When it's nearing the end of a long week, the last thing you want to do is cook. Whip up one of these fast dinner recipes in a flash.
29 Fast Thursday Meals to Get You Through to the Weekend
Updated May 16, 2024
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Skillet Shepherd’s Pie
This is the best shepherd’s pie recipe I’ve ever tasted. It’s very quick to make, and I usually have most—if not all—of the ingredients already on hand. —Tirzah Sandt, San Diego, California
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Baked Chimichangas
My baked chimichanga recipe is healthier than a deep-fried version, but it's just as delicious. You can omit the chiles for less heat. —Angela Oelschlaeger, Tonganoxie, Kansas
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Dill Sauce for Salmon
Dill sauce for salmon is a classic pairing. The easy baked salmon is full of lemon flavor, and the tangy, creamy sauce brings the whole dish together.
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Penne Pasta with Ground Beef
This is comfort food at its finest! The best of everything is found here—it’s tasty, easy and a great way to sneak some spinach in for extra nutrition. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Parmesan Chicken Nuggets
My 3-year-old went through a chicken-nuggets-and-french-fries-only stage, so I made these golden nuggets for him. Even the grown-ups like them! —Amanda Livesay, Mobile, Alabama
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Lettuce-Wrap Burgers
A lettuce-wrap burger offers all the best parts of a burger—a juicy patty, crisp toppings and a delicious sauce—without the bun.
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Pork and Orzo
Take a trip to a waterfront locale with protein-rich, health-minded Mediterranean pork and orzo. Tomatoes, spinach and feta add bright punches of color to the meat and pasta.
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Chicken Fajitas
Sizzling chicken fajitas are super easy to make and full of flavor. The secret is in the skillet, which can go from stove to table for restaurant-quality presentation.
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Buffalo Sloppy Joes
Lean ground turkey makes this a lighter sloppy joe than the standard ground beef version. A hefty splash of hot sauce and optional blue cheese provide an authentic Buffalo-style flavor. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts
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Easy Fish Tacos
Searching for a lighter alternative to traditional fried fish, I came up with this crispy, crunchy fish tacos recipe. It's a hit with friends and family. —Jennifer Palmer, Rancho Cucamonga, California
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Coconut-Ginger Chickpeas & Tomatoes
This is my go-to quick dish. When you add tomatoes, you can also toss in some chopped green peppers (jalapenos, if you like heat) to make it even more colorful. —Mala Udayamurthy, San Jose, California
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Grilled Flank Steak
This grilled flank steak recipe is a family favorite. It uses a four-ingredient marinade that's savory, lemony, garlicky and finishes with a hint of sweetness. Here's how to grill flank steak that's perfectly tender and infused with unforgettable flavor.
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Feta Shrimp Skillet
My husband and I tried a dish similar to this on our honeymoon in Greece. I re-created the flavors in this recipe when we got home. When I make it now, it brings back wonderful memories. —Sonali Ruder, New York, New York
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Egg Roll Noodle Bowl
We love Asian egg rolls, but they can be challenging to make. Simplify everything with this deconstructed egg roll made on the stovetop and served in a bowl. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
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Creamy Curried Chicken
This is a big hit in our house. My young son and daughter gobble it up. With its irresistible blend of curry and sweet coconut milk, it’ll become a favorite with your family, too. —Tracy Simiele, Chardon, Ohio
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Crescent Turkey Casserole
How do you make a dinner of turkey and vegetables appealing to kids? You turn it into a pie, of course! My version tastes classic but doesn’t take any time at all. —Daniela Essman, Perham, Minnesota
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Curried Pork & Orange Kabobs
I love the sweet flavor of red, yellow and orange peppers. I always go for these in the summer when they are inexpensive and plentiful. I think they taste a whole lot better than green peppers. —Liv Vors, Peterborough, Ontario
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Lemon-Parsley Baked Cod
After trying a few baked cod recipes, this was the first fish recipe that got two thumbs up from my picky meat-only eaters. The tangy lemon gives the cod fish some oomph. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
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Black Bean & Corn Quinoa
Some vegan quinoa recipes are boring, but this one definitely isn't. My daughter’s college asked parents for the best quinoa recipes to use in the dining halls. This healthy quinoa recipe fits the bill. —Lindsay McSweeney, Winchester, Massachusetts
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Glazed Pork Chops
When I was a new mom, I needed tasty, healthy meals I could whip up fast. These juicy chops won me over. Since this is a one-pan dish, cleanup is a breeze, too. —Kristin Tanis, Hatfield, Pennsylvania
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Dinner in a Bag
I get a head start on this family-pleasing dinner by assembling ready-to-grab pantry kits. I measure dry macaroni and the spice mixture into separate containers, storing them in a paper bag with canned tomatoes. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
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Vegetarian Linguine
Looking for a tasty alternative to a meat-and-potatoes meal? Try this colorful pasta dish, which is the brainchild of my oldest son. It’s a stick-to-your-ribs meal that includes loads of fresh veggies as well as basil and provolone. —Jane Bone, Cape Coral, Florida
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Burritos
Packed with beans, your choice of protein and a myriad of other potential fillings, this easy burrito recipe is your launchpad to unlimited flavor combinations.
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Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach
What could be better than an entree that comes with its own creamy vegetable side? This healthy supper goes together in no time flat and makes an eye-catching presentation. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin
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Sausage & Vegetable Skillet Dinner
I threw this sausage recipe together one night to use up produce before going out of town. Who knew it was going to be such a hit! Now it’s a recipe I turn to whenever time is tight. —Elizabeth Kelley, Chicago, Illinois
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Stuffed Peppers for Four
Truly a meal in one, this quick supper has it all: Veggies, meat, pasta and sauce, packed into tender peppers. It’ll look so pretty on your table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Chicken and Dumplings
Perfect for fall nights, my simple version of comforting chicken and dumplings is speedy, low in fat and a delicious one-dish meal. —Nancy Tuck, Elk Falls, Kansas
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Potato Kielbasa Skillet
No need to hunt through kielbasa and potato recipes, this smoky take steals the show as a hearty home-style, all-in-one meal. It’s especially perfect on those cold late fall and early winter nights. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, WisconsinOriginally Published: March 03, 2020
