Short on time? Don't reach for the takeout menu. Instead, try one of our 10-minute meals that are cooked in a snap.
32 Delicious Dinners That Cook in 10 Minutes (or Less!)
Updated on Sep. 16, 2024
Chicken Rice Bowl
This chicken rice bowl recipe is so easy to toss together on a busy weeknight, and I usually have the ingredients already on hand. I start sauteing the onion and pepper first, then I prepare the instant rice. If you like, top it with some shredded sharp cheddar cheese. —Tammy Daniels, Batavia, Ohio
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Avocado Crab Boats
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These boats are wonderful with tortilla chips, beans or rice. You can also cover them, pack them on ice, and take them to a picnic or potluck. Straight from the oven or cold, they’re always delicious. —Frances Benthin, Scio, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled avocado half: 325 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 427mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein.
3/32
Garlic Lime Shrimp
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our son, a restaurant owner, showed me how to make this Garlic Lime Shrimp dish. I take advantage of this area's ample shrimp supply and make this special entree often. It's also tasty served over rice. —Gertraud Casbarro, Summerville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 309 calories, 25g fat (15g saturated fat), 199mg cholesterol, 613mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein.
4/32
15-Minute Microwave Meat Loaf
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I combined a few awesome-tasting recipes to create this flavorful microwave meat loaf, which my husband loves. And because it’s made in the microwave, the entree is ideal for busy nights. —Deb Thompson, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 386 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 954mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
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Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When it comes to grilled chicken recipes, we love this refreshing salad in the summer. The real star here is the vinaigrette made with blueberry preserves and maple syrup. It goes great with a fresh baguette and a frosty glass of minted lemonade. —Susan Gauthier, Falmouth, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 455 calories, 26g fat (7g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 460mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
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Lemon Basil Salmon
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband came up with this easy, foil-packet recipe for flaky, fork-tender salmon. This recipe is a winner. —Marianne Bauman Modesto, CA
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 274 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 264mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
7/32
Chicken, Rice and Beans
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This spicy family favorite calls for just a few basic ingredients, including chicken, black beans and rice, so it’s quick and easy to stir up in your skillet on a weeknight. —Molly Newman, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 3/4 cup bean mixture and 1/2 cup cooked rice: 400 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 670mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 32g protein.
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Chinese Pork Fried Rice
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pretty peas and crunchy carrots add color to tender meat and rice in this Chinese pork fried rice recipe. —Peggy Vaught, Glasgow, West Virginia.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 338 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 163mg cholesterol, 597mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
9/32
Hot Spinach Apple Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With a light sweet-tangy dressing, the spinach doesn’t wilt and the apples retain their crunch. We serve this salad with homemade bread. —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 117 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I experimented for a couple of years before perfecting this colorful dish, and now everyone raves about it. This dish is easy and light, and it fits into my busy schedule. —Kristin Walker, Suffolk, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 283 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 209mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 lean meat.
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Herbed Tuna Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cooking for two is a challenge for us, since my husband and I do not care for leftovers. This well-seasoned salad with distinctive dill flavor is my favorite lunch recipe. —Rebecca Schweizer, Chesapeake, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 170 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 452mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
12/32
Honey Walleye
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our state is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, so fishing is a favorite hobby here. This recipe is my quick way to prepare all the fresh walleye hooked by the anglers in my family. —Kitty McCue, St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked fish: 389 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
13/32
Pork Fried Rice
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband anxiously awaits the nights we have pork because he knows I'll make this special Leftover Pork Fried Rice recipe. Add a few fortune cookies to make the meal special. —Norma Reynolds, Overland Park, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 382 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 203mg cholesterol, 428mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
14/32
Beef Patties with Gravy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend and I discovered this recipe together and both consider it a staple menu item. I fix the moist ground beef patties often for family and friends. We love them with mashed potatoes, rice or noodles and the gravy, which gets great flavor from fresh mushrooms. —Phyllis Miller, Danville, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 438 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 170mg cholesterol, 825mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
15/32
Grilled Salmon in Foil
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Steamed in its own juices, this grilled salmon in foil is incredibly tender. Curry adds a punch of flavor that's perfectly balanced by onion and tomato. —Merideth Berkovich, The Dalles, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 packet: 199 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 436mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
16/32
Sausage and Vegetable Skillet
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty stovetop entree has been a family favorite for years. The variety of vegetables makes this dish attractive. Cooking time is minimal. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 303 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
17/32
Air-Fryer Breaded Pork Chops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Instant mashed potatoes and bread crumbs have a similar texture, so I wondered how the combo would taste on air-fryer thin pork chops. This is now the only way we make pork chops in our house! —Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
2 pork chops: 297 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 565mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
Also, check how to make your instant mashed potatoes taste better.
