95 Semi-Homemade Recipes for When You’re Short on Time

Chocolate Comfort Cake

This moist and delicious chocolate cake is usually the first dessert to go. People even eat the crumbs. It’s always my top choice for holiday dinners. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Go to Recipe

Cheesy Hash Brown Potatoes

Need to feed a crowd for breakfast or brunch? Cheesy Hash Brown Potatoes are a creamy, comforting side dish that you can mix up in only ten minutes. Shredded, frozen hash browns (thawed ahead of time) plus a couple of pantry staples bake up into a gooey casserole that you can customize with almost any addition you like.

Slow-Cooker Dump Cake

Our crockpot dump cake combines the classic flavors of pineapple upside-down cake with the ease of slow-cooking. Just dump the ingredients in and let them simmer—it doesn’t get much better than that!

Easy Pesto Pizza

Our Test Kitchen kneaded basil, oregano and Parmesan cheese into packaged bread dough for this full-flavored crust. Purchased pesto sauce keeps it big on taste and convenience.

Tasty Onion Chicken

The secret to this French onion chicken is the yummy, crunchy coating that keeps the meat juicy and tender. Round out your meal with green beans and buttermilk biscuits. —Jennifer Hoeft, Thorndale, Texas

Dutch Oven Chocolate Dump Cake

Looking for a super quick dessert that will make people think you spent all day in the kitchen? This easy dessert will wow your guests. Feel free to use your favorite pie filling in place of cherry. — Rashanda Cobbins, Aurora, Colorado

Cheesy Caramelized Onion Skillet Bread

This appetizer is perfect for a football game or informal party, but it came about because I have two sons who are always hungry. I needed time to get dinner on the table after coming home from work. They love the skillet bread for the flavor, and I love it because it keeps them in the kitchen to chat while I prepare the rest of dinner! If you'd like, you can use homemade biscuits instead of prepared. —Mary M. Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina

Red Velvet Cake Balls

The next time you host a party, whip up these irresistible bite-sized red velvet cake balls for your guests. They are sweet, easy to make and require only three ingredients.

Quick White Chili

This recipe went from a gigantic mistake to a tasty triumph. I created it by accident—and it got rave reviews. Now I whip up this quick-as-lightning dish when I’m pinched for time. —Cynthia Lynn Bloemker, Effingham, Illinois

Eight-Layer Casserole

My sister shared this original recipe with me, but I adapted it for my family's taste. I like that it's a nutritious meal in one dish. When my boys were young, it was a tasty way to sneak veggies into their diet. This is also a perfect dish for potlucks. —Jo Prusha, Omaha, Nebraska

Easy Fried Rice

This easy fried rice recipe captures the flavor of fried rice from your favorite take-out spot. Use leftover rice and leftover chicken for a satisfying meal that's simple to put together.

Easy Pecan Pie Bars

I'm always searching for fast and easy recipes to take to the teachers lounge. The staff goes nuts for these shortcut pecan pie bars. —Kathro Yoder, Defiance, Ohio

Tater Tot Casserole

Thanks to a few ingredients and easy prep, this cheese-smothered Tater Tot casserole will be a recurring star at your dinner table.

Cinnamon Fruit Biscuits

Because these sweet treats are so easy, I'm almost embarrassed when people ask me for the recipe. They're a snap to make with refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, sugar, cinnamon and your favorite fruit preserves. —Ione Burham, Washington, Iowa

Shortcut Sausage Lasagna

My family and friends love this great tasting lasagna. The recipe is almost foolproof. Best of all, there’s no need to precook the noodles. —Cindy Moore, Rhinelander, Wisconsin

Enchilada Chicken Soup

Canned soups, enchilada sauce and a few other convenience items make this chicken enchilada soup recipe one of my fast favorites. Use mild green chiles if they suit your taste, or try a spicier variety to give the soup more kick. —Cristin Fischer, Bellevue, Nebraska

Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding

I didn't start off as a big fan of bread puddings, but one time I found myself with a large surplus of croissants and decided to get fancy with them. This dark chocolate croissant bread pudding became special to me the minute I tasted it. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

