kitchen countertop with assorted fruits and vegetables and mobile tablet with weekly dinner menu plan

Doable Solutions to Quickly Get Dinner on the Table Even on Busy Weeknights

/9 Comments/in , , /by Mary Hunt

Navigating the juggling act of modern life often feels like trying to keep multiple plates spinning at once. Amidst this whirlwind, one common struggle stands out: dinner time. Despite the chaos, there are quick easy dinners that can conquer the dinner dilemma and ensure that delicious, home-cooked meals grace your table—even on the busiest of weeknights. Read on for practical tips to make dinner time stress-free and enjoyable.

kitchen countertop with assorted fruits and vegetables and mobile tablet with weekly dinner menu plan

If you think yours is the only household that finds it nearly impossible to clothe, feed, and educate children, keep a clean house, care for aging parents, participate in church and community activities, keep regular paychecks rolling in—and also get dinner on the table at a reasonable time every single weeknight, I’ve got news for you: you are not alone!

Life’s hectic pace can make dinner time feel like a daunting challenge, especially on busy weeknights. But with a little planning and a handful of simple strategies, getting a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table is totally doable. Here are some practical tips to help you even when your schedule is packed—quick, easy dinners!

Tried and True Family Favorites for Quick Easy Dinners

No one knows your family better than you do. You know what foods and meals they like, and those they can barely tolerate. For now, concentrate on the former—foods, meals, menus you and the family like that you could prepare in your sleep; they are that simple.

Come up with your family’s favorite meals. Post them on a menu board and then keep that board where everyone can see it effortlessly. Repeat these quick, easy dinners every week—at least for the foreseeable future—as you get into a smooth-running dinner routine. Here’s an example:

  • Monday: Baked Chicken, Rice, Green Beans
  • Tuesday: Mac and Cheese, Apple Sauce, Petite Green Peas
  • Wednesday: Hot Dogs, Baked Beans, Chips
  • Thursday: Meat Loaf, Mashed Potatoes, Creamed Corn
  • Friday: Tacos, Mexican Rice
  • Saturday: Pizza
  • Sunday: Spaghetti, Meat Sauce, Green Salad, Bread

Look at the benefits of having a simple seven-day dinner rotation. Putting that grocery list together would take you about five minutes. You and your family know how to make these meals; you’ve made them so often that it will be easy to share the actual cooking.

But perhaps the best thing about this kind of meal planning is that everyone already knows what’s for dinner. And if they forget, you have the answer.

Pro Tip

Of course, this kind of meal planning is flexible, and that’s the beauty of it. You can skip, substitute, or even change it up with leftovers. When you’re ready to change it up, you will easily create an all-new Weekly Dinner Menu Plan.

Don’t forget to check out the freebie download at the bottom of the blog post for your Weekly Dinner Menu Plan worksheet and five weeks of meal plans!

Simplify Meal Planning for Quick Easy Dinners

Meal planning is your best friend when it comes to saving time and reducing stress with quick, easy dinners. Spend a few minutes each week planning your meals and creating a grocery list. Knowing what’s for dinner ahead of time means you can avoid those last-minute scrambles.

Grab your favorite recipe book or scroll through your go-to cooking blogs, and get planning! With a little foresight and a dash of creativity, you’ll be amazed at how effortless mealtime can become.

Pro Tip

Start with a theme for each night, like Meatless Monday, Taco Tuesday, or Pasta Wednesday. This will narrow down your choices and make planning simpler.

Prep Ahead for Quick Easy Weeknight Meals

prep ahead quick easy dinners marinated chicken chopping carrots cooked grains

Prepping ahead is like giving yourself a head start in the race towards a stress-free dinner. It’s all about putting in a little effort upfront to save you time and hassle later on. Spend a leisurely Sunday afternoon chopping veggies, marinating proteins, and cooking grains or pasta. Then, when Monday rolls around and you’re faced with a hectic schedule, all you have to do is reach into your fridge and pull out everything you need to whip up a delicious meal in no time.

