Quick easy meals?

[designer]

Does anyone have recipes for good, quick and easy meals that take less than 30 minutes to make?

I never feel like cooking by the time I get home from work! :)

Thanks!

[Kimberland30]

Something easy, quick and cheap... Pasta Bake. They used to have a special sauce for this but I haven't seen it around. So I just improvise.

1 box (16 oz) uncooked Rigitoni noodles
1 jar of Ragu Rich and Meaty Spaghetti Sauce - Mama's Meat Sauce style
2 cups shredded Mozz. cheese (1 package)

Heat oven to 400 degrees. In a 13x9 baking pan, combine uncooked pasta and jar of spaghetti sauce. Fill the empty pasta sauce jar with water 3/4 full and add to pasta and sauce in pan and mix well. Tightly cover with foil.

Bake for 30 minutes. Take off foil and stir - taste test to make sure noodles are tender as some ovens are different than others. If noodles are done, mix well and top with cheese. Return to oven uncovered for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Serve with italian bread and voila, dinner in a half hour. :)

[Ohana]

I think about 99% of what I cook can be done in a few minutes, because I'm a hugely lazy cook. Here are some of my favorites:

Thai Chicken Curry

2 chicken breast halves
1 can coconut milk (lite is fine)
Green Curry paste (1 tsp or so)
Fish sauce (I think a TBSP or 2)
pinch or two of sugar
frozen spinach
steamed rice (I make a big batch once a week or so and refrigerate the rest of later)

Mix together coconut milk, curry paste, fish sauce, and sugar in a sauce pan on medium heat. Cut chicken into bite sized pieces and add to coconut milk mix and stir occasionally. When chicken is cooked through, add a few handfuls of frozen spinach. Stir occasionally until spinach is heated through. Serve over hot steamed rice. Excluding the rice, should be done in 20 minutes

Soft Tacos
Brown 1 lb ground beef or turkey and add taco seasonings. Serve with warmed flour tortillas, cheese, salsa, or whatever other taco fixings you like

Broiled Flank Steak

Season 1 flank steak with salt and pepper or grill seasoning of your choice. I use a cookie sheet and put a cooling rack thingie on top of it, place the flank steak on that and put on the top rack of the oven. Broil on both sides until desired doneness. Allow to sit for a few minutes prior to slicing against the grain. I serve this with mashed sweet potatoes (cut the peeled sweet potatoes into small pieces and boil until tender while the steak is broiling, mash in the food processor with butter and milk until smooth).

Chinese Chicken Salad Wraps

Cooked chicken (I marinate thighs in teriyaki sauce and grill, but any kind of cooked chicken will do)
Shredded cabbage (bagged cole slaw works great)
Wraps
Sesame soy salad dressing (sold in the produce department)

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

2-3 chicken breast halves
mayo
breadcrumbs
cooking spray

Cut chicken into bite sized pieces and "marinate" in a few TBSP of mayo for a few minutes. Dredge chicken pieces in breadcrumbs and place on cookie sheet that has been coated in cooking spray. Spray a little cooking spray on nuggets and bake in 350-400 degree oven for about 15-20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.

Other ideas I have include stir fries, Boboli pizzas, spaghetti with jarred sauce, marinating chicken breasts and grilling outside, beef and bean burritos, or breakfast for dinner. HTH!

[singerwife]

Count me in the "under 30 minutes for most meals" camp, too.


Marinated Chicken
2-4 Boneless Chicken breasts
1/2 cup of Newman's Balsamic dressing

Pour the Newman's over the chicken and let sit in the fridge while you are at work. (Or for an hour while you change clothes, listen to Dr. Phil, let the dog out, sort mail, etc. etc. :) ) When you get home, throw chicken on the grill. Make a green salad (lettuce, tomatoes, cukes, dried cranberries, feta) while the chicken cooks.

Almost instant yummy.

Quick Scampi (not calorie conscious at all)
Melt stick of butter in skillet
Add:
2-3 cloves of minced garlic
Chopped fresh veggies of your choice...summer squash, zucchini, mushrooms, etc.
Frozen shrimp
Couple splashes of white wine/apple juice/whatever is in fridge

Cook until all is tender. Serve over rice or pasta.

Quick Pasta Alfredo (again, bad for you...but yummy)
Melt 1 stick butter in large skillet
Add:
2-3 cloves minced garlic
1 package sliced portabella mushrooms
pint cream
1/2-1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 chopped tomato (optional)
1/2 bag frozen peas (optional)

Stir until bubbly. Serve over pasta.

[manda_kate]

Pizza Pasta

Boil one package of noodles, whatever you like
Brown one pound of ground beef
Put in pan, add 1 15oz. can tomato sauce and 1 15oz. can pizza sauce.
Add pepperoni, mushrooms, whatever you like on your pizza. Cover with mozzarella and parmesan cheese and bake @ 350 for about 30 minutes.

[designer]

Thanks for the recipes...keep them coming!
They all sound good and I will be trying some this week! :)

[Katy]

one of my new favorite ways to grill chicken is to "marinate" it in ranch dressing (not that it actually gets inside the chicken, but you know what I mean) and then just grill it. It's so tender and juicy and has just the right amount of flavor. Perfect to put in a salad :D

[gmb4503]

**Bumping** :)

Always looking for quick meals!!

