25 Weeknight Wonders Faster Than Arguing Over Takeout
Instant Pot Potato Soup
This rich and creamy Instant Pot potato soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food, perfect for chilly nights or anytime you need something warm and satisfying. Made with tender potatoes and a luscious, velvety base, every spoonful feels like a hug in a bowl. It's topped with crispy bacon for that perfect salty crunch that takes each bite to the next level. The best part? It comes together quickly in the Instant Pot, making it an easy, no-fuss option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Potato Soup
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
This Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is everything you want in a comfort food—rich, creamy, and loaded with cheesy goodness in every bite. It’s a warm, satisfying dish that comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving something cozy without all the fuss. With the help of the Instant Pot, you can have a homemade meal on the table in under 20 minutes, using just a few pantry staples. It’s a great go-to recipe when you need something quick, kid-friendly, and delicious. Once you try it, you might never go back to the boxed stuff again!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Beer Battered Cod
This beer batter cod is everything you want in a fried fish dish—crispy and golden on the outside, while staying tender, juicy, and perfectly flaky on the inside. The light, airy batter comes together quickly with just a few ingredients, and the subtle beer flavor adds that classic pub-style richness. It’s surprisingly simple to make at home, even if you've never fried fish before. The best part? It tastes just as good—if not better—than what you'd get from your favorite local fish fry spot.
Get the Recipe: Beer Battered Cod
Instant Pot Pot Roast
This Instant Pot pot roast is the kind of hearty, soul-warming meal that makes any day feel a little more special. With juicy, melt-in-your-mouth beef and perfectly tender vegetables simmered in a rich and savory broth, it's a comforting classic that hits all the right notes. Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, you can enjoy this traditional slow-cooked flavor in a fraction of the time—making it totally doable on a busy weeknight. Whether you're feeding the family or craving a cozy dinner after a long day, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pot Roast
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
This comforting casserole brings together the irresistible flavors of crispy bacon and tender ranch-seasoned chicken in one satisfying dish. It's the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day—hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to put together. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something homemade. The creamy, cheesy layers combined with that savory bacon crunch make every bite feel indulgent. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a regular favorite at your dinner table!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Traeger Breaded Pork Chops
This homemade version of classic shake and bake pork chops brings all the nostalgic comfort of the original, but with the added bonus of knowing exactly what’s going into your food. With just a few pantry staples and simple steps, you can whip up a flavorful coating that crisps up beautifully in the oven. It’s an easy, no-fuss recipe that still delivers juicy, well-seasoned pork chops with a satisfying crunch. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving a comforting, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, you can customize the seasoning blend to suit your taste—spicy, herby, or garlicky, it’s totally up to you.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Breaded Pork Chops
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo is a quicker, easier take on a beloved Filipino classic that doesn’t sacrifice any of the deep, rich flavors you love. With just a handful of ingredients and the help of your pressure cooker, you get tender, fall-apart chicken simmered in a perfectly balanced sweet, tangy, and savory glaze. The vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves come together beautifully to create that signature adobo flavor in a fraction of the usual time. It’s comfort food at its finest—perfect over a bed of warm rice, with all the nostalgic flavors of home. Whether you're new to adobo or grew up with it, this Instant Pot version makes it easy to enjoy anytime.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Plums & Rosemary
This Pork Chops with Plums and Rosemary recipe is a simple yet elegant dinner that comes together with surprisingly little effort. Each pork chop is seared in butter and garlic until beautifully golden and crisp on the outside, while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. The addition of fresh plums brings a sweet-tart brightness that perfectly balances the richness of the meat. A handful of fresh rosemary infuses the dish with a fragrant, earthy flavor that makes every bite feel comforting and just a bit elevated. It’s the kind of meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is totally doable on a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Plums & Rosemary
Instant Pot BBQ Shredded Chicken
These chicken breasts turn out unbelievably tender and juicy thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, making them a fantastic base for a flavorful and comforting meal. With just a few simple steps, you get perfectly cooked chicken that soaks up every bit of the bold, tangy BBQ sauce. Whether you pile it onto sandwich buns, spoon it over fluffy rice, or enjoy it straight from the bowl, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s a great go-to option for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers when you want something easy but still hearty and satisfying. Best of all, it’s a crowd-pleaser the whole family will ask for again and again.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot BBQ Shredded Chicken
