27 dinner in an hour ideas to get something good on the table

An hour can get you surprisingly far in the kitchen. These dinner recipes make good use of that window, with options for different tastes and cravings. Pick a recipe, set the clock and see what happens.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce

A plate of Crispy Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce.
Image Credit: Mrs. Madi

This homemade coconut shrimp recipe is a delicious restaurant-style dish featuring crispy fried coconut shrimp. They do triple duty as a main course, an easy appetizer, or a game day snack. Paired up with an easy sweet chili dipping sauce. Get the recipe: Crispy Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce

Pizza Chicken Casserole

A dish of Pizza Chicken Casserole.
Image Credit: Nibble and Dine

Pizza chicken casserole is an easy, family favorite dinner that everyone always loves. It is a cheesy comfort food classic and is ready in about an hour. Get the recipe: Pizza Chicken Casserole

BBQ Chicken Pasta

A casserole dish of BBQ Chicken Pasta.
Image Credit: The Honour System

This baked BBQ chicken pasta is cheesy, comforting, and made with ingredients you probably already have on hand. The combo of chicken and pasta with a creamy BBQ sauce makes for a meal that always hits the spot. Get the recipe: BBQ Chicken Pasta

Taco Beef Salad

A healthy taco salad topped with guacamole.
Image Credit: The Honour System

Who doesn’t love a good taco salad? This recipe is quick and easy, budget-friendly, and perfect to customize with all your favourite toppings for those picky eaters. Get the Recipe: 30-Minute Taco Salad

Instant Pot Cuban Chicken and Rice

A dish of Instant Pot Cuban Chicken and Rice.
Image Credit: Eating in an Instant

Citrus garlic mojo chicken meets chicken and rice in this Instant Pot Cuban chicken and rice recipe for a perfect weeknight dinner. It’s ready in under an hour and comes together in one pot. Get the recipe: Instant Pot Cuban Chicken and Rice

Sheet Pan Pizza

A dish of Sheet Pan Pizza.
Image Credit: Princess Pinky Girl

This sheet pan pizza is the easiest way to do homemade pizza night, with a crispy crust, melty cheese, and all your favorite toppings in one pan. Minimal prep, big flavor, and perfect for weeknights, game days, or feeding a crowd. Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Pizza 

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake

A dish of chicken broccoli bake.
Image Credit: The Honour System

This creamy, cheesy chicken broccoli bake is an easy way to enjoy a wholesome, satisfying meal. Using shredded rotisserie chicken makes this comforting casserole a breeze to prepare. Get the recipe: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake

Easy Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

A dish of Easy Creamy Ground Beef Pasta.
Image Credit: Salt and Lavender

This ground beef pasta feels like it’s been simmered for hours, but it’s actually ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Get the recipe: Easy Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Creamy Tomato Pasta

A plate of creamy tomato spinach pasta.
Image Credit: The Honour System

This creamy tomato pasta is rich, smooth, and perfect for a fast, budget-friendly meal. It’s easy to make and tastes like a little effort went a long way. Get the recipe: Creamy Tomato Pasta

Spicy Sesame Ground Beef and Rice

Spicy sesame ground beef bowls on a table.
Image Credit: The Honour System

This sweet and spicy ground beef and rice is a quick and easy dinner option that’s perfect for busy nights. With minimal effort, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in no time. Get the recipe: Sweet and Spicy Beef Bowls

Asian Steak Salad

A bowl of Asian Steak Salad.
Image Credit: Cooking with Lei

This Asian steak salad brings together juicy steak, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing in the best way. Every bite is bold, bright, and seriously satisfying. Get the recipe: Asian Steak Salad

Easy Salmon Burger Recipe

A plate of Easy Salmon Burger Recipe.
Image Credit: Salt and Lavender

These easy salmon burgers use simple ingredients and come together in no time. The Cajun seasoning gives them a nice kick, and the lemon garlic mayo takes them over the top. Ready in about 20 minutes, they’re perfect for a quick, flavorful meal. Get the recipe: Easy Salmon Burger Recipe

Chicken Enchilada Bake

Chicken enchilada bake in a casserole dish.
Image Credit: The Honour System

Mexican-style rice is so popular, why not turn it into a full meal? This chicken enchilada bake uses whole-grain rice and leftover chicken for a nutritious twist, making it a great option that the whole family will gobble up. Get the recipe: Chicken Enchilada Bake