[laura]

Quickie Chicken Quesadillas:

I pretty much just toss in whatever I have. It's usually cube 2-4 chicken breasts; saute in a bit of olive oil; add whatever salsa I have on hand (I also use rotel or diced tomatoes, peppers, onions, veggies, etc., depending on what I have available); add chili powder to taste; add a little bit of cheddar cheese to "thicken" if needed. Heat another skillet to medium heat; add a tortilla; top with a little cheese, some of the chicken mixture, more cheese and then another tortilla. After 2-3 minutes, flip to brown the other tortilla. Cut into 4ths and serve will salsa, guacamole, sour cream.

We're having this tonight. It probably takes 15-20 minutes from start to finish.

[laurenc]

one of my favorite meals is: baby spinach leaves, blue cheese, pecans (preferably candied or spiced!), and dried cranberries mixed up with a little bit of raspberry vinaigrette. serve it alone or with some sourdough bread, maybe some soup (from a box or can, of course ;)), such a delicious meal!

[Mrs.B716]

Made up this recipe myself. It's cheap and easy.

Prepare one box of Stuffing mix.
Layer in a casserole dish:
1/3 stuffing
a few slices of deli turkey (sanwich meat)
1/3 of a can of cream of mushroom soup
repeat two more times

Bake in oven until heated through. ENJOY!
You could even add a layer of swiss cheese if you would like and your diet allows you to.

[~Lucy]

Shrimp Lousiana

Small jar of Classico Tomato and Basil Sauce
Small carton of heavy whipping cream
Ketchup
Cyanne pepper

In a large skillet, pour jar of tomato sauce and whipping cream, mixing together until it turns very light orange. Add 1 - 1 1/2 Tbsp ketchup and cyanne pepper to taste. Mix well and simmer 5-10 minutes until it starts to thicken. Add shrimp and cook through. Serve over white rice with French bread. (I also make this for pot luck dinners, keeping the rice and sauce separate for people to serve themselves. It goes over very well!)

Chicken Stuffed Manicottis
Cooked chicken, cubed or shreaded (I use the breast of a rotisserie chicken)
Box of Stove Top Stuffing
Can of Cream of Chicken Soup
Milk
1 cup Shreaded cheddar cheese
Manicottis

Cook manicottis and stuffing according to directions. In a bowl, mix the cooked stuffing, chicken and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Stuff the manicottis and place in baking dish. Pour the soup into pan used to make the stuffing. Pour the milk into the soup can to about 3/4 full and add it to the soup. Mix and warm through. Pour over manicottis and sprinkle 1/2 cup of shreaded cheddar. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes.

Faux Fried Chicken
Chicken breasts, drumsticks or thighs (bone in with skin)
1-2 eggs
Flour
Italian flavored bread crumbs

Break egg into bowl and whip until combined. In another bowl mix flour and bread crumbs (about 2/3 flour and 1/3 bread crumbs) and salt and pepper to taste. Dip chicken in egg and then the flour mixture. Coat well. If you want extra thick coating, do this twice. Place chicken in baking dish that has been sprayed with Pam. Bake at 375 degrees. Check after 30 minutes, they may need to be flipped. Large breasts take about 45 minutes. Serve with steamed veggies. (This has become DH's favorite!)

[kalogrias]

DH and I had the BEST dinner last night, and it took 15 mins to make. Literally, from start-to-finish.

We bought some Trader Joe's Carne Asada, grilled it, and then made it into healthy soft tacos with all the fixings -- homemade guacamole, chopped tomatoes, onions, fresh spinach (instead of lettuce), and the toppers -- sweet red and yellow peppers and mango salsa. Amazingly good!!

[Jenean]

Stir Fry:

The day before, cut chicken or beef into cubes and marinate overnight in soy sauce or teriyaki sauce or whatever flavor marinade you like.

Cook meat in a pan with a variety of chopped veggies. Serve over rice.

I use onion, peppers, sugar snap peas, and broccoli most of the time. Sometimes I throw in something different for a change. When I marinate the meat in a "hawaiian" marinade I add pineapple.

Not counting the 10 min. or so I spend chopping stuff up, this usually only takes about 10-15 minutes to make. I make enough for at least 2 meals.

[SQ2]

Subscribing! :D

[Boopy]

I made some Barbecued Turkey Burger last night that were quick and easy. I added 2 Tablespoons of bread crumbs, some diced onions, 2 Tablespoons barbecue sauce, some chili powder, garlic powder, and salt to 1 pound of turkey and smooshed together. Form into patties and then grill. I grilled them on the Foreman for about 10 minutes. I added some cheddar cheese and some extra sauce on top. I broiled some asparagus as a side which took about 5-6 minutes.

[LILRTL]

*bump*

[emmjay]

I made some Barbecued Turkey Burger last night that were quick and easy. I added 2 Tablespoons of bread crumbs, some diced onions, 2 Tablespoons barbecue sauce, some chili powder, garlic powder, and salt to 1 pound of turkey and smooshed together. Form into patties and then grill. I grilled them on the Foreman for about 10 minutes. I added some cheddar cheese and some extra sauce on top. I broiled some asparagus as a side which took about 5-6 minutes.
I make turkey burgers like these, but with Asian flavors - 2 Tbsp bread crumbs, diced scallions and red bell peppers, garlic, 2 Tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1 tsp dark sesame oil, salt and red pepper flakes. Then I broil asparagus with a little sesame oil and soy sauce for the side dish.

