17 Weeknight Recipes To Make Dinner Fast And Tasty

Dinner shouldn’t feel like a second job. These 17 weeknight recipes keep things simple, fast, and stress-free. No marathon cooking sessions—just meals that come together before anyone has a chance to say, “What’s for dinner?” Get ready to spend less time at the stove and more time pretending the dishes don’t exist.

Close-up of loaded Buffalo chicken nachos piled high with shredded chicken, jalapeños, cheese, green onions, hot sauce, and a dollop of sour cream.
Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Two pieces of fried chicken on a gray plate, garnished with small bits of green herbs.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you’re craving something crispy, Buttermilk Fried Chicken is a game-changer for a busy weeknight. It’s a classic that never fails to please everyone at the table. No need to wait for the weekend to whip up some comfort food. Clean plates are pretty much a guarantee with this dish.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Sweet and Sour Pork

Close-up of sweet and sour pork with chunks of bell peppers, onions, and pineapple, garnished with sesame seeds and chives.
Sweet and Sour Pork. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Balance out your evening with a meal like Sweet and Sour Pork that offers a tantalizing mix of tastes. This dish is sure to add an exciting twist to your dinner routine. It’s quick to prep, making your evening hustle a bit easier. The flavors come together for a meal that’s anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Pork

Three Cheese Manicotti

A plate of stuffed cannelloni topped with tomato sauce, grated cheese, and fresh basil.
Three Cheese Manicotti. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Stuff your weeknight with Three Cheese Manicotti, a cheese-filled favorite. It’s an easy win when you want to switch up pasta night. The whole family will be into the creamy, hearty goodness. Bonus: It’s the perfect excuse to skip the fancy Italian restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

Sesame Chicken

A close-up of glazed chicken pieces with sesame seeds and chopped scallions on a bed of rice.
Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bid farewell to takeout with Sesame Chicken, a flavorful home-cooked alternative. Every bite packs a punch and saves you a trip to a restaurant. It’s a no-fuss dish to round off a hectic day. Plate this up, and watch it disappear in no time.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Close-up of fluffy cheddar biscuits topped with herbs on a metal tray, with leafy greens in the background.
Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Now you can snag the secret to those famous Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits right at home. These biscuits are a hands-down winner for a quick bread option. No yeast, no sweat, and definitely no need for a reservation. Get ready for your kitchen to smell like your favorite eatery.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Orange Chicken

A bowl of crispy tofu coated in sesame sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, served on a bed of lettuce.
Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Orange Chicken puts a tangy twist on your dinner that’s way better than boxed mixes. It’ll liven up your dinner without the hassle of lengthy recipes. A lifesaver when you need to get a meal on the table fast. And seriously, who can resist a bit of citrus kick to wrap up the day?
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Mississippi Pot Roast

A bowl of shredded beef garnished with cilantro and peppers.
Mississippi Pot Roast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Transform your mealtime with Mississippi Pot Roast, a ridiculously low-effort yet fulfilling recipe. It’s like hitting the easy button for a hearty meal. Sit back, let it do its thing, and bask in the glory of a well-made roast. Your weeknight dinner just got a major upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Pot Roast

Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice-baked potatoes topped with melted cheese and chopped green onions on a baking sheet.
Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Go ahead and give ordinary spuds a serious makeover with Twice Baked Potatoes. These aren’t your regular baked potatoes, they’re a meal in themselves. When you pull these off, you’ll feel like a weeknight wizard. And the best part? They’re as fun to make as they are to eat.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes

Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

A chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and sauce on a bun, with fries in the background.
Homemade KFC Zinger Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Get the restaurant experience without leaving your house with this DIY Homemade KFC Zinger Burger. It’s juicy, it’s crunchy, it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure. Settle in for a low-key yet awesome dinner at home. You won’t miss the drive-thru, promise.
Get the Recipe: Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

Beef Pot Pie

A golden-brown homemade pie with a flaky crust, garnished with a sprig of rosemary on the side.
Beef Pot Pie. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

This one’s a cozy hug in a dish when you cook up a Beef Pot Pie. Flip the script on your weekday meals with this wholesome pie. It’s like a shortcut to Sunday dinner any day of the week. Who knew a hearty meal could be this easy to pull together?
Get the Recipe: Beef Pot Pie

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Close-up of a slice of creamy lasagna with browned cheese on top and visible layers of pasta, spinach, and sauce.
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Imagine lasagna and alfredo had a baby, and it’s this Chicken Alfredo Lasagna. It’s all the comfort you need after a long day, layered and baked. Foolproof and a definite crowd-puller at any dinner table. Let’s be real, it’s hard to beat a good cheesy pasta bake.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Baked Rice

A close-up of a bowl of oven-baked fried rice mixed with colorful vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, and scallions, with a spoon resting inside.
Baked Rice. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Here’s a side dish that might just steal the show: Baked Rice. It’s simple, it’s filling, and you can pair it with nearly anything. Forget about watching a pot on the stove, too. A definite keeper for those nights when even basic tasks feel like too much.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

Corn Chowder

A close-up of a hearty potato and corn chowder with diced vegetables and a dollop of sour cream, garnished with fresh parsley.
Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Soup’s on with Corn Chowder, brimming with homestyle goodness. It’s a quick route to belly-warming joy on any night. Crank out this comfort classic with minimal fuss. Plus, one pot means cleanup’s a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Corn Chowder

Spaghetti Casserole

A serving of cheesy baked spaghetti is being lifted with a utensil. The dish is topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs.
Spaghetti Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Monday through Friday just got a little less hectic with this all-in-one Spaghetti Casserole. It’s like spaghetti’s more fun cousin showed up to dinner. No hassle, just toss it in the oven and get on with your evening. You can bet there won’t be leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

Hawaiian Baked Beans

A plate of Hawaiian baked beans garnished with a pineapple slice and chopped herbs.
Hawaiian Baked Beans. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This side dish brings a sweet and savory twist to your dinner plate with Hawaiian Baked Beans. Perfect when you want a little island flair without the flight ticket. They’re easy to bake and even easier to devour. Watch them become the new favorite at any meal.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans

Birria Ramen

A bowl of ramen with meat, cilantro, and a lime wedge, topped with noodles wrapped around chopsticks.
Birria Ramen. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Fuse two amazing comfort foods into one pot of pure bliss with Birria Ramen. It’s a novel take on noodle soup that’ll have you ditching the instant stuff. Hook yourself up with this unique combo and feel like a kitchen trendsetter. It’s hearty, it’s different, and it’ll liven up your dinner lineup.
Get the Recipe: Birria Ramen

Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Close-up of loaded Buffalo chicken nachos piled high with shredded chicken, jalapeños, cheese, green onions, hot sauce, and a dollop of sour cream.
Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Get in on the fiesta vibes with this spicy, cheesy plate of Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos. You’re in for a treat with a dish that’s as bold as it is easy to make. Perfect for sharing, or, you know, not. These nachos mean serious business when it comes to flavor and fun.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

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