No Time? No Problem. Easy Weeknight Meals to Keep You on Schedule.
September 15, 2025
By Gretchen Westdal Centers
Everyone loves a home-cooked meal, but we don’t always feel like we have the time. Weeknights — and weekends, too — are packed with commitments, practices and decompressing after long days. Sometimes the idea of cooking a gourmet meal (or cooking at all) can feel taxing. These recipes solve that issue by using delicious whole ingredients simply and effectively. With lots of protein, fresh veggies, and palate-pleasing variety, we share easy solutions to dinner that will allow you to enjoy the free time you can find.
If you’re old enough, you might remember a commercial from the ‘90s with a trendy jingle celebrating the ease of a certain meat-filled pocket — one that was also hot. These Cheesy Meatball Pockets bring back those nostalgic bites, but with a quick and tasty on-the-go supper using frozen meatballs. The meatballs are tucked into refrigerated biscuit dough, and then a good-quality jarred marinara or Alfredo sauce meets fresh tomatoes and shredded cheese. After less than 15 minutes in the oven, you have a hot meal to enjoy at the table or on the way to practice. Recipe and photo credit: Iowa Beef Industry Council
Get the recipe here: Cheesy Meatball Pockets
For nights when you have a bit more time, but don’t want to spend 45 minutes washing pots and pans, this One-Pot Ground Pork Stroganoff is a hearty hit. Harkening back to kitchen tables of yesteryear, a stroganoff is a satisfying blend of creamy goodness. As the days get shorter and colder, the desire to enjoy warm and nourishing meals grows. Some might argue that the mushrooms are the stars of the show, but the ground pork is the protein standout. The umami and savory flavors shine, supported by sturdy egg noodles. And the best part? No chopping and minimal prep work, and everything goes into one pot for an easy weeknight supper. Recipe and photo credit: Iowa Pork
Get the recipe here: One Pot Pork Stroganoff
Tempeh Burrito Bowl | Soy Connection
For some of us, dinner preparation can resemble that of a 24-hour diner. This patron wants a grilled cheese. The other is demanding chicken nuggets. And then there’s the one still deciding what sounds good. Put that all to an end with these Tempeh Burrito Bowls, perfectly customized to whatever the patrons, I mean family members, want to put in them. Burrito bowls are a healthy and straightforward way to provide variety and individualized toppings. Take the opportunity to embrace tempeh, an easy-to-season and versatile plant-based protein. Most of the other ingredients are nutrient-packed, including canned vegetables, salsas, shredded lettuce and chopped peppers. Heat some Minute Rice, and you have an array of delicious foods to serve! Recipe and photo credit: Soy Connection
Get the recipe here: Tempeh Burrito Bowl
If you can remember to soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before cooking, you’ve completed the longest prep work for these Turkey Sausage Skewers. Turkey sausage, bell peppers, red onion, zucchini and summer squash get skewered and grilled for an incredibly tasty and simple weeknight meal. With a little bit of chopping and preheating, you can have a fun and flavorful dish ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a sensible supper that offers lean proteins and nutrient-dense vegetables, with little cleanup. These are a delicious dinner option and easy enough to assemble at a fall tailgate. Add a side of roasted potatoes, sauteed green beans or rice, and you have a balanced and filling meal. Recipe and photo credit: National Turkey Federation
Get the recipe here: Turkey Sausage Skewers
After a long day, dinner should be delicious, nourishing, and — most importantly — hassle-free. Sunny Choi’s Pineapple Fried Rice delivers just that. With just five to 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, this vibrant dish comes together quickly, which is ideal on busy weeknights. Bright chunks of pineapple (or pre-made salsa) add a burst of sweetness, while frozen veggies bring in color and nutrition without the fuss. Protein-rich scrambled eggs and crunchy roasted cashews round out the dish with satisfying texture and flavor. A splash of soy sauce, a pinch of garlic and onion powder — and optional boosts like fish sauce, tom yum paste or sriracha — make it endlessly customizable to suit your taste buds. Recipe and photo credit: Iowa Egg Council
Get the recipe here: Sunny Choi's Pineapple Fried Rice
Spaghetti is always a favorite, quick meal that’s ready to go in minutes. But, if you’re looking to branch out from the standard, try Zucchini Noodles with Greek Yogurt Romesco sauce. Romesco is a bold, smoky Spanish sauce traditionally made from tomatoes, peppers, and almonds or hazelnuts. This recipe maintains those key, traditional ingredients while also incorporating Greek yogurt for added creaminess and protein. Simply blend the sauce ingredients — red peppers, toasted almonds, garlic and paprika — and add them to the Greek yogurt for a rich sauce that will enrobe your zucchini. If you have family members who prefer traditional noodles, consider using a whole wheat version for added nutrients, and serve the zucchini on the side. Recipe and photo credit: U.S. Dairy
Get the recipe here: Zucchini Noodles with Greek Yogurt Romesco Sauce