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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    25 Family Favorite Dinners You Can Make in Just 15 Minutes

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated November 24, 2025 · Published November 28, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    These 15 family favorite dinners are quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights. With just 15 minutes of prep and cooking time, you can whip up satisfying meals that everyone will love. From stir-fries to pasta dishes, these recipes will help you get dinner on the table in no time.

    Smash Burgers

    Easy Smash Burger Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Smash burgers are quick and simple to prepare, and you don't need a grill to enjoy them. All you need is some ground beef, a bit of salt, and a hot skillet to create these delicious burgers in just 15 minutes. They're perfect for a fast meal that everyone will love.

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    Smoked Salmon & Spinach Pasta

    Salmon spinach pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish combines delicious smoked salmon with a zesty hint of lemon, creating a delightful meal. It's perfect for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. You can have this ready in just 15 minutes, making it a great option for a quick family dinner.

    Get the recipe

    One Pot Mac and Cheese

    One Pot Mac and Cheese
    Photo Credit: Show Me the Yummy.

    One Pot Mac and Cheese is a simple and comforting pasta dish that comes together in just one pot. This creamy and cheesy meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a favorite among families and sure to please everyone at the table.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Pasta

    Garlic butter pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is made with easy ingredients that you likely have in your kitchen. It's a great option for family dinners when you're pressed for time. In just 15 minutes, you can have a satisfying meal on the table that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This simple dinner is quick to prepare, needing just one pot and five ingredients, and it's ready in about 12 minutes. It's a great choice for busy nights when you want a delicious meal without spending too much time cooking. You can enjoy a satisfying dish that doesn't require a lot of effort.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp and Orzo

    15-Minute Shrimp and Orzo
    Photo credit: Tried and True

    Shrimp and orzo is a quick and easy meal that everyone will love. It's perfect for family dinners when you need something delicious but don't have much time to spare. This dish is simple to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a go-to choice for busy evenings.

    Get the recipe

    Falafel Sandwich

    Falafel Sandwich
    Photo credit: Inquiring chef

    A falafel sandwich features soft bread filled with crispy falafel, fresh veggies, and a tasty tahini sauce. This meal comes together quickly and is sure to please the whole family. It's a satisfying option that works well for busy days.

    Get the recipe

    Chickpea Gyros

    Chickpea Gyros.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Chickpea gyros are a simple and speedy vegetarian dinner option that you can prepare in a flash. In just 10 minutes of cooking and a bit of prep work, you can have a delicious meal ready to enjoy in 15 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is easy to prepare and ideal for a quick family dinner. In just 15 minutes, you can serve up a delicious meal that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef Burgers

    A cheeseburger without a bun on top.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    These burgers use ground beef, which keeps them juicy and filling. You can cook them on the grill outside or in a cast iron pan inside, and they always come out delicious.

    Get the recipe

    Pesto Salmon

    Pesto salmon on a serving platter.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Pesto Salmon is a great option for busy evenings when you need a meal in a hurry. It combines Greek yogurt and pesto for a quick and easy dish that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. This recipe is not only fast but also delicious, making it a family favorite.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Nachos

    Air fryer nachos.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Easy nachos are a fun and quick snack that everyone loves. With black beans and a variety of toppings, you can whip them up in less than 10 minutes. They're perfect for a fast treat when you're short on time.

    Get the recipe

    Cashew Alfredo

    A skillet full of cashew alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    This vegan alfredo sauce is quick and simple to prepare, taking just a few minutes. With only five ingredients, you can whip up a creamy sauce without any cooking involved. It's perfect for a fast meal that still feels satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Mediterranean Chicken, Cucumber and Tomato Salad

    Mediterranean Chicken, Cucumber and Tomato Salad in a wooden bowl.
    Photo Credit: Moderately Messy RD.

    This chicken, cucumber, and tomato salad is packed with fresh vegetables and protein. It's a simple meal that's perfect for a summer lunch or a quick dinner when you're short on time.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Kielbasa & Potatoes

    Kielbasa cooked in an air fryer.
    Photo Credit: Savory Sweet Spoon.

    A quick and easy dinner option is a dish made with kielbasa, potatoes, and peppers. It comes together in under 15 minutes and only requires four simple ingredients. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    3-Ingredient Sloppy Joes

    SLOPPY JOES.
    Photo credit: The Short Order Cook.

    A classic sloppy joe is a quick and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love. This easy meal brings comfort and happiness to the table, making it a great choice for busy evenings.

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    Copycat Noodles and Company Pasta Fresca

    Copycat Noodles and Company Pasta Fresca.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    A simple pasta fresca can be ready in just 15 minutes, giving you a delicious meal that rivals what you'd find at a restaurant. This homemade dish is quick and easy to whip up, and it's full of great flavors. Perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Korean Beef Bowls

    Korean Ground Beef Bowl.
    Photo credit: I Heart Naptime.

    A Korean ground beef bowl is a quick and delicious meal that comes together in just 15 minutes. It features a tasty sweet and savory sauce, making it a simple and affordable choice for busy weeknights. This dish is perfect for when you need something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    BBQ Chicken Wraps

    Chicken wraps.
    Photo credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    BBQ Chicken Wraps are full of flavor and can be made in just a few minutes. With melted cheese and juicy chicken, this is a quick and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Garlic butter shrimp pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta features juicy shrimp tossed with pasta in a rich garlic butter sauce. This dish is easy to whip up and is sure to be a hit with the whole family. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Margherita Flatbread

    Margherita flatbread pizza.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Margherita flatbread pizza is a quick and easy meal that comes together in just a few minutes. It features crispy flatbread topped with fresh basil and melted mozzarella cheese, making it a delicious option for dinner. This dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Pasta Aglio e Olio

    Pasta aglio e oglio.
    Photo credit: The Gourmet Bon Vivant.

    Garlic and oil pasta is a quick and flavorful alternative to plain buttered noodles, perfect for a speedy meal. It's easy to whip up and adds a nice touch to your dinner. This dish is great when you need something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts

    15-Minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This pasta is great for busy evenings when you want something quick and filling. Topping it with mozzarella or burrata adds a nice touch that elevates the dish and makes it feel a bit more special.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Steak Tips

    Air Fryer Steak Tips.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A quick and tasty steak dinner can be ready in just 10 minutes with these Air Fryer Steak Tips. Using simple seasonings you probably already have at home, this meal is sure to satisfy everyone around the table.

    Get the recipe

    Cacio e Pepe

    A fork with cacio e pepe.
    Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    This Italian pasta dish is quick and easy to prepare, using just a handful of simple ingredients. It's a great option for family dinners when you're pressed for time.

    Get the recipe

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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