The Less Time Cooking The Better Try 29 Quick Recipes

Long days leave little time or energy for big meals. Quick ideas help save time and still bring good flavor. No need for long prep or many steps to enjoy something warm and filling. Simple cooking can still taste great and make things easier. The less time cooking, the better try 29 quick recipes.

Close-up of creamy potato salad with chopped celery and black pepper seasoning. — Potato Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Shrimp Burrito Bowls

A bowl of seasoned shrimp, avocado, corn, black beans, rice, and a dollop of sour cream, garnished with cilantro. — Shrimp Burrito Bowls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Whipping up a bowl with shrimp and rice can be surprisingly quick and fun. Shrimp Burrito Bowls are a fantastic way to enjoy a burst of flavors in no time. Just a touch of chopping, cooking, and you’re ready to enjoy. A delicious meal awaits with simple steps and fresh ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls

Easy Chicken Casserole

A fork lifting a cheesy bite from a bowl of chicken casserole topped with bacon and breadcrumbs. — Easy Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re in a pinch, putting together a meal with chicken can be a smooth process. Easy Chicken Casserole is here for a quick, cozy dinner solution after a busy day. Just toss everything into a dish, let it bake, and boom you’ve got dinner! Effortless and hearty, it promises convenience and nourishment.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole

Dense Bean Salad

A spoonful of chickpea salad with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, parsley, and feta cheese being served from a bowl. — Dense Bean Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When you’re in a time crunch, a swift salad can save the day. Dense Bean Salad is a simple and quick choice that packs a punch when it comes to flavor. A mix of beans and a few fresh add-ins create a hearty dish without much fuss. You’ll find it’s both delicious and efficient for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Easy Bibimbap

A bowl of bibimbap with sliced beef, egg yolk, carrots, cucumber, greens, and bean sprouts, topped with sesame seeds and red sauce. — Easy Bibimbap. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Feeling like having a rice dish but short on time, Easy Bibimbap can come together quicker than you think, with minimal cooking required. A balance of veggies, rice, and flavors can make for a fulfilling experience. It only takes a little effort to enjoy a bowl full of perfect combinations.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bibimbap

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

A close-up of Bacon Wrapped Sugar Smokies, held together with toothpicks and cooked to a crispy finish. — Bacon Wrapped Smokies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A bit of quick wrapping and baking and you’ve got a superb dish. Bacon Wrapped Smokies offer simple steps for a tasty appetizer or snack without much hassle. Just wrap, bake, and in no time, you’re ready to munch. Quick and easy, they’re perfect for any casual meal plan!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Rice Paper Rolls

Close-up of sliced spring rolls filled with rice, avocado, purple cabbage, and sesame seeds, arranged on a white plate. — Rice Paper Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Preparing fresh rolls doesn’t have to be complicated. Rice Paper Rolls can be a quick assembly, with a bit of rolling and dipping involved. Just fill and roll, and you’ve got a light and delicious bite ready in minutes. Enjoy quick creativity in making a batch with your favorite fillings.
Get the Recipe: Rice Paper Rolls

Dubai Chocolate

Close-up of sliced dessert bars with layers of chocolate, crumbly filling, and green topping, garnished with chopped pistachios. — Dubai Chocolate. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Decadent treats like chocolates don’t always need a lengthy process. Dubai Chocolate allows you to delve into something rich with a simple, streamlined approach. A little melting, mixing, and chill time is all you need. Enjoy the simplicity of homemade chocolate magic.
Get the Recipe: Dubai Chocolate

Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Close-up view of cooked bacon strips and fried eggs on a white plate, garnished with parsley. — Crispy Air Fryer Bacon. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Making crispy bacon is effortless when you’ve got a few minutes to spare. Crispy Air Fryer Bacon promises a mess-free and quick solution to your bacon cravings. Just pop it in your air fryer, and enjoy the crispiness without the usual fuss. Fast and flavorful, it’s ready for any breakfast or brunch!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

