17 Easy Meals You Didn’t Know Could Be Made In A Flash (Lightning-fast Feasts)

Gone are the days of boring weeknight dinners because you’re short on time. With this batch of 17 lightning-fast recipes, you’ve got a secret weapon to shake things up. Each one packs a punch of flavor and can be made in a flash, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying. Whether you’re in the mood for something cozy or looking to try a new dish, these recipes have got your back.

A plate of porcupine meatballs covered in tomato sauce and garnished with fresh basil.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

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.

Sink your teeth into these Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter that adds a burst of flavor to every bite. It’s a high-end experience without the endless wait at a fancy restaurant. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can turn your kitchen into a steakhouse. It can be served faster than you thought possible.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

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.

This one-pan wonder combines the tang of lemon with the aromatic punch of rosemary for a chicken dish that sings with flavor. Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken is simple, fuss-free, and cleans up in a snap. You won’t believe something this good can be part of your weeknight rotation.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

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 Heather.

Bring the flavors of Little Italy home in a fraction of the time. This Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers offers the crowd-pleasing combination just like Maggiano’s, without the wait for a table. It’s a shortcut to comforting flavors that’ll warm up any evening.
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 Heather.

Whip up a brunch classic with a sunny California twist at lightning speed. California Eggs Benedict has poached eggs and a creamy hollandaise that come together to give your morning a special touch, all without breaking a sweat. It’s a luxury brunch made easy!
Get the Recipe: California Eggs Benedict

Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

Two bowls of Copycat Jason's Deli Irish Potato Soup on a wooden table.
Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Dip your spoon into this hearty, comforting soup that’s a spitting image of Jason’s Deli favorite. This Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup lets you recreate the creamy, potato-filled goodness in your own kitchen. No more waiting for a table to get your fix.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

Roast Pork with Apples

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

Juicy pork paired with sweet apples makes for a dish that’s as simple as it is irresistible. Roast Pork with Apples is a meal that feels special enough for Sunday dinner but quick enough for a Wednesday night. You’re just a few quick steps away from a meal that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of Mexican carne molida with lime wedges served on a wooden table with a striped cloth on the side.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spice up dinner with this super-quick take on a Mexican staple, loaded with flavors that’ll make your palate happy. Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef is versatile, speedy, and deliciously satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknight cooking exciting again.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Refresh your palate with this crisp Cucumber Salad with Feta, tossed together in just minutes for a stunningly simple side dish. The tangy feta cheese adds a punch of flavor that complements the cool cucumbers perfectly. It’s light, quick, and full of tang.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

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 Heather.

Craving comfort food without the long wait? This Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins bring a famous dish to your table in a flash. Enjoy the homemade taste of tender dumplings and chicken, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. It’s a shortcut to soul-warming flavor any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Pizza Pasta Salad

A platter of pizza pasta salad served on a white rectangular dish.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Think about all your favorite pizza toppings mixed into a pasta salad that’s ready in a blink. Pizza Pasta Salad is a fun twist on classic flavors, and it’s ridiculously easy to throw together. It’s amazing for picnics, potlucks, or a speedy family dinner. This dish will become a definite favorite.
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 Heather.

Start your day with a quick, nutritious breakfast that’s as easy as it is delicious. Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries is a simple treat that’s ready before your coffee is done brewing. It’s a no-cook breakfast that feels refreshing and filling. Kickstart your mornings with this speedy, energy-boosting toast.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries

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 Heather.

Get a taste of Sicily without leaving your kitchen with this Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. It’s a flavor-packed soup that warms the soul and comes together in much less time than you’d expect. Skip the lengthy restaurant visits and enjoy this cozy favorite at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding a cut steak quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Turn your last night’s steak into today’s crunchy, cheesy quesadilla in no time at all. Leftover Steak Quesadilla is a genius way to repurpose leftovers into something exciting and new. No more boring, repetitive meals; with this recipe, your leftovers get a delicious makeover.
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 Heather.

Give your salad routine a kick with this rapid recipe for Chinese Chicken Salad. It’s packed with flavor and comes together quicker than you can order takeout. Crunchy, fresh, and full of protein, it’s a lunchtime revolution that’ll keep you energized all afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

A tray of cheddar bacon loaded tater tots, drizzled with Alfredo sauce, with a hand-picking one up.
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Enjoy the guilty pleasure of Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots without even preheating your oven. This copycat recipe is so fast, you’ll be snacking on these cheesy, bacon-topped treats in less time than it takes for delivery. It’s comfort food with a side of instant goodness.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A plate of porcupine meatballs covered in tomato sauce and garnished with fresh basil.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Who knew your slow cooker could serve up something this delicious so effortlessly? These Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs are the ultimate “set it and forget it” meal. While you’re getting on with your day, your slow cooker is hard at work making magic happen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

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 Heather.

Serve a bit of Cracker Barrel charm to your dinner table without the wait. These Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots are a dead ringer for the restaurant side dish and they come together with minimal effort. It’s a veggie dish that’s sure to please and a snap to make.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

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