How to Get Dinner on the Table Fast: 8 Simple Tips for Busy Weeknights
Getting dinner on the table fast can sometimes feel impossible on busy weeknights. Between work, kids, and everything else on your plate, cooking can easily become stressful. But after many years of feeding a busy family, I’ve learned a few simple ways to get dinner on the table FAST without all the stress!
Over the years, I’ve learned that a few simple habits can make dinner much easier. These tips will help you get dinner on the table fast so you can spend more time enjoying your family. Gathering around the dinner table is so important, not just for the sake of nutrition, but for family connection and conversation.
How to Get Dinner on the Table Fast on Busy Weeknights!
By using some of these simple ideas, you can serve healthy dinners at home while also saving money by not eating out so often. These are the exact things I do on busy weeknights to make sure we still have quick homemade meals together..
Tip 1: Meal Planning for Faster Meals:
Taking a few minutes each week to plan out your meals, can save you time and stress in the long run. Write down a list of meals you want to make for the week, and make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. This will help you avoid last-minute trips to the grocery store and give you a clear plan for the week ahead.
If meal planning feels overwhelming, I use a very simple method that allows you to reuse the same meal plan over and over again. It takes the stress out of deciding what’s for dinner every night.
Make Dinner Planning Easier!
A simple printable system to help busy Moms plan meals and simplify dinner time…and so much more!
These are some other mini resources for meal planning that you can use too!
- Use this cute editable meal planner to help!
- Use the Flexible Meal Plan Method!
Tip 2: Use a Crockpot or Instant Pot:
These appliances are great for us busy moms because they allow you to prepare meals in advance and have them ready when you need them. Prep your crockpot recipes in the morning and cook all day until dinner time.
Simply add your ingredients, set the timer, and let the Crockpot does the work for you. Slow cooker meals are especially great because you can set them up in the morning and come home to a hot meal in the evening.
Crockpot Recipes You’ll Love
Tip 3: Meal Prep Ingredients Ahead:
Preparing ingredients in advance can save you time during the week. Chop vegetables, marinate meat, and pre-cook grains ahead of time to speed up the cooking process.
YES…grains can be cooked and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can even prep a few meals at once and store them in the fridge or freezer for later in the week.
Tip 4: Keep Weeknight Meals Simple ~ No Fancy Meals
Stick to quick and easy recipes and simple meals that use minimal ingredients. Stick to easy One-pot meals like this super easy 4 Ingredient Potato Soup with Frozen Hash Browns… made in 15 minutes or other soups and stews you love that make great options. Soups require minimal prep work and can be made in large batches.
Sheet pan dinners, where all the ingredients are cooked on one pan in the oven. Sheet pan dinners are also a great option because they require minimal cleanup. Busy weeknights aren’t for difficult Pinterest dinners…just saying.
Tip 5: Utilize convenience foods for quicker meals:
Don’t be afraid to use pre-made ingredients… like canned beans, frozen vegetables, and pre-cooked rice to save time. These ingredients are often just as nutritious as fresh ingredients and can save you valuable prep time.
Tip 6: Get the Kids Involved to help get dinner on faster:
“Many hands make light work.” Get your kids involved! It takes some patience but oh so worth it. Meal prep can be a great way to spend quality time together while also getting dinner on the table faster. Have them help with simple tasks like stirring or measuring ingredients. This can also help get them excited about trying new foods AND cooking. Another way the kids can help get dinner on the table fast is by having them set the table, put the condiments on, and get drinks out.
Tip 7: Don’t forget about leftovers for quicker meals:
When making my weeknight meal, I almost always double a recipe OR make a little more than needed. Then you can have leftovers for the next day’s lunch or dinner. This can save you time, energy and money in the long run. It can also, ensure that you have a yummy meal ready to go when you’re short on time.
Recipes for Using Leftovers
- Leftover Taco Meat Soup
- Potato Pancakes from leftover Mashed Potatoes
- Easy Chicken Burrito Bowl
- Leftover Ham Recipes
Tip 8: Make Ahead Freezer Meals:
It’s super helpful to have at least a couple of freezer meals on hand! When it’s time to use your freezer meals, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Then reheat them on the stove or in the microwave.
My Favorite Easy Meal Prep Freezer Recipes
With freezer meals on hand, you’ll be able to get dinner on the table faster and with less stress.
- Meal Prep Chicken Breast Recipes for the Freezer
- Easy Freezer Meal Ideas to Make Ahead
- How to Start Freezer Cooking
I hope these tips help you get dinner on the table quickly and with less stress!
Remember, getting dinner on the table fast doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little bit of planning and some simple shortcuts, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Quick Dinner Ideas for Busy Weeknights
If you are in a very busy season in your life, I know you will love these simple family dinner ideas. I’ve been making them for my family for years.
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Sloppy Joe Casserole with Frozen Burgers
- Layered Ground Beef Crescent Rolls Bake
Want Dinner to Be Even Easier?
If you want to make weeknight dinners even simpler, my Simple Family Meal Planning System helps you reuse the same flexible meal plan again and again.
It’s the exact system I use to keep dinners simple and stress-free.