A plate with honey chicken tenders, broccoli florets, and mashed potatoes. — Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Cooking up tenders is super easy if you want something crunchy and flavorful in a pinch. Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders are a delight, combining a simple marinade with quick frying or baking. The blend of honey and mustard delivers a punch, all while keeping the process straightforward. Plenty of flavor, minimal effort, and a top-notch dish awaits.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Firecracker Meatballs

A plate of meatballs topped with sauce, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions on a bed of white rice. — Firecracker Meatballs. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Making dinner spicy and exciting doesn’t need ages in the kitchen. Firecracker Meatballs allow a simple mix and roll for a flavorful treat. After a brief bake, you’ll find yourself tasting the heat and deliciousness in each bite. Quick to prepare and eat, they are perfect for spicing up your regular meal routine!
Get the Recipe: Firecracker Meatballs

BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Quesadillas stacked on a plate, topped with sliced jalapeños, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream. — BBQ Chicken Quesadilla. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re aiming for something cheesy and meaty without breaking a sweat, here’s your answer. BBQ Chicken Quesadilla can be on your plate in no time with just mixing, filling, and heating. Just pile on the chicken and cheese for a quick flip on the stove. Enjoy a meal that’s as delicious as it is speedy!
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Avocado Toast

When you need a snack or light meal in minutes, this is perfect! Avocado Toast is easy to compile with just some mashing and spreading involved. Add your favorite extras to jazz it up, and you’re ready to munch away. It’s the quick, versatile snack that’s become everyone’s favorite!
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast

Kimchi Stew

Fast and flavorful stews are just what you need when time is of the essence. Kimchi Stew offers a rich taste with minimal prep work. Just toss ingredients in a pot and let it simmer for a bit, giving you a warm bowl of deliciousness. It’s the easy and energetic meal that keeps your routine relaxed.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Stew

Beef Tacos

Putting together a taco night doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Beef Tacos are a breeze with just a bit of cooking and assembling. Get your fillings ready, cook the meat, and you’re set to enjoy. Quick, simple, and ready to be customized just how you like!
Get the Recipe: Beef Tacos

Sesame Chicken

A close-up of glazed chicken pieces with sesame seeds and chopped scallions on a bed of rice. — Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If you’re in the mood for a chicken dish that’s quick yet packed with flavor, you’re in luck. Sesame Chicken is incredibly simple to whip up with only a few steps. A short fry or bake, followed by tossing in sesame sauce, makes it irresistible and fast. Perfect for when you want something tasty without a wait.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Pork Chops

Close-up of a cooked, seasoned pork chop topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped parsley on a dark plate. — Pork Chops. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A quick meal that’s ready in no time, perfect for tossing on the pan and enjoying tender, flavorful bites. These Pork Chops bring hearty satisfaction to early dinners or late meals. With easy prep and straightforward cooking, anyone can get these on the plate in a few minutes. Serve them with a side dish of your choice to keep things fresh and simple.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops

Ham and Cheese Sliders

These little sandwiches pack big flavors while keeping cooking time at a bare minimum. Ham and Cheese Sliders are perfect for a quick snack or easy dinner. Warm, gooey, and done in a flash, they’re great for when you want food fast but delicious. Slice, stack, bake it’s all ready before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders

Grilled Peppers

Grilled red and yellow bell peppers with char marks, topped with crumbled feta cheese and garnished with herbs. — Grilled Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Whether you’re short on time or just looking for something healthy and flavorful, these are an excellent option. Grilled Peppers come out smoky, slightly sweet, and a little charred in just a few minutes on the grill or stovetop. They’re simple to make and pair wonderfully with almost anything. Just toss onto heat, and you’ve got a quick side dish or topping sorted!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peppers

