Finding the time to prepare delicious and hearty meals for your family can be challenging, especially during busy weekdays. However, it doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. Here are seven easy yet hearty meals that you can whip up in under 20 minutes, perfect for satisfying your family’s appetite without spending hours in the kitchen.
1. Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken is the perfect solution for a quick and delicious family dinner. This dish features seasoned chicken breasts cooked to perfection and smothered in a creamy garlic sauce that’s ready in no time. To make it, simply season your chicken with salt and pepper, cook it in a pan until golden brown, and then create a sauce with garlic, chicken broth, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Serve it over pasta or with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
2. Black Bean Burritos
For a fast and satisfying meal with a Mexican flair, Black Bean Burritos are an excellent choice. These burritos are highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings such as cheese, salsa, sour cream, and avocado. Start by sautéing onions and garlic, then add black beans and seasonings. Spoon the mixture onto tortillas, add your preferred toppings, and roll them up. Serve with a side of avocado dip for an extra flavor boost.
3. Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken
Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken is a delicious takeout-inspired dish that you can make at home in under 20 minutes. Tender pieces of chicken are coated in a sweet chili glaze that’s both tangy and spicy. Start by coating chicken pieces in cornstarch and frying until crispy. Then, toss the chicken in a sauce made from sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of honey. Serve with steamed rice and sliced cucumbers for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
4. Speedy Beef Teriyaki
Speedy Beef Teriyaki is a family favorite that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor. The homemade teriyaki sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger is the star of this dish. Cook thinly sliced beef in a hot pan until browned, then add the sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes. Serve the beef teriyaki over a bed of rice with steamed vegetables for a balanced and hearty meal that’s ready in a flash.
5. Portuguese Chicken Burger
For a simple and tasty burger option, try making Portuguese Chicken Burgers. These burgers are made with ground chicken seasoned with paprika, garlic, and a touch of lemon zest. Form the mixture into patties and cook them in a pan until golden brown. Serve the burgers on buns with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of spicy mayonnaise. This meal is not only quick but also bursting with flavor.
6. Creamy Lemon Tortellini
Creamy Lemon Tortellini with Zucchini is a delightful pasta dish that combines cheese-filled tortellini with a creamy lemon sauce. To prepare this dish, cook the tortellini according to package instructions. In a separate pan, sauté sliced zucchini until tender, then add cream, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Toss the cooked tortellini in the sauce and garnish with fresh basil. This dish is comforting and ready in less than 20 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
7. Mediterranean Pizza
Mediterranean Pizza is a quick and easy meal that uses store-bought pizza dough for convenience. Roll out the dough and brush it with garlic-infused olive oil. Top the pizza with a variety of Mediterranean ingredients like feta cheese, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Bake the pizza until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted. This flavorful pizza is a great option for a fast and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