Pro Tip

Store prepped ingredients in clear containers. This way, you can see everything at a glance, making it easier to grab what you need.

One-Pot Wonders: Quick Easy Dinners with Minimal Cleanup

One-pot meals are synonymous with quick, easy dinners. They minimize cleanup and usually require less hands-on time. Think soups, stews, casseroles, and sheet-pan dinners. These meals often involve throwing everything into one pot or pan and letting it cook, allowing you to focus on other tasks while dinner practically prepares itself.

With one-pot wonders in your recipe repertoire, you’ll breeze through dinner prep with ease and savor every moment spent around the table with your loved ones.

Pro Tip

Here’s a delicious idea to get you started: why not try a one-pot chicken and rice dish? Sauté chicken until golden brown, then add rice, your favorite veggies, and broth. Let everything simmer together until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is tender. Voila! Dinner is served, and you’re left with only one pot to clean—a true weeknight miracle!

Slow Cooker and Instant Pot Magic for Quick Easy Dinners

slow cooker meals instant pot on counter

Ah, let’s talk about the unsung heroes of the kitchen—slow cookers and Instant Pots! These kitchen appliances are perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re a busy parent juggling work and family commitments or a seasoned home cook looking to streamline your dinner routine, these kitchen workhorses are sure to become your new best friends.

You can set up your slow cooker in the morning and come home to a ready meal or use an Instant Pot for quick, pressure-cooked dinners.

Pro Tip

Here’s a handy tip to make the most of your slow cooker or Instant Pot: opt for recipes that use ingredients you already have on hand or can easily substitute. This not only saves you time and money but also eliminates the need for a last-minute trip to the store. Whether it’s swapping out one type of protein for another or using up leftover veggies from the fridge, getting creative with your ingredients ensures that dinner is always just a button press away.

Batch Cooking and Freezing Tips for Quick Easy Dinners

Picture this: you spend a leisurely Sunday afternoon whipping up a big batch of your favorite soup, casserole, or pasta sauce. Then, instead of serving it all at once, you portion out the extras and stash them away in the freezer for later. Fast forward to a busy weeknight when time is tight and energy is low—you simply pull out a container of homemade goodness, heat it up, and dinner is served!

Pro Tip

Be sure to label your containers with the date and contents. This simple step makes it easy to keep track of what you have on hand and ensures that you use up older meals before they get lost in the freezer abyss. Plus, it helps prevent any mystery meals from lurking in the depths of your freezer!

Simple and Quick Recipes for Busy Nights

quick easy dinners tacos chicken breasts spaghetti and meatballs

Keep a repertoire of quick dinner recipes that you can rely on when time is tight. Think stir-fries, omelets, protein-packed salads, and sandwiches—dishes that are not only quick to make but also satisfying and nutritious. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a mouthwatering meal in under 30 minutes, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your evening.

Pro Tip

Here’s a tasty idea to add to your repertoire: a quick veggie stir-fry with tofu or chicken. Sauté your choice of veggies with garlic and ginger, add your protein of choice, and finish with a simple sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and a splash of vinegar. In no time at all, you’ll have a flavorful and wholesome meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Using Convenience Foods Wisely for Quick Easy Dinners

convenience items meal planning rotisserie chicken canned beans chopped frozen vegetables

Let’s chat about using convenience wisely in the kitchen. We all have those days when time is short and energy is low, and the last thing we want to do is spend hours chopping veggies or waiting for a chicken to roast. That’s where store-bought shortcuts come in handy.

Things like pre-chopped veggies, rotisserie chicken, or canned beans can be a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want to serve up a wholesome meal. These convenient options cut down on prep time without sacrificing flavor or nutrition, allowing you to get dinner on the table in a fraction of the time.

