EASY RECIPES 100 Semi-Homemade Recipes for When You’re Short on Time Peggy Woodward, RDN ( courtecy .- reade's digest ) pl. click to GER RECIPES FOR PROCIDURE OF EACH RECIPE






100 Semi-Homemade Recipes for When You’re Short on Time

Whether you need a quick dinner, last-minute potluck dish or easy appetizer for unexpected guests, these shortcut recipes will get the job done in no time flat.

1 / 100

Easy Cheddar Chicken Potpie

My kids love chicken potpie, and I really like that this is so quick and easy to put together with frozen veggies and store-bought gravy. To make it even simpler, my friend and I decided to top it with a biscuit crust instead of homemade pastry. It’s delicious! —Linda Drees, Palestine, Texas
2 / 100

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Stuffing

Every family seems to have a favorite stuffing recipe. My family and I have been making this one for many years. It’s so delicious that no gravy is required! —Sandra Dombek, Camillus, New York
3 / 100

Amish Breakfast Casserole

We’ve enjoyed a few hearty breakfast casseroles while visiting an Amish inn. When I asked for a recipe, one of the ladies told me the ingredients right off the top of her head. I modified it to create this quick and easy breakfast casserole my family loves. —Beth Notaro, Kokomo, Indiana


4 / 100

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This is the best buffalo chicken dip recipe! Whenever I bring it to a tailgate or potluck, everyone asks for the recipe. —Peggy Foster, Florence, Kentucky
5 / 100

Favorite Baked Spaghetti

This yummy baked spaghetti casserole will be requested again and again for potlucks and family gatherings. It’s especially popular with my grandchildren, who just love all the cheese. —Louise Miller, Westminster, Maryland
6 / 100

Fluffy Key Lime Pie

For a taste of paradise, try this no-bake Key lime pie recipe. It’s low in fat, sugar and fuss. It truly is the best key lime pie recipe, ever! —Frances VanFossan, Warren, Michigan


7 / 100

Pineapple Orange Cake

This is one of my favorite cakes. It’s moist and light yet so satisfying. I’ve been adapting it for years and now it’s almost guilt-free. —Pam Sjolund, Columbia, South Carolina
8 / 100

Peanut Butter Chocolate Dessert

The desserts of my dreams have both chocolate and peanut butter. So, when I came up with this rich treat, it quickly became my all-time favorite. It’s a cinch to whip together because it doesn’t require any baking. —Debbie Price, LaRue, Ohio
9 / 100

Contest-Winning Broccoli Chicken Casserole

This delicious chicken and broccoli casserole is a twist on chicken divan that came from an old boss. It’s quick, satisfying comfort food. —Jennifer Schlachter, Big Rock, Illinois


10 / 100

Macaroni Coleslaw

My friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to one of our picnics, and everyone liked it so much, we all had to have the recipe. —Sandra Matteson, Westhope, North Dakota
11 / 100

Flavorful Pot Roast

On hectic days, this pot roast is so quick and easy to prep! Convenient packages of dressing and gravy combine to create a delicious sauce for a fall-apart roast. —Arlene Butler, Ogden, Utah
12 / 100

Favorite Chicken Potpie

Chock-full of poultry, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe for chicken pot pie makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. This is the best chicken potpie recipe to have on hand when company comes over. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California


13 / 100

Corn Pudding

Jiffy mix and canned corn make this golden corn pudding casserole a snap to prepare. Now this is real comfort food! —P. Lauren Fay-Neri, Syracuse, New York
14 / 100

Zucchini Onion Pie

We get a lot of zucchini when it’s in season. This is a good and different way to use the excess. —Lucia Johnson, Massena, New York
15 / 100

Creamy Coleslaw

For me, this is the best coleslaw recipe because a package of shredded cabbage and carrots really cuts down on prep time. This coleslaw recipe is great for potlucks or to serve to your family on a busy weeknight. —Renee Endress, Galva, Illinois


16 / 100

Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Perfect for chilly winter nights, this main course is speedy, low in fat and a delicious one-dish meal. —Nancy Tuck, Elk Falls, Kansas
17 / 100