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Chipped Beef on Toast
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This fast-to-fix chipped beef on toast makes a hearty breakfast or light lunch. A creamy sauce prepared in the microwave coats convenient packaged dried beef. —Jane Fry, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup beef mixture with 2 pieces toast: 400 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 1422mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
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Fried Chicken Cutlets
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the combination of chicken and cheese in this chicken cutlet recipe. Parmesan cheese, garlic powder and onion powder flavor the golden chicken cutlet, which is coated with seasoned bread crumbs. —Marie Hoyer, Lewistown, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cutlet: 428 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 42g protein.
20/32
Linguine with Fresh Tomatoes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This garlic and basil linguine is a perfect way to use up your late-summer tomato harvest. It makes a great light supper when paired with a salad, or you can make it heartier with some chopped chicken. —Susan Jones, Downers Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 233 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
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Chicken Caesar Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After tasting this easy chicken Caesar salad recipe at a friend's going-away party, I made sure to request the recipe. Now I fix it for my husband just about every week. It's great with a potato or pasta side dish and chunks of crusty bread. —Kim Blanda, Neptune, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 318 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 573mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
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Honey-Mustard Glazed Salmon
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You won't need to fish for compliments from your dinner guests when you serve this spectacular honey mustard salmon! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 292 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 265mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein.
23/32
Smoked Sausage Dinner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I treat my wife to this well-seasoned, nourishing meal when she comes home from work. The V8 gives it a unique flavor. —Raymond Bell, Thornton, CO
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 603 calories, 38g fat (14g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 1518mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
24/32
Steamed Tilapia in Wine Sauce
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I developed this recipe while working at a local winery. Fast and easy to prepare, it became an instant classic at my house. I use a lively dry pear wine in the sauce and recommend avoiding those wines that are sweet or semisweet. —Tenneille Brewer, Fayette, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 packet: 281 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 717mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
25/32
Chicken Alfredo
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish's classic sauce is almost as simple as opening a jar but tastes so much better. The easy chicken Alfredo recipe can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 998 calories, 77g fat (46g saturated fat), 326mg cholesterol, 1015mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein.
26/32
Veggie Fajitas
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 fajitas
From the Recipe Creator:
For a scrumptious and super healthy party dish, these colorful, hearty veggie fajitas packed with crisp-tender vegetables are perfect. —Sarah Mercer, Wichita, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 fajita: 375 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 853mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
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BBLT Chopped Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My original BLT chopped salad recipe called for lettuce. One day I didn't have any, so I substituted spinach. I ended up making some more healthy adjustments to the dish, and the rest is history! —Cindy VanBeek, Randolph, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2-1/2 cups: 356 calories, 22g fat (4g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 906mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 6g fiber), 14g protein.
28/32
Blue-Ribbon Beef Nachos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chili powder and convenient jarred salsa season a zesty mixture of ground beef and refried beans that's sprinkled with green onions, tomatoes and ripe olives. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 294 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 1353mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 20g protein.
29/32
Quick Almond Chicken Stir-Fry
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this dish often because it is so quick and easy to prepare. My family likes the flavor the sugar snap peas and almonds add. Sometimes I top it with chow mein noodles for extra crunch.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 526 calories, 35g fat (4g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 871mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 8g fiber), 35g protein.
30/32
Spaghetti Chicken Parmesan
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make this yummy chicken Parmesan with spaghetti when I have extra sauce on hand. The herbed coating on the tender chicken gets nice and golden. —Margie Eddy, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 479 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 182mg cholesterol, 1818mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 50g protein.
31/32
Creamy Tomato Shrimp Pasta
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
People love this creamy pasta and think it’s complicated, but jarred sauces make it so quick to prepare. It feels special enough for festive occasions. —Cassandra Gourley, Williams, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 554 calories, 30g fat (13g saturated fat), 188mg cholesterol, 1097mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein.
32/32
Shrimp Flatbread
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are hooked on flatbread pizzas, especially this shrimp flatbread pizza recipe. I make at least one a week just to have something tasty around as a snack. This one came together easily because I had all the ingredients on hand. —Cheryl Woodson, Liberty, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 flatbread: 634 calories, 41g fat (24g saturated fat), 263mg cholesterol, 1163mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
