You can never have too many quick dinner ideas! These recipes are made in less than 30 minutes and use ingredients you probably already have on hand.
38 Quick Dinner Ideas for Busy Mondays
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
Texas Tacos
I created this recipe by combining a bunch of ingredients I know my kids always like. It’s perfect for making ahead and I often keep the beefy mixture in a slow cooker on warm so the kids can simply stuff into taco shells after an afternoon of rigorous soccer practice. —Susan Scully, Mason, Ohio
1/38
2/38
Basil Pork Chops
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These tender, glazed chops get a kick from basil, chili powder and a little brown sugar. Serve with your favorite roasted veggies and you've got a super comforting meal bursting with flavor. —Lisa Gilliland, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 152 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 312mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
3/38
Fajita in a Bowl
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pull out the skewers and take a stab at grilling peppers, onions and corn for an awesome steak salad that’s all summer and smoke. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 351 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 862mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 7g fiber), 28g protein.
4/38
Baked Chicken Parmesan
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Saucy chicken, melty mozzarella and crisp-tender broccoli—all in one pan. What could be better? —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 504 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 147mg cholesterol, 1151mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 8g fiber), 52g protein.
5/38
Zucchini Pizza Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband has a hearty appetite, our two kids never tire of pizza, and I grow lots of zucchini. So this tasty tomato casserole is absolutely tops with us throughout the entire year. Once you've tried the recipe, you may even decide to grow more zucchini in your own garden next summer! —Lynn Bernstetter, White Bear Lake, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 315 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 855mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
6/38
Pepperoni Calzone
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This calzone recipe takes the Italian favorite to the next level with Parmesan and herbs sprinkled on top. —Shannon Roum, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 calzone: 540 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 1573mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein.
7/38
Baja Pork Tacos
Total Time
8 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious pork tacos recipe is my copycat version of the most excellent Mexican food we ever had, when we were visiting Flagstaff, Arizona. The original recipe used beef instead of pork, but this comes mighty close to the same taste. —Ariella Winn, Mesquite, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 320 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 434mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 2 starch.
8/38
Asparagus Beef Lo Mein
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This springtime beef lo mein recipe is as easy as it gets. Ramen noodles make it extra fun. —Dottie Wanat, Modesto, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 511 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 1367mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
9/38
Baked Barbecue Chicken Breast
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend made this saucy chicken for us when we had our first child. I pared down the recipe to make it lower in fat and calories. Now it's a family favorite, and even the kids ask for this baked bbq chicken breast. —Marge Wagner, Roselle, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 324 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 39g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch.
10/38
Shrimp and Broccoli Alfredo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After tasting fettuccine Alfredo at a restaurant, I came up with this shrimp Alfredo with broccoli version at home. Not only does my family love the creamy dish, but my husband prefers it to the one at the restaurant. —Rae Natoli, Kingston, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 809 calories, 50g fat (30g saturated fat), 270mg cholesterol, 1030mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 38g protein.
11/38
White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mac and cheese is simple and has lots of flavor from the cheeses and ground chipotle chile. I use conchiglie pasta because its shape allows more melted cheese to pool inside. Yum! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 650 calories, 35g fat (22g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
12/38
Smoked Gouda Veggie Melt
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After a long day of teaching, I like to make these veggie-packed grilled-cheese sandwiches. My 8-year-old daughter is a big fan, too. —Charlie Herzog, West Brookfield, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
2 open-faced sandwiches: 523 calories, 37g fat (9g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 695mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
13/38
Easy Chicken Piccata
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Easy chicken recipes are my go-to dinner choice. My chicken piccata pasta dish is ready to serve in a half hour. It takes just a few minutes in the oven to bake to tender perfection. —Hannah Williams, Malibu, California
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken with about 2 tablespoons sauce: 382 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 36g protein.
14/38
Bavarian Apple-Sausage Hash
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This awesome recipe reflects my German roots. In the cooler months, nothing is as comforting as a hearty hash. Serve this versatile recipe as a side dish at a holiday meal or as a brunch entree over cheddar grits or topped with a fried egg. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, CO
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 310 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 715mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein.
15/38
Chorizo Burrito Bowls
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm always on the hunt for fast and filling meals. Chicken sausage makes an awesome one-dish dinner by itself or served with brown rice in a burrito. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 425 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1275mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 8g fiber), 27g protein.
16/38
Beef and Rice Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this kicked-up skillet dish with warm flour tortillas and a side of guacamole. If you like things a little spicier, add more jalapeno and enjoy the heat! —Pat Hockett, Ocala, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 482 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 962mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein.
17/38
Easy White Chicken Chili
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chili is one of our best cold-weather strategies. We use chicken and white beans for a twist on the regular bowl of red. It’s soothing comfort food. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 228 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 504mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 6g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
18/38
Sheet-Pan Chicken and Veggies
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This sheet-pan chicken and veggies meal tastes as if it took hours of hands-on time to put together, but the simple ingredients can be prepped in mere minutes. The rosemary gives it a rich flavor, and the meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. It’s unbelievably easy! —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1 cup vegetables: 357 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 597mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
19/38
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A good friend made us this rich, comforting soup after the birth of our son. It was such a help to have dinner taken care of until I was back on my feet. This yummy dish is so simple to fix that now I give a pot of it (along with the recipe) to other new mothers. —Joanna Sargent, Sandy, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 218 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 980mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.
