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Home » Roundups

19 Easy Go-To Meals That Let You Spend Less Time in the Kitchen

By: Ksenia Prints · Updated: Apr 6, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links.

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Busy days call for meals that come together quickly without sacrificing flavor. These 19 easy go-to recipes keep cooking simple while still delivering satisfying results. With minimal prep and ingredients, they help you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. Whether you need a quick lunch or a no-fuss dinner, these dishes make homemade food effortless.

A cast iron skillet filled with a colorful stir-fry dish containing pieces of chicken, various bell peppers, broccoli, and topped with green onions and sesame seeds. This tantalizing low-carb dinner rests on a whitewashed wooden surface, an ideal option for those seeking healthy dinners.
Healthy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Fried Halloumi Salad

Large plate of fried halloumi salad with wine glass.
Fried Halloumi Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Warm, crispy halloumi cheese paired with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light dressing. This recipe takes about 20 minutes, using olive oil, herbs, and lemon for added flavor. The cheese stays firm with a golden crust while the vegetables add freshness. It’s a quick, satisfying meal with a great mix of textures.
Get the Recipe: Fried Halloumi Salad

Crunchy, Crispy Tofu Pasta Bake

A bowl of penne pasta mixed with chunks of chicken, sundried tomatoes, and pine nuts, garnished with fresh basil leaves. A fork rests inside the bowl. The background features a blurred plate with some crumbs.
Crunchy, Crispy Tofu Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Baked tofu adds a crunchy twist to a creamy pasta dish with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese. This recipe takes about 40 minutes, using garlic, basil, and parmesan for bold flavor. The tofu stays crispy, while the pasta remains soft and saucy. It’s a simple, plant-based meal that feels hearty.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy, Crispy Tofu Pasta Bake

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic

Roasted brussels sprouts with pomegranate and goat cheese.
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Air-fried Brussels sprouts turn crispy and mix with feta, pomegranate seeds, and balsamic glaze. This recipe takes about 25 minutes, using olive oil and garlic for depth. The sprouts stay crunchy while the feta adds creaminess, and the pomegranate brings sweetness. It’s an easy side or light meal with a balance of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic

4 Easy Middle Eastern Apple Appetizers

Apple skewers on a white plate.
4 Easy Middle Eastern Apple Appetizers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Sliced apples pair with a variety of toppings like tahini, nuts, and honey for quick, flavorful bites. This recipe takes about 15 minutes, using cinnamon and yogurt for extra depth. The apples stay crisp, while the toppings add a mix of sweet and savory elements. It’s a simple way to make a fast and refreshing snack.
Get the Recipe: 4 Easy Middle Eastern Apple Appetizers

Tabbouleh Salad With Feta

Close up overhead of tabbouleh salad with feta.
Tabbouleh Salad With Feta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Fresh parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur wheat are mixed with feta and a light lemon dressing. This recipe takes about 20 minutes and uses olive oil and garlic for a bright, Mediterranean taste. The feta adds creaminess while the grains stay light and fluffy. It’s a quick, refreshing salad that pairs well with any meal.
Get the Recipe: Tabbouleh Salad With Feta

Quinoa Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Pumpkin

A casserole dish filled with a baked chicken, broccoli, and cheese casserole. The dish features visible pieces of chicken, broccoli florets, and melted cheese, garnished with chopped herbs.
Quinoa Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Pumpkin. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Tender chicken bakes with quinoa, roasted pumpkin, and fresh broccoli in a simple casserole. This recipe takes about 45 minutes and uses garlic, broth, and herbs for extra flavor. The quinoa absorbs the rich flavors, while the vegetables add texture. It’s a filling, nutritious dish that comes together easily.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Pumpkin

Gluten Free Pecan Pie With Maple Syrup And Maple Dulce De Leche Cream

Close up of pecan pie with dulce de leche cream.
Gluten Free Pecan Pie With Maple Syrup And Maple Dulce De Leche Cream. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

A rich pecan filling is baked inside a gluten-free crust with maple syrup and a creamy topping. This recipe takes about an hour, using pecans, butter, and vanilla for a classic taste. The filling stays gooey while the crust remains firm. It’s a homemade dessert that feels traditional yet updated.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Pecan Pie With Maple Syrup And Maple Dulce De Leche Cream

Butternut Squash Soup with Apple and Coconut Milk

A bowl of creamy orange soup garnished with herbs, chopped nuts, and drizzled cream sits on a marble surface. A small bowl of nuts and sprigs of fresh herbs are nearby, alongside a gray napkin.
Butternut Squash Soup with Apple and Coconut Milk. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Creamy butternut squash soup blends with sweet apples and smooth coconut milk for a comforting dish. This recipe takes about 40 minutes, using cinnamon, ginger, and garlic for warmth. The soup stays velvety while the apple adds natural sweetness. It’s a simple, soothing meal that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Soup with Apple and Coconut Milk

Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts

A piece of crumbly dessert with a golden-brown topping is on a dark plate. It has a dollop of whipped cream on top. A fork is partially embedded in the slice, with some crumbs scattered around.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Soft, mashed sweet potatoes bake with crunchy hazelnuts and a touch of cinnamon. This recipe takes about 45 minutes, using butter, brown sugar, and nutmeg for warmth. The topping adds texture while the sweet potatoes stay creamy. It’s a simple dish that works as a side or a light meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts

Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime and Sesame

A bowl of salad containing leafy greens, fresh herbs, sliced onions, and black sesame seeds on a light surface. Another dish with similar contents is partially visible to the side. There are scattered herbs around the bowl.
Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime and Sesame. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Crisp little gem lettuce gets tossed with fresh herbs, a maple-lime dressing, and toasted sesame seeds. This recipe takes about 15 minutes, using olive oil and garlic for extra flavor. The dressing adds a mix of sweetness and tanginess. It’s a quick salad with fresh, bright ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime and Sesame

Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli And Peppers

Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli And Peppers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Roasted potatoes, broccoli, and bell peppers are cooked with lemon juice and herbs for a simple meal. This recipe takes about 35 minutes, using olive oil and garlic for added depth. The potatoes stay crispy, while the vegetables remain tender. It’s an easy one-pan dish with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli And Peppers

Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad

Overhead of Moroccan pearl couscous salad.
Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Soft pearl couscous mixes with roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, and a lemon dressing. This recipe takes about 30 minutes, using olive oil and warm spices for extra flavor. The couscous stays fluffy while the vegetables add depth. It’s a quick, flavorful dish that can be a side or main.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad

Almond, Cranberry And Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole

A dish of granola with cranberries and sprigs of rosemary.
Almond, Cranberry And Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Roasted sweet potatoes combine with almonds, cranberries, and bread cubes for a sweet and savory casserole. This recipe takes about 50 minutes, using cinnamon and butter for extra depth. The cranberries add tartness while the sweet potatoes stay soft. It’s a simple dish that works as a main or side.
Get the Recipe: Almond, Cranberry And Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole

Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole

A casserole dish filled with a baked zucchini and cheese dish. Visible ingredients include sliced zucchini, melted cheese, and herbs. The dish is in a red, rectangular baking pan.
Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Ground beef, zucchini, and rice baked together with a light tomato sauce and herbs. This recipe takes about 45 minutes, using garlic and broth for extra depth. The beef stays juicy while the rice absorbs all the flavors. It’s a filling meal that requires little effort.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole

Chicken Butternut Squash Casserole

A spoon lifts a portion of baked macaroni and cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping from an oval black casserole dish. The dish rests on a wooden trivet, and a blue cloth is partially visible in the background.
Chicken Butternut Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Tender chicken bakes with soft butternut squash and a creamy sauce for a simple casserole. This recipe takes about 50 minutes, using garlic, thyme, and broth for extra flavor. The squash adds a natural sweetness while the chicken stays juicy. It’s a comforting meal that comes together easily.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Butternut Squash Casserole

Spicy Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Tahini

A roasted cabbage steak is served on a pink plate. It is topped with a creamy sauce, pumpkin seeds, and chopped green onions. The cabbage is browned and slightly charred at the edges.
Spicy Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Tahini. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Thick cabbage steaks roast in the air fryer with spices and a drizzle of creamy tahini. This recipe takes about 25 minutes, using olive oil, garlic, and paprika for bold flavor. The edges stay crispy while the tahini adds richness. It’s a quick dish with a perfect balance of spice and creaminess.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Tahini

Quinoa Cucumber Salad

A white plate with a serving of quinoa salad mixed with diced cucumbers, chopped herbs, red onions, nuts, and feta cheese. A gold fork is resting on the plate. The background is a light, textured surface.
Quinoa Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Fluffy quinoa mixes with crisp cucumbers, fresh herbs, and a light lemon dressing. This recipe takes about 20 minutes, using olive oil and garlic for extra depth. The cucumbers stay cool and crunchy while the quinoa absorbs the bright dressing. It’s a fast and refreshing meal for any day.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Cucumber Salad

Crispy Cucumber Rice Salad

A close-up of a dish featuring rice, sliced cucumbers, herbs, and pieces of a pink ingredient, possibly grapefruit. A spoon is lifting a portion from the plate. The background shows a small bowl with a yellow interior.
Crispy Cucumber Rice Salad. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Crunchy cucumbers mix with fluffy rice and a tangy dressing for a quick salad. This recipe takes about 20 minutes, using sesame oil and soy sauce for depth. The cucumbers stay fresh while the rice adds heartiness. It’s a simple dish with a mix of crisp and tender textures.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Cucumber Rice Salad

Healthy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

A cast iron skillet filled with a colorful stir-fry dish containing pieces of chicken, various bell peppers, broccoli, and topped with green onions and sesame seeds. This tantalizing low-carb dinner rests on a whitewashed wooden surface, an ideal option for those seeking healthy dinners.
Healthy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Juicy chicken is cooked with crisp vegetables in a light, flavorful stir-fry sauce. This recipe takes about 30 minutes and uses garlic, soy sauce, and ginger for extra depth. The chicken stays tender while the vegetables keep their crunch. It’s a fast, healthy meal for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

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About Ksenia

Welcome to At The Immigrant's Table! I blend my immigrant roots with modern diets, crafting recipes that take you on a global kitchen adventure. As a food blogger and photographer, I'm dedicated to making international cuisine both healthy and accessible. Let's embark on a culinary journey that bridges cultures and introduces a world of flavors right into your home. Read more...

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