19 Mom’s Quick Fixes for “I’m Hungry” Emergencies

Ever had those sudden, out-of-nowhere hunger pangs? These quick-fix ideas have you covered. They are easy to make, super-fast, and perfect for any time of day. Think of them as your secret weapons against hunger. Perfect for busy days when you need something quick and handy. Say goodbye to those long waits and hello to instant relief.

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

Pizza Pasta Salad

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

Got some leftover pasta and looking for something different? Toss it into a Pizza Pasta Salad for an easy meal that can be made in minutes. This option combines familiar flavors in a new way that everyone will enjoy. It’s a fantastic choice for lunch or a light dinner. Add some protein to make it even more filling. It’s a great way to use up what you have in the fridge creatively.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

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.

Sometimes, simplicity is best, like with this combo of toast and a creamy spread. Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries is an ideal snack, sweet and satisfying. This option is great for those mornings when time is tight but a healthy breakfast is still a must. You get a mix of textures that’s both filling and refreshing. It’s something you can whip up quickly and feel good about eating. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed anytime.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

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

When you’ve got leftover steak, turning it into a quesadilla is one of the best ways to transform it. Leftover Steak Quesadilla brings together cheesy goodness and savory meat. It’s quick to make and uses ingredients you likely already have. Perfect for a fast lunch or dinner, it’s a great way to avoid food waste. This option is fry-up easy and always delicious. Just add your favorite salsa, and you’re all set.
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.

For a light and refreshing meal, this salad combines tender chicken with crunchy veggies. Chinese Chicken Salad is a low-effort way to enjoy plenty of flavors and textures. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, it’s easy to throw together in no time. The ingredients work seamlessly to provide a balanced and filling meal. You can make a large batch for meal prep purposes and have it ready throughout the week. It’s both nutritious and simple.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Two bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Want comfort food without the fuss? This homestyle version of a restaurant classic brings that cozy feeling home. Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins is a go-to for anyone craving traditional comfort food without a lot of preparation. It’s rich, creamy, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. The dumplings are pillowy and soak up all the flavors beautifully. A meal like this is perfect for those colder days when you need something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

A bowl of Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots in a bowl.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you need a quick side that still packs a lot of taste, these carrots are perfect. Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots are sweet and tender. They can pair well with almost any main dish. It’s an easy way to add more vegetables to your plate without spending a lot of time. They don’t need many ingredients, making them a simple go-to. You end up with a side dish everyone will just love.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

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.

Looking for a quick yet special pasta dish? This creamy shrimp dish is perfect for you. Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo offers a restaurant-style meal without leaving your kitchen. It’s surprisingly easy to make and tastes rich and indulgent. You can enjoy it for a family dinner or even a date night. This dish brings seafood and pasta together in a memorable way.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

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.

When you’re craving something spicy and satisfying, try this option at home. Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken marries flavors and textures effortlessly. It’s healthier than takeout and easy to prepare when you’re in need of a quick dinner solution. Great for a weeknight dinner, it’s a flavorful way to switch things up. The mix of chicken, veggies, and sauce is unbeatable. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to mimic a favorite without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A white bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce, garnished with cheese and green herbs, is placed on a wooden surface. A hand is holding a fork with a piece of pasta.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This tasty pasta dish can wow any crowd minus the lengthy prep. Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka is a great choice for those nights when you want something restaurant-worthy. The creamy sauce coats every piece of pasta making it irresistibly good. It suits any occasion, from a casual dinner at home to entertaining friends. It’s amazing how quickly it comes together considering how special it tastes. You’ll be glad you tried it.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

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.

Interested in a unique and crunchy option for dinner? These pork croquettes deliver just that. Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes are packed with flavor and texture. They are an impressive way to change things up, especially when regular pork dishes won’t do. The crispy exterior and tender inside make for a perfect bite every time. They are a hit with family and guests alike.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

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.

If you need something hearty for dinner that’s easy to make, give this option a try. Diner Style Salisbury Steak offers a nostalgic, cozy meal. It’s like having a retro diner experience in your own kitchen. Perfect for a quick yet filling dinner, this dish has a rich and savory taste. Pair it with mashed potatoes or vegetables for a complete meal. It’s bound to bring everyone to the table.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

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.

When you’re aiming for a memorable dinner without much fuss, try this chicken option. Copycat Alice Springs Chicken utilizes familiar ingredients to create something delectable. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something special yet simple. The preparation is minimal, making it great for those bustling evenings. You’ll love how the flavors blend to create a truly enjoyable meal. This one is likely to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking for a quick and comforting meal, try this easy and flavorful dish with a hint of lemon and capers. It’s sure to please everyone at your table. Perfect for busy weeknights, Chicken Piccata brings a touch of elegance without much effort. The tangy flavor is a nice change of pace from more common weeknight options. You won’t believe how fast it can go from pan to plate. It’s great served with simple pasta or a side of veggies.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

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 meal that feels special without the hassle, try this steak with a buttery sauce. Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter take center stage because of the delicious, rich sauce that accompanies them. You can prepare it in no time, and it works great for those spontaneous BBQ nights or a fancy dinner in. This option satisfies the craving for something meaty and flavorful. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to make, considering the impressive result. It’s a must-try for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

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.

When everyone’s hungry and there’s leftover turkey, this hearty choice is ideal. Turkey à la King makes great use of that cooked meat sitting in your fridge. It’s creamy and filling, transforming commonplace ingredients into something special. Easy to put together, this dish works for any last-minute meal needs. Serve it over rice or noodles and watch it disappear quickly. A meal like this is comfort in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Roast Pork with Apples

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

For a meal that feels like a hug, roast pork paired with fruit is a go-to. The sweetness of apples brings out the best in Roast Pork with Apples. It’s perfect for chilly nights when you want something hearty yet simple. You can prepare it quickly using ingredients you probably have on hand. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that looks more complicated than it is. Pair it with mashed potatoes for a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Need something healthy but don’t want to sacrifice flavor? Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken makes dinnertime easier with minimum prep. It’s the saving grace for nights when you’re short on time but still want a nutritious meal. It’s also versatile enough to pair with any vegetable you like. Just pop it all on a sheet pan and into the oven. It’s full of bright flavors that keep everyone satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

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.

A classic that’s big on flavor, spiced ground beef is a lifesaver on busy nights. Make Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef for an effortless way to bring variety to your meals. It’s quick to prepare and can be used in several dishes like tacos or served over rice. The spices turn simple ground beef into something exciting. Your weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade. Plus, leftovers heat up beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

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

For a dish that feels like a warm hug, this casserole is a one-pan wonder. Beefy John Wayne Casserole is a standout for its ease and heartiness. It’s perfect when you need to feed a crowd with something that feels homey. Layers of ingredients come together beautifully in this dish. You can quickly assemble it and let the oven do the rest. It’s comfort food without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

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