I also make them with curry flavors - for one 2 1/4 lb package of ground turkey, use 1 Tbsp curry paste, 1/2 c plain yogurt, diced onions and peppers, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 Tbsp cilantro, 2" grated fresh ginger, and 1 Tbsp grill seasoning. For the side dish I make a box of frozen peas topped with flavored butter (melt butter with cumin, cardamom, turmeric, paprika, chili powder and salt to taste).

Both of these are really quick.

ETA quantities for the curry burgers.

[Katy]

Emmjay, those sound great! I've yet to make any burgers from scratch. I keep meaning to, I buy the ground beef and all. Somehow we just wind up freezing the meat and going out to dinner on that day (and the surround days) :shrug:

Off topic - does anyone besides me call "ground beef" "chopped meat"?!?!? That's what my grandmother always called it (probably left over from her depression-era childhood) but the hubby keeps laughing when I call it that.

[emmjay]

Katy - I am obsessed with burgers! You can make them in no time, and I love to eat them. I normally use ground turkey, but I also make tuna burgers, lentil burgers, bean burgers, crab cakes, falafel - pretty much anything that can be put between two pieces of bread. ;) I'm trying to figure out a good Cajun one - maybe a cajun shrimp burger?

OK, just so I am not going completely off topic, I'll post another recipe:
This is my favorite tapas dish - Espinacas con Garbanzos

olive oil for sauteeing
1 small yellow onion, diced
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 15-oz can diced tomatoes (plain or flavored)
1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 10-oz pkg frozen spinach, cooked according to package directions
2 Tbsp ground cumin
1 Tbsp ground black pepper
2 tsp salt, or to taste
1 baguette, sliced into pieces

Saute onions in olive oil over medium heat until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for about 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, chickpeas and spinach - cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add in spices. Serve with bread.

If the spinach is really watery I sometimes reduce it until a lot of the liquid is gone, but you want it to be a little bit saucy. I usually make this as part of a whole tapas spread with Manchego cheese, Spanish almonds, Serrano ham, etc., but sometimes we eat it by itself too.

[tlew12778]

I just made this Easy Broccoli Quiche (http://brunch.allrecipes.com/AZ/syBrccliQich.asp) last night for dinner using a ready made filo crust. It took like 10 min to put together (even less if you use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese), but it took me 40 min to bake (I watched Desperate Housewives while it was baking :p ). I served it with salad.

[wine_o_girlie]

I know there is a whole thread about it, but the crockpot is a life-saver for me. I made a chicken in it yesterday and paired that with smashed potatoes (cube yukon golds into small pieces to help them boil faster), and steamed asparagus. The potatoes took 20 minutes and the asparagus 5 or less.

A huge timesaver for me is to marinate 4-6 frozen chicken breasts in the fridge for a couple of days (no need to defrost if you give it 2 days), grill them all one night, and have leftovers for packing lunches or making dinners. You can marinate them in a number of different things - olive oil/lemon juice/fresh garlic, fat free Italian dressing, soy/teriyaki, salsa, buffalo hot wing sauce, or Trader Joe's has some great marinades. From the cooked chicken you can make tacos, fajitas, soups, casseroles, chicken sandwiches, toss them in pasta, etc.

Emmjay, what about salmon burgers? You could make them from leftover salmon for dinner.

[wine_o_girlie]

I forgot one. I also buy large flank steaks at Costco and cut them up into 2 person size servings and freeze them in ziploc bags. For an easy dinner I just take a ziploc of flank steak out of the freezer that morning before work and dump in a splash of olive oil, a splash of red wine vinegar, and a smashed fresh garlic clove and put it in the fridge. By the time you come home the meat is defrosted (since it's a small portion) and marinated. You can broil or grill it very quickly. "Bake" a potato or sweet potato in the microwave for 15 minutes or less and steam asparagus or broccoli in 5 minutes or less and you have a great dinner.

Basically, I am all about the marinade in the fridge all day while I am at work. Another time saver is if you make a batch of soup or a side dish on the weekend and freeze it in 2 person sizes. De-frost in fridge while I am at work and re-heat for dinner in 20 minutes or less.

[lawyerlee]

I made some excellent, easy chicken enchiladas last night.

Chicken Enchiladas

1 cup white onion, chopped
1 cup bell pepper, chopped
1 can enchilada sauce (10 oz.)
2 - 6 oz. pkg. Oscar Mayer Louis Rich Chicken Breast Strips
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
16 - 6 inch corn tortillas

Preheat broiler. Spray large skillet with cooking spray. Saute onion and bell pepper over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes. Add enchilada sauce and bring to a boil. Cook until thickened. Turn off heat and set aside.

Combine chicken breast strips, ground cumin, and 1/2 cup cheese in a mixing bowl. Warm tortillas in microwave, wrapped in paper towels, for 30 seconds. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Fill each tortilla with 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture. Place seam side down in the baking dish. After all tortillas are filled, cover with the enchilada sauce.