Pesto-Chicken Penne Casseroles

Creamy, flavorful and so easy to fix, this meal-in-one will wow family and friends. Get ready for recipe requests for this easy chicken casserole! —Laura Kayser, Ankeny, Iowa
18 / 100

Chocolate Chip Cookie Delight

This is a simple chocolate delight recipe for any type of potluck occasion, and the pan always comes home empty. —Diane Windley, Grace, Idaho


19 / 100

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

My daughter has the best chicken enchiladas recipe I’ve ever tried. She brought 10 pans of it to my wedding reception and they were the biggest hit of all the food. So many guests wanted the recipe, we sent it out with our Christmas cards. —Pat Coffee, Kingston, Washington
20 / 100

Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet

I’m the proud mother of wonderful and active children. Simple, delicious and quick meals like this BBQ pork skillet are perfect for us to enjoy together after school activities, especially if I have leftover pulled pork. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
21 / 100

Ravioli Lasagna

When you taste this casserole, you’ll think it came from a complicated, from-scratch recipe. Really, though, it starts with frozen ravioli and has only three other ingredients. —Patricia Smith, Asheboro, North Carolina


22 / 100

Root Beer Float Pie

This is the kind of recipe your kids will look back on and always remember. And the only appliance you need is the refrigerator. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
23 / 100

Cranberry Chili Meatballs

Using packaged meatballs helps save time in the kitchen and they are just as tasty as homemade. My friends look forward to enjoying these meatballs at our holiday gatherings and there are never any leftovers! The sauce is tangy yet sweet, and the festive color is perfect for any holiday party. —Amy Scamerhorn, Indianapolis, Indiana
24 / 100

Caramelized Ham & Swiss Buns

My next-door neighbor shared her version of this recipe with me. You can make it ahead and cook it quickly when company arrives. The combo of poppy seeds, ham, cheese, horseradish and brown sugar makes it simply delicious! —Iris Weihemuller, Baxter, Minnesota


25 / 100

Beef & Tater Bake

The entire family will enjoy this heartwarming, all-in-one dinner. Plus, it offers easy cleanup! —Mike Tchou, Pepper Pike, Ohio
26 / 100

Lemonade Icebox Pie

You will detect a definite lemonade flavor in this refreshing pie. High and fluffy, this dessert has a creamy smooth consistency that we really appreciate. It’s the dessert that came to mind immediately when I put together my favorite summer meal. —Cheryl Wilt, Eglon, West Virginia
27 / 100

Strawberry Pretzel Dessert

Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan


28 / 100

Honey Chicken Stir-Fry

I’m a new mom, and my schedule is very dependent upon our young son, so I like meals that can be ready in as little time as possible. This all-in-one chicken stir fry recipe with a hint of sweetness from honey is a big time-saver. —Caroline Sperry, Allentown, Michigan
29 / 100

Slow Cooker Tamale Pie

Canned beans and cornbread muffin mix speed up the prep on this crowd-pleasing main dish that’s perfect for busy evenings and carry-in dinners. —Jill Pokrivka, York, Pennsylvania
30 / 100

Pistachio Pudding Cake

Everyone who’s ever tried this moist, one-of-a-kind cake can’t believe it’s a mix. The dessert is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day…and you won’t need the luck of the Irish to whip it up! —Suzanne Winkhart, Bolivar, Ohio


31 / 100

Mexican Chicken Alfredo

One family member likes Italian; another likes Mexican. They’ll never compromise when this is on the menu. —Tia Woodley, Stockbridge, Georgia
32 / 100

Saltine Toffee Bark

These salty-sweet treasures make great gifts, and their flavor is simply irresistible. The bark is like brittle, but better. Get ready for a new family favorite! —Laura Cox, Brewster, Massachusetts
33 / 100

Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Casserole

People who don’t even like broccoli casseroles beg me to make this comforting broccoli cheese casserole recipe. It’s similar to a classic green bean casserole, but the melted cheese just puts it over the top. —Elaine Hubbard, Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania


34 / 100

Corn Dog Casserole

Reminiscent of traditional corn dogs, this fun main dish really hits the spot on fall days. It’s perfect for the football parties my husband and I often host. It tastes especially good right from the oven. -Marcy Suzanne Olipane, Belleville, Illinois
35 / 100

Candy Bar Apple Salad

This creamy, sweet snickers salad with crisp apple crunch is a real people-pleaser. It makes a lot, which is good, because it will go fast! —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa
36 / 100

Contest-Winning Beef Stuffed Crescents

My neighbor makes these Beef-Stuffed Crescents using jalapenos instead of green chilis and calls them “rattlesnake bites!” I love that this recipe is so easy and has so few ingredients. I’ve made it for potlucks and family gatherings…and never have any leftovers. —Jennifer Bumgarner, Topeka, Kansas


37 / 100

Broccoli-Chicken Cups

I first sampled these when my cousin made them for a bridal shower. All the ladies raved over the fantastic flavor of their individual “casseroles.” —Shirley Gerber, Roanoke, Illinois
38 / 100

Hash Brown Egg Bake

A package of frozen potatoes makes this hash brown egg casserole simple to prepare. Featuring bacon and cheddar cheese, this easy egg bake is tasty breakfast or brunch fare. You can even make it the night before, keep in the fridge and bake the next morning—so convenient! —Cheryl Johnson, Plymouth, Minnesota
39 / 100

Peanut Butter Pudding Dessert

Here’s a fun, layered dessert that will appeal to all ages. If you want it even nuttier, you can use chunky peanut butter, and if you’re not a fan of cashews, substitute your favorite nut. —Barbara Schindler, Napoleon, Ohio


40 / 100

Strawberry Poke Cake

That classic spring treat—strawberry shortcake—takes on a wonderful new twist with this recipe. Strawberry gelatin and strawberries liven up each pretty slice of this lovely layered cake that’s made from a convenient boxed mix. —Mary Jo Griggs, West Bend, Wisconsin
41 / 100

White Chocolate Party Mix

You won’t be able to stop eating this irresistible mix. The light, sweet coating is great over cereal, peanuts, pretzels and M&M’s. —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana
42 / 100

Au Gratin Sausage Skillet

Using frozen vegetables and a package of au gratin potatoes, I can get this satisfying stovetop supper on the table in no time. Even our oldest daughter, who can be a picky eater, loves it – and it is an excellent way of getting her to eat her vegetables. —Penny Greene, Lancaster, Ohio


43 / 100

Breakfast Biscuit Cups

The first time I made these biscuit cups, my husband and his assistant basketball coach came in as I was pulling them out of the oven. They loved them! —Debra Carlson, Columbus Junction, Iowa
44 / 100

Pepperoni Pizza Loaf

This savory stromboli relies on frozen bread dough, so it comes together in practically no time. The golden loaf is stuffed with cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers and olives. I often add a few slices of ham, too. It’s tasty served with warm pizza sauce for dipping. —Jenny Brown, West Lafayette, Indiana
45 / 100

Shrimp Tortellini Pasta Toss

No matter how you toss ’em up, shrimp and thyme play nicely with any spring-fresh vegetable. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen


46 / 100

Caramel Brownies

I love to cook. My family can’t possibly eat all the sweets I whip up, so my co-workers are more than happy to sample them—particularly these rich, chewy brownies that are full of gooey caramel, chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts. —Clara Bakke, Coon Rapids, Minnesota
47 / 100

Crescent Zucchini Pie

A tender, flaky crust makes this egg- and zucchini-based pie a special treat. The cheese, herbs and seasonings add delectable flavor. —Zelda DeHoedt, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
48 / 100

Taco Meatball Ring

While it looks complicated, this attractive meatball-filled ring is really very easy to assemble. My family loves tacos, and we find that the crescent roll dough is a nice change from the usual tortilla shells or chips. There are never any leftovers when I serve this at a meal or as a party appetizer! —Brenda Johnson, Davison, Michigan


