Dinnertime Simplified: 12 Quick, Easy Dinner Recipes
Looking for an easy dinner to make tonight?
Here's something you may or may not know: Postmates and the Whole Foods hot bar are not your only options when it comes to a quick and easy dinner. I know, we couldn't believe it either.
Before you pick up takeout from your favorite Thai place or circle the Whole Foods parking lot half a dozen times, allow us to introduce you to twelve, simple yet delicious dinner recipes you can make any night of the week. No matter how stressed you are at work and no matter how angry you are at your boss for calling you into that 5 p.m. meeting, you can spare 30 minutes to make a healthy, self-respecting dinner from scratch.
And if you read that last paragraph and thought, "30 minutes!?! Oh, you have so much to learn..." then we have a special treat for you. But you have to wait until the bottom of the blog post for that.
12 Delicious Dinners to Make on Busy Weeknights
No matter if you're craving Italian, Thai, or Mexican, there is a recipe below to satisfy your craving. So let Seamless take a night off, have a little faith in your cooking skills (we believe in you), and try one of these each dinner recipes.
1. One Pot Eggplant Parmesan
Let’s face it: As delicious as it is, eggplant parmesan is one of those restaurant-only dishes, as the homemade version can take 45 minutes-plus to prepare. But with this recipe, your favorite Italian comfort food comes together in under 30, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Simply dredge the eggplant in egg yolks and breadcrumbs, sizzle until lightly browned on the stovetop, then smother in marinara and mozzarella cheese.
2. Black Beans, Sausage, and Rice
Sometimes, it’s the simplest recipes that end up being crowd favorites. If you grew up on rice and beans, you’re going to love this recipe. Combine ground turkey with garlic and onions over the stovetop, add a can of black beans, then season with cayenne pepper. Throw it over white or brown rice and dinner is served.
3. Chicken Thighs
No matter how you choose to cook them, chicken thighs are one of the easiest main dishes you can prepare. But with your Tovala Oven and this delicious recipe from the Tovala App, they’re even easier — simply season with your favorite spice blend, drizzle with olive oil, then place them on your Tovala sheet pan. Bake for 25 minutes, pair with green beans or a green salad, and dinner is served.
4. Easy Pork Chops With Sweet and Sour Glaze
Think a homemade pork chop dinner sounds like it’s above your cooking skills? What if we told you these pork chops go from prep to plate in just 20 minutes? Simply sear pork chops for 2-3 minutes in a large skillet, whip up a glaze from balsamic vinegar, honey, and spices, then transfer to the oven. Drizzle the glaze over your pork chops, pair with a fresh green salad, and serve for an easy weeknight dinner.
5. Sheet Pan Chicken With Sweet Potatoes, Apples, and Brussels Sprouts
If you think dinner takes way too much time to cook, allow us to introduce you to one pan meals. Rather than make a main dish and two sides (whew, that’s a lot of dishes just thinking about it), throw all your ingredients on one pan and call it a day. With this easy chicken dinner recipe, combine chicken breasts, Brussels sprouts, squash, onions, and fresh herbs on a pan, roast for 25 minutes, and enjoy.
6. Paleo Easy Mexican Burrito Bowls
Alright, it’s not quite as fast as the Chipotle line, but this recipe comes pretty close. Ready in just 35 minutes total, these rice bowls combine seasoned ground beef, pico de gallo, and homemade avocado crema. Serve over white rice, cauliflower rice, or lettuce for an easy meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
7. Cheese Tortellini & Marinara
Here’s a dinner plot twist for you: Recipes labeled “kid-friendly” are usually the easiest ones to prepare. Seriously. The Internet figured out there is no one more impatient than a hungry five-year old, and spit out a bunch of easy recipes to spare parents from a meltdown. This cheese tortellini and marinara pasta dish is ready in a total time of 15 minutes, and requires just three ingredients: tortellini, tomato sauce, and parmesan. Find this recipes on the Tovala App.
8. Easy Pork Stir-Fry With Vegetables & Hoisin Sauce
On busy weeknights, an easy stir-fry is one of the easiest recipes to fall back on. For a quick and healthy meal, thinly slice pork tenderloin, then toss with red peppers, broccoli, and carrots in a wok or skillet. Smother your entire dish in a hoisin sauce made from soy sauce, honey, and fresh ginger. Serve over rice, and enjoy a dish that’s as fast as Chinese takeout.
9. Easy Glazed Brown Sugar and Dijon Pork Loin
Let us guess: You’re serving a crowd tonight, and you’re this-close to having an epic meltdown, marching over to Whole Foods, and grabbing a rotisserie chicken to try to pass off as your own. (Yea, we know all your tricks). This dijon glazed pork loin contains just four ingredients: pork, dijon mustard, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Simply roast until a meat thermometer reads 145 degrees, wait 10 minutes, and serve. (Mental note: buy a meat thermometer.)
10. Parmesan Chicken Tenders and Green Beans
Looking for an easy take on chicken parmesan? With this recipe from our app, chicken tenders are roasted in your Tovala Oven with parmesan cheese, making for an easy weeknight meal. And the best part? You can bake your side dish—green beans—on the same baking sheet, saving you time on cleanup.
11. Easy Greek Chicken Salad
Image: My Life Cookbook
This easy Greek chicken salad is filled with tons of Mediterranean goodies—feta, sliced bell peppers, red onions, and Kalamata olives. For a quick dinner, simply chop up all your veggies, season your chicken with fresh herbs, and serve over pita bread. Or if you’re looking for some low-carb action, make them into kabobs.
12. Healthy Southwest Stuffed Peppers
Looking for the perfect dish to whip up for meatless Monday? These tasty stuffed peppers are easy, packed with protein, and completely hit the spot. Simply combine diced tomatoes, black beans, quinoa, and onions in a skillet. Stuff it inside hollowed-out bell peppers, then roast in the oven. Top with avocado and cilantro and enjoy.
Don't Have 30 Minutes to Spare? We Got You Covered
If you can barely carve out half an hour to get ready in the morning, then we have a special treat for you.
You can still enjoy a healthy and quick meal at home, any night of the week. With Tovala, delicious, chef-inspired dinners are delivered straight to your front door. All you have to do is unpack your dinner of choice, scan the barcode, and watch as your Tovala Oven cooks it on autopilot.
Most meals are ready in under 20 minutes with some taking as little as 8-10 minutes. When you think about how long you have to wait for delivery (40 minutes, minimum), that's a homemade meal that takes half as long as takeout. And tastes even fresher.
Ready to try Tovala for yourself? Click here to get started.
