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    Home » Trending

    29 Weeknight Winners That Are Fast And Full Of Flavor

    Published: Feb 3, 2025 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Weeknights can be busy, but that doesn’t mean meals have to be dull or complicated. Quick recipes that don’t skimp on taste are a lifesaver when time is short. These 29 weeknight winners are fast, easy, and full of flavor. They make dinner something to look forward to, even on the busiest days.

    Garlic Fried Rice

    Garlic Fried Rice. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Here's one that'll jazz up any leftover rice in your fridge. Garlic Fried Rice is a quick stir and fry away from being your next favorite dish. It keeps dinner simple yet full of flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Garlic Fried Rice

    Easy Creamy Taco Soup

    Creamy Keto Taco Soup with gresh avocado slices and lime.
    Easy Creamy Taco Soup. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Soup's on with a twist that’s perfect for taco lovers. Easy Creamy Taco Soup brings the fiesta to your table in minutes. It's the warm, comforting answer to your busy weekday nights.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Creamy Taco Soup

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    Char Siu

    Sliced char siu pork with lettuce leaves.
    Char Siu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Enliven your dinner rotation with the sweet, sticky flavors of Cantonese barbecue. Char Siu makes any evening meal a delicious escape. You can achieve that irresistible glaze quickly, turning ordinary into something special. It's your shortcut to a faraway flavor journey on any given night.
    Get the Recipe: Char Siu

    Alfredo Steak Pasta

    Alfredo steak pasta in skillet with wooden spoon.
    Alfredo Steak Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Twirl your fork into creamy goodness with a hint of steak's rich flavor. Alfredo Steak Pasta is your go-to for a comforting pasta night. Easy to whip up, it's all about indulging in a hearty meal. Perfect when you need that creamy pasta fix with a protein punch.
    Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

    Guinness Beef Stew

    Top view of a bowl of Guinness beef stew with a black checked napkin and a spoon.
    Guinness Beef Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

    Bring a touch of Ireland to your dining table with Guinness Beef Stew. The robust flavors will fill your kitchen with mouth-watering aromas. It's the kind of meal that turns any weeknight into a special occasion.
    Get the Recipe: Guinness Beef Stew

    Instant Pot Vegan Split Pea Soup with Za’atar

    Instant Pot Vegan Split Pea Soup with Za’atar. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Embrace the simplicity of a classic with Instant Pot Vegan Split Pea Soup with Za’atar. A fuss-free way to get dinner sorted using your Instant Pot. You'll love the unique flavors that come alive in each bite.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Vegan Split Pea Soup with Za’atar

    Minestrone Soup with Sausage

    Minestrone Soup with Sausage in white bowl with spoonful.
    Minestrone Soup with Sausage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Warm up your evening with a rustic Italian classic turned hearty. Minestrone Soup with Sausage is both nourishing and quick to prepare. Each spoonful is filled with wholesome goodness. It’s your shortcut to a homestyle meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
    Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

    Korean Beef and Broccoli

    Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry over rice.
    Korean Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Get your weeknight fix with sweet and slightly spicy flavors mingled with tender beef. With Korean Beef and Broccoli, dinner becomes an exciting affair. It's quick to the table, blending traditional tastes with modern ease. Create a meal that brings a touch of international flair to your routine.
    Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

    Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

    Two bowls of hot and sour soup.
    Chicken Hot and Sour Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Invite a tangy and tantalizing soup to your table that's ready before you know it. Chicken Hot and Sour Soup is a quick way to heat up your dinnertime. With its bold flavors, it's bound to become a regular request. It's the answer to what to cook when you crave something with a spicy kick.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

    Chile Relleno Casserole

    Casserole dish with chile relleno casserole topped with sliced jalapenos.
    Chile Relleno Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

    Spice up dinner time without sweating over the stove with Chile Relleno Casserole. Layers in the taste without the work. It's a clever shortcut to a flavor-packed dish that's ready in no time.
    Get the Recipe: Chile Relleno Casserole

    Juicy and Guilt-Free Portobello Mushroom Burger

    Portobello mushrooms buns with burger in between.
    Juicy and Guilt-Free Portobello Mushroom Burger. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Who says burgers can't be healthy and delicious? Juicy and Guilt-Free Portobello Mushroom Burger packs a punch without the guilt. It's an easy choice for a fast and flavorsome weeknight meal.
    Get the Recipe: Juicy and Guilt-Free Portobello Mushroom Burger

    Navy Bean and Ham Soup

    Navy Bean and Ham Soup in a serving crock.
    Navy Bean and Ham Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Simmering pots aren't just for weekends; quick comfort is a spoonful away. With Navy Bean and Ham Soup, you get to enjoy tradition on a tight schedule. It’s packed with protein and becomes an instant family favorite. Simplify your mealtime with a soup that's both nutritious and time-saving.
    Get the Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup

    Chicken Biryani

    Chicken biryani on a plate with raita.
    Chicken Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Spice up your dinner plans with a dish that's rich in tradition yet easy to prepare. Chicken Biryani brings the vibrant spices and tender chicken together in record time. It transforms your evening meal into an aromatic feast. It's an effortless way to enjoy layers of flavor any day of the week.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Biryani

    Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta

    Baked palmini with feta in a light blue casserole.
    Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    If you're looking for a modern spin on pasta night, Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta is here. Made with Palmini for a guilt-free experience, this dish is both innovative and delicious. Plus, it cooks in no time, perfect for a fuss-free evening meal.
    Get the Recipe: Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    A bowl of shrimp pasta with lemon and parsley.
    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Forget about spending hours in the kitchen; fast and flavorsome is the way to go. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta delivers on all fronts, with garlic tones and succulent shrimp. It's the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemma. Plate up simple elegance in minutes and enjoy every bite.
    Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Healthy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

    A skillet with vegetables and chicken in it.
    Healthy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

    Whip up a quick and nutritious meal with Healthy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. Packed with veggies and chicken, it's a balanced dish you can make in a snap. Your go-to for a speedy, tasty dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

    Stacked taquitos on a plate.
    Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Roll into an easy meal with a Mexican classic that's sure to please. Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are a straightforward path to a crispy, crunchy dinner. They come out perfect from the air fryer, proving weeknight meals can be both speedy and special. Say hello to fun finger food that's ready in no time.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

    Vegan White Chickpea Chili

    Vegan White Chickpea Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Cozy up with a bowl of something different tonight with Vegan White Chickpea Chili. Swaps meat for hearty legumes in a flash. It will wrap up your day with a satisfyingly quick and plant-based option.
    Get the Recipe: Vegan White Chickpea Chili

    Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

    Goulash inside white casserole.
    Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Let your Instant Pot do all the hard work with Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot. A blend of meat and spices that’ll have dinner ready in a flash. It's ideal for those busy nights when you still crave home-cooked comfort.
    Get the Recipe: Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

    Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops

    Two breaded pork chops on a gray plate with parsley.
    Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

    Forget the mess and stress of traditional frying with Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops. A crispy exterior without the oil. It's the ticket to a crunchy, easy dinner on the fly.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops

    Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

    Chicken wings on a plate with lemon wedges.
    Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Give your evenings a tangy twist with perfectly seasoned poultry. Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings offer a simple way to kick up your dinner game. Crispy, tangy, and utterly addictive, they're a cinch to make. They'll become your new favorite for a fuss-free meal that packs a flavor punch.
    Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

    Air Fryer Carnitas

    Low angle shot of 3 carnitas tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.
    Air Fryer Carnitas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Craving something with a little Mexican flair without the lengthy prep? Air Fryer Carnitas serve up that slow-cooked taste in a fraction of the time. Juicy, flavorful pork becomes a weeknight possibility. Wrap it up in tortillas and your quick dinner solution is ready!
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

    Mexican Steak Pizza

    Mexican steak pizza on a round dark wooden board.
    Mexican Steak Pizza. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    When pizza night needs a bold twist, why not add a little Mexican flair? Mexican Steak Pizza combines rich flavors for a quick dinner win. It's a crowd-pleaser that brings a fusion of cultures straight to your table. One slice, and your weeknight just turned into a flavor fiesta.
    Get the Recipe: Mexican Steak Pizza

    Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven

    Bacon wrapped shrimp on a white plate with dipping sauce.
    Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Bring some excitement to your dinner rotation with juicy shrimp hugged by crispy bacon. Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven is a dual-method marvel. Whether you choose the air fryer's speed or the oven's convenience, each bite is guaranteed to impress. It's a quick path to a fancy-ish meal at home.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven

    Rasta Pasta

    Rasta Pasta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Feel the rhythm of Caribbean flavors with Rasta Pasta. It brings a zing to your table faster than you can say "jammin’." It’s all about big flavors in a little time.
    Get the Recipe: Rasta Pasta

    Air Fryer Pork Belly

    Stack of air fryer pork belly strips in hoisin glaze.
    Air Fryer Pork Belly. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Indulge in the incredible texture of perfectly cooked pork with minimal effort. Air Fryer Pork Belly yields crispy skin and tender meat without the long cooking time. It's the quick way to gourmet without the long hours in the kitchen. Make your weeknights stand out with a dish that's as easy to make as it is to love.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly

    Spicy Coconut Red Lentil Dal

    Spicy Coconut Red Lentil Dal. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Set your taste buds on an adventure with Spicy Coconut Red Lentil Dal. Ready before you know it. It's the exotic yet easy choice for a busy evening.
    Get the Recipe: Spicy Coconut Red Lentil Dal

    Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef

    Eating a casserole on a plate with fork.
    Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Mixing tangy sauerkraut and hearty ground beef makes for an easy Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef. Just pop it in the oven and enjoy the melding of flavors. You won't believe how quick it is to prepare. It's great for those evenings when time is tight.
    Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef

    Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

    Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap.
    Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Infuse your weeknights with Middle Eastern spice minus the hassle. Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps make for a super quick, super tasty meal. Just think: seasoned chicken wrapped up in a warm embrace. Your exotic dinner is done in a flash, no passport needed.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, world traveler and cookbook author. Her work has been featured in various publications both online and in print, including Elle, Forbes, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Food Drink Life, Arizona Highways Magazine, New York Daily News, and more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

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