Collage of dinners with 10 minutes or less prep time.

16 Dinners With 10 Minutes or Less Prep Time

ByAnnie Brown

Weeknights can get hectic fast, and the last thing you want is a complicated dinner to make when you get home. These dinners only take 10 minutes (or less) to prep and are a total game-changer.

With just a few quick steps, you can have something satisfying on the table without the usual stress. It’s all about keeping things simple, so you have more time to relax.

1. Tomato Basil Chicken

Pan of chicken in tomato sauce with basil and parmesan cheese.
Photo Credit: My Rad Kitchen

Chicken breasts simmer in a tomato-basil sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, and shallots. A swirl of heavy cream adds the perfect amount of richness.

Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Chicken

2. Shrimp Stir-Fry

Plate of shrimp stir-fry with rice, broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms.
Photo Credit: Vibrantly G-Free

Shrimp and vegetables cook quickly in stir-fry sauce for a dinner that tastes even better than your favorite takeout order. It fits well into busy nights when time is short since it takes only five minutes to prepare.

Get the Recipe: Shrimp Stir-Fry

3. Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast

Shredded pot roast topped with whole pepperoncini peppers on an oval serving platter.
Photo Credit: Tessie’s Table

Chuck roast cooks low and slow with ranch mix, au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini. The result stays tender and hands-off from start to finish. It takes just five minutes of prep time, and the crockpot does all the hard work.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast

4. Ground Beef with Rice Bowls

Bowl of rice topped with ground beef, peanuts, and green onions.
Photo Credit: Hip Hip Gourmet

Ground beef and rice come together in about 15 minutes with only five minutes of hands-on time. This dinner was made for busy weeknights.

Get the Recipe: Ground Beef with Rice Bowls

5. Cheeseburger Bowl

Cheeseburger bowl with ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, cheese, red onion, and dressing.
Photo Credit: Simple And Fraiche

Ground beef, cheese, pickles, and burger sauce come together to make this easy dish. It keeps familiar burger flavors while skipping the bun.

Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Bowl

6. Chicken Fried Rice Casserole

Chicken fried rice casserole in a glass baking dish and a bowl with avocado.
Photo Credit: Moderately Messy RD

Chicken and rice cook together in one pan with fried rice–style seasoning for an easy dinner. The hands-off approach keeps prep low while still delivering a filling meal.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice Casserole

7. Zucchini and Potato Soup

Bowl of vegetable soup with zucchini, potato, beans, and parsley.
Photo Credit: Nuts and Twigs

Potatoes and zucchini cook until tender and blend into a smooth, creamy soup. It stays light enough for weeknights while still feeling comforting.

Get the Recipe: Zucchini and Potato Soup

8. Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp skewers on a plate with dipping sauce and lemon wedges.
Photo Credit: Hungry Whisk

Shrimp season easily with Old Bay and roast in the oven until juicy. The skewers work well on their own or with Spicy Garlic Aioli Dip.

Get the Recipe: Shrimp Skewers

9. Slow Cooker Sausage & Gnocchi Pizza Casserole

Spoon lifting a cheesy casserole with pepperoni and gnocchi.
Photo Credit: Flavorful Eats

Tender gnocchi and Italian sausage simmer in marinara and mozzarella until rich and saucy. The slow cooker handles the work so you can get a dinner on the table that’ll please everyone.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sausage & Gnocchi Pizza Casserole

10. Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Seared steak bites in a cast-iron skillet with fresh parsley and a wooden spoon.
Photo Credit: Tessie’s Table

Seared steak bites cook fast and coat evenly in garlic butter. You’ll love this quick dinner, which pairs well with mashed potatoes or rice.

Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

11. Chicken Thigh Curry

Four chicken thighs in a baking dish with basil.
Photo Credit: Whole New Mom

Chicken thighs roast until the skin turns crisp while the meat stays juicy. The recipe works in the oven or air fryer with consistent results.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Thigh Curry

12. Fiesta Lime Chicken

Three plates with chicken, rice, salsa, tortilla strips, and lime.
Photo Credit: Living Chirpy

Juicy chicken breasts soak in lime juice, paprika, and cumin before getting topped with taco ranch dressing and Colby Jack cheese. Crispy tortilla strips and fresh pico de gallo add texture and contrast right before serving.

Get the Recipe: Fiesta Lime Chicken

13. Sweet Potato Black Bean Coconut Curry

Bowl of rice topped with sweet potato, black beans, and spinach curry.
Photo Credit: Hungry Whisk

Sweet potatoes and black beans simmer in creamy coconut milk for a one-pot curry. The dish stays hearty while keeping prep simple.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Black Bean Coconut Curry

14. Maple Glazed Salmon

Two maple-glazed salmon fillets on a white plate with lemon and parsley.
Photo Credit: Living Chirpy

Salmon fillets bake until tender under a glaze of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and fresh garlic. Serve it with some veggies or a side salad.

Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Salmon

15. Street Corn Chicken and Rice Casserole

Corn casserole with chicken, peppers, cheese, jalapeños, and cilantro.
Photo Credit: Moderately Messy RD

Chicken and rice bake together with street corn–inspired flavors for a creamy casserole. The dish stays balanced with a slight kick while everything cooks in a single pan.

Get the Recipe: Street Corn Chicken and Rice Casserole

16. Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef

Skillet of macaroni and cheese with ground beef and parsley.
Photo Credit: Bless This Meal

Ground beef adds heartiness to creamy mac and cheese with a light tomato kick. The recipe works on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot and keeps dishes to a minimum.

Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef

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