t

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17 Weekend Feasts That Taste Like Hours of Prep—But Aren’t

Why spend your weekend stuck in the kitchen when you can whip up 17 dishes that taste like they took hours to prepare? These meals bring all the hearty goodness without the marathon cooking session. Perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something special. You get to kick back, relax, and still look like a master chef—your secret’s safe with us!

Low angle shot of szechuan shrimp in a wok.
Szechuan Shrimp. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Shrimp stuffed into soft corn tortillas with lime wedges on the side.
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

With Camarones al Mojo de Ajo, the preparation is as simple as it gets, but the result is packed with garlic flavor. The shrimp are sautéed with a generous amount of garlic and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a tangy kick. Serve this with some freshly chopped cilantro and a side of rice to turn it into a full meal. It’s the perfect dish to impress your guests, without spending the whole day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Hoisin Beef

A white bowl with rice and hoisin ground beef and chopsticks on the side.
Hoisin Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Hoisin Beef requires minimal prep time, yet it delivers big on taste. The beef is stir-fried until just perfect, then tossed in a rich hoisin sauce that creates a lovely complement to the meat. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It’s a simple way to bring a touch of Asian cuisine to your dinner table this weekend.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

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

For a comforting meal, try Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. It mixes tender chicken breasts with spinach in a creamy sauce that bakes to perfection in under an hour. This dish is both comforting and straightforward, making it ideal for a relaxing weekend dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some greens into your diet in a very delicious way.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Camarones a la Diabla

Shrimp in red chile sauce on a white plate with lime wedges and a fork in the background.
Camarones a la Diabla. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Spice up your meal with Camarones a la Diabla. This dish features shrimp drenched in a fiery sauce made from chili peppers and spices. It’s bold and a bit spicy, which makes it perfect for anyone looking to add a little excitement to their meal. Serve with a scoop of rice to balance out the heat.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Beef bulgogi in a bowl with rice and cucumbers.
Beef Bulgogi Bowls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Beef Bulgogi Bowls are your shortcut to a Korean-inspired feast. The beef is marinated in a blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar, then cooked until caramelized. This dish is usually topped with vegetables and served over rice, making for a balanced and easy meal. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s also incredibly easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Pizza Carbonara

A close-up of a pizza slice topped with a runny egg yolk, grated cheese, bacon bits, and black pepper.
Pizza Carbonara. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Transform your weekend with Pizza Carbonara, an Italian classic with a twist. It combines the creamy texture of carbonara sauce with the crispy crust of a pizza. Top with pancetta or bacon, and a sprinkle of Parmesan to complete this indulgent treat. It’s a unique pizza experience that’s straightforward to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Carbonara

Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles

Overhead shot of a bowl of noodles with vegetables and thai peanut sauce.
Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles bring the essence of Thai cooking right to your kitchen. This dish is all about the rich, creamy peanut sauce that coats the noodles and any additions like vegetables or chicken. It’s easy to whip up and even easier to personalize with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re new to Thai food or a seasoned enthusiast, this dish won’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles

Salmon and Asparagus Quiche

Salmon and asparagus quiche on a metal plate with parchment paper.
Salmon and Asparagus Quiche. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

This Salmon and Asparagus Quiche is an elegant yet easy dish that’s perfect for brunch or a light dinner. The combination of salmon and asparagus with a creamy egg custard makes it a rich and nutritious meal. Baking it all in a flaky pie crust ties everything together wonderfully. It’s sophisticated yet straightforward, ideal for a weekend meal.
Get the Recipe: Salmon and Asparagus Quiche

Thai Fried Rice

Overhead shot of Thai fried rice in a white bowl with a skillet of fried rice on the side.
Thai Fried Rice. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Enjoy a taste of Thailand with Thai Fried Rice, a dish that combines rice with egg, onions, and a mix of vegetables. It’s often enhanced with a bit of shrimp or chicken, making it a versatile and filling dish. The key lies in the seasoning—a mix of soy sauce and spices that give it its distinctive flavor. It’s a one-pot wonder that is perfect for using up leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fried Rice

Avocado Toast with Grated Egg

Avocado toast on a wooden cutting board.
Avocado Toast with Grated Egg. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Avocado Toast with Grated Egg is a simple yet fulfilling dish that is perfect for a lazy weekend morning. The creamy avocado spread on toasted bread provides a rich base, while the grated egg adds a layer of texture. It’s nutritious, easy to assemble, and customizable with various toppings like tomatoes or radishes. A sprinkle of chia seeds can add a nice crunch.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast with Grated Egg

Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Fish tacos on a small baking sheet with limes.
Air Fryer Fish Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Whip up some Air Fryer Fish Tacos for a quick and light meal. The air fryer crisps up the fish beautifully without much oil, making these tacos a healthier option. Topped with cabbage slaw and a squeeze of lime, they’re fresh and full of flavor. It’s a hassle-free meal that’s also fun to eat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Gochujang Noodles with Bacon and Eggs

A person uses chopsticks to lift a portion of Gochujang noodles with crispy bacon and two sunny-side-up eggs from a skillet.
Gochujang Noodles with Bacon and Eggs. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Gochujang Noodles with Bacon and Eggs mix the umami-rich flavor of gochujang with the savory taste of bacon, all topped with a perfectly cooked egg. The noodles absorb all the flavors, making every bite a delicious experience. This dish is a fusion that is as exciting as it is easy to make. Great for those who enjoy a bit of adventure in their meals.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Noodles with Bacon and Eggs

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Stacked taquitos on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Turn to Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos for a quick and entertaining meal. These taquitos are filled with chicken and cheese, then cooked in the air fryer for a crisp finish. They are perfect for dipping into guacamole or salsa. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also fun to eat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork

A bowl of rice topped with stir-fried tofu cubes and minced vegetables, garnished with green onions. Chopsticks rest on top.
Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork brings the heat with its Szechuan-inspired spices. The ground pork is cooked with tofu in a sauce that plays perfectly between spicy and savory. This dish is both comforting and exhilarating, great for warming up your weekend. It’s a classic Chinese dish that’s surprisingly easy to execute.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork

Crispy Feta Fried Eggs

A fried egg with crispy feta cheese, avocado, and a tortilla, garnished with chopped green onions and red pepper flakes, served on a white plate.
Crispy Feta Fried Eggs. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

This dish serve as a quick and luxurious breakfast option. The eggs are fried until just crispy and then paired with a slice of feta cheese, adding a wonderful creaminess. Crispy Feta Fried Eggs requires minimal ingredients and effort but delivers on an incredible breakfast experience. It’s a simple pleasure that is perfect for a relaxed morning.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Feta Fried Eggs

Szechuan Shrimp

Low angle shot of szechuan shrimp in a wok.
Szechuan Shrimp. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Szechuan Shrimp packs a punch with its bold spices and quick cooking time. The shrimp are tossed in a Szechuan pepper mix and quickly stir-fried to retain their juiciness. Serve this with steamed broccoli and rice for a complete meal. It’s an excellent dish for anyone looking to spice up their dining routine.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp

Air Fryer Enchiladas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
Air Fryer Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Try Air Fryer Enchiladas for an easy, fulfilling dinner. The enchiladas come out of the air fryer crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Fill them with your choice of meat or vegetables, and top with cheese and enchilada sauce. It’s a comforting dish that’s also incredibly convenient to make with an air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas

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