49 / 100

Ribbon Pudding Pie

Cool, smooth and creamy, this pretty pie is a slice of heaven for people with diabetes and anyone who likes an easy yet impressive dessert. The lovely pudding layers feature a yummy combination of vanilla, chocolate and butterscotch. —Doris Morgan, Verona, Mississippi
50 / 100

Chicken Crescent Wreath

Here’s an impressive-looking dish that’s a snap to prepare. Even when my cooking time is limited, I can still serve this delicious crescent wreath. The red pepper and green broccoli add a festive touch. —Marlene Denissen, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin
51 / 100

Beef Macaroni Soup

You’ll love my quick version of classic beef macaroni soup. Loaded with veggies and pasta, it’s just as good as if you made it all from scratch. —Debra Baker, Greenville, North Carolina


52 / 100

Tiramisu Toffee Torte

Tiramisu is Italian for “pick-me-up,” and this treat truly lives up to its name. It’s worth every bit of effort to see my husband’s eyes light up when I put a piece of this delicious torte in front of him. —Donna Gonda, North Canton, Ohio
53 / 100

Easy Salsa Sloppy Joes

I created these sandwiches when I realized I did not have a can of sloppy joe sauce. The sweet brown sugar in this recipe complements the tangy salsa. —Mrs. Krista E Collins, Concord, North Carolina
54 / 100

Easy Stuffed Shells

I threw this recipe together one day when we had unexpected guests. It was an immediate hit and is now a family favorite. Get the kids involved when putting together this simple, savory dish. —Dolores Betchner, Cudahy, Wisconsin


55 / 100

Green Bean Casserole

This green bean casserole has always been one of my favorite dishes—it’s so easy to put together! You can make it before any guests arrive and refrigerate it until it’s ready to bake. —Anna Baker, Blaine, Washington
56 / 100

Thai Chicken Stir-Fry

Instead of having takeout at lunch, why not whip up this delicious meal? Thanks to the convenient frozen veggies, you can enjoy classic Thai flavors in minutes. —Sally Bailey, Wooster, Ohio
57 / 100

Sausage & Vegetable Skillet Dinner

I threw this together to use up produce before going out of town. Who knew it was going to be such a hit! It’s great when you don’t have much time to cook or wash dishes. —Elizabeth Kelley, Chicago, Illinois


58 / 100

Cheeseburger ‘n’ Fries Casserole

Kids love this casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods. And I like the fact that I can whip it up with just four ingredients. —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana
59 / 100

Pea ‘n’ Peanut Salad

Even people who don’t like peas love this crunchy recipe, including my own children. I love the fact that it’s so easy and makes a refreshing alternative to more traditional salads. A friend gave me the recipe years ago and I’ve been making it ever since. —Laurinda Nelson, Phoenix, Arizona
60 / 100

Ham & Broccoli Pasta

It’s hard to beat a meal that’s created in one pan, takes 30 minutes to pull together, and your kids actually thank you for making. Sounds like a keeper in my book. —Jana Cathey, Ada, Michigan


61 / 100

Italian Mushrooms

Only four ingredients create a rich and flavorful side dish that we love to eat with beef and mashed potatoes. —Kim Reichert, St. Paul, Minnesota
62 / 100

Ranch Potato Casserole

We operate a busy fruit farm. I cook every day for my family, so I appreciate this dish for another reason—I can put it together a day ahead and bake it just before we’re ready to eat. —Lydia Schnitzler, Kingsburg, California
63 / 100

Easy Molasses Sticky Buns

Your family will jump out of bed when they smell these ooey-gooey caramel rolls baking in the oven. The tender treats look as delicious as they taste! —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania


64 / 100

Soupy Chicken Noodle Supper

At least once a week my six-year-old son, also known as Doctor John, hands me a “prescription” for chicken noodle soup. Needless to say, I’m always happy to fill it. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota
65 / 100

Spinach Dip in a Bread Bowl

When we get together with friends, I like to prepare this creamy spinach dip. It’s a real crowd pleaser. —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin
66 / 100

