11 Easy Recipes For Busy Moms: Make Your Dinner Fun With Effortless Flavors 

When it’s 5 PM, your energy’s nearly tapped out, and the kids are on the brink of hangry—I get how chaotic that is because I’m also a working mom of 4. 

There have been days when I’d walk through the days utterly exhausted, and the thought of cooking would cause me an internal meltdown. But I am a mama, so there is hardly any slacking. 

Sometimes I’d glance at my hungry kiddos and think, “There have to be easy recipes for busy moms who just want to get dinner on the table.” So with practice, I developed a strategy that made this chore easier yet equally satisfying for my family. 

I came down to easy, fail-proof recipes that are finger-licking delicious and packed with nutrition. Today, I’ll share these recipes with you because I believe every mom deserves a break without compromising on feeding her family well. 

Let’s get to healthy meals for busy moms. 

Know This Before Trying These Easy Recipes for Busy Moms

Two kids and limited time led me to some hacks that make meal times less stressful and more enjoyable. Before we talk about easy and healthy recipes for busy moms, here are a few things to remember:

• Set Realistic Expectations: First of all, know that “easy” doesn’t always mean “instant.” Sure, these easy dinner recipes for busy moms simplify your life, but they still require a bit of prep work. Don’t pressure yourself to create a gourmet feast every night. Sometimes, a simple pasta dish with fresh veggies is all you need. 
• Choose Ingredients Wisely: A well-stocked pantry gives enough rotations to dinner menus for busy moms. Staples like pasta, rice, canned beans, and spices in your single parent grocery list can save you when you’re in a pinch. I always have a stash of quick-cooking grains and a bunch of sauces to mix things up. Pre-cut or frozen veggies are also a huge time-saver.
• Use Time-Saving Kitchen Tools: We believe in smart work, so investing in a few handy kitchen gadgets never goes wrong. Slow cooker recipes ask you to set and forget—a hearty stew can cook while you’re at work. Likewise, Instant Pots speed up cooking times and are perfect for most working mother recipes. Or if you want healthier snacks and meals, an air fryer will be your good friend. 
• Keep Frozen Options Handy: Busy mom recipes are made possible with a nicely stocked freezer. I always keep frozen chicken breasts, meatballs, and veggies on hand. 
• Incorporate Nutrition in Quick Recipes: Easy meals for busy moms can be as healthy as regular ones. The only condition is that you should focus on proteins, veggies, and whole grains. 
• Save These Recipes and Keep Them Handy: You can have a long list of recipes for working moms, but if your menu isn’t set (at least roughly), the last-minute panic will take the fun out of easy cooking. Once you find recipes that your family loves, keep them easily accessible. 

11 Delicious and Easy Recipes for Busy Moms You’ll Love 

Here are some quick recipes for busy moms who want a wholesome meal rotation and not bore the little ones with the same thing most days of the week:

Recipe #1: One-Pot Stove Top Enchiladas 

Enchiladas are a family favorite at our place, but who has time for all that rolling and baking? If you also like one dish meals with ground beef, I get it because I also stick to this stovetop version. It brings all the flavors we love with half the effort—and only one pan to clean. Let’s make it.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or shredded cooked chicken
• 1 onion, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried minced onion)
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 8 corn tortillas, cut into strips
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños

Recipe Instructions

1. Cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and bell pepper in a large skillet over medium heat. If you’re using dried minced onion, add it now. Cook until the meat is browned and the veggies are tender. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, add the black beans, diced tomatoes, and enchilada sauce to the skillet. Stir everything. 
3. Gently fold in the tortilla strips so they’re evenly coated with the sauce.
4. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for almost 10 minutes until the tortillas are soft and the flavors meld.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover again and let it cook until the cheese melts, about 2-3 minutes. Then spoon the enchiladas into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes.

Quick Tip: Swap fresh onions and peppers for frozen pre-chopped ones to save on prep time. Also, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can make this dish even quicker.