Turkey Biscuit Skillet

My mother always made this skillet while we were growing up. Now I make it for my husband and kids. I use the small-size biscuits because the larger ones don't seem to brown up as nicely on the top. —Keri Boffeli, Monticello, Iowa

Cheesy Wild Rice Soup

We often eat easy-to-make soups when there's not a lot of time to cook. I replaced the wild rice in the original recipe with a boxed rice mix. This creamy concoction is now a family favorite. — Lisa Hofer, Hitchcock, South Dakota

One-Pot Mac and Cheese

What's tangy, tasty, and super simple to make? This stovetop macaroni and cheese recipe, that's what! All the cooking happens in one pan (a Dutch oven). The cheesiness of this dish is over the top, thanks to the special blend of Velveeta and sharp cheddar cheese.

Chicken Biscuit Casserole

Chicken biscuit casserole is rich and satisfying with a broccoli cheddar base and a buttery biscuit topping. The recipe comes together in about an hour and is a great way to use up leftover chicken.

Lime Gelatin Salad

Jiggly retro desserts are back! Bust out your vintage molds for our creamy, citrusy lime gelatin salad recipe.

Crescent Beef Casserole

This flavorful meal-in-one dish is all you need to serve a satisfying and quick dinner on a busy weeknight. It's on the table in just 30 minutes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Baked Swiss Chicken

Canned soup, white wine, Swiss cheese and crushed croutons dress up the chicken breasts in this elegant entree. Ideal for unexpected guests, it requires only a few ingredients. The creamy sauce is excellent with garlic mashed potatoes or rice. —Beverly Roberge, Bristol, Connecticut

Magic Cookie Bars

Whether you call them magic cookie bars, seven-layer bars or Hello Dolly bars, we know that this super simple dessert is always a hit.

Simple Shrimp Chowder

Shrimp fans will be bowled over by this tasty take on chowder. The creamy broth is chock-full of vegetables. Chop up leftover cooked potatoes or use canned ones. —Carolyn Schmeling, Brookfield, Wisconsin

Quick and Easy Vegetable Potpie

This meatless Monday superstar comes together quickly and is inexpensive as well. My 4-year-old always asks for seconds! You can substitute any canned or frozen beans for the canned lentils in this easy vegetable potpie. We also like using frozen edamame. —Maggie Torsney-Weir, Los Angeles, California

Birthday Cake Fudge

This decadent birthday cake fudge is the perfect thing to make your big day special. Or prepare it ahead and package it as a surprise gift for a friend. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Ravioli Casserole

Love lasagna but want something simpler to make? Try our ravioli casserole—all the cheese and sauce, and it's ready in no time.

Fudgy Oat Brownies

These cakelike brownies have a rich, crunchy oat crust and a smooth homemade chocolate frosting. A packaged brownie mix makes the recipe easy to prepare. You can make it even easier by using canned frosting. —Diana Otterson, Canandaigua, New York

Chicken Panini

This melty, decadent and easy-to-make chicken panini is perfect for a quick lunch or a casual weekend treat.

Shortcut Oven-Baked Chicken Chimichangas

Mimic the crunch of a chimichanga by brushing them with oil and baking them. Our children love to have them when they get home late after school activities. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

Cinnamon Monkey Bread

Is it possible for four kids to cook together without total chaos in the kitchen? Yes, with the right recipe! This cinnamon roll monkey bread is a favorite with my bunch. They get to "play" as they roll pieces of refrigerated biscuit dough into balls. —Lisa Combs, Greenville, Ohio

Stuffed Shells with Meat

This easy stuffed shells with meat and ricotta recipe is warm and comforting after a long day. Prep the meat-stuffed shells the day before, then just pop the dish in the oven after work.

