Even though you're staying at home, you don't need to get stuck in a cooking rut! Switch it up by trying out these creative meal ideas.
28 Creative Quarantine Meals You Haven’t Tried Yet
Updated on Apr. 12, 2024
Pizza Potato Toppers
Not only is this recipe quick and easy to make, but it’s an economical treat as well. I don’t know of a more satisfying way to stretch a half pound of meat! —Sheila Friedrich, Antelope, Montana
1/28
2/28
Bacon-Wrapped Pesto Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to serve this family-favorite tenderloin—maybe because of the compliments that come with it! When the weather warms up, we grill it instead. —Megan Riofski, Frankfort, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 402 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 864mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
3/28
Teriyaki Glazed Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to experiment with food. We're able to buy sweet onions grown on Maui, so I stir-fry them with chicken and carrots for a tasty teriyaki meal. —Kelly Brenneman, Riverdale, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 324 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1922mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.
4/28
Pineapple Chicken Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m always looking for one-dish dinners 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’ schedules, I have little time in the kitchen. This recipe saves the day! —Susan Warren, North Manchester, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 335 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 1010mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
5/28
Easy Beef Pies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We make a lot of French dips and always have leftover roast beef. Here's how I put it to good use. For these pies, use any vegetables you like. They're extra awesome drenched in cheese sauce. —Jennie Weber, Palmer, Alaska
Nutrition Facts:
1 pie (calculated without queso dip): 752 calories, 46g fat (19g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 921mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein.
6/28
Buffalo Blue Cheese Meat Loaf
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made meat loaf with wing sauce for my guy, who prefers food with big flavors. He went crazy for it, and now likes it even more than traditional Buffalo wings! —Latesha Harris, Beaverton, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 286 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 1093mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
7/28
Thai Red Curry Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I recreated a favorite red curry chicken dish from a restaurant, and now I cook it almost weekly for my family. On a busy night, frozen stir-fry veggies really speed things up. —Mary Shenk, DeKalb, Illinois
8/28
Salsa Steak Garlic Toasts
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These open-faced steak sandwiches play up the popular combo of steak and garlic bread. The salsa, sour cream and garnish elevate it into quick, satisfying meal. Substitute chopped green onions or chives for the cilantro if desired. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 garlic toast with 3/4 cup steak mixture: 375 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 721mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
9/28
Asian Beef Noodles
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This yummy, economical dish takes only five ingredients—all of which you're likely to have on hand. Serve with a dash of soy sauce and a side of pineapple slices. —Laura Stenberg, Wyoming, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 383 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 546mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
10/28
Chicken & Cheese Tortilla Pie
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Trust me when I say this hearty dish can be assembled in minutes, then devoured even quicker with no leftovers. —Karen Kuebler, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 498 calories, 27g fat (14g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 889mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 37g protein.
11/28
Chicken Caprese
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love a Caprese salad of tomatoes, basil and cheese, so why not try a chicken caprese? You can grill this dish, but my family agrees it’s juicier straight from the oven. —Dana Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 525 calories, 34 g fat (11g saturated fat), 139 mg cholesterol, 761 mg sodium, 5 g carbohydrate (4 g sugars, 1 g fiber), 45 g protein.
12/28
Hungry Man's Baked Potatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet potatoes are topped with bacon, veggies, pulled pork and goat cheese for a unique take on a baked potato dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed potato: 435 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 1044mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein.
13/28
Pasta Pizza
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family often requests this meatless main dish. It's a tempting cross between pizza and spaghetti. —Andrea Quick, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 374 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 532mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein.
14/28
Sweet Potato-Crusted Chicken Nuggets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was looking for ways to spice up traditional chicken nuggets and came up with this recipe. The chips add a crunchy texture and flavor, while the meat is tender on the inside. —Kristina Segarra, Yonkers, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 308 calories, 17g fat (1g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
15/28
Lettuce-Wrap Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These fresh flavors blend like a dream. It's a snap to throw the wraps together for a quick, healthy lunch. The burgers can also be served on buns if you like. —Rachelle McCalla, Atlantic, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 wraps: 252 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 518mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat.
16/28
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I thought the original skillet dish lacked pizazz, so we created this tastier version. I've had teenage nieces and nephews request the recipe after their first bite. —Joyce Whipps, West Des Moines, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 579 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 995mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein.
17/28
Nacho Tots
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is an easy, versatile party appetizer that everyone loves. If you can't find chorizo, ground beef or ground chicken are wonderful, too. Top with anything you like! —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 378 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 1152mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein.
18/28
Turkey and Broccoli Pastry Braid
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This meal in one is an easy way to get kids—and adults—to eat broccoli. The puff pastry that wraps up turkey, cheese and veggies is pure, flaky goodness. —Jenelle Fender, Steinbach, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 463 calories, 26g fat (7g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein.
19/28
Chili-Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While exploring Mexican restaurants, I tasted chiles rellenos and wanted to make them at home. My husband and I teamed up to create this new favorite recipe, stuffed poblano peppers. —Lorrie Grabczynski, Commerce Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed pepper halves: 496 calories, 30g fat (11g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 913mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 40g protein.
20/28
Taco Salad Casserole
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This taco casserole recipe tastes like a taco salad and is a breeze to assemble. I crush tortilla chips to form a bottom layer, then spread on refried beans, a spicy meat mixture and cheese. —Rhonda McKee, Greensburg, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 527 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 1529mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 33g protein.
21/28
Turkey Scallopini
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Quick-cooking turkey breast slices make this recipe a winner when you only have a few minutes to fix a satisfying meal. I've also used flattened boneless skinless chicken breast halves in place of the turkey of this entree. —Karen Adams, Cleveland, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked turkey: 358 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 169mg cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 38g protein.
22/28
Grilled Greek Pita Pizzas
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy flatbread pizza captures classic Mediterranean flavors in every bite. It works equally well as a speedy main dish or an appetizer. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 pizza: 585 calories, 34g fat (8g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 1336mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 15g protein.
23/28
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this quick Buffalo chicken Alfredo! It became an instant favorite. I like to use Frank's cayenne pepper sauce, but if you like things on the milder side, just use a little less. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 504 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 1693mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
24/28
Portobello Fajitas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I serve portobello fajitas family-style so guests can build their own. Just pass the tortillas and garnishes like salsa, cheese, guacamole and sour cream. —Carolyn Butterfield, Lake Stevens, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 fajita (calculated without optional toppings): 282 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 664mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.
25/28
BLT Skillet
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 314 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 14g protein.
26/28
Beefy French Onion Potpie
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this dish knowing that my husband loves French onion soup—which I turned into a perfect base for the hearty, beefy potpie. —Sara Hutchens, Du Quoin, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 553 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 1550mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 38g protein.
27/28
Zucchini Boats
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After working hard all our lives and raising a family, we're now enjoying a simpler life. Getting back to the basics means enjoying old-fashioned comfort foods like these stuffed zucchini boats. —Mrs. C. Thon, Atlin, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed zucchini half: 312 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
28/28
Greek-Style Ravioli
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a flavorful Greek twist on an Italian classic. It’s an easy weekday meal that’s become one of our favorites. My husband and I enjoy it with garlic cheese toast. —Hetti Williams, Rapid City, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 333 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 851mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