Also Read: Crunchy Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe

Recipe #2: Chicken Dumplings

Dumplings are my ultimate comfort food, and now my kids love them too—so we had to find a faster way to enjoy them. They make easy weeknight meals for busy families because there’s minimal chopping, thanks to dried veggies.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works like a charm)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup dried onions and carrots
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough

Recipe Instructions

1. Combine chicken broth and cream of chicken soup in a large bowl. Whisk them until smooth and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
2. Stir in the shredded chicken, dried onions, carrots, and thyme. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to rehydrate the veggies.
3. Open the biscuit can and cut each biscuit into quarters, drop these pieces into the simmering soup. 
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid to let the dumplings cook properly.
5. Give it a good stir, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

Quick Tip: Keep a can of refrigerated biscuit dough and dried veggies in your pantry for days when you need a meal with zero chopping.

Recipe #3: Salmon Rice Bowls 

For some of us, dinner feels incomplete without rice. But since cooking it takes a while, we have tons of creative rice recipes to give you the ultimate comfort food. Among such easy recipes for working moms is salmon rice bowls that combine protein, carbs, and fiber for a balanced meal. And you can make these bowls to suit everyone’s preferences.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 cups cooked rice (microwaveable packets are great)
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sesame seeds, sliced green onions, a drizzle of sriracha

Recipes Instructions

1. Mix soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic in a small bowl to prepare the sauce base. 
2. Then, season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. 
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil and place salmon skin-side down. 
4. Let them cook for about 4 minutes. Flip, brush with some of the sauce, and cook for another 4 minutes until the fillets are flaky.
5. Microwave the frozen veggies and rice according to package instructions.
6. Divide rice into the number of bowls you want to make. Top with steamed veggies, salmon, and avocado slices.
7. Pour the remaining sauce over each bowl and sprinkle with your favorite toppings.

Quick Tip: Use pre-cooked frozen salmon or even canned salmon in a pinch. Also, those steam-in-bag veggies are a time-saver.

Also Read: Top 10 Restaurants in Huntsville

Recipe #4: No-Boil Lasagna 

Lasagna satisfies the soul when you’re hangry after a day at work, but boiling noodles is a chore. That’s why this no-boil lasagna alternative should be in your working mom cookbook. 

Ingredients

• 12 no-boil lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional but boosts nutrition)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Instructions

1. Brown the ground meat over medium heat in a skillet and drain excess fat. Stir in the pasta sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes.
2. Combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a bowl and fold in the fresh spinach if you’re using it.
3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Place a layer of no-boil noodles over the sauce. Then, spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
5. Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella.
6. Repeat these layers (sauce, noodles, ricotta mix, mozzarella) until you’ve used everything. The finishing layer should be sauce and mozzarella on top.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 15 more minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Let your lasagna sit for 10 minutes before cutting into it so it sets and makes serving easier.

Quick Tip: Double the recipe and freeze one lasagna for later. Also, assembling it the night before means you can just pop it in the oven when you get home.

Recipe #5: Slow Cooker Chili 

Nothing beats coming home to a warm meal that’s ready to serve. Slow cooker chili is among the best busy mom recipes crockpot that is perfect for days when you want dinner to cook itself.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried minced onion)
• 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions

Recipe Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until it’s no longer pink. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step, but browning adds extra flavor so I don’t skip it.
2. Add the meat (browned or raw) to your slow cooker. 
3. Then add your ingredients like onion, beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It’ll cook while you’re at work or tidying things around the house. 
5. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings to give everyone a hearty meal.

Quick Tip: Prepare all the ingredients the night before and store the slow cooker insert in the fridge. In the morning, place it in the cooker and turn it on.

Recipe #6: Cajun Chicken Pasta 

If you love easy Italian dinners, I got you. This cajun chicken pasta is among easy recipes for busy moms who don’t want to eat bland food just because they don’t have enough time to cook.  When you’re craving something creamy and spicy, this chicken pasta hits the spot. It’s comfort food without the fuss.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for topping

Recipe Instructions

1. Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Toss the sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning until well-coated.
3. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink. 
4. Then add bell peppers and cook until they’re tender.
5. Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens a bit.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. 
7. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
8. Dish out and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Quick Tip: Use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time. Also, frozen sliced peppers will do.

