On busy nights, it’s quick and easy dinners to the rescue! All of these recipes require either 5 minutes of prep or 20 minutes from start to finish.
24 Quick Dinners You Can Literally Toss Together
Updated on Feb. 20, 2024
1/24
Garlic Bread Pizza
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
Between working full-time, going to school and raising three children, finding time-saving recipes that my family likes is one of my biggest challenges. These quick pizzas pack a huge amount of flavor. —Amy Grim, Chillicothe, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 281 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 610mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
2/24
Tomato & Avocado Sandwiches
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a vegetarian, and this is a tasty, quick and healthy lunch I could eat for every meal. At my house, we call these sandwiches HATS: hummus, avocado, tomato and shallots. These are ingredients I almost always have on hand. —Sarah Jaraha, Moorestown, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 278 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 379mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.
3/24
Tuna Melt
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When our children were young, I often fixed these warm, crunchy sandwiches. They go well with chips and a salad for a quick lunch. —Carole Anhalt, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 363 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 629mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
4/24
Chicken Tostada Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If I don't have any tostada shells on hand for this speedy salad, I just heat taco shells, break them in half and lay them flat on the plates. It works just as well. Great Southwest flavor! —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 tostada: 322 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 1364mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
5/24
Ranchero Supper
Total Time
15 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty dish is fast and easy to fix after a busy workday. We like to use hickory and bacon baked beans and serve it with fruit or a green salad for a complete meal. —Karen Roberts, Lawrence, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 511 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 947mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 8g fiber), 30g protein.
6/24
Tomato Soup
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy, rich and bursting with brightness, this soup is the ultimate sidekick to a grilled cheese sandwich. — Josh Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 104 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
7/24
Easy Chili Mac
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This combines chili with one of my favorite pasta dishes. I often serve it for company or potlucks and occasionally add taco seasoning or use beanless chili and add black beans. —Lee Steinmetz, Lansing, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 422 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 898mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein.
8/24
Asian Beef Noodles
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This yummy, economical dish takes only five ingredients—all of which you're likely to have on hand. Serve with a dash of soy sauce and a side of pineapple slices. —Laura Stenberg, Wyoming, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 383 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 546mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
9/24
Tortellini Carbonara
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bacon, cream and Parmesan cheese make a classic pasta sauce that's absolutely heavenly. It's a delightful option for company! —Cathy Croyle, Davidsville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 527 calories, 36g fat (20g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 728mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
10/24
Meat Loaf Muffins
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve these tangy meat loaf muffins for dinner or slice them up for a take-along sandwich lunch. They’re just as flavorful after freezing. —Cheryl Norwood, Canton, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini meat loaves: 260 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
11/24
Fried Chicken and Waffles
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken and waffles as a culinary tradition has origins in both Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine and soul food, with some variations. This version features fried chicken in a flavorful coating that is crispy outside, tender inside, and a spongy, chewy waffle with some crisp ridges. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken with 1 waffle: 668 calories, 40g fat (7g saturated fat), 162mg cholesterol, 691mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein.
12/24
Ham & Jack Pudgy Pie
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Pepper jack cheese adds spicy flavor to these warm, melty sandwiches. —Terri McKitrick, Delafield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 268 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 823mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
13/24
Texas Black Bean Soup
Total Time
4 hours 5 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty meatless stew made with convenient canned items is perfect for spicing up a family gathering on a cool day. It tastes as if it's made with love and yet it requires so little time and attention. —Pamela Scott, Garland, Texas.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 91 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 609mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
14/24
Sesame Cilantro Shrimp
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On days when I don't feel like spending much time in the kitchen, I reach for shrimp. I can have a hot meal in the table in 10 minutes. —Tami Penunuri, League City, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup shrimp mixture (calculated without rice): 153 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 461mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
15/24
Easy Gazpacho
Total Time
15 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter got this gazpacho recipe from a college friend and shared it with me. Now I serve it often as an appetizer. It certainly is the talk of any party. —Lorna Sirtoli, Cortland, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 146 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 387mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
16/24
Pizza Quesadillas
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband and I needed a quick meal, I fixed this recipe using leftover ingredients. Unlike traditional Mexican quesadillas, it calls for Italian meats, cheeses and seasoning. Serve it with a green salad for a simple dinner for two. —Barbara Rupert, Edgefield, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 quesadilla: 464 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 1546mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
17/24
Tilapia with Corn Salsa
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves fish, and this quick and tasty dish is very popular at my house. Though it tastes like it takes a long time, it cooks in minutes under the broiler. We enjoy it with lemon wedges with couscous on the side. —Brenda Coffey, Singer Island, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 3/4 cup salsa: 354 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 934mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 38g protein.
18/24
Korean Beef and Rice
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend raved about Korean bulgogi, which is beef cooked in soy sauce and ginger, so I tried it. It's delicious! You'll dazzle the table with this tasty version of Korean beef and rice. —Elizabeth King, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup beef mixture with 2/3 cup rice: 413 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 647mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
19/24
Cream of Cauliflower Soup
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This mildly cheesy cauliflower soup is a favorite of mine. I make it often in summer, although it's good any time. —Karen Brown, West Lafayette, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 186 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 792mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
20/24
Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and children love this tender chicken with its spicy sauce. Peach preserves add just a touch of sweetness, while taco seasoning and salsa give the dish some kick. —Sheri White, Higley, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 301 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 985mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
21/24
Spinach Ravioli Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This entree is unbelievably simple to prepare yet tastes delicious. The fact that you use frozen ravioli—straight from the bag without boiling or thawing—saves so much time.—Susan Kehl, Pembroke Pines, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 470 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 1441mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 27g protein.
22/24
Pineapple Barbecue Sauce Pork Chops
Total Time
4 hours 5 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These tangy, tender pork chops are moist and simply delicious. And they couldn't be much simpler to make with only five ingredients! Can't find honey barbecue sauce? Substitute any barbecue sauce you like. —Laurie Stafford, Waterville, New York
23/24
Creamy Beef & Potatoes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my husband's favorite childhood memories was eating his Grandma Barney's Tater Tot Casserole. One day I prepared it using potatoes O'Brien instead. Now I always make it this way. — Heather Matthews, Keller, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 664 calories, 38g fat (19g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 1851mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 37g protein.
24/24
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken tortilla soup is as good as (if not better than) any I've had in a restaurant. I get so many compliments when I serve it: you will, too. —Laura Black Johnson, Largo, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 200 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 941mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