Crunchy Onion Rings

A close-up of crispy, golden-brown onion rings sprinkled with chopped parsley and black pepper on a white parchment-lined surface captures perfection in every bite. — Crunchy Onion Rings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Light, crispy, and perfect with a dip, they’re great for fast fixes when hunger strikes. Crunchy Onion Rings require minimal prep, making them ideal for any rushed meal or snack situation. They come out golden-brown and full of texture without taking much cooking effort at all. Keep the batch simple or customize to your liking in no time!
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

Vegetable Stir Fry

Few meals are quicker than chopping up some fresh veggies and getting them cooked at lightning speed. Vegetable Stir Fry is perfect when time feels short but you still want everything warm and colorful in a bowl. With quick cooking methods and adjustable flavors, it’s easy to adapt for anyone’s preferences.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Tuscan Pasta

Short on prep but big on flavor, this dish is the perfect comfort food for when busy days demand quick answers. Tuscan Pasta lets you mix creamy ingredients with simple flavors for a fast yet delicious plate. It’s one of those recipes where you don’t need to fuss to get it right. Grab your tools, boil away, and dinner’s ready within moments.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta

Marry Me Butter Beans

A cast iron skillet with creamy pasta mixed with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, topped with cheese, with a wooden spoon resting inside. — Marry Me Butter Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Forget spending hours over a hot stove, this dish is here for fast and stress-free cooking. Marry Me Butter Beans are warm, creamy, and super easy to whip up when you need something filling without extra work. They pair well with bread or rice and come together in hardly any time at all. A breeze to cook and perfect for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Butter Beans

Funeral Potatoes

Ready-to-make comfort food that skips the long cooking hours, bringing hot, cheesy goodness to your plate quickly. Funeral Potatoes combine creamy textures and crunch on top for something that feels fancy but works on tight schedules. They’re perfect as a side dish, but feel free to enjoy as the main course too.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Tortilla Pizza

Pizza cravings don’t have to mean waiting for dough or ordering out—you’re set with something much quicker. Tortilla Pizza simplifies everything by swapping dough for tortillas, letting toppings and cheese bake up perfectly in minutes flat. It’s easy, fuss-free, and makes for a creative dinner even when energy’s low.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Pizza

Antipasto Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and roasted red peppers. — Antipasto Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A simple mix that’s fast, fresh, and puts everything tasty into a bowl for quick bites. Antipasto Salad brings layers of flavors together without requiring much chopping or prep work. Perfect for light meals or when you need something ready with no hassle involved. Take your ingredients, toss them in, and have everything set within minutes.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Homemade Lasagna

Close-up of a delicious slice of lasagna, showcasing layers of pasta, ground meat, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and garnished with chopped basil. — Homemade Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you need something hearty but don’t want to spend hours layering and cooking, this shortcut recipe steps in. Homemade Lasagna can be made the easy way without losing any comfort or flavor. Fast assembly and simple techniques turn this into a dinner-table favorite. Let it cook quick while you handle other tasks it’s ready before you know it!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Kung Pao Chicken

A close-up of a stir-fry dish featuring pieces of chicken, snap peas, red bell peppers, scallions, and black sesame seeds. — Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Packed with bold flavors but keeping the steps simple, this dish makes weeknight cooking a breeze. Kung Pao Chicken has just enough kick to spice up your evening meals while remaining quick and easy to toss together. Stir-fry everything in under twenty minutes without worrying about complex instructions.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Mac and Cheese

Rich and creamy but always quick to cook, this recipe feels like the ultimate comfort food for busy days. Mac and Cheese skips the traditional hours-long baking and goes straight to creamy stovetop goodness. Blend everything together with ease for a dish kids and adults alike enjoy. It’s fast and fills you up without any complicated effort!
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Potato Salad

No-fuss prep turns simple ingredients into something comforting and ready in no time. Potato Salad is hit-the-spot good without demanding hours of boiling, mixing, or unnecessary steps. Chill it or enjoy warm—it’s adjustable to what you’re in the mood for. With basic assembly, you’ll have something tasty wrapped up quickly!
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

About the Author

A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.