Lightning Dinners: 21 Speedy Dishes For The Starving And Stressed

Let’s face it, cooking can be a real hassle, especially when you’re starving and stressed. But with these 21 speedy dinner solutions, you can whip up a delicious meal faster than you can decide what to watch on TV. It’s the cooking equivalent of finding a twenty-dollar bill in your pocket – unexpected and totally awesome.

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

Grilled Steaks With Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks With Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

For a fast weeknight meal that fulfills, Grilled Steaks With Cowboy Butter hits the spot. Ready in no time, it’s a great option when you need something hearty and quick. One of a fast to make dinners, it turns busy nights into enjoyable dinners.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks With Cowboy Butter

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

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

Running short on time but want something that feels a little fancy? This Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche is a great option. Quick to prepare, yet it leaves an impression that’s far from rushed. This is perfect for when you need that speedy, fulfilling meal.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken

Four pieces of Ninja Woodfire Grill Lemon-Herb Chicken served on a white rectangular plate.
Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

When you need a fast dinner that tastes as good as it looks, Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken is your go-to. It’s ready quickly and makes a perfect addition to this speedy dinner collection. It is known to be a fantastic choice for a quick, delicious mealtime after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken

Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

A roast beef sandwich with melted cheese on a hoagie roll, accompanied by crinkle-cut fries and a bowl of brown dipping sauce on the side.
Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Think about having a delicious meal that’s ready in minutes! Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich is perfect when you’re short on time and need something hearty. Dip it in your favorite sauce for even more flavor. It’s ideal for busy nights but feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

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.

Short on time but want something refreshing? Easy Salmon Pasta Salad fits right in. Quickly prepared, it’s a great choice for a speedy yet filling meal. This is known to be perfect for those days when you’re both hungry and stressed but still want a decent meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

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.

If you’re craving a dish that’s both quick and full of bold flavors, try Korean Galbi Ribs. It’s a great choice for nights when you’re looking to shake things up. Cooked speedily, this dish fits perfectly into the easy-to-make dinner theme. You’ll be amazed at how fast it comes together.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

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.

For a light and quick meal that’s sweet and filling, have some Cottage Cheese Toast With Blueberries. Ready in a flash, it’s ideal for both a speedy breakfast and a simple dinner. It fits snugly into the fast-to-cook dinner concept, taking no time to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast With Blueberries

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Close-up of a hand holding a fork with a bite of copycat Alice spring chicken.
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a quick and flavorful dinner, Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken is a winner. It’s easy and fast to make, yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. This is ideal for those busy weeknights when you need a good meal as soon as possible.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Pizza Pasta Salad

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

Fast and flavorful? Pizza Pasta Salad has got you covered. This meal is ready quickly, perfect for those nights when you’re rushing but still want something fun to eat. Whip this one when you want to ensure that your dinners are always hassle-free.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

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.

Sometimes, you need comfort food fast, and that’s where Diner Style Salisbury Steak shines. It’s a quick fix that feels like a meal from your favorite diner. It’s great for nights when you need something hearty without a long wait. It will perfectly fit your schedule while providing the delicious meal that you deserve.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

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.

Need a quick, refreshing meal to fulfill your hunger? Look no further than Chinese Chicken Salad as your go-to option. It’s straightforward to prepare and ready in no time, making it an excellent choice for hectic evenings. This salad will become an essential part of your busy night, ensuring you enjoy speedy yet mouthwatering meals without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Croquettes on a white plate with tomatoes and broccoli.
Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Looking for a quick meal that packs a punch? Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes make a perfect choice. They’re ready in minutes and ideal for those really busy nights. This is a speedy dinner that fits perfectly into your weeknight routine.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Turkey à la King

A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.
Turkey à la King. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re in a rush but still want a hearty dish, Turkey à la King is a fantastic option. It’s quick and fulfilling, ideal for those truly hectic days. Ready in minutes, it brings a speedy, delicious meal to your table, a staple for those people who are already starved and stressed.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

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

Got some leftover steak? Leftover Steak Quesadilla is an excellent, fast fix for a delicious meal. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a delicious quesadilla ready to eat. This is a fantastic option for those moments when you want something quick and fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Two bowls of Copycat Carrabba's Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup, accompanied by two spoons, a black pepper grinder, and a napkin.
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup is a lifesaver when you’re short on time but need a warm, filling meal. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for those evenings when you need comfort food fast. It truly embodies the spirit of quick dinners that busy people need to have in their cooking arsenal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Beefy John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re in a pinch and need something filling quickly, Beefy John Wayne Casserole is the dish to go for. It’s quick to prepare and ideal for busy nights. It makes cooking stress-free and mealtime enjoyable, fitting well with the hectic schedule many people have.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

A plate of Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers sprinkled with chopped herbs.
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you need a quick meal that feels like it came from a restaurant, try Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. It’s a speedy option for busy nights. This is also a great addition to the dinner lineup of busy people, making quick dinners feel special. So, do yourself a favor and prepare this one the next time you are short on time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

California Eggs Benedict

Eggs benedict with ham and avocado on an English muffin served on a black plate.
California Eggs Benedict. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Looking for a quick, yet fancy meal? California Eggs Benedict is the answer. It’s quick to whip up, making it ideal for brunches or late dinners during hectic days. This dish is a must-have for those people who are looking for something easy to make but still features burst of flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: California Eggs Benedict

Roast Pork With Apples

A plate of Pork Roast with Apples on a table.
Roast Pork With Apples. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Quick yet wholesome, Roast Pork With Apples is great when you’re short on time. It’s ready in no time and feels like a special meal. It’s ideal for busy nights when you need dinner fast but don’t want to compromise on flavor. It fits perfectly within the easy-to-whip up dinner concept.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork With Apples

Cucumber Salad With Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad With Feta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Sometimes you want something light yet fulfilling in no time. Cucumber Salad With Feta is quick to prepare and super refreshing. It’s a great option when time is tight, but you still want to eat well. This is a fantastic addition to your cooking collection of speedy dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad With Feta

Ground Beef Fried Rice

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

Need a hearty meal that’s quick and convenient? Ground Beef Fried Rice checks all the boxes. It’s a life-saver on busy weekdays when you’re starving and stressed. Ready in no time, it turns your rush into a relaxed mealtime. So, don’t forget to whip this up and experience a mixture of flavors that are easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice

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