100 of the Easiest Meals Weve Ever Made

Quick Apricot Chicken

This simple apricot chicken is one of my favorite dishes. Everybody just loves it and leftovers are always just as good the next day. For variation, Ive used pork instead of chicken and added additional ingredients like pineapple, mandarin oranges, snow peas and broccoli. Vicki Ruiz, Twin Falls, Idaho

Bean Burritos

I always have the ingredients for this cheesy bean burrito recipe on hand. Cooking the rice and shredding the cheese the night before save precious minutes at dinnertime. Beth Osborne Skinner, Bristol, Tennessee

One-Dish Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

I'm still settling into married life and learning how to balance our busy schedules. This quick one-dish ground turkey sweet potato skillet helps keep us on track throughout the week. Shannon Barden, Alpharetta, Georgia

Quick Beef and Noodles

My family loves stroganoff, and this beef and noodles dish is my lightened-up version. Using meat from the deli saves the hours spent cooking a beef roast. I serve this with a salad for a great, homestyle meal. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia

Hawaiian Pork Chops

Looking for a great last-minute meal when friends drop in? Hampton, Virginia's Michelle Cavalier recommends one of her husband's sweet-and-sour favorites. This is so easy, tastes just like Hawaiian pizza, and I usually have all ingredients on hand.

Fast Baked Fish

We always have a good supply of fresh fish, so I make fish recipes often. This recipe is my favorite because it is moist, tender and flavorful. Judie Anglen, Riverton, Wyoming

Pineapple Chicken Casserole

I'm always looking for one-dish dinners like this Hawaiian chicken casserole that save time and cleanup. I love to cook, but with teaching school, playing handbells at church and juggling my husband's and teenage twins' schedule, I have little time in the kitchen. Susan Warren, North Manchester, Indiana

Easy Pad Thai

Skip the take-out restaurant and give this pad thai recipe a try if you need an easy and quick meal. Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Big Kahuna Pizza

A prebaked pizza crust and refrigerated barbecued pork make this tasty supper idea super fast and super easy. Cut into bite-sized pieces, and it can double as a great last-minute appetizer, too! Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California

Pork Cabbage Stir-Fry

The ginger comes through nicely in this colorful napa cabbage stir-fry that is lower in fat and sodium than many. It's great served over steamed rice or cooked noodles. Marcie Nor of Macungie, Pennsylvania

Lemon Mushroom Chicken

There's a lot of flavor in this dish. The best part? It doesn't seem light at all! Carrie Palmquist, Canova, South Dakota

Nacho Pie

In place of the ground beef and mozzarella cheese, consider topping this zesty pie with lean ground sausage and cheddar cheese. It tastes just as good.LaVerna Mjones, Moorhead, Minnesota

Chicken Enchiladas for Four

These chicken enchiladas put a little zip into any menu. The rolled tortillas are filled with a hearty mixture of cheese, chicken and green chiles and then topped with a creamy sauce and more cheese. I sometimes use leftover turkey instead of chicken. Karen Bourne, Magrath, Alberta

Asparagus 'n' Shrimp with Angel Hair

Weve all heard that the way to a mans heart is through his stomach, so when I plan a romantic dinner, this shrimp asparagus pasta with angel hair is one dish I like to serve. Its easy on the budget and turns out perfectly for two. Shari Neff, Takoma Park, Maryland

15-Minute Meat Loaf

I combined a few great-tasting meat loaf recipes to create this flavorful version, which my husband loves. And because its made in the microwave, the entree is ideal for busy nights. Deb Thompson, Lincoln, Nebraska

Lemon-Batter Fish

My husband ranks this battered, fried fish recipe as one of his favorites. A lot of fishing takes place in our area, which makes this a good choice for a regional recipe. Jackie Hannahs, Cedar Springs, Michigan

Angel Hair Pasta with Sausage & Spinach

You wont miss the marinara sauce once you taste this pasta dish flavored with chicken broth and Italian sausage. The sauce simmers away on its own, without much work on your part. My husband likes it so much that I make it twice a week. Daphine Smith, Baytown, Texas

Shrimp Scampi

This shrimp scampi recipe looks elegant enough to serve to company, but its easy to prepare. The bright flavors of lemon and herbs enhance the shrimp. Serve it over pasta and wait for the compliments. Lori Packer, Omaha, Nebraska

Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach

This moist and tender chicken comes complete with its own creamy spinach side dish! It makes a pretty presentation and comes together in no time flat for a nutritious weeknight meal. Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin

Crab-Topped Fish Fillets

Crab-Topped Fish Fillets are elegant enough for company but truly no-fuss. We live in south Florida, where fish is abundant. We like to get together with friends in the afternoon, so I often need to whip up a quick dinner when we get home. This special fish is one of our favorites. Mary Tuthill, Fort Myers Beach, Florida

Spicy Shepherd's Pie

Taco seasoning adds zip to this hearty main dish. It's easy to top with instant mashed potatoes, which I stir up while browning the beef. Mary Malchow, Neenah, Wisconsin

Beef & Spinach Lo Mein

If you like a good stir-fry, this dish will definitely satisfy. I discovered the recipe at an international luncheon, and it's now a favorite go-to meal. Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio

Apple-Mustard Chicken Tenders

My husband says this dish is sweet and a little bit sassy, just like me. I like to use Granny Smith apples for a bit of tartness. Winesaps are great for this dish, too. Linda Cifuentes, Mahomet, Illinois

Tenderloin with Herb Sauce

Tender pork is treated to a rich and creamy sauce with a slight kick, thanks to red pepper flakes. This hearty dish is very simple to prepare and always a dinnertime winner. Monica Shipley, Tulare, California

BLT Skillet

This quick weeknight meal reminds me of a BLT, with its chunks of bacon and tomato. The whole wheat linguine gives the skillet dish extra flavor and texture. Edrie O'Brien, Denver, Colorado

Baked Tilapia

I've decided to cook healthier for my family, and that includes having more fish at home. After looking at easy tilapia recipes I decided to try baked tilapia. I love that it's fast, too! Hope Stewart, Raleigh, North Carolina

Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo

After tasting fettuccine Alfredo at a restaurant, I tried to duplicate the recipe at home. You can't imagine how pleased I was when I came up with this delicious version. Not only does my family love the creamy dish, but my husband prefers it to the one at the restaurant. Rae Natoli, Kingston, New York

Beef Filets with Portobello Sauce

These tasty steaks seem special but they are fast enough for everyday dinners. We enjoy the mushroom-topped filets with crusty French bread, a mixed salad and a light lemon dessert. Christel Stein, Tampa, Florida

Swiss Mushroom Chicken

Everyone enjoys the golden chicken breasts topped with ham, melted Swiss cheese and fresh mushrooms. Its easy to prepare but looks and tastes special enough for company. Jan Baxter, Humarock, Massachusetts

One-Skillet Lasagna

This is hands-down one of the best skillet lasagna recipes our testing panel has ever tasted. With classic flavors and cheesy layers, its definitely kid-friendly. Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Fresh Corn and Tomato Fettuccini

This recipe combines delicious whole wheat pasta with the best of fresh garden produce. It's tossed with heart-healthy olive oil, and a little feta cheese gives it bite. Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida

Cajun Shrimp

These zippy shrimp bring a lot of pizazz to the table. Use as much or as little cayenne pepper as you'd like, depending on your family's tastes. We love ours served alongside rice pilaf. Donna Thomason, El Paso, Texas

Quick Chicken Piccata

Quick chicken recipes make dinner a breeze. Laced with lemon and simmered in white wine, this stovetop entree is super easy and elegant. Almost any sidenoodles, veggies or breadtastes better next to this lovely chicken. Cynthia Heil, Augusta, Georgia

No-Fuss Pork Chops

These tender chops taste like sweet-and-sour pork, but require little attention or time. I prepare them year-round, whenever Im on a tight schedule but still want something scrumptious. Sally Jones, Lancaster, New Hampshire

Broccoli Beef Braids

Each slice of this fast-to-fix, golden bread is like a hot sandwich packed with beef, broccoli and mozzarella. Penny Lapp, North Royalton, Ohio

Quick Chicken and Dumplings

Using pre-cooked chicken and ready-made biscuits, this hearty dish is comfort food made simple. It's the perfect way to warm up on chilly nights. Lakeya Astwood, Schenectady, New York

Vegetarian Linguine

Looking for a tasty alternative to the usual meat-and-potatoes meals? Try this colorful pasta dish. My oldest son came up with the scrumptious supper that takes advantage of fresh mushrooms, zucchini and other vegetables as well as basil and provolone. Jane Bone, Cape Coral, Florida

Dijon-Crusted Fish

Dijon, Parmesan and a hint of horseradish give this toasty fish lots of flavor. The preparation is so easy, it takes just 5 to 7 minutes to get 4 servings ready for the oven. Scott Schmidtke, Chicago, Illinois

Sausage and Sauerkraut

I created this tasty quick-and-easy sauerkraut and sausage dish so I can throw it together in no time on those extra-busy nights. Mary Lyon, Spotsylvania, Virginia

Chicken Provolone

Though it's one of my simplest dishes, this version of an Italian classic is also one of my husbands favorites. Its quick to prepare and a garnish of fresh parsley or basil makes it look elegant. Dawn Bryant, Thedford, Nebraska

Penne with Veggies and Black Beans

Full of zucchini, tomatoes, sweet pepper and carrots, this hearty pasta dish puts your garden harvest to good use. For variety, I sometimes add one-half cup of salsa or one-half cup of thickened teriyaki sauce. Vickie Spoerle, Indianapolis, Indiana

Cheese Tortellini with Tomatoes and Corn

Fresh corn and basil make this dish taste like summer. I think it's a good one for bringing to picnics or gatherings, but it's great along with any side dish for a weeknight dinner! Sally Maloney, Dallas, Georgia

Asparagus Beef Saute

I love filet mignon but not its price, so I came up with a recipe for more affordable beef tenderloin tail. Now I cook it once a week, plus my husband loves taking the leftovers to work. Linda Flynn, Ellicott City, Maryland

Busy-Day Pork Chops

It was time to use or lose some pork chops I had in the fridge, so I dressed them in bread crumbs and Parmesan and baked them up. Necessity sure is the mother of invention, and in this case I invented an amazing healthy pork chop recipe. Dee Maltby, Wayne, Ohio

Cod with Sweet Peppers

This quick and delicious recipe is a long-time family favorite. I like to use three or four different-colored peppers for an extra-pretty presentation. Then serve with couscous or brown rice to round out the meal. Judy Grebetz, Racine, Wisconsin.

Black Bean Chicken with Rice

This spicy family favorite calls for just a few basic ingredients, so its quick and easy to stir up in your skillet on a weeknight. Molly Newman, Portland, Oregon

Easy Sausage and Vegetable Skillet

This is an old recipe that has been passed down in our family through my sister-in-law. When I was a child, she did most of the cooking in our house, and this was my favorite meal. The variety of vegetables makes this an attractive dish, and the cooking time is minimal. Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana

Nutty Cheese Tortellini

I like to plant Italian flat-leaf parsley in a long terra-cotta planter so I always have some on hand. It adds bright, fresh flavor to this pasta dish. Barbara Penatzer, Vestal, New York

Smothered Chicken

You can't go wrong when serving this speedy skillet creation. Top tender chicken breasts with mushrooms, bacon, green onions and cheese for a swift and savory sensation that's sure to become a family favorite. Penny Walton, Westerville, Ohio

Feta Shrimp Skillet

On our honeymoon in Greece, my husband and I had a dish like this one. I tried to re-create the flavors in this recipe when we got home. When I make it now, it brings back such wonderful memories. Sonali Ruder, New York, New York

Korean Beef and Rice

A friend raved about Korean recipes for bulgogibeef cooked in soy sauce and gingerso I tried it. It's delicious! Dazzle the table with this tasty version of Korean beef and rice. Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota

Pesto Shrimp Pasta

A dash of red pepper puts zip in this lively main dish from Gloria Jones Grenga of Newnan, Georgia.

Crescent Turkey Casserole

How do you make a dinner of turkey and vegetables really appealing to kids? You turn it into a pie, of course! My version tastes classic, but wont take much time at all. Daniela Essman, Perham, Minnesota

Crusted Salmon

These delicious salmon fillets are wonderful for company since they take only a few minutes to prepare, yet they taste like you care. I receive requests for the recipe every time I serve them. Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah

Soupy Chicken Noodle Supper

At least once a week my six-year-old son, also known as Doctor John, hands me a prescription for chicken noodle soup. Needless to say, I'm always happy to fill it. Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota

Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash

Acorn squash gets a sweet and savory treatment when stuffed with sausage, onion, spinach and cranberries to make this pretty autumn entree. Cooking the squash in the microwave makes this quick enough for a busy weeknight. Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Skillet Shepherd's Pie

This is the best shepherd's pie recipe I've ever tasted. It's very quick to make, and I usually have mostif not allof the ingredients already on hand. Tirzah Sandt, San Diego, California

Brown Sugar-Glazed Salmon

Pop these protein-packed salmon fillets in the oven before whipping up a sweet basting sauce. This tangy entree cooks up in minutes making it a perfect meal for busy families and unexpected weekend guests. Debra Martin, Belleville, Michigan

Easy Cuban Picadillo

My girlfriend gave me this delicious recipe years ago. Ive made it ever since for family and friends, and they all love it. My daughter loves to take leftovers to school for lunch the next day. Marie Wielgus, Wayne, New Jersey

Hurry-Up Ham N Noodles

The rich-tasting dish is ready to serve in almost the time it takes to cook the noodles. Ive made it for luncheons and potlucks, but mostly I make it on days when Im in a hurry to get something on the table. Lucille Howell, Portland, Oregon