Shortcut Coconut-Pecan Chocolate Tassies

You can garnish these cookies with pecan halves or a couple of chocolate chips before baking, or drizzle with a little melted chocolate after taking them out of the oven. —Deb Villenauve, Krakow, Wisconsin

Spinach and Tortellini Soup

A simple tomato-enhanced broth is perfect for cheese tortellini and fresh spinach. Increase the garlic and add Italian seasoning to suit your taste. —Debbie Wilson, Burlington, North Carolina

Cake Mix Brownies

These cake mix brownies are a mashup of two of my favorite desserts. A woman I worked with gave me a recipe for chocolate caramel brownies, and I had a recipe for yellow cake mix bars. I wondered what they would taste like together, so I tried it. I've been making them ever since! —Staci Mergenthal, Verdi, Minnesota

Bean Burritos

Craving a tasty vegetarian meal? Try this easy bean burrito recipe featuring refried beans, salsa, rice and melted cheddar cheese.

Puppy Chow

Our puppy chow recipe doesn't skimp on chocolate, peanut butter or sugar.

Waffle-Iron Pizzas

These little pizza pockets put together using the waffle maker are a fun mashup. Try your favorite toppings or even breakfast fillings like ham and eggs. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Berry Brownie Pizza

How could you not love pizza for dessert? A fudgy brownie base is layered with a whipped topping sauce, then topped with fresh strawberries, chopped nuts and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.  —Karen Heleski, Ubly, Michigan

Dipped Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

You’ll love to give tins of these chocolate-coated cookies to your lucky friends. The shortcut holiday recipe is almost too simple to believe! Here's how to make peanut butter cookies without eggs. —Jackie Howell, Gordo, Alabama

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Stuffing

Every family seems to have a favorite stuffing recipe. My family and I have been making this one for many years. It’s so delicious that no gravy is required! —Sandra Dombek, Camillus, New York

Amish Breakfast Casserole

Made with hash browns, bacon and plenty of melted cheese, this hearty Amish breakfast casserole is a make-ahead breakfast you can prep in 15 minutes.

Peanut Butter Lasagna

This peanut butter lasagna recipe features rich chocolate and peanut butter layers for a part-crunchy, part-creamy dessert that'll perk up any chocolate and peanut butter lover's taste buds.

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

When you're looking for comfort and ease, this chicken broccoli casserole is the answer to your dinner dreams.

Macaroni Coleslaw

My friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to one of our picnics, and everyone liked it so much, we all had to have the recipe. —Sandra Matteson, Westhope, North Dakota

Fluffy Key Lime Pie

For a taste of paradise, try this no-bake Key lime pie recipe. It's low in fat, sugar and fuss. It truly is the best Key lime pie recipe ever! —Frances VanFossan, Warren, Michigan

Flavorful Pot Roast

On hectic days, this is so quick and easy to prep! Convenient packages of dressing and gravy combine to create a sauce worthy of a fall-apart roast. For a filling meal-in-one, serve with mashed potatoes and ladle the juices over top. —Arlene Butler, Ogden, Utah

Chicken Potpie

Learning how to make chicken potpie from scratch is 100% worth it. This chicken potpie recipe features a flaky, buttery crust packed with chicken, vegetables and a creamy sauce.

Corn Pudding

This sweetheart of a side is delicious, rich and perfect on a weeknight table or as part of a holiday spread. If you want to step up your side dish game, this triple-corn pudding is an excellent choice.

Creamy Coleslaw

This creamy coleslaw recipe is rich, tangy and sweet. It’s the perfect partner for barbecue, but it tastes just as good as a topping for tacos or a meaty sandwich.

Chicken and Dumplings

Perfect for fall nights, my simple version of comforting chicken and dumplings is speedy, low in fat and a delicious one-dish meal. —Nancy Tuck, Elk Falls, Kansas

Chocolate Chip Cookie Delight

Including the hands-off time it spends chilling in the fridge, chocolate chip cookie delight is a low-lift layered dessert of chocolate chip cookie crust, cream cheese filling and creamy pudding.

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

My daughter has the best sour cream and cream cheese chicken enchiladas recipe I've ever tried. She brought 10 pans of it to my wedding reception and they were the biggest hit of all the food. So many guests wanted the recipe, we sent it out with our Christmas cards. —Pat Coffee, Kingston, Washington

Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet

When you don't have hours to whip up a slow-cooked meal, this hearty pulled pork pasta recipe is a great shortcut; it tastes as if it cooked all day but can be ready in just 25 minutes.