One Pot Rice With Pork And Veggies

A bowl of One Pot Rice With Pork And Veggies.
Image Credit: Cooking with Lei

A balanced meal includes protein, carbohydrates, vegetables, and healthy fats, and this pork and rice recipe checks every box. It’s easy to make, and even better, it’s a simple way to get kids to eat more vegetables without any complaints. Get the recipe: One Pot Rice With Pork And Veggies

One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta

A pot of One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta.
Image Credit: Salt and Lavender

This one-pot Italian sausage pasta keeps cleanup easy and is a meal the whole family will devour! The meaty tomato sauce comes together quickly and tastes like it simmered all day. Get the Recipe: One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta

Cheesy Baked Meatballs

A dish of Cheesy Baked Meatballs.
Image Credit: Get Inspired Every Day

Easy to make and packed with melty cheese, these baked meatballs are pure comfort food. Bursting with classic Italian-American flavors, they’re perfect served over spaghetti. Get the recipe: Cheesy Baked Meatballs

Blackened Fish Tacos

A plate of Blackened Fish Tacos.
Image Credit: Salt and Lavender

These blackened fish tacos are quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Tender, flaky cod gets a perfectly charred crust and pairs beautifully with a spicy jalapeño slaw. Get the recipe: Blackened Fish Tacos

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

A dish of Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls.
Image Credit: Salt and Lavender

This super easy unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe is a cozy, homestyle meal with a touch of Central European flair. All the flavor of traditional cabbage rolls, but way less work. Get the recipe: Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Crispy Pineapple Chicken

A dish of Crispy Pineapple Chicken.
Image Credit: Modern Honey

This pineapple chicken features crispy bites tossed in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce. It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser with bold, takeout-style flavor made right at home. Get the recipe: Crispy Pineapple Chicken

One Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

A bowl of One Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo.
Image Credit: Lauren From Scratch

This one pot Cajun chicken and broccoli Alfredo is creamy and indulgent. Tender spiced chicken, blackened broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta all come together in a rich Alfredo sauce. It’s an easy weeknight meal that’s ready in about an hour. Get the Recipe: One Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Pot Pie

A dish of Easy Air Fryer Chicken Pot Pie.
Image Credit: Cooking with Lei

You’ll fall for this easy Air Fryer chicken pot pie with a Chinese twist. Juicy chicken and veggies are tucked into a flaky, golden crust, and you can make it in individual servings or one big pie. Get the recipe: Easy Air Fryer Chicken Pot Pie

Boursin Pork Tenderloin

A plate of Boursin Pork Tenderloin.
Image Credit: Salt and Lavender

This 30-minute Boursin pork tenderloin is an easy way to elevate weeknight dinner. The pork is super tender, and the creamy herb sauce makes it feel extra special. Get the recipe: Boursin Pork Tenderloin

Cottage Cheese Turkey Baked Ziti 

A dish of Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti.
Image Credit: Skinny Fitalicious

Nothing beats a delicious bowl of cheesy baked pasta casserole. This cottage cheese baked ziti combines comfort food with protein-rich ingredients to deliver over 40 grams of protein per serving. Get the recipe: Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti 

Stuffed Italian Sausage

A plate of Stuffed Italian Sausage.
Image Credit: Nibble and Dine

These cheesy stuffed Italian sausages are filled with a blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses and cooked up in a bed of rich tomato sauce. You can make this family favorite dinner in under an hour. Get the recipe: Stuffed Italian Sausage

Tomato Egg Stir Fry

A dish of Tomato Egg Stir Fry.
Image Credit: Cooking with Lei

Craving a quick, tasty meal? This tomato egg stir-fry delivers. Sweet tomatoes and perfectly fried eggs come together in a dish that’s perfect for beginners and busy nights.
Get the recipe: Tomato Egg Stir Fry

Easy Beef and Noodles

A dish of Easy Beef and Noodles.
Image Credit: Salt and Lavender

This simple beef and noodles recipe is a classic comfort favorite! Ready in just 30 minutes using pantry staples, the rich gravy is the kind of treat you’ll want on repeat.
Get the recipe: Easy Beef and Noodles

Char Kway Teow

A dish of Char Kway Teow.
Image Credit: All the Noodles

Char Kway Teow is a noodle dish of stir-fried flat rice noodles, shrimp, sweet-savory Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts. Then it gets coated in a rich, dark sauce that’s equal parts sweet, salty, and umami. Get the recipe: Char Kway Teow

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