18 Recipes You Can Pull Off Even When You’re Running Late

Late mornings, last-minute dinners, or those “I forgot to eat” moments—this list has you covered. These 18 recipes are simple, speedy, and seriously satisfying, perfect for when the clock’s against you. Ready to whip up something yummy without the stress?

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Let’s talk dinner shortcuts—because sometimes you just need something quick and reliable. Enter frozen turkey meatballs. Stick them in the air fryer and in no time you’ve got a solid meal. They’re super convenient, come out perfectly cooked, and with only 3g of carbs per serving, they’re keto-approved too.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

This isn't your average throw-together dinner. Our Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is quick (less than an hour start to finish), super comforting, and exactly what you want after a long day. Easy prep, even easier cleanup, and everyone’s happy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Sesame Salmon Bowl

Fast, healthy, and packed with flavor? Yes please. These Sesame Salmon Bowls check all the boxes. From fridge to fork in under 15 minutes, and the sesame dressing gives it that rich, toasty vibe that makes the whole thing pop. Dinner win, no stress required.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Salmon Bowl

Easy Baked Skillet Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a spoon lifting a portion of cheesy baked macaroni and cheese with a breadcrumb topping from a casserole dish, garnished with chopped herbs. — Easy Baked Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo Credit: The Crumby Kitchen.

Oven-baked skillet mac and cheese is the kind of comfort food that fits every dinner vibe. Hosting a holiday party or a casual summer BBQ? This cheesy, gooey side is guaranteed to bring everyone back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Skillet Mac and Cheese

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

One pan, under 20 minutes, and loaded with flavor—what’s not to love? This chicken thighs, bacon, and green beans combo is perfect for those nights when you want something hearty and healthy without turning the kitchen into a war zone. Quick cook, easy cleanup, happy you.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Instant Pot Carnitas Tacos

Three tacos filled with shredded meat, slices of avocado, radishes, and other vegetables on a wooden board, garnished with lime wedges and served alongside a bowl of corn salsa. — Instant Pot Carnitas Tacos. Photo Credit: The Crumby Kitchen.

Instant Pot Carnitas Tacos are the easiest way to make Taco Tuesday feel like a fiesta. The pork’s infused with garlic and citrus, cooking down tender and tasty in about an hour—trust me, these might just be the best tacos you’ve ever had.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Carnitas Tacos

Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables

When dinner feels like a chore, this easy Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies recipe saves the day. Just toss everything on one pan, pop it in the oven, and boom—lazy dinner goals achieved. It’s low effort, super tasty, and cleanup is basically a non-issue.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables

Chicken Tikka Masala

In this delectable recipe, a black bowl contains rice topped with chunks of meat in a creamy orange curry sauce, garnished with cilantro. A piece of naan bread sits on the side, all presented on a dark surface. — Chicken Tikka Masala. Photo Credit: The Crumby Kitchen.

Ditch the takeout and make this Chicken Tikka Masala at home—it’s simpler than you think. The chicken soaks up yogurt and spices, simmering in a rich, creamy tomato sauce that’s perfect for soaking up every last bite with naan.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala

Instant Pot Green Chicken Curry (Thai Green Curry Recipe)

Dinner shortcut, coming in hot: this Thai Green Curry cooks up fast in the Instant Pot or pressure cooker, and it’s totally low-carb. Perfect for busy nights when you want something rich, warm, and way better than takeout. Slow cooker more your style? Yep, it’s got that option too.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Green Chicken Curry (Thai Green Curry Recipe)

Low Carb Sushi Rolls

Keto Friendly Sushi Rolls served on a black board. — Low Carb Sushi Rolls. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Love sushi but want to keep it low-carb? This recipe uses cauliflower rice instead of the usual stuff, so you still get that fresh, classic taste—just without the carbs. It’s gluten-free, grain-free, and a great pick for anyone managing their blood sugar.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Sushi Rolls

Easy & Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops (Bone-In, No Breading!)

Close-up of grilled pork chops garnished with herbs, served with asparagus spears on a plate. — Easy & Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops (Bone-In, No Breading!). Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

These air fryer pork chops are proof that simple really is better. Bone-in chops get coated in a quick mix of brown sugar, garlic, sage, salt, and pepper—no breading required. Just big flavor, minimal effort, and a healthy dinner that’s ready fast.
Get the Recipe: Easy & Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops (Bone-In, No Breading!)

Cabbage and Sausage Alfredo

A picture of cabbage sausage white plate wooden fork. — Cabbage and Sausage Alfredo. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

This 30-minute Cabbage and Sausage Alfredo is a creamy skillet meal that’s both simple and delicious. The cabbage noodles soak up all the flavor from the Italian sausage and Alfredo sauce, making it a cozy dinner everyone at the table will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage Alfredo

Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Honey Lemon Pepper Thighs with parsley on a white plate. — Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are the kind of dinner that feels fancy without the effort. You get that perfect combo of sweet, zesty, and a little peppery kick—all in one easy dish. It’s bold, bright, and super simple to throw together any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with a cheesy, golden-brown lasagna garnished with fresh parsley leaves, just one of the 21 addictive casseroles you need to try. — Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

This Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole packs broccoli, bacon, and ranch into one creamy, cheesy dish that the whole family will love. It’s a one-pot wonder you can throw together in minutes and enjoy all week long.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch with cauliflower, cheese, and parsley in a white casserole dish with a wooden spoon. — Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

This cheesy Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is one of those dishes that hits all the right notes—comforting, easy, and totally crave-worthy. Just a handful of ingredients, quick to throw together, and guaranteed to disappear fast at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

A plate of seasoned rice mixed with ground meat, diced tomatoes, and garnished with chopped parsley sits invitingly next to a spoon, resembling one of the 18 casseroles from our popular collection. — Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole turns a classic dinner into a quick, one-pot meal that’s perfect for weeknights. With no need to individually stuff veggies, it’s beginner-friendly, flavorful, and ready to serve in less than an hour.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Easy Garlic Broiled Chicken Thighs

Dinner in under 25 minutes? Yes, please. These broiled chicken thighs are bursting with lemon-garlic flavor and come out perfectly juicy every time. Bonus: they’re low in carbs and a total win with picky eaters. Easy and delicious—just the way we like it.
Get the Recipe: Easy Garlic Broiled Chicken Thighs

Baked Ravioli

Busy weeknights just got easier with this Baked Ravioli. Think lasagna vibes without the fuss — frozen cheese ravioli, marinara, and lots of melty cheese come together in about an hour for a comforting, no-stress dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli