Looking for simple last minute dinners for those busy, hectic weeknights? We've got 25+ of the best dinner recipes that you can whip up in no time at all.
Life can get super duper busy. We totally get that!
That's why most of the recipes you'll find here on Felnu can be made in 30 minutes or less, and almost all of them (save slow cooker recipes or baking recipes) can be made in under an hour.
But what about those truly crazy days when you've got 15 minutes or less and need dinner now?
We've got you covered! In this new recipe collection, we've compiled 25+ of our favorite and best simple last minute dinners.
TIP: Be sure to save this post so you can refer to it in the future!
[feast_advanced_jump_to]🌟 About these recipes
While most of the recipes we create for you on this site are quick and simple, these particular recipes are made for the busiest of busy nights.
In this recipe collection of simple last minute dinners, you'll find:
- Breakfast for dinner recipe ideas
- Simple pork + chicken dinner recipes
- Simple last minute seafood recipes
- Quick and simple vegetarian recipes
You'll find Pressure-cooker/electric pressure cooker recipes, air fryer recipes, and stovetop recipes.
We also share some tips and ideas for substitutions to make these recipes even faster!
🍽 Quick side dishes to serve with last minute dinners
We do make some suggestions for side dishes with some of the recipe descriptions.
In general, you want some side dishes you can easily make while the main course is cooking. Some of our favorite fast and simple side dishes to serve on busy weeknights include:
- Air fryer zucchini and squash
- Pressure-cooker basmati rice
- Pressure-cooker green beans
- Air fryer garlic bread
- Frozen onion rings in the air fryer
- Pressure-cooker broccoli
- Pesto bread
👩🏻🍳 Last minute dinner FAQs
Other than cooking frozen meat in the Pressure-cooker (see below), we've found the Cold Water Method to be the fastest, safest way to defrost meat.
• Place the meat in a leak-proof plastic bag to prevent water from seeping in.
• Submerge the bag in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold.
• Small cuts of meat can defrost in an hour or less, while larger cuts may take a few hours.
NOTE: Cook the meat immediately after defrosting using this method.
Yes, you can cook frozen meat in an Pressure-cooker! The Pressure-cooker is designed to handle frozen ingredients, and it's a great way to save time when you forget to thaw your meat. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
• Avoid overcrowding
• Thicker cuts take longer to cook
• You'll need to increase the cooking time by about 50% when using frozen meat. For example, if a recipe calls for cooking fresh chicken breasts for 10 minutes, you'll need to cook frozen ones for around 15 minutes.
• Like with any Pressure-cooker recipe, make sure to add enough liquid (such as broth or water). The steam created by the liquid is what allows the pressure cooker to work effectively.
• Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches safe cooking levels (e.g., 165°F for chicken, 145°F for pork and beef).
Every dish is different, but in general, most dishes should be stored properly in the refrigerator for anywhere from 2-5 days at the most. Some food can be stored for up to 7 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to check the FDA food storage recommendations for your specific leftovers. If there is an odd smell or discoloration, those can be telltale signs that it's time to throw out those leftovers.
The best simple last minute dinner recipes
Breakfast for dinner 🍳🥓
When in doubt, breakfast for dinner is always a great idea!
Salsa Eggs
This salsa eggs is such a fast and simple breakfast and hearty enough to enjoy as breakfast for dinner on those super busy weeknight dinners.
Egg Vegetable Scramble
Breakfast for dinner with lots of veggies? Yes please! This is a fast and simple dinner that is also a great recipe to use up veggies in the fridge before they go bad.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
Store-bought cinnamon rolls make a sweet breakfast for dinner and cook up quickly in the air fryer. Serve them with bacon and eggs for a super satisfying meal.
Air Fryer Hash Brown Patties
We always have frozen hash brown patties in the house and they cook up quickly in the air fryer. Serve them with sausage and sauteed veggies for a quick & simple dinner.
Pizza Pizza 🍕🍕
Pizza is a family favorite, and these pizza recipes are fast, simple, and better tasting than delivery!
Simple Pizza Cups
We love these pizza cups! Made with refrigerated pizza crust dough and filled with your favorite pizza toppings, this is a quick and simple dinner that everyone can customize.
Chicken Pesto Flatbread
Store-bought flatbread like naan bread, topped with rotisserie chicken, tomatoes, and jarred pesto sauce is a quick, tasty dinner for even the busiest of weeknights.
Barbecue Chicken Flatbread
Forget delivery, top your fave flatbread with BBQ sauce, rotisserie chicken, and red onions for a flavorful BBQ chicken pizza.
Prosciutto Flatbread
Prosciutto flatbread is an elevated yet simple dinner, with piled-high argula and your fave cheese or non-dairy cheese alternative.
Air Fryer Mini Pizzas
When time is tight, we make these mini pizzas in the air fryer. It's a great way for each person in the family to make their own personal pizzas.
Simple last minute meat dinners
These beef recipes come together quickly and offer big flavor for dinner.
Ground Turkey Teriyaki
This ground turkey teriyaki recipe is super versatile and can be made in 20 minutes. Serve it over rice or noodles.
Air Fryer Filet Mignon
Filet mignon on a hectic Monday night? You betcha! Thanks to the air fryer, filet mignon is tender and juicy. The perfect elevated homecooked dinner for even the busiest weeknights.
Thai Basil Beef
This Thai Basil Beef is better than takeout! Serve it over rice for a hearty, satisfying quick dinner.
Air Fryer Steak Bites
These steak bites are flavorful and cook quickly thanks to the air fryer. Serve them with pasta, rice, over a salad, or use the meat for tacos!
Simple last minute pork and chicken dinners
Pork and chicken cook up quickly in these simple last minute dinner ideas.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Not simply for Game Day, crispy chicken wings are a great last minute dinner idea! The air fryer gets the chicken skin nice and crispy without extra oil.
Air Fryer Paprika Chicken
This air fryer paprika chicken is one of the family's favorite simple last minute dinners. So flavorful and so simple, there's little prep time, and the air fryer cooks the chicken up quickly.
Pressure-cooker Chicken Drumsticks
Chicken drumsticks turn out tender and juicy, and cook fast, thanks to the Pressure-cooker. We serve these with rice, fries, or tater tots.
Pressure-cooker Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are an inexpensive cut of chicken, and the meat is so juicy and flavorful when cooked in the Pressure-cooker.
Honey Mustard Chicken Wrap
Make these Honey Mustard Chicken Wraps even faster by using store-bought frozen chicken tenders. Such a great last minute dinner idea!
Pressure-cooker Pork Chops and Rice
Pork chops and rice cook up together in the Pressure-cooker for a quick, simple, flavorful dinner. Simply add some sauteed frozen veggies to complete the meal!
Simple last minute seafood dinners
Seafood cooks up faster than most other proteins, making it a great choice for those busy nights when time is limited.
Thai Basil Shrimp
You can make this tasty Thai Basil Shrimp even faster than the time it takes to order take-out and pick it up or have it delivered. So good!
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Salmon cooks quickly in the air fryer, and you only need light seasonings to add big flavors. We love serving these air fryer salmon bites with a side of rice or noodles, or over a big green salad.
Dairy-Free Shrimp with Tortellini
Store-bought tortellini is a great shortcut for busy weeknight dinners. The shrimp cooks quickly, and we add frozen peas for veggies but you could also use frozen broccoli or a veggie medley of peas, carrots and corn.
Simple vegetarian dinners
No meat? No problem! You can whip up these simple vegetarian dinners in a flash!
20-Minute Creamy Paprika Pasta
This creamy paprika pasta is simple yet satisfying. Serve it with a side of your fave veggies.
Vegetarian Burrito Bowl (Pressure-cooker Recipe)
These Pressure-cooker vegetarian burrito bowls are hearty and oh so satisfying. So great for busy nights when there's a chill in the air, as a big bowl of this dish will warm you right up!
Tex-Mex Vegetarian Sheet Pan Nachos
Nachos are one of the family's longtime fave last minute dinners. This Tex-Mex vegetarian nacho recipe is made in one sheet pan in the oven, making clean-up a breeze!
Chili Garlic Noodles
We am in love with these chili garlic noodles and think you will fall for them too! They come together quickly - in 15 or 20 minutes - and you can adjust the heat to make them as mild or as spicy as you want. So great with a side of veggies, or you can always add seafood or meat.
🍳 Kitchen tools and equipment
Ready to make these recipes? Here are some kitchen tools that help make busy weeknights less hectic when you need to whip up last minute dinners.
- Pressure-cooker
- Air Fryer
More 30-minute dinner recipes
- Air Fryer Cod Recipe
- Air Fryer Shake and Bake Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
- Air Fryer Breakfast Sandwich
Did you make any of these recipes? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating and comment below letting us know which one you made and how it turned out. Thank you!
