I need some fast, easy, but tasty dinners that do NOT come from my local restaurant OR consist of pizza out of the freezer. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, I’ve just been relying on it WAY too much lately. I hope these inspire you to get cooking! You don’t have to take forever to make something awesome! These recipes are made in 20 minutes, (okay some of them are more like 35, but work with me here) and are homemade and delicious.
Spicy Yaki Udon
This easy spicy yaki udon is the perfect quick dinner for the table! You can use leftover pork chops or fresh ones; it is still quick! Whip up your own sauce or use a bottled version for an even faster dinner.
Get the recipe: Spicy Yaki Udon
Chicken and Pea Pods
I love a good stir fry, and this is one of the best! Simple ingredients, easy prep, and a fast cook time get this dinner on the table in a flash! It might be a little more than 20 minutes, but close enough.
Get the recipe: Chicken and Pea Pods
Sweet Chili Shrimp
Shrimp is the perfect protein to use for a quick dinner. This one takes some vegetables and sweet chili sauce and combines it for one of the easiest dinners I make. We made this on the Traeger, but it works just as well on the stovetop too!
Get the recipe: Traeger Sweet Chili Shrimp
Simple Herbed Marinara
Put the jar away and whip up a quick batch of this easy simple marinara! Serve it over pasta for dinner in a snap that the whole family will love. Need more protein? Brown some ground beef, pork, or Italian sausage and toss it in for a little more oomph!
Get the recipe: Simple Herbed Marinara
Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Another quick shrimp recipe coming your way! This one has all the garlicky goodness of your favorite scampi, tossed with al dente pasta.
Get the recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Biscuit Pizza Poppers
Refrigerated biscuit dough make these pizza poppers so simple to make! Have your kids help stuff them and they are even faster! We like filling them with cheese and pepperoni and then serving with plenty of pizza sauce for dipping. Put some parmesan and mozzarella cheese on top for extra cheesiness, too!
Get the recipe: Biscuit Pizza Poppers
Ground Beef Stroganoff
This is a recipe I turn to a LOT if it is 6PM and I still have no idea what’s for dinner. I almost always have some ground beef and mushrooms in the fridge, and those are the main elements for this simple, hearty, satisfying dish.
Get the recipe: Ground Beef Stroganoff
Garlic Chicken and Green Beans
Another stir fry, another day. That’s the great thing about stir fry. You can change it up, add what you have, and eat something a little different every time. Plus, it is quick and you can serve it with some simple steamed rice. I’ve started keeping some of the little microwave bowls of rice on hand just for this occasion!
Get the recipe: Garlic Chicken and Green Beans
Grilled Lemon Pepper Salmon
Salmon is a perfect protein to make for a quick dinner. It can be made on the grill or in the oven, and it cooks so quickly that you’ll barely have time to finish the side dishes before it is done. This recipe is perfect on a caesar salad, alongside some rice pilaf, or a simple pasta.
Get the recipe: Grilled Lemon Pepper Salmon
Grilled Shrimp Tacos
If you like fast dinners I really hope you like shrimp. Here’s another winner and another reason to always keep a few bags of shrimp in your freezer for a rainy day. You can defrost is quickly in cool water, and it only takes a few minutes to cook. These tacos have just the right balance of spice and flavor
Get the recipe: Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Quick Runza
This recipe uses ground beef, shredded cabbage, and crescent roll dough to make an easy Ohio staple, the runza! These are called a lot of different things in different parts of the world, and are usually wrapped up in individual little packets, but when you’re cooking for a crowd in a time crunch, this is the way to do it.
Get the recipe: Quick Blackstone Runza
Doritos Taco Salad
Also known as “walking tacos” if you use the little mini bags of Doritos, this is an easy recipe that kids will love along with the adults in the family!
Get the recipe: Doritos Taco Salad
Chicken Fried Rice
Fried rice isn’t just a side dish, you can make it into a whole meal! With diced chicken, plenty of eggs, and vegetables along for the ride, you have all the elements you need for a full meal!
Get the recipe: Blackstone Chicken Fried Rice
Steak Fajitas
We made these on our Blackstone griddle, but you can use a cast iron skillet on the stovetop if you don’t want to brave the elements outside! This recipe is fast, has simple seasonings, and isn’t too spicy either.
Get the recipe: Steak Fajitas
Buffalo Chicken Flatbread
This recipe is a big reason why I like to keep a pack of flatbread in the cupboard or in the freezer. You can make any number of flatbread recipes with them, mini pizzas, use them as a base for a number of dishes. This buffalo chicken flatbread uses grilled buffalo chicken breasts, homemade buffalo sauce, and makes an incredible meal!
Get the recipe: Buffalo Chicken Flatbread
Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.