Introduction
Do you ever have those days when you’re running around all day and you just don’t have time to cook a big meal? Or maybe you’re on a tight budget and you’re looking for some affordable options. Whatever the reason, we’ve got you covered with 5 of the best quick and easy meals for busy days.
These meals are all simple to make, and they’re all delicious. So whether you’re looking for something to whip up on a weeknight or you’re just looking for some new ideas, we’ve got you covered.
5 Quick and Easy Meals for Busy Days
1. Chicken Stir-Fry
Chicken stir-fry is a classic quick and easy meal. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, and it’s also great for meal prep. To make chicken stir-fry, you’ll need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup brown rice, cooked
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
To make the stir-fry, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned. Add the onion, garlic, bell peppers, and broccoli and cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Stir in the brown rice, soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch. Cook until the sauce thickens. Serve immediately.
2. Quesadillas
Quesadillas are another great option for a quick and easy meal. They’re also a lot of fun to make, and you can get creative with your fillings. To make quesadillas, you’ll need:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded chicken or beef
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup chopped vegetables, such as onions, peppers, or tomatoes
- 1/4 cup salsa
To make the quesadillas, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the skillet and top with cheese, chicken or beef, black beans, vegetables, and salsa. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until the bottom is golden brown. Flip the quesadilla and cook until the other side is golden brown. Repeat with the remaining tortillas. Serve immediately.
3. Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a great option for a summer meal. It’s cold and refreshing, and it’s easy to make ahead of time. To make pasta salad, you’ll need:
- 1 pound cooked pasta
- 1/2 cup chopped vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, or peppers
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
To make the pasta salad, combine the cooked pasta, vegetables, cheese, mayonnaise, Italian dressing, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
4. Tuna Salad Sandwiches
Tuna salad sandwiches are another classic quick and easy meal. They’re perfect for a lunchbox or a quick snack. To make tuna salad sandwiches, you’ll need:
- 1 can (12 ounces) tuna, drained
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 slices bread
To make the tuna salad, combine the tuna, mayonnaise, celery, onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well. Spread the tuna salad on the bread and enjoy.
5. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a childhood favorite, and they’re still a great option for a quick and easy meal. To make grilled cheese sandwiches, you’ll need:
- 2 slices bread
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
To make the grilled cheese sandwiches, spread the butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place the
bread, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat. Top with the cheese and the other slice of bread, butter-side up. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve immediately.
Tips for Making Quick and Easy Meals
- Use pre-cooked ingredients whenever possible. This will save you time on prep work.
- Cook in batches. If you’re cooking for a crowd, cook the meals in batches so that you don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen.
- Get creative with your leftovers. There are a lot of things you can do with leftover chicken, rice, or pasta. You can make a salad, a soup, or a stir-fry.
- Don’t be afraid to use frozen vegetables. Frozen vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh vegetables, and they’re a lot more convenient.
- Make a meal plan. This will help you stay organized and make sure you have everything you need on hand.
- Set aside some time on the weekend to meal prep. This will save you a lot of time during the week.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many quick and easy meals that you can make on a busy day. With a little planning, you can easily put together a delicious and nutritious meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t despair. Just pick one of these recipes and get cooking!
Here are some additional tips for making quick and easy meals:
- Use a slow cooker or an Instant Pot. These appliances can help you cook meals hands-off, so you can spend your time doing other things.
- Invest in some kitchen gadgets. There are a lot of gadgets out there that can help you cook faster and easier. For example, a spiralizer can help you make healthy zoodles in minutes, and a rice cooker can cook rice perfectly every time.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re really short on time, ask a friend or family member to help you cook. Or, order takeout from a restaurant that offers quick and easy meals.
With a little planning and effort, you can easily make quick and easy meals that are both delicious and nutritious. So don’t let a busy schedule stop you from eating healthy!
