Mom’s 17 Mind-Blowing Recipes For Busy Weeknights

Do weeknights feel like you’re always racing against the clock, trying to whip up something edible before everyone melts down? Well, there’s a bunch of mom-approved recipes out there that can turn that dinner rush into a victory lap. These aren’t just any recipes; they’re like the secret hacks that make you wonder why you ever stressed about making a quick dinner.

A plate of cooked ground beef mixed with diced vegetables and garnished with lime wedges and chopped herbs. A red striped cloth is placed beside the plate.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A white plate with Salisbury steak topped with mushroom gravy on mashed potatoes, accompanied by a side of green peas.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a trip down memory lane, Diner Style Salisbury Steak brings a touch of nostalgia to any dinner table. This dish is a hit for those evenings when you crave something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s frequently chosen by families for its familiar and comforting essence. It’s quick to prepare, ensuring you spend more time dining than cooking.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Pizza Pasta Salad

A fork with pizza pasta salad in a bowl.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Transform your weeknight meals with Pizza Pasta Salad, a vibrant and quick dish that appeals to all ages. This recipe is particularly handy for using up pantry staples while still delivering a fun and fulfilling dinner. It’s a great choice for busy nights, allowing you to whip up something both kids and adults can enjoy together. This dish promises a lively table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken in a bowl with a bowl of rice in the background.
Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Add a little spice to your routine with Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken. This recipe is perfect for those who like a kick in their meal, offering a burst of flavor that can enliven any evening. It’s a go-to for anyone looking to bring some excitement to their meal plan, combining ease with a taste that feels like a treat. This dish is both quick to make and enjoyable, fitting neatly into a tight schedule.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding wedges of a quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Leftover Steak Quesadilla turns yesterday’s meal into today’s treat, making it a smart and tasty choice for a quick dinner. This dish is perfect for utilizing leftovers in a way that feels entirely new and exciting. It’s popular among those who appreciate a meal that is both resourceful and delicious. These quesadillas are a weeknight wonder, making the most of your fridge’s contents.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Brighten up your dinner routine with Chinese Chicken Salad, a light and refreshing choice that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. This dish is favored for its crisp texture and vibrant flavors, providing a welcome change from heavier meals. It’s a splendid choice for those seeking something quick yet nutritious, and it serves well as both a main dish and a side.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.
Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Ground Beef Fried Rice is a versatile and speedy option for weeknight dinners. It combines everyday ingredients into a meal that is both quick to prepare and enjoyable. This dish is perfect for those evenings when time is short but the desire for a fulfilling meal is high. It’s a practical choice that satisfies hunger efficiently, making it a staple in the busy household.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A white rectangular plate with several meatballs covered in tomato sauce, garnished with chopped basil.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting with Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs, a dish that marries convenience with comfort. This recipe is ideal for setting up in the morning and coming home to a meal ready to serve. It’s a favorite among those who juggle multiple tasks and appreciate coming home to a meal that’s ready to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries

A plate of cottage cheese toast with blueberries, next to a honey dipper.
Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries offers a lighter dinner or snack option that’s quick to assemble. This dish is perfect for those evenings when you want something simple yet nutritious. It’s popular for its healthful qualities and ease of preparation. This toast can be a pleasant surprise on a busy evening, blending convenience with freshness.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This salad is appreciated for its combination of simplicity and flavorful impact, making it a smart choice for a nutritious meal in a crunch. Easy Salmon Pasta Salad is a wholesome and quick meal, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your weeknight dinner rotation. It’s particularly favored for its versatility, being suitable for both a main dish and a classy side.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

With Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo, you can bring a touch of Italian flair to your weeknight dinners. This dish replicates a beloved restaurant classic, offering a comforting meal that’s both quick and easy to prepare. It’s a perfect solution for those evenings when you want something both decadent and straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Top-down shot of two Leftover Steak Soft Tacos on a slate board.
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Transform your leftovers into an enjoyablel meal with Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. This recipe is a clever way to use up steak from previous meals, ensuring nothing goes to waste while still keeping dinner exciting and flavorful. It’s an ideal choice for a fuss-free weeknight meal, especially when time and ingredients are limited.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with crumbled feta cheese, on a yellow plate with flower designs.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a lighter dinner option that packs a punch of freshness, Mediterranean Chopped Salad is your go-to recipe. This dish is not only quick to toss together but also healthy, making it perfect for those busy nights when time is of the essence but you still want a nutritious meal. It’s full of color and texture and can easily accompany any main dish or stand alone for lighter fare.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche served on a pie dish.
Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche is a fantastic option for an easy and nutritious weeknight dinner. This dish combines the delicate flavors of asparagus with creamy ricotta in a beautifully baked set-up that appeals to both adults and children. It’s simple enough for a weekday but elegant enough to feel special. Plus, it reheats well, making it a practical choice for serving multiple meals.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Korean Galbi Ribs

Two Korean galbi ribs on a black slate plate with red chopsticks placed beside them.
Korean Galbi Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Dig into the rich flavors of Korean Galbi Ribs, a recipe that’s sure to liven up any weeknight. This dish brings the excitement and taste of Korean barbecue to your dinner table, without requiring extensive prep time. It’s perfect for when you want something a bit different from the usual dinner routine. Plus, it cooks up faster than you might think.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp skewers on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Light and full of flavor, Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp is an excellent choice for a quick and healthy dinner. This dish is incredibly fast to prepare, making it ideal for a busy weeknight when time is limited but you’re craving something delicious and satisfying. It’s also versatile, pairing beautifully with a range of sides from simple salads to grains.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Brisket Fried Rice

Brisket fried rice in black serving dish on white background.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turn last night’s brisket into tonight’s dinner sensation with Brisket Fried Rice. This ingenious dish is a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers into an entirely new and exciting meal. It’s quick to assemble, especially on a hectic evening, and delivers big on flavor. Plus, it’s a hearty dish that satisfies everyone at the table, making it a smart addition to your weekly meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of cooked ground beef mixed with diced vegetables and garnished with lime wedges and chopped herbs. A red striped cloth is placed beside the plate.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spice up your dinner routine with Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef, a versatile and flavorful dish that’s easy to cook on a busy weeknight. This meal serves as a fantastic base for a variety of dishes. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and sure to be a hit with the whole family. It offers a wonderful way to bring some international flair to your dining table without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

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