When I get home from work, sometimes the last thing I feel like doing is cooking something. There’s the hassle of discovering I’m out of rigatoni, to say nothing of the 10-20 minutes of cleaning up to do after five minutes of eating. Sometimes it doesn’t seem worth it. Luckily, I’ve been able to find and create a few quick, easy recipe ideas for nights like those, so I can feel satisfied, not resort to a bowl of cereal, and save money on ordering in.
These recipes are made with things you may already have on hand, and substitutions are encouraged, so you won’t need to go out and buy anything – that defeats the purpose of a quick minute meal! Some are favorites I’ve discovered, and some I’ve pretty much invented myself. Whether you’re feeding yourself or a family, getting dinner on the table doesn’t have to be a complicated, tedious process with these recipes.
- Cheesy polenta with peppers, onions and chicken sausage
Originally just a recipe idea I threw together, this quick meal packs in protein, grains and vegetables – and there’s plenty of opportunity to add spice, which is always a win in my book. Upon searching, I’ve found a recipe online that’s very similar to the way I make mine. Just sub frozen peppers and onions if you’re short on time, use rice or quinoa for your grain, or mix in whatever cheese floats your boat for a fast, hearty dinner.
2. Breakfast quesadillas
This one really isn’t a recipe, either, just something I assembled myself. Fill a tortilla with your favorite cheese (pepper jack is amazing here, but cheddar works just as well), crisp it up in a skillet, and add a fried egg and your choice of toppings. I like to use salsa, hot sauce, avocado or peppers in mine, but feel free to experiment. It’s filling, tasty, and a great way to use up things you probably have on hand.
3. “Pad thai” ramen noodles
If you, like me, are addicted to peanut butter, here’s a new way to get your fix. I follow Martha Stewart’s recipe with a few changes: I don’t use the seasoning packets at all, and I’d add in some vegetables (snow peas, red peppers, baby corn or sprouts would all work great here). Feel free to adjust the toppings and sauces to your preference. I also prefer to use a more natural brand of ramen than the 17-cent kind we all know and love, but do what works for you.
- Stuffed peppers
Another mix-and-match type meal, stuffed peppers are great for using up some odds and ends you may have floating around. Add rice or no rice; meat or meatless; whatever veggies (like corn or black beans) you prefer. Here’s a basic recipe with ground turkey to get you started, but a quick Google search will help you uncover dozens of varieties you can try, too.
- Potato soup with dumplings
One of my favorite recipes from growing up, this starchy soup is filling, cheap and delicious. All you really need is broth, potatoes, milk, an egg and some flour. It also comes together quickly, and, once again, provides plenty of opportunity for toppings like cheddar cheese, bacon or ham, or scallions. It’s a delicious dinner on a cold, rainy evening.
There you have it: five main dishes you can pull out of your back pocket at any time and feel good about eating. Add in a salad and some fruit, and give yourself a pat on the back for pulling together a healthy meal.
What are your favorite go-to dinners?
bloom. 