Figuring out what's for dinner every night of the week while making our grocery lists is hard. Actually finding the time to make dinner every night? Even harder, which is why it's so tempting to just hit the drive-thru instead. But for those of us who are trying to eat more meals at home (and, unfortunately, less french fries) but are running low on time, there is a solution: TikTok, which is about so much more than funny videos and viral dances.
Plenty of moms are on TikTok, and so are plenty of cooks, and fortunately, they're all willing to share their expertise and recipes with the rest of us. Whether it's a casserole situation that goes straight into the oven, a slow cooker recipe with minimal prep that's ready by the time we get home, or something that can be made in the air fryer (which is seriously worth the investment!), these TikTok users have our backs.
Looking for something easy to make tonight? Check out these videos of some of the easiest recipes that will get dinner on the table ASAP.
Santa Fe Wraps
Craving something with a little bit of spice? These Santa Fe wraps, which are made in the air fryer, might be just the ticket. Taco seasoning, chicken, corn, beans, and cheese all come together to make a crispy main course that could easily be served alongside rice or chips and salsa.
Honey Ginger Chicken
This yummy, Asian-inspired recipe might just be better than takeout — and since it only takes 15 minutes to prepare, it's probably faster than takeout, too. The finished product at the end of this video (with broccoli and rice) looks so good.
Sheet Pan Pancakes
Breakfast for dinner is always a hit, and this recipe is perfect for cooking for a large family — or for a family that just loves pancakes. We had no idea that pancakes could be made in the oven until now. But once learning this hack, there's no going back.
Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta
Anyone who isn't already following @nutritionalsarah on TikTok should start ASAP because her account is a goldmine for easy dinner and meal prep ideas that are also healthy. Her chicken and spinach skillet pasta requires minimal prep time and only a couple of dishes to clean.
Shrimp & Chicken Veggie Bowls
Here's another one of Sarah's recipes: shrimp and chicken veggie bowls. Using fresh veggies, frozen shrimp, and cut up chicken breast, this meal hits all the nutritional checkpoints and is also super simple — and if it ends up in the regular dinner rotation, it's easy to sub out the protein and veggies to change things up.
Tortilla Pizzas
Looking for a cheaper (and lighter) version of pizza night? This mom suggests making personal pizzas using flour tortillas, sauce, and the fam's favorite toppings before baking in the oven. Even better? This is something that kids can easily help make.
Burrito Bowls
Those who have already discovered the genius of the Instant Pot will love this recipe. And those who haven't might just be converted. Who needs Chipotle when creating a burrito bowl at home is this easy? It practically cooks itself!
Baked Feta Pasta
We would be remiss if we didn't include the viral baked feta pasta recipe! Not only does it get rave reviews, but it's super easy to make — and it's even a little bit fancier than the regular spaghetti we'd make on a weeknight. No way to lose here!
Sheet Pan Shrimp
Who knew that lemons, butter, and shrimp could come together to make something so magical — and so easy? While these cook in the oven, simply whip up a side dish or some pasta, and then dinner is ready when the shrimp are. So quick and easy — and with much less mess.
Lasagna
Though this lasagna does take a bit of time to make, it's very simple to do … and this recipe will elevate the finished product to make it taste like it was so much more effort than it actually was. And depending on the size of the family, there's almost definitely going to be leftovers.
Chicken Pizza Pockets
Here's a heartier take on pizza that might make the pickiest members of the family happy. The "crust" is actually pepper jack cheese, which means this recipe also happens to be keto-friendly, and it would make a great entrée or snack.
Everything Bagel Chicken Breast
Fans of Trader Joe's Everything But The Bagel seasoning are going to love this chicken! Using cream cheese and the seasoning itself, this chicken is cooked in a mushroom sauce that brings new meaning to "breakfast for dinner." Yum!
Sheet Pan Vegan Dinner
Vegan or not, this dinner is easy and healthy. Tofu and veggies come together in less than 10 minutes, and the rest of the cooking all happens in the oven — and results in a meal that only requires us to wash one pan. Is this the perfect dinner or what?
Beef & Veggie Soup
In the mood for soup, or have a sick family member? This one ought to help. This recipe calls for meat (or another protein), veggies, beans or lentils, and a tomato broth that is packed with nutrients and mainly requires us to watch it boil. Also a great meal prep idea for lunches for the week!
Teriyaki Salmon
Make the marinade or buy teriyaki sauce at the store — either way, just cover a salmon fillet with the sauce, bake, and let the magic happen in the oven. Add to a salad or complete the meal with a couple easy side dishes, and dinner is officially ready!
Chicken Tender Salad
Here's a salad that even our kids might enjoy! Chop up some veggies, add hardboiled eggs, and add cooked chicken tenders (and whatever other toppings happen to be on hand, like croutons, fried onions, or bacon bits). We're always looking for new ways to trick our kids into eating veggies.
Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food, but unfortunately, it can be time-consuming. This recipe keeps it super simple, and it's made in a dish casserole-style and topped with Bisquick, with veggies served either in the pot pie or on the side.
Chicken & Veggie Sheet Pan
Sheet pan meals are so popular because they're so easy, quick, and budget friendly, including this one. Add cut up chicken sausage and veggies to a foil-covered pan, season, and enjoy right out of the oven. Even better, this one's easy to customize to fit our family's preferences.
Fried Rice
Fried rice is so good, but it can take a while to make — unless we use this recipe! Frozen veggies cut down on prep time, as does using rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked rice. In 30 minutes or less, dinner is totally ready!
Cheeseburger Casserole
Here's a recipe that the kids will love (especially fans of all things burgers). Browning the meat on the stove is about as labor intensive as this one gets, and after adding a mixture of eggs, tomato paste, heavy cream, and seasonings, just top with cheese and let the oven do the rest.