Recipe #7: Healthy Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry 

Feeding vegetables to my kids used to be a task before I discovered this delicious stir fry recipe. If you want flavorful Sunday evening dinner recipes, give this beef & broccoli stir fry a try. 

Ingredients

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Recipe Instructions 

1. Start with sauce. Mix soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch in a small bowl and set it aside. 
2. Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet on medium-high flame  and add the sliced beef. Cook it until it’s browned—remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. This is a one-pan wonder. So, in the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Add broccoli, minced garlic, and ginger. Sauté until broccoli is tender-crisp.
4. Return the beef to the skillet and pour the sauce we prepared earlier over the beef and broccoli. 
5. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens, and serve over cooked rice or noodles. My kids love this stir fry with noodles.

Quick Tip: Buy pre-sliced beef labeled for stir-frying and use frozen broccoli to cut down on prep time.

Also Read: Why Do I Feel Like a Bad Mom?

Recipe #8: Apple Sheet Pan Pancakes

If you’ve assumed that all easy recipes for busy moms on my list are savory, here are my kids’ favorite pancakes to prove you wrong.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pancake mix
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Cooking spray or parchment paper

Recipe Instructions

1. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.
2. Mix pancake mix, milk, and eggs in a bowl until the batter is smooth.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread it evenly.
4. Arrange the apple slices on top of the batter. Mix cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkle over the apples.
5. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown and set in the middle.
6. Cut into squares and serve with syrup.

Quick Tip: Use canned apple pie filling to save time.

Recipe #9: Easy Teriyaki Chicken 

If your kids like ramen with chicken and veggies, this recipe is a healthier alternative to excite them for dinner. It pairs well with rice, noodles, and veggies.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Recipe Instructions

1. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
2. Set the flame to medium and cook the chicken in a large skillet until it’s browned on both sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Pour in the sauce mixture in the same skillet. 
4. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Add this slurry to the sauce and stir until it thickens.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it with the thickened sauce.
6. Slice the chicken if desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve over rice.

Quick Tip: Double the sauce and save half for stir-fries or as a marinade for another meal.

Recipe #10: Peanut Chicken Sheet Pan  

If you want to add easy recipes for dinner for one to your weekly rotation, try this peanut chicken sheet pan. This dish combines everything you love onto one pan, so not much cleanup is needed.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots)
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Cooking spray
• Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Instructions

1. Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). 
2. Line a sheet pan with foil and spray with cooking spray.
3. Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger until the paste is smooth.
4. Place chicken thighs and mixed vegetables on the sheet pan—season with salt and pepper.
5. Drizzle half of the peanut sauce over the chicken and veggies and toss to coat everything evenly.
6. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
7. Pour in the remaining peanut sauce over the top and enjoy.

Quick Tip: Use pre-cut veggies or a frozen stir-fry mix to save chopping time.

Recipe #11: Vegan Thai Curry 

Do you love Thai curry but want to try it’s easier and vegan version? I hear you. This one-pan meal is packed with flavor and veggies—perfect for Meatless Mondays. 

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon red or green Thai curry paste
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots)
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or basil for garnish
• Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Recipe Instructions

1. Heat coconut oil over medium heat and add onion to sauté it until translucent. 
2. Add minced garlic and curry paste, and cook them for another minute.
3. Pour in the coconut milk and stir until the curry paste is fully incorporated.
4. Stir in the mixed vegetables and chickpeas; bring to a simmer and cook until the veggies are tender.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spoon over cooked rice or noodles and garnish with fresh cilantro or basil.

Quick Tip: Use frozen mixed vegetables to cut down on prep time. Also, curry paste keeps well in the fridge for future use.

Easy Recipes For Busy Moms Should Be Fulfilling And Fuss-Free

At the end of the day, feeding your family shouldn’t feel like a chore. Easy recipes for busy moms minimize effort while maximizing flavor and nutrition. Keeping things simple and utilizing smart shortcuts helps you create meals that satisfy everyone’s taste buds without making you spend hours in the kitchen.

Suggested Reads:

• Why Do I Feel Disconnected From My Husband?
• Characteristics Of A Good Mom
• Spring Family Photo Outfits

FAQs