For many people, dinner can be a daunting task. After a long day at work or school, cooking can seem like a chore, and the idea of trying to come up with an original meal idea can be overwhelming.
Luckily, there are plenty of quick and easy supper ideas that don’t require a lot of time or effort to prepare. These meals are perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have much energy or time to spare.
In this article, we’ll take a look at ten quick and easy supper ideas that are not only delicious but also healthy. We’ll also include a FAQ section at the end to answer some common questions about these meals.
1. Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables
This is a one-pan meal that comes together in less than thirty minutes. Simply chop up some fresh vegetables (such as broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions), toss them with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake them in the oven for about ten minutes.
Meanwhile, season some chicken breasts with your favorite spices and cook them on the stovetop for about ten minutes. Once the vegetables are done, add the chicken to the sheet pan and bake for another ten minutes until everything is cooked through.
Health benefits: This meal is packed with nutrients from the fresh vegetables, and the chicken provides a lean source of protein. By baking everything on one sheet pan, you can also minimize the amount of oil you need to use.
2. Black Bean Tacos
For a quick and easy vegetarian meal, try making black bean tacos. Simply heat up some canned black beans in a pot on the stovetop, season them with your favorite spices, and pour them into soft tortillas.
Top the tacos with your favorite toppings (such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, avocado, and salsa) and enjoy.
Health benefits: Black beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber, and they are low in fat and calories. Eating a vegetarian meal like this can also help you reduce your saturated fat intake.
3. Grilled Salmon and Roasted Vegetables
For a meal that feels fancy but is actually very easy to make, try grilling some salmon and roasting some fresh vegetables in the oven.
Season the salmon with some lemon juice, salt, and pepper and grill it for about five to seven minutes per side. Meanwhile, chop up some veggies (such as asparagus, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts), toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and some herbs, and roast them in the oven for about twenty minutes.
Health benefits: Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health. The fresh vegetables provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, and roasting them can help bring out their natural flavors.
4. Turkey Chili
Chili is a classic comfort food that can be made in a variety of ways. To make a quick and easy turkey chili, simply brown some ground turkey in a pot on the stovetop, add some canned tomatoes, beans, and vegetables, and let it simmer for about fifteen minutes.
Feel free to add your favorite seasonings (such as cumin, chili powder, and oregano) to give it some extra flavor.
Health benefits: Using ground turkey instead of beef can help reduce the amount of saturated fat in your meal. The canned tomatoes and beans are both excellent sources of fiber and other essential nutrients.
5. Quinoa Bowls
Quinoa bowls are a great option for a quick and easy vegetarian meal that can be customized to your liking. Simply cook some quinoa according to the package instructions, and top it with your favorite veggies, protein sources (such as chickpeas or tofu), and dressings (such as tahini or balsamic vinaigrette).
You can mix and match different ingredients to create a variety of delicious meals.
Health benefits: Quinoa is a nutritious grain that is high in protein and fiber. Adding a variety of colorful vegetables and plant-based proteins can provide a range of vitamins and minerals.
6. Baked Chicken Thighs and Sweet Potatoes
This meal is another one-pan wonder that takes minimal effort to prepare. Simply season some chicken thighs with your favorite spices, place them on a baking sheet along with some sliced sweet potatoes, and bake in the oven for about twenty-five minutes.
Health benefits: Chicken thighs provide a lean source of protein, and sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber. Baking everything together can also help minimize the amount of oil needed to cook the meal.
7. Lentil Soup
Lentil soup is a hearty and healthy meal that can be made in just a few steps. Simply cook some lentils in a pot with some broth, add some chopped vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and onions), and let it simmer for about twenty minutes.
Feel free to add any spices or seasonings you like to give it some extra flavor.
Health benefits: Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Eating lentil soup can help you stay full and satisfied for longer.
8. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
This classic comfort food combo is quick and easy to make after a long day. Simply make a grilled cheese sandwich on the stovetop (using your favorite cheese and bread), and heat up some canned tomato soup in a pot.
Dip your sandwich in the soup and enjoy.
Health benefits: While this meal may not be the healthiest option on our list, it can still provide some comfort and satisfaction after a difficult day.
9. One-Pot Pasta
This meal is the definition of quick and easy. Simply toss some pasta, canned tomatoes, broth, and chopped vegetables (such as mushrooms and spinach) into a pot, bring it to a boil, and simmer until the pasta is cooked through.
Feel free to add some spices or herbs to give it some extra flavor.
Health benefits: This meal provides a variety of nutrients from the vegetables and the pasta. By using one pot to cook everything, you can also minimize the amount of cleanup required.
10. Stir-Fry
Stir-fry is a great option for a quick and easy meal that can be made with a variety of ingredients. Simply chop up some veggies (such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers), stir-fry them in a wok or frying pan with some oil and garlic, and add your favorite protein source (such as tofu or shrimp).
Finish it off with your favorite sauce (such as teriyaki or soy sauce) and serve over rice.
Health benefits: Stir-frying vegetables can help retain their nutrients, and adding a lean protein source can help you stay full and satisfied for longer.
FAQs
Q: Are these meals healthy?
A: Yes, all of the meals on this list are relatively healthy. They include a variety of fresh vegetables, lean protein sources, and plant-based proteins, and can be customized to fit your dietary needs and preferences.
Q: How long do these meals take to prepare?
A: Most of these meals can be made in less than thirty minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Some of the meals (such as the salmon and sweet potato dish) may take a bit longer to prepare, but are still relatively easy to make.
Q: Can I customize these meals to fit my dietary needs?
A: Absolutely! Many of these meals are vegetarian or can be made vegetarian and can be customized to fit a variety of dietary needs and preferences. Simply swap out ingredients as needed to create a meal that suits your needs.
In conclusion, there are plenty of quick and easy supper ideas that can help you create a healthy and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. By using fresh ingredients and a variety of protein sources, you can ensure that your meals are both nutritious and satisfying. Try out some of the meal ideas on this list and see which ones become your new favorites.