Ravioli Lasagna

Our four-ingredient ravioli lasagna is the perfect shortcut meal for when you're craving lasagna but don't have as much time to cook. It's an easy and delicious meal for any night of the week.

Root Beer Float Pie

This is the kind of recipe your kids will look back on and always remember. And you don't even need to use an oven! —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Ham and cheese sliders are the ultimate make-ahead dish for lunch, dinner or a party snack.

Beef & Tater Bake

The entire family will enjoy this heartwarming, all-in-one dinner. Plus, it offers easy cleanup! —Mike Tchou, Pepper Pike, Ohio

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

What's a potluck without strawberry pretzel salad? This summer side dish (or should we say dessert?) is definitely a recipe to keep in your back pocket.

Honey Chicken Stir-Fry

Who needs takeout when you've got this quick and delicious honey chicken stir-fry! Simple ingredients and a full-proof method mean dinner will be ready in a flash.

Saltine Toffee

Gear up for holiday gifting by mixing up a batch of saltine toffee and topping it with any kind of toasted nuts or candies you like. (And don't forget to save some for yourself!)

Broccoli Casserole

This classic cheesy broccoli casserole recipe is a timeless family favorite. It requires only five ingredients and 15 minutes of prep time for a quick and easy dinner.

Corn Dog Casserole

Reminiscent of traditional corn dogs, this fun main dish really hits the spot on fall days. It's perfect for the football parties my husband and I often host. It tastes especially good right from the oven. -Marcy Suzanne Olipane, Belleville, Illinois

Snickers Salad

Snickers salad may not be a traditional green salad, but it is a midwestern specialty. Bring this easy one-bowl dessert to your next potluck and watch it disappear!

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Our delicious and easy hash brown breakfast casserole gives you the best bits of breakfast in every bite!

Peanut Butter Pudding Dessert

Here's a fun layered dessert that will appeal to all ages. If you want it even nuttier, you can use chunky peanut butter, and if you're not a fan of cashews, substitute your favorite nut. This peanut butter lasagna is one of my favorite pudding desserts. —Barbara Schindler, Napoleon, Ohio

White Chocolate Chex Mix

White chocolate Chex mix is the perfect balance of sweet, salty and crunchy, which makes it hard to resist. This party snack takes minutes to make and disappears just as quickly.

Breakfast Biscuit Cups

The first time I made these cups, my husband and his assistant coach came into the kitchen right as I pulled the pan from the oven. They devoured the biscuits! —Debra Carlson, Columbus Junction, Iowa

Pepperoni Bread

Our contest-winning pepperoni bread recipe begins with frozen bread dough, so there's no need to make your own dough. Simply thaw it, roll it out and stuff it with cheese, pepperoni and other savory delights like olives, mushrooms and pickled peppers.

Caramel Brownies

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these rich, gooey caramel brownies. Topped with crushed walnut pieces and a hearty swirl of caramel layered throughout, these brownies will be a delight the next time you're craving decadence.

Taco Meatball Ring

While it looks complicated, this attractive meatball-filled ring is really very easy to assemble. My family loves tacos, and we find that the crescent roll dough is a nice change from the usual tortilla shells or chips. —Brenda Johnson, Davison, Michigan

Ribbon Pudding Pie

Cool, smooth and creamy, this pretty pie is a slice of heaven for people with diabetes and anyone who likes an easy yet impressive dessert. The lovely pudding layers feature a yummy combination of vanilla, chocolate and butterscotch. —Doris Morgan, Verona, Mississippi

Easy Salsa Sloppy Joes

I created these sandwiches when I realized I did not have a can of sloppy joe sauce. The sweet brown sugar in this recipe complements the tangy salsa. —Krista Collins, Concord, North Carolina

Green Bean Casserole

If green bean casserole is your go-to Thanksgiving side dish, why not make it more often? The creamy, crunchy dish is an easy make-ahead recipe that goes well with a variety of meals.

