Making Dinner When You're Short on Time and Ingredients

We all know too well that between work and social commitments, family responsibilities and packed calendars, life can be busy. Which can make making a hearty and delicious meal after a long day feel like a daunting task. If you’ve been stressed and frustrated trying to figure out what you can do to sort out dinner when you just don’t have the time or energy, you needn’t stress anymore because we’ve got the solutions. With What’s For Dinner, making a mouth-watering meal doesn't have to be a hassle, even when you're short on time and ingredients.

With our wide selection of scrumptious, easy dinner ideas, you’ll be able to whip up a crowd-pleasing meal with minimal time and hassle. So read on as we explore some tips and recipe ideas for quick and easy meals that are perfect for those nights when you need something delicious on the table in no time.

Tips to Create Something Tasty When You’re Short on Time

Try incorporating these tips into your cooking routine to save you some time and make the most of the ingredients you have at home, to ensure you can always get something mouth-watering on the table.

• Keep it Simple - Stick to basic ingredients you already have at home such as pasta, rice, canned beans and frozen veggies. These ingredients can be transformed into a variety of delicious and satisfying meals with just a few additional ingredients so you won’t have to do too much to get a yummy dinner on the table.
  
• One-Pot Meals - One-pot meals are a great option when you're short on time and ingredients as these meals are super easy to prepare and require minimal cleanup, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
  
• Breakfast for Dinner - If it’s your style, breakfast for dinner is a quick and easy meal option that's always a crowd-pleaser. Having breakfast for dinner is the perfect easy dinner idea for those days when you’re especially pressed for time.
  
• Use Your Slow Cooker - A slow cooker is a busy cook's best friend. Simply throw in some ingredients in the morning and let it cook all day for a delicious and easy dinner.

Fast and Easy Recipes That Are Sure to Please

Gammon Fried Rice Make the most of your leftover meat with this tantalising fried rice recipe. This filling and the flavoursome dish is a guaranteed 30-minute dinner hit. So fill up the family and leave them with smiles of satisfaction with this tasty and fast meal recipe and find yourself making this dish again and again.

BBQ Chicken Wings with Grilled Corn Tucking into these juicy BBQ chicken wings with corn is the ideal way to end a busy day. For a spicy treat that will deliver finger-licking goodness, give this quick recipe a try. Requiring just two ingredients and some seasoning and ready in just 40 minutes, with this recipe you’re guaranteed to have plenty of time to sit and unwind after a long day.

Glazed Snoek on the Braai If you’re looking for easy dinner ideas that will require minimal work, this braaied snoek recipe is a must-try. Sticky, sweet and full of smokey flavour, serve this quick dish up when you’re in the mood for a treat. Pair it with whatever starch you have at home or make a quick salad for a refreshing addition to this delectable fish dish.

Marrow Rich, creamy and delicious, give this one-pot meal a try and delight your little ones with great taste. This classic dish is a quick solution to have a hearty, filling dinner on the table in a flash. Serve it with this quick, spicy short rib for an unforgettable family meal.

When you're short on time and ingredients, preparing dinner can feel like an impossible task. But with these quick and easy dinner ideas and tips, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time. Sign up for our What’s For Dinner newsletter today to take your quick meal game to the next level.