Long days can make cooking feel impossible, but dinner doesn’t have to be stressful. These 39 effortless weeknight meals are made for packed schedules, giving you recipes that come together quickly without a lot of prep. With easy crockpot dishes, dump-and-go Instant Pot recipes, and quick 30-minute meals, dinner can be ready while handling everything else on a busy night.
Risotto with Peas and Lemon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Bacon Egg Salad
Creamy egg salad mixed with crispy bacon to create a filling and flavorful meal that takes only minutes to prepare. It works perfectly on sandwiches, wraps, or even straight from the bowl, giving a satisfying bite every time. Make this easy and tasty weeknight meal whenever you need a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Chicken cooks in a bright lemon and garlic sauce for a zesty and satisfying dinner that comes together fast. The Instant Pot handles most of the work while the flavors mix into a simple, delicious meal. Try this easy weeknight dinner when you need a flavorful meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Beer Cheese Soup
Rich cheese melts into a creamy broth that creates a warm and comforting soup with very little prep. The Instant Pot does the work while the flavors develop naturally, giving a filling and satisfying dinner. Make this effortless and cheesy soup whenever a quick and comforting weeknight meal is needed.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup
Meatballs and Sauce
Juicy meatballs cook in a savory tomato sauce, creating a rich, hearty meal that comes together quickly in the Instant Pot. The sauce and meat cook together, bringing deep flavor without a lot of effort. Try this easy weeknight dinner when you want a satisfying and fast meal that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Pesto Salmon
Tender salmon gets coated with fresh, herby pesto for a quick and flavorful dinner that feels special. Minimal prep means dinner is on the table in minutes, leaving more time for the rest of the evening. Make this simple, delicious meal whenever a fast and satisfying weeknight dinner is needed.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Caprese Panini
Juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and melty mozzarella come together in a warm, crispy panini that is quick to make and full of flavor. Each bite is comforting and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Try this easy weeknight dinner when a fast and tasty meal is exactly what you need.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Creamy pesto mixes with tuna and tangy sundried tomatoes for a quick meal that is full of flavor. It works perfectly on sandwiches, over greens, or straight from the bowl for an effortless dinner. Make this simple, fast, and tasty weeknight meal whenever time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Salmon simmers in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan, creating a rich and satisfying dinner in just minutes. This dish comes together quickly while still delivering bold flavor and a comforting texture. Try this easy and special weeknight meal whenever a filling and fast dinner is needed.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Creamy risotto pairs with bright peas and a hint of lemon for a flavorful and filling meal that cooks mostly in the Instant Pot. Minimal prep means the pot does the work while flavors come together effortlessly. Make this simple and satisfying weeknight dinner whenever you want a comforting meal fast.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo
Tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and creamy feta combine with orzo for a one-pan dinner that is hearty and flavorful without a lot of effort. The ingredients cook together quickly for a satisfying and easy meal. Try this effortless weeknight dinner when you want a meal that feels special and comes together fast.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo
Crockpot Chili
Tender meat, beans, and spices cook slowly in the crockpot, creating a hearty, filling meal with almost no hands-on work. The flavors develop while the pot does all the cooking, giving a satisfying dinner without stress. Make this easy weeknight meal the hero of your night and watch everyone go back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili
Asian-Inspired Turkey Burgers
Juicy turkey burgers are flavored with fresh ginger, garlic, and a hint of soy sauce for a bold, fast dinner. They cook quickly on the stovetop, giving a flavorful meal without a lot of effort. Turn a busy night into a delicious win with these speedy and satisfying burgers.
Get the Recipe: Asian-Inspired Turkey Burgers
Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast
Tender pot roast cooks all day in the slow cooker with vegetables and herbs, creating a rich and flavorful dinner with minimal prep. The meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft while the flavors blend naturally. Let this effortless meal do the work and enjoy a comforting feast without lifting a finger.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast
Tomato Soup
Fresh tomatoes transform into a creamy, comforting soup in the Instant Pot with very little prep. The soup is ready quickly and pairs perfectly with sandwiches or crusty bread for a complete meal. Make weeknight dinner feel cozy and satisfying with this simple, fast soup.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup
Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Tender pork cooks with bold chili flavors in the slow cooker, giving a hearty meal that requires almost no attention. Minimal prep means dinner can cook while other tasks get done. Let this easy recipe fill your table with warmth and flavor in no time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Garlic and tender pork cook together in the slow cooker, creating a rich and flavorful dinner that almost makes itself. Minimal prep lets the pot handle the hard work while the aroma fills the kitchen. Turn a hectic evening into a satisfying feast with this effortless roast.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Chicken cooks to juicy perfection in the Instant Pot while absorbing tangy barbecue flavors, making a versatile dinner with little effort. It’s perfect for sandwiches, baked potatoes, or salads when time is tight. Make busy weeknights tastier by letting this simple recipe shine on your table.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Orange Chicken
Crispy chicken pieces are coated in a sticky orange glaze that is sweet, tangy, and full of flavor without much prep. The meal comes together quickly, making it perfect for fast weeknight dinners. Bring takeout flavor to your kitchen and watch this dish disappear in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken
Chicken Curry
Tender chicken simmers in a spiced coconut milk sauce for a rich, flavorful dinner that cooks quickly. Minimal prep allows the flavors to develop while the pot does most of the work. Make weeknight dinner exciting and effortless with this creamy, satisfying curry.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry
Cacio e Pepe
Simple pasta turns into a creamy, cheesy dish with freshly ground black pepper for bold flavor in every bite. The sauce comes together fast and coats every strand of pasta perfectly. Transform a busy night into a satisfying meal with this quick and comforting pasta.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Creamy chicken salad mixes canned chicken, crisp celery, and a simple dressing for a quick, satisfying dinner that comes together in minutes. The minimal prep keeps it easy without sacrificing flavor, making it perfect for busy nights. Turn a hectic evening into a refreshing, no-fuss meal that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Creamy Pea Pasta
Sweet peas and a rich, velvety sauce coat pasta in a comforting meal that takes very little time to prepare. The creamy texture and bright flavors make every bite satisfying and simple. Turn a hectic evening into a cozy, flavorful dinner with this fast and easy pasta.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce come together in one pan to make all the flavors of an egg roll without the work. Dinner is ready fast while still being hearty and satisfying. Make weeknight cooking a breeze and bring bold, comforting flavors to the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Honey Habanero Tacos
Ground beef is cooked with smoky spices, honey, and habanero for a flavorful taco filling that is spicy, sweet, and quick to prepare. Minimal prep means dinner is ready in no time for busy nights. Turn a regular weeknight into taco night with a bold, easy-to-make meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos
Perfect Pot Roast
Slow-cooked pot roast turns tender and flavorful as vegetables soak up the rich broth, creating a satisfying meal that is full of taste. The slow cooker does most of the work while the flavors come together naturally. Transform a busy weeknight into a comforting feast that everyone will go back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Pot Roast
Potato Corn Chowder
Potatoes, corn, and bacon cook together in a creamy broth for a comforting and filling meal with minimal effort. The Instant Pot handles the work while flavors come together naturally. Transform a busy night into a satisfying dinner with this easy chowder.
Get the Recipe: Potato Corn Chowder
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Tender broccoli and rich cheddar cheese mix in the Instant Pot for a creamy, satisfying soup that cooks quickly. Minimal prep gives you a comforting meal in no time. Make weeknight dinner effortless and cozy with this cheesy, fast soup.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Lemon Butter Pasta
Butter and lemon coat pasta for a simple, flavorful meal that comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for busy nights. The bright, rich sauce clings to every strand, creating a satisfying and easy-to-enjoy dinner that feels special without the work. Turn a rushed evening into a quick, delicious meal that everyone will enjoy and go back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Tender tuna and rich tomato sauce combine with pasta for a meal that tastes like it took hours but is ready in minutes. The flavors are hearty, comforting, and full of ease for a busy night. Make weeknight dinner simple and satisfying with this fast, flavorful pasta.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Pulled Pork
Pork cooks slowly in the slow cooker until tender and full of flavor, creating a versatile meal perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or sliders. Hands-on prep is minimal, letting the Instant Pot do the work while the flavors deepen naturally. Turn a hectic weeknight into a satisfying and effortless dinner that melts in your mouth and keeps everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken and vegetables simmer in a flavorful broth for a soup that is light, filling, and easy to make. Topping with crispy tortilla strips and avocado adds texture and a burst of flavor with almost no extra effort. Turn a busy night into a comforting dinner that disappears as fast as it’s served.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Carnitas
Pork cooks in the Instant Pot with Mexican spices until tender, creating a flavorful meal that is ready with minimal hands-on work. The pot does most of the cooking while the flavors soak in, making assembly quick and easy. Make tacos, bowls, or burritos come alive with this effortless and irresistible dinner.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas
Southwest Tortilla Pie
Layers of chicken, black beans, and melty cheese come together in one pan for a hearty and satisfying meal that is simple to prepare. Minimal prep saves time while delivering bold flavors everyone will enjoy. Turn a hectic weeknight into a crowd-pleasing dinner in just a few easy steps.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Tender chicken, noodles, and savory broth cook quickly in the Instant Pot for a classic and comforting soup. The pressure cooker does most of the work while the flavors blend naturally, giving a filling and easy dinner. Make weeknight cooking effortless while bringing warmth and comfort to the table.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Honey Glazed Chicken
Chicken cooks fast in a sticky honey, garlic, and soy glaze for a sweet and savory dinner that comes together quickly. The chicken is fully coated in flavor while requiring very little hands-on time. Transform a rushed evening into a fast, tasty dinner that feels like it took hours.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Tomato Lime Chicken
Tangy tomatoes, zesty lime, and spices come together in a one-pot dinner that is quick, flavorful, and satisfying. With minimal prep and simple dump-and-go cooking, dinner can be ready in no time, even on the busiest nights. Brighten a hectic weeknight with a fresh, effortless meal that is full of flavor and sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
Tender beef cooks in the crockpot while masa cups crisp, giving a flavorful and easy-to-assemble meal. Minimal hands-on time means the slow cooker handles the hard work while flavors come together naturally. Turn a packed evening into a fun and satisfying dinner everyone will reach for.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
Chicken Paprikash
Tender chicken simmers in a creamy paprika sauce in the Instant Pot for a rich, flavorful meal that takes almost no effort. The pressure cooker handles the cooking while the sauce develops a deep, comforting taste. Make weeknight dinner feel special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Thai Chicken Chili
Chicken simmers with fragrant spices in the slow cooker, creating a chili that is bold, filling, and ready in very little time. Minimal prep lets the flavors develop naturally while the pot handles the cooking. Turn a busy weeknight into a lively dinner with a spicy, flavorful chili everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Chili