Cooking dinner after a long day at work or after a busy day handling other responsibilities can be really tiring!
Sometimes, we just want to get home and relax without having to worry too much about meal prepping or cooking a hearty meal.
Luckily, there are plenty of 10-minute meal ideas that can save you time while still satisfying your hunger! In this blog post, we have rounded up 37 easy dinner recipes that you can cook in just 10 minutes.
These recipes are perfect for those days when you don’t have the energy or time to cook a full meal but still want to eat something healthy, tasty, and filling. So, let’s get started!
37 Easy 10-Minute Dinner Ideas
1. Shrimp Scampi over Zoodles
Shrimp scampi over zoodles is like a party in your mouth!
Think plump, juicy shrimp swimming in a garlicky, lemony sea, nestled on a bed of cool, refreshing zucchini noodles. It’s light and healthy, but still totally satisfying, kind of like the best of both worlds.
2. Tuna Salad
Tuna salad is quick to make and highly customizable. You can use your favorite veggies, sauces, dressing, and seasoning to prepare it quickly. It can be served in a sandwich, wrap or over a bed of greens.
3. Sheet-Pan Chicken Sausage and Peppers
Sheet-pan chicken sausage and peppers is a fantastic weeknight meal because it’s quick, easy, and requires minimal cleanup.
4. Chicken Quesadillas
All you need is chicken, cheese, tortillas, and toppings of your choice. Cook the chicken, assemble the quesadilla, and grill for a few minutes on each side until the cheese is melted.
5. Classic Beef Stir-Fry
Beef stir-fry is a staple meal in many households. You can stir-fry your favorite veggies with beef and add in teriyaki sauce, soy sauce or any other seasoning of your choice. Serve with rice or noodles on the side.
6. Caprese Salad
For a light and refreshing meal, prepare a simple caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or olive oil.
7. Ground Beef Tacos
Ground beef tacos are a classic Tex-Mex dish that is both easy to make and delicious to eat.
They are made with seasoned ground beef, which is then served on warm tortillas with a variety of toppings.
8. Pita Pizza
Spread some tomato sauce on a pita, add your choice of cheese, veggies, and herbs, then bake for a few minutes to enjoy a personal-sized pizza.
9. Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-fry
Broccoli and shrimp pair perfectly together in this simple stir-fry. Add in some soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for extra flavor.
10. Greek Salad
A quick and healthy Greek salad can be prepared in 10 minutes with lettuce, cucumber, tomato, feta cheese, olives, and dressing. Serve with a side of bread or pita.
11. Pan-seared Salmon
A simple salmon dish can be cooked in minutes on a stovetop. Sear the salmon fillets with some garlic, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon. Serve with a side of potatoes or salad.
12. BLT Salad
For a twist on a classic sandwich, prepare a crispy bacon, lettuce and tomato salad with your favorite dressing.
13. Cream Cheese Penne Pasta
Cream cheese penne pasta is a quick and easy dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It’s made with just a few ingredients, and it can be customized to your liking.
14. Pesto Pasta
Another quick pasta dish that can be prepared with pesto sauce or any other sauce of your choice. Cook the pasta and sauce and mix them together for a filling meal.
15. Chicken Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad with some grilled or cooked chicken is a perfect meal. Adding some garlic bread on the side would be a great addition.
16. Beef Teriyaki
Beef teriyaki is a classic Japanese dish that’s full of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
17. Black Bean Salad
A black bean salad that can be prepared in minutes with canned beans and veggies. Mix with some salsa or dressing for a tasty meal.
18. Grilled Garlic-Parmesan Shrimp
Grilled garlic-parmesan shrimp is a flavorful and impressive dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. The combination of juicy shrimp, tangy parmesan, and savory garlic is a surefire winner on any grill.
19. Grilled Chicken Salad
Grilled chicken with a salad of your favorite greens and dressing is a low-carb and healthy option for dinner.
20. Tofu Stir-Fry
A quick stir-fry with veggies and tofu can be made with your favorite seasoning. This is a great vegetarian option that is high in protein and veggies.
21. Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Sun-dried tomato pasta is a dish that explodes with vibrant flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
22. Meat and Cheese Board
When all else fails, prepare a meat and cheese board with assorted meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts for a filling and satisfying meal.
23. Egg Fried Rice
Whip up a quick and tasty fried rice by stir-frying cooked rice with scrambled eggs and a variety of veggies. Add soy sauce or other seasonings for extra flavor.
24. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Cook spaghetti, then sauté minced garlic in olive oil and toss it with the cooked pasta. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, parsley, and grated Parmesan for a simple yet flavorful meal.
25. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich
Heat up some pre-cooked BBQ pulled pork, pile it onto a bun, and serve with coleslaw or pickles for a delicious sandwich.
26. Margherita Flatbread
Top a flatbread with tomato slices, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Bake it for a few minutes for a quick and flavorful dinner.
27. Chicken Fajita Bowl
Sauté sliced chicken with bell peppers and onions and serve it over rice or quinoa. Top with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for a satisfying meal.
28. Sausage and Bean Skillet
Cook sliced sausages with white beans and spinach for a hearty and quick one-pan meal.
29. Cucumber and Dill Salad
Slice cucumbers and toss them with yogurt or sour cream, fresh dill, and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing and tangy salad.
30. Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with cheese, black beans, jalapeños, and your favorite toppings. Melt in the oven or microwave for a speedy and flavorful dish.
31. Chicken Parmesan
Coat chicken cutlets with breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, then quickly fry or bake them. Serve with marinara sauce and mozzarella for a classic Italian favorite.
32. Sweet and Sour Shrimp
Sauté shrimp with bell peppers and pineapple chunks, then toss in sweet and sour sauce for a quick and tasty stir-fry.
33. Buffalo Chicken Wrap
Toss cooked chicken in buffalo sauce and wrap it in a tortilla with lettuce and ranch or blue cheese dressing for a spicy and satisfying meal.
34. Greek Salad with Gyro Meat
Create a Greek salad with gyro meat and serve it with pita bread or rice. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
35. Beef and Broccoli Bowl
Sauté thinly sliced beef and broccoli in a flavorful stir-fry sauce and serve it over rice or noodles for an Asian-inspired meal.
36. Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Pizza
Top a pizza crust with tomato sauce, ham, pineapple, and cheese for a sweet and savory pizza in minutes.
37. Veggie Quesadilla
Fill a tortilla with cheese and sautéed veggies of your choice, then cook until it’s crispy and golden for a delicious and speedy quesadilla.
Final Thoughts,
There you have it, 37 quick and easy dinner ideas that can be made in just 10 minutes or less. With these recipes, you don’t have to sacrifice taste or health for convenience.
Cooking at home doesn’t have to be time-consuming or stressful. What’s even better is that these recipes are highly customizable, so you can make them your own and experiment with different ingredients and flavors.
So, the next time you are in a time crunch and want to whip up a quick meal, refer to this list for some inspiration. Happy cooking!