Pro Tip

Here’s a smart tip to keep in mind: when opting for convenience items, try to choose ones with minimal additives and preservatives. While these shortcuts can be a real time-saver, it’s always best to prioritize fresh and simple ingredients whenever possible. Not only do they taste better, but they’re also better for you in the long run.

Get the Family Involved in Quick Easy Dinner Prep

Dinner time doesn’t have to be a solo effort. Getting everyone involved in the kitchen is not only a great way to lighten your load but also an opportunity to bond and create lasting memories with your loved ones. And the best part? Even young kids can get in on the action! Even young kids can help with simple tasks like washing veggies or setting the table. It’s moments like these that make cooking together so special and meaningful.

Pro Tip

Assign specific tasks based on each person’s age and ability. Whether it’s stirring a pot, chopping ingredients (under adult supervision, of course), or simply setting out plates and utensils, giving everyone a role to play not only makes the process faster but also teaches valuable cooking skills along the way. Plus, it’s a great way to foster a sense of teamwork and responsibility in the kitchen.

Balanced and Nutritious Yet Quick Easy Dinners

While aiming for balanced plates filled with protein, carbs, and veggies is important, it’s equally essential to keep things simple and stress-free. After all, a meal doesn’t have to be fancy to be nutritious and satisfying.

Take, for example, a humble grilled cheese sandwich paired with a crisp side salad. It’s a classic comfort food combination that ticks all the boxes—protein from the cheese, carbs from the bread, and vitamins and minerals from the veggies. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights when time is tight.

Pro Tip

Opt for whole grains and lean proteins whenever possible. Whole grains like brown rice or quinoa provide fiber and nutrients, while lean proteins like chicken or tofu help keep you feeling full and satisfied. By making these simple swaps, you can boost the nutritional value of your meals without sacrificing flavor or convenience.

Extend Yourself Grace for Quick Easy Dinners

On those nights when the stars just don’t align, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to cut yourself some slack. After all, dinner time should be about nourishing our bodies and souls, not adding extra stress to our already busy lives.

So, what’s the solution when things don’t go according to plan? Keep a list of go-to takeout spots or quick frozen meals that you enjoy. Whether it’s your favorite Mexican food joint or a stash of frozen lasagnas in the freezer, having a backup plan ensures that you can still enjoy a satisfying meal without all the fuss. The goal is to make dinner time as stress-free as possible, even if it means ordering pizza occasionally.

Pro Tip

Consider setting the table nicely and serving the food on real plates. It may seem like a small gesture, but it can make all the difference in turning a simple meal into a special occasion. Plus, it’s a great way to add a touch of elegance to an otherwise ordinary evening.

Less Stress More Joy

By incorporating these doable solutions into your routine, you can give preparing dinner top priority with less stress and more enjoyment, even on the busiest of weeknights. Remember, the goal is to nourish yourself and your loved ones without feeling overwhelmed.

Resources for a Stress-Free Kitchen

6 Qt Instant Pot
6 Qt Instant Pot

Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, sterilizer, and food warmer

$139.99
Buy on Amazon
Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Qt
Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Qt

Not your mom’s slow cooker: Smart technology allows you to cook a recipe to either a desired cooking time or specific temperature, before automatically switching to warm when it’s done

$94.94
Buy on Amazon
Save $8.90
Once-A-Month Cooking
Once-A-Month Cooking

You do not have to be a super savvy chef to pull your family together each week for these light and simple, easy-to-prepare meals. Revised to reflect todays healthier diet, this revised edition explains how to plan ahead, spend less time at the supermarket, cut down on prep time, group similar kitchen tasks together to get them all done at once, make kitchen clean-up more manageable.

$19.99 $11.09
Buy on Amazon

Download Your Free Weekly Dinner Menu Plan Worksheet

Struggling to stay organized with your weeknight dinners? This handy Weekly Dinner Menu Plan worksheet is designed to help you streamline your meal planning process and simplify your weeknight dinners. With space to jot down your family’s favorite meals and plan out your entire week’s worth of dinners, you’ll be able to breeze through grocery shopping and cooking with ease. Plus, we’ve included five weeks of sample meal plans to inspire you and take the guesswork out of what to cook. Download this free worksheet now and take the first step towards stress-free dinners and more quality time spent around the table with your loved ones!

