17 Quick Recipes That Might Just Be Your New Lifesavers

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Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

This Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is everything a comfort food lover could want—creamy, rich, and loaded with cheesy goodness. It's a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever the craving for something warm and satisfying hits. With minimal prep and no need to stand over the stove, it goes from pantry to table in under 20 minutes. The result is a cozy, homemade meal that feels indulgent without taking up your whole evening. Even picky eaters and tired cooks will be impressed by how effortlessly it comes together.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Beer Battered Cod

This beer batter cod delivers the perfect balance of textures, with a golden, crispy exterior and tender, flaky fish inside. It’s a quick recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners. The light, bubbly beer batter creates a delicious crunch that rivals any restaurant fish fry. Even better, it comes together easily with just a few simple ingredients, proving that homemade can absolutely beat takeout. Anyone who tries it will be amazed at how effortlessly impressive it is.
Get the Recipe: Beer Battered Cod

Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup

This hearty chicken taco soup is loaded with tender chicken, flavorful beans, and all the best toppings like melty cheese and creamy avocado. It’s the kind of comforting, satisfying meal the whole family can enjoy, especially on busy weeknights. Thanks to the Instant Pot, it quicks up in no time and requires minimal hands-on work. With just a few simple steps, even beginner cooks can serve up a warm, nourishing bowl that tastes like it simmered all day.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup

Cheesecake Salad

Juicy fruit and a rich, creamy cheesecake filling come together in this fun and festive red, white, and blue cheesecake salad. It’s a quick dessert that’s bursting with flavor and color, making it perfect for summer celebrations and patriotic holidays. The vibrant mix of textures and sweetness makes it hard to resist, and it always seems to disappear fast at picnics and potlucks. Whether served as a side or a sweet ending, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cheesecake Salad

Grilled Lemon Chicken Skillet

This simple yet flavorful chicken dish delivers a bright, lemony twist that adds a refreshing touch to any meal. It’s perfect for those evenings when something light but satisfying is needed, without spending hours in the kitchen. With its zesty marinade and juicy grilled finish, it brings out bold flavors with minimal effort. Ideal for a quick dinner, it’s a go-to option for anyone craving the taste of summer grilling any time of year.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lemon Chicken Skillet

Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Wings

These air fryer chipotle chicken wings are sure to become a favorite for anyone who loves bold, spicy flavors without the fuss. They turn out perfectly crispy on the outside while staying irresistibly moist and juicy on the inside, thanks to the quick and efficient air fryer method. A homemade firecracker ranch dressing takes them to the next level, adding a creamy, tangy kick that complements the smoky heat of the wings. Not only does the air fryer offer a healthier option compared to deep frying, but it also makes the whole cooking process quicker than using the oven. These wings are the ultimate choice for game day snacking or a quick weeknight indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Wings

Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwiches

Golden, crispy chicken cutlets are stacked with savory slices of deli ham and gooey melted Swiss cheese, then nestled inside warm, crusty sandwich rolls for the ultimate comfort food upgrade. These Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwiches are finished off with a generous drizzle of creamy honey mustard sauce and a handful of fresh spinach, adding a burst of flavor and freshness to every bite. They strike the perfect balance between indulgent and easy, delivering all the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu in a handheld form. Perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy weeknight dinner, they’re a surefire way to impress family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwiches

Instant Pot Ravioli Lasagna

The Instant Pot Ravioli Lasagna is a quick and comforting meal that brings all the cozy flavors of classic lasagna without the usual fuss. By using frozen ravioli and jarred sauce, this recipe skips the time-consuming steps while still delivering a rich, cheesy, and hearty dish. It’s the perfect solution for busy families who want a warm, satisfying dinner on the table with minimal effort. With layers of pasta, sauce, and melty cheese, it feels indulgent while being incredibly simple to prepare. Ideal for weeknights, this dish turns a traditional favorite into a quick and family-friendly staple.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ravioli Lasagna

Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

These turkey meatballs served in a herbaceous tomato sauce make for a quick and easy meal that’s ideal for those hectic weeknights. With minimal prep required, they offer a deliciously satisfying option that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. The flavors are rich and comforting, yet the recipe is simple enough for even beginner cooks to master. Best of all, they’re freezer-friendly, so anyone can make a big batch and have a stress-free dinner ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

This quick and easy chicken shawarma recipe is packed with bold Mediterranean flavors, thanks to a zesty blend of lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and other aromatic spices. It’s a great way to bring the taste of your favorite takeout right into your own kitchen—no grill or spit required. The entire dish can be prepared using just a home oven, making it simple and accessible for any night of the week. For an even quicker option, home cooks can combine the speed of the Instant Pot with a quick oven finish to get that perfectly roasted texture.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Beef Quesadillas

These mouth-watering beef quesadillas are sure to entice anyone’s taste buds with their savory, cheesy goodness. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, this easy recipe comes together in no time—ideal for busy weeknights or when you're just cooking for one or two. The combination of seasoned beef and melty cheese wrapped in a crispy tortilla creates a comforting meal that feels indulgent without the hassle. With minimal prep and cleanup, even the most tired cooks will appreciate how effortlessly these quesadillas come together.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry

Black Pepper Chicken is a beloved Chinese takeout classic that’s both flavorful and satisfying. This quick and easy dish features tender chicken breast stir-fried with crisp bell peppers and onions, all coated in a bold, peppery garlic sauce that packs just the right amount of heat. Ready in only 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without the hassle. With its rich flavors and speedy preparation, it’s a go-to recipe for anyone craving takeout-style comfort from the convenience of their own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry

Seared Salmon with Tomato Corn Salsa

This quick salmon dish comes together with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed summer dinners. The salmon is quickly seared on a hot skillet, locking in its natural juices and creating a beautiful golden crust. It’s then topped with a refreshing tomato corn salsa that adds a burst of color, sweetness, and tang. The combination of warm, flaky fish and the cool, crisp salsa makes for a balanced and satisfying meal. Even those who don’t usually cook fish will find this recipe approachable and rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Seared Salmon with Tomato Corn Salsa

Taco Joes

Taco Joes offer a quick and delicious Mexican-inspired twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich that the whole family will love. With just a pound of ground beef, some taco seasoning, salsa, and a handful of everyday pantry staples, this dish comes together in no time. It's a flavorful and satisfying dinner option that's both hearty and fun, making it a great alternative to traditional taco night. Perfect for busy weeknights, Taco Joes deliver big taste without the fuss. Even picky eaters are likely to ask for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Taco Joes

Blackstone Smashburger

Blackstone Smashburgers are juicy, flavorful burgers known for their perfectly crisp edges and rich, beefy taste. Cooked on a Blackstone griddle, this technique delivers an ideal sear that locks in moisture and brings out the best in every bite. The high heat of the griddle helps create those irresistible caramelized edges that burger lovers crave. These burgers are not only incredibly tasty but also quick to make, making them a go-to option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just craving a classic, these smashburgers are sure to hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Smashburger

Cajun Shrimp

Cajun shrimp dishes might sound fancy, but they’re actually quick and incredibly easy to whip up in just five minutes. With only five ingredients, this flavorful meal comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners. Each bite is bursting with bold Cajun spices, and the heat level can easily be adjusted to suit any taste. It’s an ideal recipe for anyone craving something delicious without the hassle of a long prep time. Even beginners in the kitchen will feel confident pulling off this quick and satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp

Teriyaki Beef Bowls with Ground Beef

These teriyaki beef bowls are a quick and flavorful option that fits seamlessly into even the busiest of schedules. With quick-cooking ground beef and the help of a store-bought teriyaki sauce, this meal comes together in just 20 minutes—ideal for those who need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. They're perfect for busy weeknights when time is short but a hearty, comforting meal is still a must. Whether it's for a speedy dinner or prepped ahead for easy lunches, these bowls deliver bold flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Beef Bowls with Ground Beef