20/38
Brown Sugar-Glazed Salmon
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pop these protein-packed brown sugar salmon fillets in the oven before whipping up a sweet basting sauce. This tangy entree cooks up in minutes, making it a perfect meal for busy families and unexpected weekend guests. —Debra Martin, Belleville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked fish: 225 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 491mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
21/38
Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a rich and surprisingly tasty rendition of a number of Tex-Mex dishes molded into one packed, beautiful casserole. Best of all, it’s ready in hardly any time! —Janet McCormick, Proctorville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 400 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 637mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
22/38
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.
23/38
Pork Chops and Scalloped Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour 55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom always managed to put a delicious hearty meal on the table for us and for our farmhands. This all-in-one comforting pork chops recipe reminds me of home. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 574 calories, 29g fat (11g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 1015mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 40g protein.
24/38
Chicken Caesar Pizza
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Dressed greens on top of warm pizza may sound a little strange but trust me, it's fantastic. —Tracy Youngman, Post Falls, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 506 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 927mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein.
25/38
Pork Chili
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband usually tries to avoid spending time in the kitchen, but he'll frequently offer to prepare this easy chili. Of course, he always eagerly serves as taste tester! —Linda Temple, St. Joseph, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 208 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 395mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein.
26/38
Asian Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is as tasty as the lettuce wraps found in national restaurants, but it's healthier! — Linda Rowley, Richardson, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3 lettuce wraps: 259 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 503mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
27/38
Sausage Spaghetti Spirals
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this flavorful casserole with hearty chunks of sausage and green pepper. The recipe makes a big pan, so it's nicely sized for a potluck. —Carol Carolton, Wheaton, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 592 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 1071mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein.
28/38
Greek Brown and Wild Rice Bowls
Total Time
12 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This fresh rice dish tastes like the Mediterranean in a bowl! It is short on ingredients but packs in so much flavor. For a hand-held version, leave out the rice and tuck the rest of the ingredients into a pita pocket. —Darla Andrews, Boerne, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 433 calories, 25g fat (4g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 1355mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein.
29/38
Cajun Shrimp
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These zippy shrimp bring a lot of pizazz to the table. Use as much or as little cayenne pepper as you'd like, depending on your family's tastes. We love ours served alongside rice pilaf. —Donna Thomason, El Paso, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked shrimp: 131 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 430mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
30/38
Grilled Cheese and Mushroom Sandwich
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Give your favorite grilled cheese sandwich a boost with the addition of earthy portobello mushrooms. This savory recipe takes this portobello mushroom sandwich into gourmet territory. —Josh Rink, Taste Recipes Food Stylist
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 797 calories, 62g fat (31g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 1143mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
31/38
Spaghetti Sauce
Total Time
8 hours 30 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My father is very opinionated, especially about food. This recipe received his almost unreachable stamp of approval. I have yet to hear a disagreement from anyone who has tried it! —Melissa Taylor, Higley, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 335 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein.
32/38
Potato Kielbasa Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No need to hunt through kielbasa and potato recipes, this smoky take steals the show as a hearty home-style, all-in-one meal. It's especially perfect on those cold late fall and early winter nights. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 472 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 873mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
33/38
Shrimp Noodle Bowls
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a quick meal that feels as if it came from a restaurant. Cooked shrimp, bagged slaw and bottled dressing reduce the time needed to get it on the table. —Mary Bergfeld, Eugene, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 260 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 147mg cholesterol, 523mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
34/38
Turkey Biscuit Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother always made this skillet while we were growing up. Now I make it for my husband and kids. I use the small-size biscuits because the larger ones don't seem to brown up as nicely on the top. —Keri Boffeli, Monticello, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 319 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 878mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
35/38
One-Pot Spinach Beef Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (about 2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My idea of a winning weeknight meal is this beefy soup simmering in one big pot. Grate some Parmesan and pass the saltines. —Julie Davis, Jacksonville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 258 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 909mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
36/38
Baked Spaghetti
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my grandchildren's most-loved dish. It feels like a special dinner and is so cozy for cooler months. —Louise Miller, Westminster, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 526 calories, 24g fat (13g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 881mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
37/38
Shrimp Ramen
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A package of store-bought ramen noodles speeds up assembly of this colorful broth with shrimp and carrots. My mother passed the recipe on to me. —Donna Hellinger, Lorain, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 148 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 857mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat.
38/38
BLT Twice-Baked Potatoes
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Two favorites go together in this hearty dish: BLTs and twice-baked potatoes. I like to serve these potatoes with grilled steaks or barbecued chicken. —Mary Shenk, DeKalb, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed potato half: 286 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 476mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.