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs
These Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs are a lifesaver for busy weeknights—juicy, tender, and full of bold, savory flavor in every bite. With just a few simple ingredients and almost no prep time, you can toss everything onto a single baking sheet and have a wholesome, delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes. The chicken comes out perfectly cooked alongside colorful, roasted vegetables that soak up all the tasty juices. It’s the kind of meal that pleases everyone at the table, from picky eaters to hearty appetites. And the best part? Cleanup is effortless since it all cooks together on one pan.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs
Pressure Cooker Pork Loin with Bourbon Apple Sauce
This flavorful pork loin dish is incredibly easy to prepare, thanks to the magic of the pressure cooker, which helps lock in moisture and tenderize the meat beautifully. Infused with rich, savory flavors, the pork is paired with a warm bourbon apple sauce that adds a sweet and tangy twist to every bite. The combination of juicy pork and spiced apples makes this dish feel both comforting and a little bit gourmet. It's a perfect dinner option when you want something impressive yet low-effort, whether for a weeknight meal or a casual dinner with friends. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Get the Recipe: Pressure Cooker Pork Loin with Bourbon Apple Sauce
Chicken Fried Rice on the Blackstone Griddle
Bring the bold, savory flavors of your favorite hibachi restaurant right to your backyard with this easy Chicken Fried Rice recipe made on the Blackstone Griddle. It’s a fast and budget-friendly meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekends. Loaded with juicy chicken, scrambled eggs, rice, and your choice of vegetables, it’s endlessly customizable—add extra seasonings, swap in different proteins, or toss in whatever veggies you have on hand. The high heat of the griddle gives everything that signature seared flavor and satisfying texture. Don’t have a Blackstone? No worries—this recipe works just as well on any stovetop griddle or large skillet.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice on the Blackstone Griddle
Baked Burritos
These Baked Burritos are the ultimate comfort food, packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures. Each burrito is generously filled with seasoned ground beef, black beans, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese, all tightly wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. After being assembled, they’re smothered in a rich red enchilada-style sauce and baked to perfection with a blanket of melted cheese on top. This dish is not only perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, but it also makes weeknight dinners a breeze—just prep ahead, freeze, and pop them in the oven when needed. Whether you're serving a family meal or planning for leftovers, these baked burritos are a hearty and delicious go-to.
Get the Recipe: Baked Burritos
Pork Fillet Easy Recipe
Cooking for just one or two people can sometimes feel like more of a hassle than it should be—especially when most recipes leave you with too many leftovers or require way too much effort. That’s why this pork fillet recipe is such a lifesaver. It’s a simple, fuss-free dish that’s made for small-batch cooking, yet it doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. The pork turns out wonderfully tender and flavorful, and it cooks up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Best of all, you won’t be stuck eating the same thing for days.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fillet Easy Recipe
5 Ingredient Easy Air Fryer Lamb Chops
These Air Fryer Lamb Chops are a wonderfully simple yet elegant dinner option that comes together with just five basic ingredients. In less than 30 minutes, you can enjoy tender, juicy lamb chops bursting with savory flavor—no complicated prep required. They’re perfect for those hectic weeknights when you want something a little different but don’t have time to fuss in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family or trying to impress guests, these lamb chops deliver restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. It’s an easy way to bring variety and a gourmet touch to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: 5 Ingredient Easy Air Fryer Lamb Chops
Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus
This lemon dill salmon and asparagus dish is where gourmet flavor meets weeknight simplicity. Flaky, buttery salmon is perfectly paired with crisp-tender asparagus, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal. The real magic is in the bright, creamy lemon dill sauce—it’s zesty, fresh, and tastes like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant. Best of all, the entire meal comes together in just thirty minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you still want something special. It’s elegant enough to impress guests but easy enough to make anytime.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus
Rum Jerk Chicken
This quick and easy rum jerk chicken brings bold, mouthwatering flavors to the table with minimal effort. The marinade is packed with warm spices, a touch of heat, and a splash of rum that gives the chicken a rich, smoky depth. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a mini tropical escape, perfect for summer nights or backyard gatherings. Pair it with your favorite sides like grilled corn, coconut rice, or a fresh mango salad to round out the meal. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just spicing up your dinner routine, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Get the Recipe: Rum Jerk Chicken