Sausage Veggie Skillet

This sausage veggie skillet recipe is a no-fuss, hearty meal. Made with potatoes, onions, spinach and corn, this hearty skillet meal is surprisingly quick to prepare and can be on the table in about 30 minutes.

Easy Stuffed Shells

I threw this recipe together one day when we had unexpected guests. It was an immediate hit and is now a family favorite. Get the kids involved when putting together this simple, savory dish. —Dolores Betchner, Cudahy, Wisconsin

French Fry Casserole

Cheeseburger-inspired french fry casserole is a playful take on a hot dish. Who wouldn't smile when presented with a toasty platter of fries crowning a cheesy, beefy tumble? As with a burger, you can customize yours with any toppings you like.

Pea ‘n’ Peanut Salad

Even people who don't like peas love this crunchy recipe, including my own children. I love the fact that it's so easy and makes a refreshing alternative to more traditional salads. A friend gave me the recipe years ago and I've been making it ever since. —Laurinda Nelson, Phoenix, Arizona

Italian Mushrooms

Only four ingredients create a rich and flavorful side dish that goes well with beef and mashed potatoes. —Kim Reichert, Fargo, North Dakota

Soupy Chicken Noodle Supper

At least once a week my six-year-old son, also known as Doctor John, hands me a “prescription” for chicken noodle soup. Needless to say, I'm always happy to fill it. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota

Contest-Winning Easy Tiramisu

This recipe makes a great quick dessert for a special supper…or anytime. It's easily doubled if needed. What a fun use for pudding snack cups! —Betty Claycomb, Adverton, Pennsylvania

Spinach Dip in a Bread Bowl

Elevate your regular dip into spinach dip in a bread bowl. Add thinly sliced vegetables around the platter for scooping, and you'll wow guests with the easiest presentation!

Taco Pizza

Two dinner faves come together in this taco pizza. Ready the sprinkle cheese and the hot sauce!

Easy Cake Mix Bars

I take this dessert to work for Friday pick-me-ups. It's one of my favorite yellow cake bar recipes. I love to share them because they're so easy to eat, easy to make and easy on the wallet. —Amy Rose, Ballwin, Missouri

Herbed Rice Pilaf

Combine toasted rice, a few pantry staples and fresh herbs for a flavor-packed herbed rice pilaf.

Easy Chili Mac

This easy chili mac combines tender pasta, savory beef and a cheesy chili sauce for a comforting meal that’s ready in no time.

Herbed Cheese Sticks

We love the breadsticks we get hot from the oven at our local pizza parlor. Now I can serve that same wonderful goodness at home. —Heather Bates, Athens, Maine

Quick Icebox Sandwiches

My mother liked making these cool, creamy treats when I was growing up in the States because they're so quick to fix. Then I made them for my three kids.—Sandy Armijo, Naples, Italy

Pesto Pinwheels

It's not a party without a basket of pesto pinwheels. The delectable hand-held appetizer is filled with basil, Parmesan and a sprinkle of sweet peppers.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

This chicken bacon ranch pizza is a fantastic family recipe. The flavor is out of control thanks to shredded chicken and savory bacon, multiple types of cheese, a creamy white sauce base and a DIY ranch drizzle. All that, plus a crunchy lettuce and refreshing tomato topper.

Wild Rice Stuffed Squash

I made this recipe when we invited both our families to celebrate our first Thanksgiving in our new home. There were 37 of us, and those who tried this dish raved about it. —Robin Thompson, Roseville, California

Chicken Tostada Cups

Several years ago I tried a version of these cups at a restaurant in Santa Fe, and I wanted to make my own spin. They're perfect for gatherings where you can let everyone add their own favorite toppings. —Marla Clark, Moriarty, New Mexico

Deluxe Hash Brown Casserole

My son-in-law gave me the recipe for this hash brown casserole, which my kids say is addictive. It's an amazing make-ahead dish.—Amy Oswalt, Burr, Nebraska