Broil until ingredients are heated through. Remove from oven and cover with 1-1/2 cups cheese. Return to oven and broil until cheese has melted. Serve with sour cream.

[Amaye]

I made this chicken dish yesterday and it came out so delish!! It smelt so good while cooking that DH kept on asking when it would be done :)

My own twist - I made some plantains and threw them in when l was done for a little sweetness. Yuumm!!

Baked Drumsticks with Potatoes

8 large chicken drumsticks
2 large russet potatoes -- 1 inch wedges
1 cup onion -- thinly sliced
1 cup Italian plum tomatoes, canned -- drained & chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh oregano -- minced
OR 1 1/2 tsp. crumbled dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
4 teaspoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Italian parsley -- minced

1. Adjust oven rack to center of oven and preheat to 350^F.
2. Wash chicken legs and blot dry. Place legs on work surface.
3. Starting at top of leg, slip your fingers under the skin to loosen. Peel off skin carefully, using a pair of kitchen shears to snip the skin and any connecting membrane to avoid tearing the meat; discard skin. Trim off any membrane or bits of fat that may still be attached to leg.
4. Lightly grease bottom of 9x13x2-inch ovenproof baking pan with cooking spray.
5. Arrange drumsticks in single layer in pan. Arrange potatoes between and around drumsticks.
6. Place a single layer of onion slices over drumsticks and potatoes. Spoon tomatoes over onions.
7. Sprinkle oregano on top; season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil.
8. Cover pan with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove foil and baste with pan juices. Continue baking, basting frequently with pan juices, until drumsticks are very tender and potatoes are cooked, about 25 minutes.
10. Transfer drumsticks to a platter. Spoon tomatoes, onions, and pan juices over top. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Recipe from "Lean Italian Cooking"
Serving Size : 4

[Annabelle]

Burritos

I put sandwich wraps in a non-stick frying pan without any non-stick spray, and turn often until slightly toasted.

I heat up refried beans in the microwave.

I cook up mexican rice from a pouch.

Cut up tomatoes, onions, lettuce (or whatever you like), use bagged shredded cheese. Use jarred salsa.

I layer everything in the slightly toasted wrap, roll it up. I usually serve with chips and salsa on the side.

Very simple and easy...

[WestieMomma]

Tonight I made Chicken Foil packets.

Thinly slice 1 red onion, green bell pepper and yellow bell pepper (you can also add red potatoes and mushrooms). Put chicken breast strips on a large piece of foil and season with salt/pepper, any seasonings you like. Add sliced veggies and pour some barbeque sauce on top. Fold foil over and on the sides to make a packet. Put on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Serve with white or flavored rice. I usually divide the chicken and veggies into two packets when I make this for DH and me. This is healthy, fast and the foil makes for an easy cleanup!

[lawyerlee]

This is one of my all-time favorite soup recipes. And it's super quick and easy. :)

Broccoli and Cheese Soup

Cooking spray
1 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 (16-ounce) package broccoli florets
1 can fat-free evaporated milk
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces light processed cheese, cubed (such as Velveeta Light) OR 8 ounces fat free shredded cheddar cheese

Heat a large nonstick saucepan coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; saute 3 minutes or until tender. Add broth and broccoli. Bring broccoli mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium; cook 10 minutes.

Add evaporated milk to broccoli mixture. Cook 5 minutes or until slightly thick, stirring constantly. Stir in pepper. Remove from heat; add cheese, stirring until cheese melts.

Place one-third of the soup in a blender or food processor, and process until smooth. Return pureed soup mixture to pan.


This Everyday Food recipe is excellent and simple, too.

Orzo with Chicken, Corn, and Green Beans

In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook 1/2 pound orzo until al dente, according to package directions, adding 8 oz. green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces, during last 6 minutes of cooking. Drain; rinse under cold water until cooled. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 cloves garlic, minced; cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add 10 oz. corn and 1 tsp. coarse salt; cook until warmed through, 2 to 3 minutes. Toss pasta and green beans with corn mixture and 3-1/2 cups shredded, roasted chicken. Season generously with salt and ground pepper.

Serves 4, prep time - 20 minutes, total time - 20 minutes, source - Everyday Food, May 2005

[emmjay]

I made this last night with some grilled zucchini, and it definitely took less than 30 minutes from start to finish, even with peeling and deveining the shrimp:

Cajun Shrimp -

1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 teaspoon paprika
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Combine first 8 ingredients in a large zip-top plastic bag; seal bag and shake to coat.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot.

Add shrimp; sauté 4 minutes or until shrimp are done. Serves 4.

[Missy2U]

Made this last night and DH had the leftovers for breakfast.

1.5 # sirloin, cut in cubes
1 Onion, sliced
1 Green Pepper, sliced
3 T Paprika
1 T Garlic Powder
Ground Pepper
2 T Butter
1 T Olive Oil
2 +/- T Soy Sauce
1 16 oz. jar Heinz Savory Beef Gravy

Slice the sirloin into cubes, throw in a bowl, cover with paprika, garlic powder, and some ground pepper. Coat the meat and let sit for ten minutes. In a skillet, melt the butter and olive oil, add the meat, and brown. Add the green pepper and onion, sautee until tender. Add the soy sauce and the beef gravy, heat through. Serve with rice.

