So, You Need Dinner in a Hurry? No Problem.
Armando Rafael Moutela, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved 2014, Cooking Channel, LLC All Rights Reserved
How many times have you been driving home from work, famished, thinking that it would just be easier and quicker to simply phone in your dinner order rather than cook for yourself? The temptation is real. But if you fight the urge, you'll surely be rewarded because, believe it or not, cooking dinner at home doesn't have to be an involved, lengthy process. All you need are a few go-to recipes that can be ready in minutes — and not mere salads or sandwiches, but full, hearty meals. Take a look at our five top picks below for speedy supper inspiration. All of these recipes can be on the table in 30 minutes or less.
Ground Chicken Tacos with Creamy Salsa (pictured above)
Simmering the chicken with fresh vegetables and a homemade seasoning mix guarantees plenty of flavor in Sunny Anderson's crunchy-shelled tacos. Instead of finishing the tacos with everyday sour cream and salsa, she combines those classic fixings for a cool yet spiced topping made with fresh tomatoes, chopped jalapeno and sour cream, plus a squeeze of lime juice for extra brightness.
Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Follow The Pioneer Woman's lead and keep well-stocked cupboards at all times. This will save you from trips to the grocery store on nights when you're especially pressed for time. "Pantry pasta is just a go-to, basic pasta that you can make with whatever you have in your pantry. And you can customize it according to who you're cooking for," Ree says of this dish, which she's chosen to make with jarred briny olives, tender artichoke hearts and a sprinkle of feta for a subtle bite.
Not only will this satisfying bowl from Food Network Magazine be on your table in 25 minutes, but it will help you clean out your refrigerator as well, as it's made with all of the bits and pieces lingering in there: precooked white rice, a few strips of bacon, half a head of broccoli and a hunk of ginger.
Antonis Achilleos
Thanks to its natural quick-cooking properties, fish is a particularly good choice for quick-fix meals, and salmon is no exception. These honey-mustard-topped fillets from Food Network Magazine need only 5 to 7 minutes in the oven.
Christopher Testani
Food Network Magazine swaps out traditional beef for chicken thighs in its speedy stroganoff recipe. Maintain the classic taste and texture of the original dish by simmering the paprika-laced meat in a rich mushroom-sour cream sauce and serving it atop egg noodles.
Check out Food Network's favorite weeknight dinners ideal for springtime cooking for more speedy recipes.