Leftover Turkey Stroganoff
Got leftover turkey and not sure what to do with it? This creamy leftover turkey stroganoff is the perfect solution—comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to throw together. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can transform yesterday’s turkey into a rich, satisfying meal that tastes like it took hours. It’s a warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for cozy nights, and no one will ever guess it started with leftovers. This is one of those recipes that turns something simple into something truly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Stroganoff
Pretzel Crusted Chicken
This Pretzel Crusted Chicken Recipe puts a fun and flavorful spin on classic chicken tenders by giving them a satisfyingly crunchy coating made from crushed pretzels. The chicken is dipped in a mixture of honey mustard and eggs, which not only helps the crust stick but also adds a hint of tangy sweetness to every bite. Whether you’re using the air fryer for extra crispiness or popping them in the oven for a hands-off approach, these tenders turn out golden and delicious every time. They’re a great way to mix up your usual chicken dinner and are especially kid-friendly, making them a hit for family meals. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a quick, crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Crusted Chicken
Tuna Pasta with Pesto
This easy tuna pasta with pesto is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels effortless but tastes like you put in much more time. Using just one pot and a handful of simple ingredients, you can have a warm, comforting meal on the table in about 20 minutes—perfect for those hectic evenings. The bold, herby flavor of pesto pairs beautifully with tender pasta and savory tuna, giving new life to pantry staples you probably already have on hand. It’s not only convenient but also surprisingly satisfying, making it a go-to dish you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. Whether you're cooking for yourself or feeding a hungry family, this recipe delivers on both flavor and ease.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pasta with Pesto
Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and satisfying meal that brings all the flavor of your favorite Chinese take-out but in a healthier, homemade version. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast without sacrificing taste or nutrition. Packed with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and perfectly seasoned rice, it offers a well-balanced mix of protein and fiber in every bite. You can even make it low-carb by swapping in cauliflower rice without losing any of the savory goodness. Whether you're craving comfort food or looking for a better-for-you dinner option, this dish checks all the boxes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Chinese Ginger Chicken
This flavorful Chinese Ginger Chicken recipe is a must-try if you're craving something savory, satisfying, and easy to make at home. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated to lock in flavor, then stir-fried to perfection in a rich, ginger-infused peanut sauce that adds just the right balance of warmth and nuttiness. The fresh ginger really shines through, giving the dish a comforting yet bold taste that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles. Best of all, it comes together quickly, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without the fuss. Whether you're cooking for your family or just treating yourself, this dish will hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Ginger Chicken
Turkey Quesadilla
This cheesy turkey quesadilla is the ultimate way to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers in a whole new form. It's generously filled with tender roasted turkey, melty layers of not just one but two kinds of gooey cheese, and a sweet-tart burst of cranberry relish or sauce that ties everything together. The flavors are rich and comforting, with just the right balance of savory and sweet in every bite. Whether you're craving a cozy lunch or need a quick, satisfying snack, this handheld creation hits the spot. Honestly, it’s so tasty you might find yourself roasting extra turkey just for an excuse to make it again.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Quesadilla
Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
These flavorful turkey meatballs are simmered in a rich, herb-packed tomato sauce that tastes like it’s been cooking all day—even though it comes together quickly. They make the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need something wholesome and satisfying without the hassle. Best of all, they’re freezer-friendly, so you can make a big batch in advance and have dinner ready in minutes. Just pop them in the oven, and you’ve got a warm, comforting meal on the table with zero fuss. Ideal for serving over pasta, rice, or even tucked into a sub roll for a hearty sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Enchilada Pasta
Enchilada Pasta is a hearty and flavorful one-pot dish that brings all the bold, comforting flavors of classic enchiladas into a quick and easy pasta dinner. Made with tender pasta simmered directly in zesty enchilada sauce, seasoned ground beef, and plenty of melty cheese, every bite is rich, satisfying, and full of Tex-Mex flair. The best part? It all comes together in just one pan, which means minimal prep, easy cleanup, and dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or just craving something warm and cheesy, this dish is sure to hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Pasta