Everyday Cheapskate Freebie Download Weekly Dinner Menu Plan

Question: What’s your go-to dinner solution for busy weeknights? Share your favorite quick easy dinners with us!

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9 replies
  2. Anita says:

    My kids like waffle fry “nachos.” Pour frozen waffle fries on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake according to package directions, pulling them out about three minutes early to sprinkle with taco meat (leftover, any kind), black beans, and shredded cheese. Bake for about three minutes more. Sprinkle with any other taco toppings you like – olives, diced avocado, chopped tomato, shredded lettuce, scallions, cilantro, etc. Serve immediately with lots of salsa and lime wedges if desired. Dinner is ready in under half an hour.

    Reply
  3. Lyn TURNER says:

    A time-saver I have used for the last couple of years: prep several onions ready to use in cooking; put in food processor with cutting blade; pulse for several seconds several times until you have a finely chopped mush; pour onto a cookie sheet; freeze; cut into squares (like brownies), then place in zip-style bags. Store in freezer. When needing an onion for your next cooking adventure, take out a square –or 2 — and throw in the bowl/pot/dish. By the time you’ve gotten all ingredients ready to go, the onions are thawed and ready to go too! No chopping needed during your mad dash to get dinner ready!

    Reply
  4. Lyn TURNER says:

    I find that if I make a meal plan for 6 nights a week, and rely on either “Leftover Luau Day” (drag out all leftovers, heat up and everyone eats their fav) or “Every Man For Himself Day” (make your own whatever-it-is from what you find in the pantry/refrig/freezer), I do better than having a specific meal named for a specific day. Amazingly, I get unexpected help sometimes when husband or older child starts the meal he wants for that night out of the list of 6, no matter what day it is…

    Reply
  5. Bonnie says:

    Eggs! My go to when I can’t think of anything else to make. Anything from scrambled eggs and toast, frittata or if I’m really ambitious, shashuka since I usually have peppers, onions and tomato sauce on hand

    Reply
  6. Caroline Myers says:

    Hi Mary:
    Thank you for your wonderful column. I’ve been receiving your emails and advice for years. When I’m over-extended with too many things going on, I always resort to cooking something I don’t need to pull out a cookbook for. My go to meals are:
    – oven-fried chicken and potato wedges.
    – Shepherds pie
    – salmon and stir fried rice
    – cheeseburger macaroni casserole (macaroni is added raw—one pot meal)
    -oven pork chop/potato bake
    -steak and baked potatoes
    I always have frozen peas, carrots and corn in the freezer for backup veggies. Prefer fresh and of course salad ingredients.
    I love trying new recipes but happy falling back on my tried and true old ones.
    We enjoyed your chicken fried rice recipe on Monday.
    Keep up the great work.

    Reply
  7. Carole says:

    I love most of your posts. I’ve learned a lot. This meal plan seems like a reasonable. What might help is including information on nutritional “balanced” meals. Monday, Thursday Sunday looks good. Pizza is a fun meal. Sorry to critique your example but potatoes and corn are 2 starches…and I know this is just an example. Mac & Cheese & peas, again 2 starches. Sorry…I just had to put my 2 cents in. Switching out on the rotation would help with meals being boring.

    Reply
    • Mary Hunt says:

      No apologies needed, Carole! Of course this is all relative. The point of all of this is for busy, stressed, financially challenged families to find reasonable ways cook meals at home instead of depending on fast food. That is a real problem these days. My thought on this is corn and potatoes perhaps too often or finding dinner too repetitious sure does beat fast food every night of the week with a growing load of credit card debt to show for it. Hope that helps!

      Reply

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