And I'm serious - he finished it for breakfast today. :D

[HEW?B]

All of these great ideas are making me want to rush home and hit the kitchen. Something I do if I am in a big rush is put 2 cans of apple pie filling in the bottom of a pan and then lightly brown some pork chops of pork loin. Place the browned pork on top of the apples and then prepare a box of cornbread stuffing according to the directions and when it it done, place it on to of the browned pork and put it in the over for 30-45 minutes. It is really quick and tastey. Not gourmet but it does great for a fast meal during the week.

[PaulsGirl]

One package chicken tenders
Seasoned Bread Crumbs
Parmeseaan Cheese
2 eggs, beaten (I use Egg Beaters)
Flour
Olive Oil

Mix cheese and breadcrumbs together.
Dip chicken in flour, then eggs.
Dip chicken in breadcrumb mixture.

Fry in Olive Oil till golden brown and cooked through.

[hapahaole]

bump

[Amuse Bouche]

We buy those precooked sausages - usually the chicken ones because they're healthier, and grill them or sautee them with a salad -- it's pretty quick and easy, and tastes good.

I cook chicken breasts or shrimp in Trader Joes' simmer sauces, and serve them over rice.

I like the Spicy Turkey Sloppy Joes from Epicurious, and I cook pork tenderloin a lot, which is super quick.

[Amaye]

This is one of the easiest dishes l have ever made and it's SO good! It takes me 15mins max from start to finish to make. Nothing to cut up or chop. All you do is mix, cook for mins and you are done.

HONEY AND SOY GLAZED SALMON


2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon water
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
two 6-ounce pieces salmon fillet

In a small bowl whisk together honey, soy sauce, lime juice, mustard, and water. In a small non-stick skillet heat oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and cook salmon 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden and just cooked through. Transfer salmon to 2 plates. Add honey glaze to skillet and simmer, stirring, 1 minute. Pour glaze over salmon.

Serves 2.

[Sunshine]

subscribing:D

[irish74]

Parmesean Chicken Tenders

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

One package chicken tenders
Seasoned Bread Crumbs
Parmeseaan Cheese
2 eggs, beaten (I use Egg Beaters)
Flour
Olive Oil

Mix cheese and breadcrumbs together.
Dip chicken in flour, then eggs.
Dip chicken in breadcrumb mixture.

Fry in Olive Oil till golden brown and cooked through.

I make this too, in fact it was dinner last night with some green salad.

[ejs]

DH and I don't really cook, for a few reasons. One is that the whole preparing and cooking process takes such a long time. I've decided that it's time to start cooking. And I'd like it to be more than "cook a chicken breast, pour a can of creamed soup on top."

Does anyone have any favorite recipes for quick, easy meals? Hopefully the prep time will be less than 15-30 minutes? Thanks!

[KK812]

Have you checked out the foodnetwork website or the Rachael Ray books? 30 min meals

[laura]

Chicken quesadillas are my favorite for quick and easy. Basically cube 2-3 chicken breasts, saute them until all white on the outside, dump in your favorite salsa, stir/heat a couple of minutes, stir in either some shredded cheese or sour cream to thicken the consistency a bit. In another pan, put a tortilla, a little bit of shredded cheese, some of the chicken mixture, a little more cheese, and another tortilla; brown on each side, cut into fourths. I serve with spanish rice (from a box - Near East brand), usually.

Lots of pasta dishes are easy. We like Buitonni fresh pasta, but we use homemade sauce.

The grill is our best friend during the week (if the *$&#$ing rain would stop!). We grill the general steak, chicken, fish, shrimp, lamb, etc but we also grill veggies (foil packets, usually), portabella mushrooms, etc. When it rains, we broil instead.

Breakfast for dinner is usually pretty quick. This could include anything from waffles to bacon&eggs to fritattas, omelettes, pancakes, etc.

Stir fry is quick - helpful if you have a wok, but possible without. I buy stir fry sauce and then generally do a clean out the fridge run for veggies and just toss in whatever we have with either chicken, shrimp, beef, etc. Sometimes I throw in some chili powder, chili flakes, ginger, etc - depending on what we have and what we feel like. Serve w/ steamed rice.

Hmm...

[bookworm]

This is one of my latest fast favorites (from 30 Minute Meals): Barbecued Chinese Chicken Lettuce Wraps (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_27790,00.html).

[laura]

Here are a couple of other threads related to this topic:

http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=14606&highlight=quick+meals

http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=4756&highlight=quick+meals

[ejs]

Here are a couple of other threads related to this topic:

http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=14606&highlight=quick+meals

http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=4756&highlight=quick+meals
Thanks. I went back through pages of the Cooking threads and didn't see these. I'll ask a mod to merge this with the second thread you posted.

[ejs]

bumping up for me.

[LittleFredPunkinHead]

I made up a quick recipe for a black bean chicken "chili." It takes maybe twenty minutes to make, and DH loves it. (Plus, it's pretty healthy.) Oh, and it makes enough for a decent-sized meal for the two of us with no leftovers.

Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large saute pan on medium heat
When the oil's hot, add:
-1 tsp minced garlic,
-1-2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro
-1/2 tsp of cumin
-1 tbsp chopped green onion (I don't like onion much- that's why I use green onion. If you like onion, you could add a 1/4 cup [or more] of chopped white or yellow onion.)
-1-2 chipotle peppers, minced, with 1-2 tsp of adobe sauce (If you don't like too much heat, take the seeds out of the peppers before mincing. If you like a lot of heat, add more peppers! [Yum!])

I cook that for 2-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Then I add a large chicken breast, cut into 1/2 inch pieces. Let it cook for another 4 or 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Once the chicken pieces are cooked through, I add a can of Rotel and a can of black beans (rinse the beans first). When the beans and tomatoes are heated through, it's ready to serve.

I usually just serve it in soup bowls with a dollop of sour cream on top. (The more peppers I put in, the more necessary the sour cream becomes.)

[DallasLady]

My maternity leave is over in a few weeks, and I need some ideas for what to cook on weeknights. I will probably get home around 4:45 each night. DH has been enjoying fancy, homecooked meals since I have been home all day, and that is about to come to an end. But I don't want to end up in the drive through lane every night.

So, any ideas for quick, easy meals that can be cooked on weeknights?

[kindermom]

The crock pot is becoming my best friend. I get home from work around 5:30 with DD in tow. DH comes in around 6:15. One of our favorites is putting a boneless pork loin in the CP with either some savory seasonings and water or with barbecue sauce. Making dinner in the CP with a disposable liner makes being a working Mom so much easier.

What else...?
We eat alot of pasta now. I try to buy the better pasta though so at least it feels heartier.

If the crockpot is not in use, I try to bake as much as possible so I could set it and forget it. For example, you can make a mock chicken cordon bleu by layering the chicken with ham and swiss and baking it.

I use a microwave rice cooker for making quick sides. I will make rice pilaf a few days a week.

Just some ideas off the top of my head.

[Amaye]

I was in your shoes a month ago - going back to work and trying to figure what quick dishes to make. This is a great idea and I hope more people post.

I agree with the crockpot recommendation - so quick and easy. Here is a recipe I took from the crockpot thread - so easy and SO good. DH is still talking about it:

Spicy Roast Beef
3-lb roast (I've used rump and round tip)
1-2 tablespoons cracked black peppercorns
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons dry mustard

Rub cracked pepper and garlic onto roast. Put roast into slow cooker. Make sveral shallow slits in the top of roast. In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients and pour over meat. Cover and cook on LOW 8-10 hours (HIGH: 4-5 hours).

Easy Chicken Dishes I have tried and are great (From the chicken thread)

*Preheat oven to 475 (yes, 475! )
*Salt & Pepper boneless, skinless chicken breasts
*Mix 2-3 tbs of dijon mustard, 1 tbs of olive oil and fresh thyme (It's okay to
use powdered thyme if you don't have fresh)
*Dredge the chiken in the mustard mixture
*Roll chicken breasts in parmesan cheese
*Place on baking sheet and bake for 15-20 mins depending on thickness of
chicken breasts.



Garden Salsa Chicken
2 tablespoons vegetable/olive oil
2 pounds chicken thighs and legs or boneless/skinless breast
1 small onion, sliced and quartered
1 small green bell pepper, cut into strips
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 (24-oz) jar ORTEGA Salsa - Thick & Chunky (Medium)
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup sliced mushroom

HEAT oil in large skillet. Add chicken; cook, turning frequently, until browned on all sides. Remove from skillet.

ADD onion, bell pepper, mushroom and garlic to skillet; cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender. Stir in salsa, broth and chicken. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; partially cover. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink near bone.

[Amaye]

More easy recipes I have tried:

Easy Enchiladas - So yummy!

1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
2 cans of enchilada sauce (mild, medium, or hot)-- we use Old El Paso
1 package of flour tortillas
1 package of shredded cheddar cheese

Combine ground beef, 1 cup of shredded cheddar, and 1 can of enchilada sauce. Spoon this mixture into flour tortillas and wrap, leaving ends open.

Place rolled tortillas into a 9x13 baking dish. Cover with remaining can of enchilada sauce and cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 20 minutes or so. Serve with sour cream, salsa, and lettuce.


Quick Taco Quesadillas
1 lb. ground beef
1 pkg. TACO BELL HOME ORIGINALS Soft Taco Dinner Kit (includes tortillas, taco sauce, and seasoning mix)
1-1/4 cups Mexican Style or cheddar cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 425°F. Brown meat; drain. Add seasoning mix packet from kit; prepare as directed on package.

Heat tortillas as directed on package. Treat baking sheet with cooking spray. Spoon seasoned meat mixture onto bottom halves of tortillas; top with cheese. Drizzle with taco sauce from kit. Fold tortillas in half; place on baking sheet.

BAKE 8 to 10 minutes or until heated through.

[jennylou]

Rachael Ray Fans - 30 minute meals (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1641&highlight=quick)

Quick Easy Meals (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4756&highlight=quick)

Crockpot Recipes (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21)

HTHs!

[dh5678]

I haven't tried this myself, but maybe this would help? This menu mailer has 20 dinner recipes, complete ingredient list and nutritional information. You make them ahead and freeze them.

http://www.savingdinner.com/mega_menu_mailer/dinner_freezer_recipes.html

I'm also a big slow cooker fan.