Creamy Curried Chicken

This is a big hit in our house. My young son and daughter gobble it up. With its irresistible blend of curry and sweet coconut milk, itll become a favorite with your family, too. Tracy Simiele, Chardon, Oh

Egg Roll Noodle Bowl

We love Asian egg rolls, but they can be challenging to make. Simplify everything with this deconstructed egg roll made on the stovetop and served in a bowl. Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Easy Glazed Salmon

It only takes four ingredients and a few moments of time to make this delightful main dish. Tara Ernspiker, Falling Waters, West Virginia

Shrimp Orzo with Feta

Tender, hearty and flavorful, this recipe is one of my favorites! Garlic and a splash of lemon add to the fresh taste and heart-healthy benefits of shrimp. Sarah Hummel, Moon Township, Pennsylvania

Fried Chicken Strips

I recently made this recipe of Mom's for my in-laws and they told me it was the "best fried chicken ever." Slicing the chicken breasts into strips cuts down on cooking time and ensures every piece is crunchy and evenly coated. Serve the homemade chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce. Genny Monchamp, Redding, California

Savory Beer Pork Chops

These tender chops cooked in a savory sauce are perfect for a hectic weeknight because they're so easy to prep. Try them with hot buttery noodles. Jana Christian, Farson, Wyoming

Beefy Biscuit Cups

On-the-go families will love these pizza-flavored goodies. They're made in a wink with convenient refrigerated biscuits and a jar of prepared spaghetti sauce. Kimberly Ledon, St. Marys, Georgia

Lemon Shrimp with Parmesan Rice

I grew up in Biloxi, Mississippi, where rice, garlic and seafood are staples of Gulf Coast cuisine. This easy shrimp and rice dish is a longtime family favorite that's ready in minutes. Amie Overby, Reno, Nevada

Italian Sausage with Bow Ties

We often have our favorite pasta when company comes over, and Ive shared this Italian sausage recipe several times. Now many of my friends make it for their families, too. Janelle Moore, Auburn, Washington

Tasty Burritos

My cousin is of Mexican heritage, and Ive watched her make this crunchy beef burrito recipe for years. The very first time I made them for my own family, they instantly became a favorite meal. Theyre even better warmed up the next day in the microwave. Debi Lane, Chattanooga, Tennessee

Meatball Pizza

I always keep meatballs and pizza crusts in the freezer to make this specialty on the spur of the moment. Add a tossed salad and you have a delicious dinner. Mary Humeniuk-Smith, Perry Hall, Maryland

Parmesan Baked Cod

This is a goof-proof way to keep oven-baked cod moist and flavorful. My mom shared this recipe with me years ago and Ive been loving it ever since. Mary Jo Hoppe, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pizza

This recipe combines my two favorite foodspizza and chicken cordon bleu. I've made this for my family and the teachers at my school. Now my teachers ask me to make it for them for lunch! Justin Rippel, Colgate, Wisconsin

Pierogi Beef Skillet

Hearty and thick with beef, veggies and potatoes, this is a complete meal in one. Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Shrimp Pad Thai

You can make this yummy Thai classic in no time. Find fish sauce and chili garlic sauce in the Asian foods aisle of your grocery store. Elise Ray, Shawnee, Kansas

Cinnamon-Apple Pork Chops

When I found these pork chops and apples recipe online years ago, it quickly became a favorite. The ingredients are easy to keep on hand, and the one-pan cleanup is a bonus. Christina Price, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Southwestern Goulash

I had some extra cilantro in the fridge and didn't want to throw it away. Instead, I came up with this delightful and filling family recipe. Everyone just loved it! Vikki Rebholz, West Chester, Ohio

Turkey Breast Tenderloins with Raspberry Sauce

Sweet and tangy raspberry sauce is a perfect complement to versatile turkey tenderloins. In fact, the sauce is so good, youll be tempted to eat it with a spoon.Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri

Seared Salmon with Strawberry Basil Relish

Salmon and basil take a sweet new approach when topped off with a relish of strawberries, honey and pepper. Stacy Mullens, Gresham, Oregon

Tangy Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs

A tangy sauce, green pepper and pineapple transform pre-made meatballs into something special. Serve them over rice for a satisfying main dish. Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington

Quick Beef Vegetable Soup

At the end of a long day, you want to put something quick, warm and substantial on the table for your family. This hefty vegetable soup delivers. It will have you out of the kitchen in no time flat! D.M. Hillock, Hartford, Michigan

