29 Quick Dinners for January
Updated: Jan. 30, 2024
If you want to get dinner on the table quick, then turn to this meal plan all month long.
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Day 1: Caribbean Shrimp Bowl
After switching to a paleo diet a few years ago, we have started eating tons of veggies for almost every meal—yes, even breakfast. We’ve gotten used to swapping in cauliflower, broccoli and kale in place of carbs like rice or potatoes. This bowl is literally chock-full of veggies and has tons of Caribbean-inspired flavor! Plus, it is so simple to make and uses one skillet! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
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Day 2: One-Pot Sausage and Basil Pasta
There’s nothing better than coming home and putting dinner on the table in 30 minutes. It’s easy to add different kinds of sausage or seasonings to make this sausage and basil pasta your own. —Erin Raatjes, New Lenox, Illinois
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Day 3: Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder
I like to make this smooth, creamy soup when company comes to visit. Its zippy flavor is full of southwestern flair. My family enjoys dipping slices of homemade bread in this chowder to soak up every bite! —Susan Garoutte, Georgetown, Texas
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Day 4: One-Pot Dinner
My family always comes back for seconds when this nicely seasoned skillet supper is on the table. —Bonnie Morrow, Spencerport, New York
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Day 6: Waffle-Iron Pizzas
These little pizza pockets are a fun mashup using a waffle iron. Try adding your favorite toppings or even a few breakfast fillings, such as ham and eggs. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
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Day 7: Pressure-Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
Melt-in-your-mouth delicious! For this steak and cheese recipe, I like to saute extra onions and green pepper just until they are al dente to add to the top of the meat before melting the cheese. —Kimberly Wallace, Dennison, Ohio
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Day 8: Tacos on a Stick
Kids like assembling these creative kabobs almost as much as they like devouring them. The whole family is sure to love the sensational southwestern flavor of this twist on the classic beef shish kabobs. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
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Day 9: Vegetarian Skillet Enchiladas
Whether served for meatless Monday or your family’s everyday vegetarian meal, these unconventional vegetarian skillet enchiladas will satisfy everyone. Garnish with the optional toppings or other favorites like tortilla chips and extra shredded cheese. —Susan Court, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
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Day 10: Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce
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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Day 11: Mughali Chicken
I enjoy cooking for my family and try to incorporate healthy new foods into our menus. This authentic Indian dish is a favorite. —Aruna Kancharla, Bentonville, Arkansas
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Day 13: Cheeseburger Quesadillas
The cheeseburger quesadilla is a mash-up of comfort food's greatest hits. It takes all the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger—tangy, sweet condiments included—and packs them into the portable, dippable package of a quesadilla.
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Day 14: Air-Fryer Chicken Taco Pockets
We love these easy taco-flavored sandwiches made with crescent dough. They make a quick and easy lunch or supper with a bowl of soup or a crisp salad. I also like to cut them into smaller servings for parties. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
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Day 15: Bacon Cheeseburger Rice
My husband and I thought the original skillet dish lacked pizazz, so we created this tastier version. I've had teenage nieces and nephews request the recipe after their first bite. —Joyce Whipps, West Des Moines, Iowa
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Day 16: Stir-Fried Shrimp and Mushrooms
After a tiring but beautiful day of fishing, this is a fast and delicious way to serve our famous Key West pink shrimp. It's always a big hit with guests. —Jeanne Wolfort, Summerland Key, Florida
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Day 17: Broccoli Chowder
Sue Call of Beech Grove, Indiana serves this comforting soup on chilly stay-at-home evenings. Nutmeg seasons the light creamy broth that's chock-full of tender broccoli florets and diced potatoes.
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Day 18: Almond-Topped Fish
A co-worker gave me this recipe, but I didn't try it until recently. What a mistake it was to wait! It's easier than dipping, coating and frying—and the flavor is outstanding. Once you've tried this tender fish, you'll never go back to fried. —Heidi Kirsch, Waterloo, Iowa
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Day 19: Chicken with Rosemary Butter Sauce
This elegant rosemary chicken requires minimal effort but will win you major compliments. You’ll love the mellow sauce! —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware
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Day 20: Beef 'n' Biscuit Bake
This recipe is quick, easy and satisfying. With its beef and corn combo, it's cozy cuisine at its best! —Erin Schneider, St. Peters, Missouri
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Day 21: Ground Beef Stroganoff
MY mother-in-law gave me this recipe 25 years ago. It’s been a staple in my meal planning ever since because it’s easy and takes little time to prepare.I usually serve it with green beans or another vegetable and a salad.
-Marjorie Kriegh, Nampa, Idaho
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Day 22: Hurry-Up Ham N Noodles
This rich-tasting dish is ready to serve in almost the time it takes to cook the noodles. I've made it for luncheons and potlucks, but mostly I make it on days when I'm in a hurry to get something on the table. —Lucille Howell, Portland, Oregon
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Day 23: Chili-ghetti
I came up with this recipe when unexpected guests stopped by and I didn't have enough chili to go around. This spur-of-the-moment main dish is now a family favorite. —Cindy Cuykendall, Skaneateles, New York
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Day 25: Apples 'n' Onion Topped Chops
Now that my husband and I are trying to lose weight, I find it a challenge to come up with healthy dishes that are flavorful, quick and appealing to us and our young daughter. This one fits the bill on all counts. —Beverly McLain, Endicott, New York
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Day 26: Quick and Easy Chicken Poke Bowl
This chicken poke bowl is a great alternative when sushi-grade fish isn’t in the budget. I love it because it’s quick, easy and inexpensive. While it’s not a traditional poke recipe, the chicken still rocks in this bowl. —Emily Cresta, Oxford, Ohio
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Day 27: Pork Chops 'n' Pierogi
The Polish dumplings are traditionally served as a meal, with applesauce or sour cream. This meal in one is a different way to use pierogi. —Greta Igl, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.
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Day 29: Orzo Shrimp Stew
My husband and I really enjoy seafood, so I don’t skimp on shrimp in this mildly seasoned stew. We also adore the broccoli, tomatoes and pasta. —Lisa Stinger, Hamilton, New Jersey
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Day 30: Bean Counter Chowder
This hearty chowder is one of our favorite vegetarian dishes. Loaded with beans, noodles and bright herbs, it's so comforting on a chilly day. —Vivian Haen, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
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Day 31: Teriyaki Glazed Chicken
I love to experiment with food. We’re able to buy sweet onions grown on Maui, so I stir-fry them with chicken and carrots for a tasty teriyaki meal. —Kelly Brenneman, Riverdale, CaliforniaOriginally Published: January 01, 2022