Quick Tomato Soup

My family often requests my sweet homemade tomato soup on cold days. It’s great with a sandwich and nearly as quick to fix as the canned variety. —Jane Ward, Churchville, Maryland


67 / 100

Easy Taco Pizza

Convenient prebaked crust makes this tasty taco pizza as easy as can be. It’s a great recipe, especially if you have teenagers. I keep the ingredients on hand so that we can whip up this filling meal anytime. —Mary Cass, Baltimore, Maryland
68 / 100

Easy White Chocolate Party Mix

I get rave reviews every time I prepare this crispy combo of cereal, popcorn, pretzels, nuts and candies. Coated in white chocolate, this mix is great for meetings, parties and gift giving. —Rose Wentzel, St. Louis, Missouri
69 / 100

Contest-Winning Easy Tiramisu

This recipe makes a great quick dessert for a special supper…or anytime. It’s easily doubled if needed. What a fun use for pudding snack cups! —Betty Claycomb, Adverton, Pennsylvania


70 / 100

Easy Cake Mix Bars

I take these bars to work for Friday pick-me-ups. I love to share them because they’re so easy to eat, easy to make and easy on the wallet. —Amy Rose, Ballwin, Missouri
71 / 100

Italian Zucchini Casserole

Compliments crop up as fast as vines when folks sample this zucchini casserole. Even those who generally don’t like zucchini find they enjoy it in this savory side dish. —Kimberly Speta, Kennedy, New York
72 / 100

Herbed Rice Pilaf

This savory side dish has been a family favorite for years. Our 12-year-old daughter, Jennifer, is an expert with this recipe, which is a great help for a busy working mom like me. We sure enjoy this rice dish in the summer with a grilled entree. -Jeri Dobrowski, Beach, North Dakota


73 / 100

Quick Chili Mac

This combines my chili recipe with a pasta dish I make. I often serve it for company or potlucks and occasionally add taco seasoning or use beanless chili and add black beans. —Lee Deneau, Lansing, Michigan
74 / 100

So-Easy Sloppy Joes

Everybody in the family will love the zesty, fun flavor of this simple staple. (Try it spooned over warmed corn bread if you don’t have buns.) —Karen Anderson, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
75 / 100

Herbed Cheese Sticks

We love the breadsticks at our local pizza joint. Now I can get that same gooey-from-the-oven treat, but I never have to leave the house. —Heather Bates, Athens, Maine


76 / 100

Easy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Here’s a traditional recipe for pineapple upside down cake that’s been updated with packaged items for convenience. —Karen Ann Bland from Gove, Kansas
77 / 100

Easy Mexican Chicken and Rice

This is a super-tasty, Mexican-style dinner that everyone loves. I’ve served it at informal get-togethers, passing the toppings around for a fun presentation. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
78 / 100

Zucchini Pancakes

Made with zucchini, these are a tasty change of pace from ordinary potato pancakes. Add a little shredded onion to give them a savory kick. —Charlotte Goldberg, Honey Grove, Pennsylvania


79 / 100

Buttery Almond Green Beans

Toasted almonds add crunch to this no-fuss treatment for fresh beans. They get extra flavor from convenient onion soup mix and Parmesan cheese. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
80 / 100

Quick Icebox Sandwiches

My mother liked making these cool, creamy treats when I was growing up in the States because they’re so quick to fix. Then I made them for my three kids.—Sandy Armijo, Naples, Italy
81 / 100

Super Quick Chicken Fried Rice

After my first child was born, I needed meals that were satisfying and fast. This easy chicken fried rice is now part of our routine dinners. —Alicia Gower, Auburn, New York


82 / 100

Quick Cherry Turnovers

Refrigerated crescent rolls let you make these fruit-filled pastries in a hurry. My family loves these turnovers for breakfast, but they’re so delicious, they’d be welcome any time of the day. Feel free to experiment with other pie fillings as well. —Elleen Oberrueter, Danbury, Iowa
83 / 100