[Renrel]

Pasta and Sauce
Grilled fish and rice
Frittatas
chicken skillet meals (cut up chicken breast pan fryed and then a bunch of vegies and sauce and mix it all together. I really like doing this with marinated meditaranian vegis like articoke hearts, olives, sundried tomatoes, mushrooms. Very yummy and the only thing you can't keep in the pantry or fridge is the chicken.)
black eyed peas and greens from a can with rice.
Crockpot stuff
eggs
spinach pie, made in advance or frozen foods.
Trader Joe simmer sauce meals.

[Ohana]

I made double batches of freezer friendly foods my last couple of weeks of leave. Things like creamy chicken enchiladas, yumghetti, taco spaghetti, marinated chicken breasts, etc. A number of recipes I like also call for poached shredded chicken breasts. So I poached up a ton, shredded them, and froze them in the amount I typically use for recipes. That way, the chicken is already done and dinner's a piece of cake.

Other dinners we've been eating include simple things like frozen store bought ravioli with sauce, fish sticks, breakfast for dinner. It's my 3rd week back and we haven't had to resort to take out yet!

[LRL]

Dallaslady- No specific recipes, but I also reccomend taking some time on the weekends and prepping some ingredients for dishes you are going to be making, ie. wash and cut up lettuce, shred cheese, etc. Anything that will keep a couple of days pre-prep is good. I made a ton of frozen food to have ready for the first few weeks back at work.

Now, since I love to cook, and it is a destressor for me, I cook in the evenings after DS goes to bed. It is nice because DH helps me, and we tell each other about our day during chopping, stiring and baking! ;)

Meal ideas:
Crockpot meals, soups, etc.
Tacos/Fajitas
Pasta, Ravioli
Quiche
Stews
Chicken (Terriyaki, grilled with herbs)
Chicken Casseroles, Lasagna

Like PP have said, the crockpot is a great way to make meals easy, and also a grill is good for fish, chicken, vegetables (I actually have an iron griddle that covers two of my burners and reverses to a grill. I love this piece of cookware- it's so versatile and it makes my life SO much easier!)

[Koala_Gurl]

I have ordered a bunch of meals from www.homebistro.com

They quality is pretty darn good, and they are pre-cooked meals you throw into boiling water. We don't do this every night, but they are great to have on hand when I get too tired to cook. :)

[LeighW]

I usually plan weekend meals with leftovers in mind. Whatever I make on Saturday generates leftovers for Monday, and Sunday night generates leftovers for Tuesday. I just re-heat the main dish and add a fresh vegetable.

I also use the "Dinner Tonight" column in Cooking Light Magazine a lot. You can find a lot of the recipes on the website.

My go-to dinners when I don't have anything else planned are eggs scrambled with whatever vegetables I can find or baked salmon (baked with olive oil, salt and pepper for about 20 min.) with steamed broccoil or cauliflower.

And frozen pizza, grilled cheese and soup, or out for dinner on Fridays. :)

[mommy2allyandaveri]

Any suggestions? I am looking for very EASY dinners to make for my family.

[Katy]

Take a few moments poke around and try out some searches. I know there's at least five threads with some quick, easy, or tried and true recipes in here.

[maggieb]

Pour some Paul Newman's dressing on some chicken breasts and let marinate for a couple of hours, or not. Grill chicken breasts. Make some box couscous, add chopped red pepper and steamed asparagus. A quick side salad and voila, dinner is served.

Also, sprinkle salmon with some ginger and soy sauce, and then broil. Roast some new potatoes with olive oil. Steam some broccoli and add toasted sesame oil and some sesame seeds.

Very easy: In a crockpot add 2 cans drained black beans, 2 cans chicken broth, 2 cans diced tomatoes, some frozen corn, some frozen green beans, some diced potatoes, and some salsa. Let cook for 4-5 hours on low and then serve with cornbread and a salad. Very yummy!

[Katy]

Try here (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1038723&highlight=easy#post1038723), here (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24555&highlight=easy), here (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2225&highlight=easy), here (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13&highlight=easy) or here (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=989&highlight=easy). And that was just a quick search of 4 out of 9 pages of threads in here just using the search word EASY. So keep searching, I'm sure you'll find TONS more great and simple ideas. I also can't recommend the crock pot thread enough - nothing is easier than cooking with a crock pot :)

[meggiedarlin]

I know this happens to you: you get home from work and you have no clue as to what to make for dinner. So what do you do? I need your quick and easy dinner recipes. Things that call for ingredients you have on hand and can be made quickly.

For example, I make something we call Chicken Schmootz. I take 2 of these:
http://www.us.knorr.com/images/products/packshots/thumb_PS_alfredo.jpg
(Lipton/Knorr side dishes). I make it and throw in 1 can of chicken breast. Easy, quick and tasty.

What about the rest of you?

[Ohana]

I have a ton of fast and easy recipes! I also cook huge batches on the weekend and freeze stuff so I always have a "bank" of prepared dinners to go to on busy days.

