Are you a crazy busy mama trying to juggle work, family, and household responsibilities? We feel your pain! But don’t worry, we’re here to help with some delicious and stress-free recipe ideas that are perfect for hectic days. With just 20 minutes of prep time (or less!), these recipes will become your new best friends.
From comforting one-pot pasta dishes to quick and easy wraps, our list features a variety of mouthwatering meals that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. And the best part? They’re all ridiculously simple to make, so you can spend more time enjoying mealtime with your loved ones and less time slaving away in the kitchen.
So go ahead, take a deep breath, and let’s dive into our top 20 quick crazy busy mama recipes for hectic days. Your taste buds (and sanity) will thank you!
One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
A twist on traditional pasta dishes, this One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta combines the flavors of tacos with a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner that’s sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pasta (such as penne or rotini)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup taco seasoning
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sour cream, diced tomatoes, crushed tortilla chips
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Add taco seasoning; cook for an additional minute.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes and milk. Bring mixture to a simmer.
6. Add cooked pasta, stirring to combine.
7. Reduce heat to low; stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Perfect for a stress-free weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends and family, this easy-to-make recipe yields tender and flavorful chicken smothered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 can of crushed pineapple (8 oz)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken in a 5-quart slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, crushed pineapple, brown sugar, and garlic powder until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken, making sure it’s fully coated.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
A hearty and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and sausage options.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet or hot Italian sausage, sliced
– 2 large red bell peppers, seeded and sliced
– 1 large yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 2 large zucchinis, sliced
– 2 medium-sized red potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, dried oregano, or other seasonings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
3. Place the sliced sausage on one half of the sheet pan.
4. Arrange the bell peppers and zucchinis around the sausage.
5. Add the cubed potatoes to the other half of the sheet pan.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli
This classic Chinese-inspired dish is a staple for many Instant Pot users. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy tender beef and crisp broccoli in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and heat the olive oil.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add broccoli, soy sauce, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well.
5. Return the beef to the pot and close the lid.
6. Set the Instant Pot to “Meat/Stew” mode and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
7. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure.
8. Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet
In just 15 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering shrimp skillet that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch. This recipe is packed with flavor from garlic butter and succulent shrimp.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice; stir to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Easy Breakfast Quesadillas
Easy Breakfast Quesadillas
Start your day with a flavorful and filling breakfast that’s ready in no time! These quesadillas are packed with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, all wrapped up in a tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 4 large eggs
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 large tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for added flavor
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, scramble the eggs and set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with half of the cheese and crumbled bacon.
4. Pour half of the scrambled eggs on top of the bacon.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until crispy.
8. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Freezer-Friendly Spinach and Cheese Stromboli
This recipe yields a delicious, spinach-filled stromboli that’s perfect for quick reheating from the freezer. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a tasty meal ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Spread spinach over the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the spinach.
5. Fold the edges of the dough up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
6. Brush egg wash over the top crust to give it a golden brown color.
7. Place stromboli on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Freezer Instructions:
1. Cool cooked stromboli completely before freezing.
2. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in freezer-safe bag.
3. Reheat frozen stromboli by baking at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or thawing overnight and reheating in microwave or oven.
Speedy Chicken Caesar Wraps
A flavorful and quick lunch option that’s perfect for a busy day. This recipe combines juicy chicken, crunchy lettuce, and tangy Caesar dressing all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 4 large tortillas
– 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
– 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
3. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
4. Assemble the wraps by spreading a tablespoon of Caesar dressing on each tortilla, then adding a few pieces of chicken, some chopped lettuce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Overnight Oats with Peanut Butter and Banana
Start your day with a deliciously healthy breakfast that’s packed with creamy peanut butter and sweet banana flavor. This overnight oats recipe is easy to make and requires minimal effort, perfect for busy mornings.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
– 1 ripe banana, sliced
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: honey or maple syrup to taste
Instructions:
1. In a jar or container, combine the oats, almond milk, and peanut butter. Stir until smooth.
2. Add the sliced banana and stir gently to combine.
3. Cover the jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight (8-10 hours).
4. In the morning, give the oats a quick stir and add any desired honey or maple syrup.
5. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 4 hours or overnight (8-10 hours)
15-Minute Honey Garlic Salmon
Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is a perfect solution for a busy evening dinner or a quick lunch idea. Pan-seared salmon fillets are smothered with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, resulting in a flavorful and moist dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp butter
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Add butter to the preheated pan and let it melt.
4. Place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin side up (if they have skin).
5. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the fish is cooked about halfway through.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, and Dijon mustard.
7. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the salmon fillets.
8. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the salmon is fully cooked.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice
A bright and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines the juiciness of chicken, the creaminess of garlic, and the tanginess of lemon in just one pan!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the pan.
4. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat with the garlic and oil. Cook for 2 minutes.
6. Pour in the lemon juice and add the cooked chicken back to the pan.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Quick and Easy Black Bean Soup
This hearty and nutritious soup is a staple for any busy day. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you’ll be enjoying a warm and comforting bowl of goodness in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: jalapeños, shredded cheese, or sour cream for topping
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little water until softened.
2. Add the black beans, vegetable broth, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
4. Stir in diced red bell pepper.
5. Serve hot, topped with your choice of jalapeños, shredded cheese, or sour cream.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
30-Minute Cheeseburger Casserole
Simplify your dinner routine with this quick and satisfying casserole that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the ease of a one-dish meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6 hamburger buns, sliced
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up into small pieces.
3. Add onion, peas and carrots, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in milk, cream of mushroom soup, and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
5. Arrange sliced hamburger buns in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the beef mixture over the buns.
6. Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese (if desired).
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken
This sweet and tangy chicken recipe is perfect for a busy day when you need a delicious meal with minimal effort. Place all the ingredients in your slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a flavorful dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp mustard (such as Dijon or whole-grain)
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the honey-mustard mixture over the chicken breasts.
4. Add the chicken broth to the slow cooker.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
5-Ingredient Pesto Tortellini Bake
Elevate your pasta game with this creamy and flavorful 5-Ingredient Pesto Tortellini Bake. This easy-to-make dish combines the classic Italian flavors of pesto, mozzarella, and parmesan with the convenience of store-bought tortellini.
Ingredients:
– 1 (9 oz) package cheese-filled tortellini
– 1/2 cup pesto sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine pesto sauce, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and salt. Mix well.
4. Add the cooked tortellini to the cheese mixture and toss until coated.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the top is lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Speedy Veggie Stir-Fry with Noodles
A quick and nutritious meal that’s ready in no time! This recipe combines colorful vegetables, savory noodles, and a hint of soy sauce for a delicious and satisfying stir-fry.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked noodles (rice noodles or soba work well)
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, etc.)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion and garlic; stir-fry until softened, about 1 minute.
4. Add mixed vegetables; cook until they start to soften, about 2 minutes.
5. Add cooked noodles, soy sauce, salt, and pepper; stir-fry until combined.
6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Easy Breakfast Burritos for Freezing
Easy Breakfast Burritos for Freezing: A Quick and Delicious Morning Option
Make a batch of these tasty breakfast burritos and freeze them for up to 3 months, perfect for busy mornings when you need a quick and satisfying meal. Simply thaw and reheat in the morning for a stress-free start.
Ingredients:
– 1 dozen large eggs
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
– 1/4 cup diced onions
– 6 whole wheat tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk until well combined.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour in the eggs and scramble until cooked through, breaking them up as they cook.
3. Add the cheese, bell peppers, and onions to the eggs. Stir until combined.
4. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the egg mixture onto the center of each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Fold the bottom edge up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the burrito up tightly.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: About 20 minutes to prepare and assemble the burritos.
One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
This recipe brings together the flavors of Italy with a simple and quick meal that’s perfect for any night. This creamy tomato basil pasta is a one-pot wonder that combines tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and fresh basil in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and diced tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes or until tomatoes release their juices.
4. Stir in heavy cream and butter until smooth. Bring mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let sauce thicken, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in dried basil, salt, and pepper.
7. Add cooked pasta to the pot, tossing to combine with the tomato sauce.
8. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
15-Minute Teriyaki Chicken Skillet
This recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make skillet dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch. With its sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup teriyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (green, red, yellow)
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in the teriyaki sauce and stir to combine.
5. Add the bell peppers and cook until tender, about 5-6 minutes.
6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Quick and Healthy Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps
Get ready to devour a flavorful and nutritious meal with these turkey taco lettuce wraps! This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 4 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
– 1 avocado, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the taco seasoning and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Warm the mixed greens by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble the wraps by spooning the turkey mixture onto the greens, topping with sliced avocado and any desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get a grip on your busy days with these quick and easy recipes perfect for hectic moms! From one-pot wonders to slow cooker favorites, this collection has got you covered. Whip up cheesy taco pasta in just 15 minutes, or cook chicken and broccoli in under an hour using your Instant Pot. Try sheet pan sausage and veggies, or speed up breakfast with quesadillas. These recipes are designed for busy moms who need a helping hand in the kitchen. With ingredients and prep time minimized, you can focus on what really matters – your family!
