After a long day’s work, the thought of returning home only to toil away in the kitchen can seem daunting. The prospect of slaving over a hot stove, or spending hours preparing a meal is often the last thing we want to face. Yet, embracing the art of cooking from scratch doesn’t have to be a laborious task reserved for the weekend, or a day off.
On the contrary, there are so many quick and easy meals that can be whipped up in little to no time at all. I thought I’d share some of my favourite recipes for a midweek meal so, without further ado, here are ten of my go-to speedy suppers.
10 simple recipes for easy midweek meals
1. One-pot spaghetti
One-pot spaghetti is an excellent recipe for a beginner cook, with minimal effort and clean-up involved. Start by sautéing diced onions and garlic in a large pot, until soft. Add a can of diced tomatoes, water, and uncooked spaghetti. Let everything simmer until the pasta is cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility; you can add pre-cooked meat, vegetables, or spices according to your taste. Not only is this dish super quick and easy to make, but it also infuses the pasta with an intense flavour, making it a foolproof meal for any night.
2. Chicken chili
This is an easy chicken chili anyone can make, transforming a few simple ingredients into a comforting meal. Begin with cooked, shredded chicken – leftover rotisserie chicken works well. In a pot, combine the chicken with canned beans, diced tomatoes, and chilli powder. Let the mixture simmer until heated through. In 15-20 minutes or so, you’ll be tucking into a hearty, satisfying chilli. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, or reheating throughout the week for a quick meal.
3. Veggie stir-fry
A veggie stir-fry is quick, nutritious, and incredibly versatile. Heat a splash of oil in a pan, then add your choice of chopped vegetables – bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots are a tasty combination. Stir-fry until just tender, then add a simple sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and a little ginger. For a complete meal, toss in some pre-cooked tofu or chicken. Serve your stirfry over rice or noodles for an easy, flavourful dish that ticks all your nutritional boxes. The best bit? It’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables too.
4. Overnight oats
Overnight oats are a game-changer for busy mornings. In a jar, combine rolled oats with milk (dairy or plant-based, your choice), a dollop of yogurt, and sweetener or sugar (if you wish). Let the mixture sit in the fridge overnight, and in the morning, you’ll have a delicious, creamy ready-made breakfast to enjoy. Customise your oats with additions like fresh fruit, nuts, or peanut butter. This no-cook recipe is not only easy but also endlessly customisable, and perfect for grabbing on your way out the door.
5. Microwave quesadillas
Microwave quesadillas are the perfect solution when you need a meal in minutes. Place a tortilla on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle with shredded cheese and fillings like pre-cooked chicken, beans, or vegetables. Top with another tortilla, and microwave for about one minute, or until the cheese has melted. Carefully remove from the microwave, allow to cool, and cut into wedges. Serve with salsa or sour cream for dipping. This dish just goes to show that you don’t need any fancy kitchen equipment to make tasty, satisfying meals.
6. Simple tuna salad
A simple tuna salad is both nutritious and versatile, making it an ideal choice for a quick meal-on-the-move. Drain a can of tuna and mix with diced celery, mayonnaise and a pinch of salt and pepper. For a healthier twist, swap mayo for Greek yogurt. Heap onto a bed of greens, or use to fill sandwiches and wraps. It’s a no-cook recipe that packs protein and can be prepared in minutes or made in advance and stored in the fridge, perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
7. Welsh rarebit
It’s no surprise that I love Welsh rarebit! This traditional Welsh take on cheese on toast is so quick, cheap and easy to prepare and, once you’ve tasted it for yourself, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t try it sooner. Simply combine grated Cheddar cheese with a little beer, stout or ale, melted butter, mustard and Worcestershire sauce, spread onto lightly toasted bread, and place under a hot grill until the cheese has melted. Try out my Welsh rarebit recipe and let me know what you think!
8. No-bake energy balls
No-bake energy balls are the perfect snack to keep you going during a busy week, when your rushed off your feet and can’t seem to find time to cook. Mix oats, peanut butter, honey, and any other additions you like – chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, or seeds are great options. Roll the mixture into balls, and refrigerate until firm. High in energy, satisfying, and portable, these are ideal for snacking on during the mid morning, or afternoon.
9. Quick breakfast burritos
These simple breakfast burritos are a great way to start your day, especially if you like to begin with a protein-packed meal. Scramble eggs and add them to a warmed tortilla along with cheese, pre-cooked sausage or bacon, and any vegetables you have to hand. Roll up the tortilla, and enjoy. If you’re in a rush, wrap it in foil and eat it on the go. These burritos can also be made in advance, frozen, and reheated for a speedy breakfast option.
10. Pasta salad
Pasta salad is easy to make, versatile, and perfect to eat at anytime of the day. Cook pasta and toss it with Italian dressing, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, olives, and mozzarella cheese. This dish can be enjoyed immediately, or stored in the fridge; this is one of those dishes that seems to taste better the next day.
While no one wants to spend hours slaving over a hot stove after work, cooking a fulfilling, wholesome meal using fresh produce needn’t be a tedious task. Simply add a few tasty dishes like this to your recipe repertoire, and you’ll be good to go!
Leave a comment letting me know your go-to quick and easy recipe for a busy midweek meal.