Here are some of our favorites (lemme know if you want recipes):
Chicken Divan - Chicken breast, broccoli, cream of chicken soup
Chicken and black bean quesadillas - chicken thighs, black beans, cheese, salsa, tortillas
Sloppy Joes - ground beef, canned tomatoes, spices, buns
Asian chicken wraps - chicken thighs, Asian salad dressing, wraps, cabbage
Pork tenderloin stir fry - pork, green and red bell peppers, onion
Breakfast for dinner (that's what we're having tonight)
Ravioli with marinara sauce
Ginger pork - pork, fresh ginger, soy sauce, sake
Stir Fry - Flav R Pak frozen chow mein (veggies and noodles), chicken

[meggiedarlin]

Ohana: Recipes, please!

[Ohana]

Chicken Divan
(just posted in the casseroles thread)

2 chicken breast halves, poached (I think canned chicken would probably be fine, too)
1 pound broccoli florets (frozen is fine)
1 can cream of chicken soup (low fat fine)
1/3 soup can milk
breadcrumbs
1 TBSP butter, melted

1. While chicken breasts are poaching, put broccoli in casserole dish and cook in microwave until heated through. Drain
2. Shred chicken and layer on top of broccoli
3. Mix soup and milk together and pour over chicken
4. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and butter over soup mixture
5. Cook at 350 until heated through and breadcrumbs are browned.

I often cook the chicken breasts the night before, as this helps speed up preparation quite a bit. I've also seen recipes where curry powder or other herbs/spices are added to the soup mixture.

Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas

4-5 Chicken thighs, cut into bite sized pieces
1 can black beans, drained
pinch cumin (optional)
salsa
cheese
tortillas

1. Brown chicken in no stick spray
2. When chicken is nearly cooked through, add black beans, cumin (if using), and about 1 cup of salsa. Heat through
3. Sandwich chicken mixture with some cheese on 2 tortillas. Grill in a dry skillet until cheese is melted. Serve with additional salsa.

Sloppy Joes
1 lb ground beef
chopped onion and celery (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of each)
1 can tomato puree
couple pinches brown sugar
worcestshire sauce, cayenne pepper, etc. to taste

1. Brown ground beef, onions and celery.
2. Add tomato sauce, brown sugar, worcestshire sauce and spices. Heat through
3. Serve on toasted buns
(this recipe freezes well, so I often make a double or triple batch and freeze leftovers)

Asian Chicken wraps
Chicken
Shredded cabbage (I get the stuff from a bag)
Ginger soy or other Asian-inspired salad dressing
spinach flavored wraps

I usually make this with chicken thighs that I marinated in teriyaki (or other Asian sauce, like miso shoyu) sauce and grilled. Cut the chicken into slices and wrap with the cabbage and dressing. Great for summer nights where it's too hot to cook.

[myshel]

Great ideas, Ohana! Here are ones we tend to use frequently:


Frozen chicken nuggestand macaroni and cheese (great for a toddler)
Spaghetti with sauce (2 jars of sauce, either alfredo or marinara, and a package of noodles)
Hamburger Pie (see recipe in bumped up casseroles thread)
Sloppy joes and fries (1 pound ground beef with 1 can sauce, buns, frozen fries)
Grilled chicken salads (salad fixings and diced grilled chicken breasts on top)
Tomato Beef with Rice (Brown 1 pound ground beef with onions, mix with 1 can crushed tomatoes or use fresh diced tomatoes, pour over rice)
Cheesy Chicken and Rice (dice two chicken breasts and cook with EVOO, add 1 can each of cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and cheddar cheese soup, add spices; serve over rice)


These are just a few off of the top of my head. I usually try to round out a meal with a veggie of some sort-- either frozen or fresh.

[Ohana]

Pork Tenderloin Stir Fry
1 pork tenderloin, sliced into thin medallions
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1/2 small onion, sliced
1 small can sliced water chestnuts or bamboo shoots (optional)
soy sauce, sake, sesame oil, cornstarch

1. "Marinate" sliced pork in a TBSP or so each of soy sauce, sake, and sesame oil while you cut up the veggies
2. Add 2 TBSP cornstarch to pork and stir. Stir fry pork on high heat
3. When pork is almost cooked through, add veggies
4. Once veggies are crisp tender, adjust seasonings, adding more soy sauce and sesame oil if desired. Serve with hot steamed rice

Ginger Pork
Pork, sliced almost paper thin (tenderloin or other lean cut works well)
knob of ginger, peeled and grated
soy sauce
sake

1. Marinate pork in ginger, and about 2 TBSP each soy sauce and sake for a few minutes
2. Cook in a smoking hot frypan that has some oil in it until both sides are browned and meat is cooked through
3. Serve with steamed rice

Stir Fry Chow Mein
1 package Flav R Pak Chow Mein (it's noodles and veggies)
1-2 chicken breast halves
Oyster sauce
1 TBSP cornstarch mixes into 1/2 cup water

1. Cut chicken into bite sized pieces and saute on high heat for 2-3 minutes
2. Add veggies and noodles
3. Once everything is cooked through, add oyster sauce to taste, then add cornstarch slurry. Stir constantly until slurry thickens.

[shouldaeloped]

bumping for new ideas. the healthier the better but beggars can't be choosers.

TIA!

ETA- sorry, I just found after reading through this there are a bunch of other threads. I thought I searched well enough.