Pad Thai Pizza

A refrigerated crust makes it a snap to prepare this scrumptious Thai-inspired pizza. You’ll love the slightly spicy peanut sauce and yummy toppings. —Karen S. Shelton, Collierville, Tennessee
84 / 100

Party Pesto Pinwheels

I took a couple of my favorite recipes and combined them into these delicious hors d’oeuvres. The colorful and impressive snacks come together easily with refrigerated crescent roll dough, prepared pesto sauce and a jar of roasted red peppers. —Kathleen Farrell, Rochester, New York


85 / 100

Chicken Salad-Stuffed Peppers

We love this recipe because it combines the fresh flavor of summer bell peppers and chicken salad. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
86 / 100

Bacon-Chicken Club Pizza

Pizza topped with lettuce, tomatoes and dressing? You’re in for a treat! Vegetables give the cheesy crust a welcoming cool crunch. —Debbie Reid, Clearwater, Florida
87 / 100

Poutine

The ultimate in French-Canadian junk food, poutine commonly features warm fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. This side dish is quick to fix with frozen potatoes and packaged gravy but has all the traditional greasy spoon comfort. —Shelisa Terry, Henderson, Nevada


88 / 100

Quick Barbecued Beans

Baked beans are a simple, classic recipe, and cooking them on the grill adds great smoky flavor. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois
89 / 100

Easy Philly Cheesesteaks

Since we live in a rural area where there aren’t any restaurants to speak of, I thought it would be fun to make this classic sandwich at home. For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of steak sauce. —Lenette Bennett, Como, Colorado
90 / 100

Easy Cheesecake Pie

This Oreo cheesecake pie recipe is so quick, you’ll have it ready in less than 10 minutes. And it’s so good! —Cathy Shortall, Easton, Maryland


91 / 100

Easy Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars

This dessert is super easy to pull together and the flavorful results will win you nothing but rave reviews. — Aimee Ransom, Hoschton, Georgia
92 / 100

Easy Elephant Ears

You’ll love the classic cinnamon-sugar flavor of these crispy bite-size treats. Even more, you’ll love that they call for just three ingredients and are so simple to assemble. —Bob Rose, Waukesha, Wisconsin
93 / 100

Wild Rice Stuffing

Since trying this stuffing recipe from my sister, I haven’t made any other kind. It’s so moist and tasty. When a big bowlful starts circulating around the table, happy holiday smiles get even bigger! —Connie Olson, Green River, Wyoming


94 / 100

Mini Crescent Burgers

A friend first brought these snacks to a Sunday school party. The original recipe called for pork sausage, but I substituted ground beef with taste-tempting results. —Pam Buhr, Mexico, Missouri
95 / 100

Wild Rice Stuffed Squash

I made this recipe when we invited both families to celebrate our first Thanksgiving in our new home. There were 37 of us, and those who tried this dish raved about it. —Robin Thompson, Roseville, California
96 / 100

Chicken Tostada Cups

Several years ago I tried a version of these cups at a restaurant in Santa Fe, and I wanted to make my own spin. These are great for gatherings where you can let everyone add their own favorite toppings. —Marla Clark, Moriarty, New Mexico


97 / 100

Chicken Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette

I find myself turning to this quick and easy chicken salad for many weeknight dinners. It’s the perfect combination of crunchy and salty. — Lynne Keast, Monte Sereno, California
98 / 100

Pecan-Cornbread Dressing

Plenty of pecans and bacon give this stuffing a unique flavor— while using a packaged mix cuts down on the preparation time. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee Wisconsin
99 / 100

Ranch Green Beans

Years ago, I discovered this handwritten recipe on a note card and decided to give it a try. It’s deliciously different from the usual green bean casserole and quickly became a favorite. —Carol Conn, Aurora, Colorado


100 / 100

Deluxe Hash Brown Casserole

My son-in-law gave me the recipe for this hash brown casserole, which my kids say is addictive. It’s an amazing make-ahead dish.—Amy Oswalt, Burr, Nebraska

মন্তব্যসমূহ