12 Quick Wins for Hungry Days

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Fast doesn’t have to mean boring—and this lineup proves it. We’re talking One Pot Stove-Top Mac and Cheese for those “I need dinner yesterday” vibes, Garlic Rosemary Steak and Potatoes Skillet when you want it fancy but not fussy, and Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas that bring the heat without bringing the chaos. Sweet tooth acting up? Double Chocolate Fudge Cookies with Candied Orange will handle that in under 30. There’s also Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake, because dessert should be easy and extra. Whether you’re feeling cozy with 30 Minute Coconut Curry Noodle Soup or getting tropical with Mango Chicken Curry, these recipes keep it quick, keep it bold, and keep your sink (mostly) clean.

Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake

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Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake | halfbakedharvest.com
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake is layered with fresh berries, sweet vanilla cake, and a delicious crunch topping. It’s the perfect dessert for all occasions, especially during the spring and summer holidays!
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake.

One Pot Stove-Top Mac and Cheese

One Pot Stove-Top Mac and Cheese | halfbakedharvest.com
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This one-pot stove-top mac and cheese recipe is a simple and delicious meal that can be made in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect way to sneak in some extra vegetables for a healthy-ish twist! Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Stove-Top Mac and Cheese.

30 Minute Coconut Curry Noodle Soup

A bowl of vibrant, creamy orange soup filled with noodles, roasted chickpeas, and herbs. Two black chopsticks rest on the bowl. Fresh cilantro and a few basil leaves garnish the dish, adding a touch of green. The bowl is placed on a rustic surface.
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This 30-minute Coconut Curry Noodle Soup by Half Baked Harvest is the perfect cozy weeknight dinner. Inspired by Thai flavors, this creamy and comforting soup is packed with goodness and topped with chili crisp chickpeas for an extra kick! It’s also easily customizable to be vegan and gluten-free.
Get the Recipe: 30 Minute Coconut Curry Noodle Soup.

Smoked Gouda and Ricotta Fritters

Close-up of golden-brown arancini balls on a plate. One is split open, revealing a creamy rice filling with melted cheese and herbs. The crispy breadcrumb coating is visible.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Host a Super Bowl just to showcase these Smoked Gouda and Ricotta Fritters with warm Bourbon Glaze. Crispy, cheesy, and totally addictive—trust me, you won’t want to stop! They’re like Arancini rice balls met a Gougère, then added a splash of bourbon for fun. Ideal for snacking through every touchdown!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Gouda and Ricotta Fritters

Orange Teriyaki Beef with Pineapple Edamame Fried Rice

Orange Teriyaki Beef with Pineapple Edamame Fried Rice | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This Orange Teriyaki Beef with Pineapple Edamame Fried Rice recipe is a delicious way to add a tropical twist to your dinner routine. Tender flank steak is glazed with a vibrant orange teriyaki sauce and served alongside a flavorful fried rice packed with pineapple and edamame. It’s a quick, easy, and healthy meal the whole family will enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Orange Teriyaki Beef with Pineapple Edamame Fried Rice.

Pecan Pie Bars

four pecan pies stacked on top of each other, with the top bar missing one bite
Photo credit: Sugar Spun Run

These Pecan Pie Bars have all the flavors of pecan pie with a fraction of the effort! This recipe is quick to prep and yields 15 servings. Perfect for your next holiday gathering!
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Bars

Double Chocolate Fudge Cookies with Candied Orange

Two chocolate chip cookies with diced orange pieces on top, placed on a cooling rack, with a slice of orange in the background.
Photo Credit: Not Entirely Average

Double Chocolate Fudge Cookies With Candied Orange bring together rich, fudgy chocolate and bright, sweet citrus for a match made in cookie heaven. It’s a two-for-one flavor punch that proves some duos were just meant to be.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Fudge Cookies with Candied Orange

Garlic Rosemary Steak and Potatoes Skillet

sliced Rosemary Garlic Steak & Potatoes in a pan
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

This Garlic Rosemary Steak and Potatoes Skillet is a complete meal made in just one pan, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Juicy, seasoned ribeye steaks and tender baby potatoes are infused with garlic and rosemary for a delicious and satisfying dish that’s ready in 30 minutes. Your family will definitely enjoy this easy clean-up meal!
Get the Recipe: Garlic Rosemary Steak and Potatoes Skillet

Banana Waffles

Banana Waffles on a platter with syrup drizzled over them.
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Looking for a way to use up those ripe bananas? These banana waffles are the perfect solution! They’re sweet, have crispy edges, and make a delicious breakfast or brunch.
Get the Recipe: Banana Waffles

Mango Chicken Curry

Mango Chicken Curry ready to be eaten
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This Mango Chicken Curry is bursting with flavor thanks to the “secret” ingredient of blended mango in the sauce! This one-pan meal is perfect for a healthy and delicious dinner, and it’s dairy-free and gluten-free. Serve over rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Mango Chicken Curry

Curried Quinoa Chickpea Burgers

Platter filled with delicious Curried Chickpea Burgers on butter lettuce leaves
Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

These curried quinoa chickpea burgers are infused with Indian-inspired flavors. Made with 10 ingredients or less, this recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. Serve on butter lettuce or mixed greens with your favorite toppings!
Get the Recipe: Curried Quinoa Chickpea Burgers

Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas in a baking dish
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas are a creamy, cheesy, spicy dream! Filled with buffalo chicken, Rotel tomatoes, and cheese, then topped with a celery and blue cheese cream cheese queso, this recipe is perfect for game day or a weeknight dinner. Plus, they can be prepped ahead and frozen for an easy freezer meal.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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