Weeknight Wins! 17 Ridiculously Easy Meals You Can Make After Work

After a long day at work, who wants to spend hours in the kitchen? Our guide to 17 easy weeknight meals offers straightforward, quick options that let you enjoy dinner without the hassle. It’s all about getting food on the table efficiently, so you can relax more in the evenings.

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork.
Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You can toss together a tangy, spicy side dish in minutes, and it’s packed with fresh crunch and fiery spices. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is a great palate cleanser or complement to heavier dishes, perfect for perking up your plate on a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Looking to lighten up dinner without skipping on bold flavors? With its bright, citrusy twist, it can change up the pace of your usual pasta routine. Best Lemon Pasta is a dish that comes together fast, making it a smart choice when time is tight but you still want a meal that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

A bowl of Thai jasmine rice and chili peppers.
Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you crave comfort in a bowl, nothing beats the aroma and texture of perfectly cooked fluffy grains. Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice is a staple that’s versatile enough to be the foundation for countless meals, bringing a subtle fragrance to upgrade even the simplest dish. And, bonus—it makes your kitchen smell amazing as it cooks.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

25 Minute Black Bean Burger

A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.
25 Minute Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You don’t need to sacrifice flavor for convenience with a hearty option that’s ready in less than half an hour. 25 Minute Black Bean Burger a solid choice for fulfilling hunger quickly, plus it offers a good protein punch.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger

Tortilla Pizza

Four tortilla pizzas on a wooden cutting board.
Tortilla Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who knew that with a simple tortilla, you could create a crispy and custom personal pizza in a flash? No need to wait for delivery or heat up a giant oven when you’ve got this trick up your sleeve. Tortilla Pizza is perfect for those nights when you’re craving something fun and fast without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Pizza

Roasted Cauliflower Tacos

A plate of tacos with red cabbage and cauliflower slaw.
Roasted Cauliflower Tacos. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Dinner can be both incredibly simple and wildly delicious – consider Roasted Cauliflower Tacos for a meal that’s easy to make and eat. These are ideal for a quick meal that doesn’t skimp on taste or texture. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to fit more veggies into your dinner rotation without feeling like you’re missing out.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Tacos

Eggplant Casserole

A plate of eggplant casserole with sauce and cheese.
Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For times when you’re looking for something that feels homemade but doesn’t take all night, an Eggplant Casserole is a perfect solution. It gives you layers of flavor without requiring layers of work. Just assemble your components, toss it in the oven, and let it bake to perfection while you unwind.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Air fryer glazed carrots in a bowl with parsley.
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

With minimal prep and an air fryer, you can have a sweet and slightly caramelized side dish that makes any dinner feel a bit more special. Air Fryer Glazed Carrots come out perfectly tender and are an excellent way to get some veggies on your plate without boiling or steaming.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

A casserole dish containing egg casserole.
Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Breakfast on busy mornings can still be a robust meal, especially if you’ve got a make-ahead Egg Casserole waiting in the fridge. It’s a crowd-pleaser that you can prep the night before, and then just bake it in the morning while you get ready for your day.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

Thai Yellow Curry

Thai Yellow Curry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.
Thai Yellow Curry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You don’t need to be a master chef to whip up Thai Yellow Curry in the comfort of your own home. It’s a dish full of warmth and comfort that you can put together quickly on any given evening. Serve it over a bed of rice, and you’ve got a meal that’s both nourishing and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Thai Yellow Curry

Cauliflower Steaks

Cauliflower steaks with pomegranate and pistachios on a plate.
Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes, you want a meal that’s filling but not heavy, and Cauliflower Steaks hit the mark. You can season them however you like, so they never get boring. If you’re after something plant-based that still feels substantial, this is a great go-to choice.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks

Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

A plate with a slice of Egg & Potato Breakfast Casserole and a fork.
Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you prepare an Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole, you set yourself up for a series of quick, warm breakfasts throughout the week. It reheats well, saving you time on those busy mornings.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Two bowls of tomato soup with basil and tomatoes.
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

On chilly evenings when you want to cozy up with a bowl of something warm, nothing beats a classic Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. It’s a fuss-free dinner solution that makes your kitchen smell great and can be as rustic or as refined as you want it to be. Pair it with a sandwich or a salad, and dinner is served.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Sweet Potato Tacos

Two tacos on a plate with a sauce.
Sweet Potato Tacos. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tacos are always a hit, and when you fill them with sweet potatoes, you get a meal that’s both filling and full of nutrients. Sweet Potato Tacos are quick to make, and the sweet, earthy flavor is a great base for a variety of toppings. It’s a simple way to spice up taco night with a veggie twist.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Tacos

Asparagus Casserole

Cheesy asparagus casserole on a plate with a fork.
Asparagus Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Asparagus Casserole is ideal for those times you want something hearty without the heaviness. Throw it together, let it bake, and you’ve got a dish that’s equal parts nutritious and comforting. Perfect for any day of the week, and it’s just as good for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork.
Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A dish like this bakes up creamy and tender, and all it asks of you is a bit of slicing and layering before the oven does all the work. Whether you need a side to complement your main or just a hearty dish to feature on your plate, Scalloped Potatoes are a solid bet for taste and ease.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Veggie Pizza

Someone taking a slice of veggie pizza.
Veggie Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You can enjoy a homemade Veggie Pizza that lets you skip the wait for delivery and customize it fully to your own tastes. Pop it in the oven, and in no time, you’ve turned a few simple ingredients into a meal that everyone can get excited about. It’s also a smart way to convince the kids to eat their greens – on a pizza, no less!
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pizza

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