Southwest Chicken Dinner

My family loves to order those gigantic takeout Tex-Mex burritos, but they can be expensive and we always have leftovers. I created a lighter, no-guilt alternative with the flavors they love, and that skips the tortilla. Marquisha Turner, Aurora, Colorado

Saucy Mac & Cheese

I love the curly noodles in this creamy recipe. Cavatappi (aka cellentani pasta) has a corkscrew shape, but any type of spiral noodle will work. This dish is fun to make and looks so pretty topped with extra cheese and crunchy, golden panko. I like to add ground pepper to my serving. Sara Martin, Brookfield, Wisconsin

Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia

I usually serve this crispy fish with tartar sauce and seasoned steamed veggies. Its like a Friday night fish fry without all the calories! Christi McElroy, Neenah, Wisconsin

Honey Chicken Stir-Fry

I'm a new mom, and my schedule is very dependent upon our young son, so I like meals that can be ready in as little time as possible. This all-in-one chicken stir fry recipe with a hint of sweetness from honey is a big time-saver. Caroline Sperry, Allentown, Michigan

Beef Tenderloin in Mushroom Sauce

Just a skillet, a couple juicy steaks, fresh mushrooms and a few simple ingredients prove it doesn't take much fuss to fix a special meal for two. Denise McNab, Warminster, Pennsylvania

Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce

There's nothing like fresh salmon, and my mom bakes it just right so it nearly melts in your mouth. The sour cream dill sauce is subtly seasoned with horseradish so that it doesn't overpower the delicate salmon flavor. Susan Emery, Everett, Washington

Tortellini Carbonara

I've made this bacon, cream and Parmesan cheese pasta sauce for so many years and have always called it a carbonara. Low-and-behold, I recently found out it's actually more like an Alfredo sauce. In either case, it's absolutely heavenly and a great option for company! Cathy Croyle, Davidsville, Pennsylvania

Buttery Parmesan Chicken

A rich, cheesy breading locks in this chickens natural juices, making it moist and tempting every time. Because it can be made in advance, I rely on it often during the week and when entertaining. Kathie Landmann, Lexington Park, Maryland

Shrimp Monterey

For a special occasion or when company's coming, this delicious seafood dish makes a lasting impression. You'll be surprised at how fast you can prepare it. A mild, fresh-tasting sauce and the Monterey Jack cheese nicely complement the shrimp, I serve it over pasta or rice. Jane Birch Edison, New Jersey

Cheeseburger Cups

A terrific recipe for moms with young kids and busy lives, this simple, inexpensive dish is made with handy ingredients and takes just a short time. Best of all, kids will go absolutely crazy for these darling dinner bites! Jeri Millhouse, Ashland, Ohio

Seasoned Tilapia Fillets

If you need a healthy, keep-it-simple solution to dinner tonight, you just found it. This restaurant-quality tilapia fillet recipe relies on spices you're likely to have on hand to deliver big flavor. This is how to make tilapia. Dana Alexander, Lebanon, Missouri

Smothered Chicken Breasts

After trying a similar chicken dish in a restaurant, I decided to re-create it at home. Topped with bacon, caramelized onions and shredded cheese, this savory dish comes together in no time, and uses ingredients that I usually have on hand. And since it cooks in one skillet, its a cinch to clean up! Brenda Carpenter, Warrensburg, Missouri

Herbed Lemon Pork Chops

Expect to get plenty of compliments on these fast, flavor-packed chops. They're tender and juicy. Billi Jo Sylvester, New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Parmesan Chicken Nuggets

My 3-year-old is going through a stage where he'll eat only chicken nuggets and French fries. I like to make these golden nuggets for him so I know what he's eating. They're so good, we like them, too! Amanda Livesay, Mobile, Alabama

Stovetop Meat Loaves

Who says meat loaf has to bake in the oven for hours? For this convenient recipe, all you need is your stovetop and 30 minutes. Its a quick, simple dish to make for one or two people. Emily Sund, Geneseo, Illinois.

Tangy Parmesan Tilapia

If you want a gluten-free fish coating, this works beautifully! Some reduced-fat mayos may contain gluten, though, so check the label on yours to be sure. Deborah Purdue, Westland, Michigan

Spinach and Mushroom Smothered Chicken

Chicken breasts stay nice and moist tucked under a blanket of melted cheese. It's extra special to serve but is not tricky to make. Katrina Wagner, Grain Valley, Missouri

Sweet 'n' Spicy Chicken

My husband and three children love this tender, sweet and spicy chicken. Peach preserves add just a touch of sweetness, while taco seasoning and salsa give this dish some kick. This entree can be made even zippier yet by adding more taco seasoning and using spicier salsa. Sheri White, Higley, Arizona