I Kept the Peace With 29 Fast Recipes and No Small Talk

Keeping the peace at the table is easier when quick meals take the lead. These 29 recipes handle busy days without giving anyone time to start a debate. They get served fast, eaten faster, and end before the small talk gets out of hand. If there’s a medal for avoiding chaos, this might be it.

Blueberry Pancakes

Pancakes don’t always have to be plain. Blueberry Pancakes bring a pop of something extra for breakfast. They’re a quick way to change things up and add variety to your routine. Perfect for mornings where you want something simple but not boring.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Pancakes

Black Bean Burger

Want a dinner idea that’s hearty but easy to pull together? A Black Bean Burger is a solid choice that skips the need for complicated prep work. It’s a filling option that won’t take forever to finish. Great for nights when you don’t have much energy for cooking.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Burger

Blueberry Cobbler

Dessert doesn’t need to be complicated to be good. Blueberry Cobbler is one of those dishes that feels like home in every bite. It’s not too fussy but checks all the boxes for a sweet treat. A simple way to wrap up any meal or share something on a casual evening.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cobbler

French Bread Pizza

When you don’t feel like making dough, French Bread Pizza is the way to cheat the whole process. It’s quick enough for nights when you don’t want to overthink dinner. It’s perfectly customizable for however you’re feeling that day. No hassle, just easy food for everyone.
Get the Recipe: French Bread Pizza

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking doesn’t mean committing your entire day. Chocolate Chip Cookies are always a classic and bring zero drama to the kitchen. They’ll do the job when you need something sweet that’s reliable. Plus, they stay great for snacks later on.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Avocado Toast

Start your day without overthinking breakfast. Avocado Toast keeps it simple but still feels like you put some thought into it. It’s a great last-minute thing to throw together without much effort. Tweak it or keep it plain, it works either way.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Quick salads don’t have to be boring. Mexican Street Corn Salad shakes things up by packing in bold, stand-out ingredients. It’s fast to put together but doesn’t skimp on flavor. Works as a side dish or something you just eat straight out of the bowl.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Mornings don’t have to feel rushed. Cottage Cheese Pancakes whip up fast and offer something just a little different for breakfast. They don’t take much effort but pack in all the satisfaction of pancakes. Great for when you need energy that lasts without crazy prep.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Greek Salad

Skip heavy sauces and long cooking times. Greek Salad is an easy, fresh option that doesn’t ask for much. It’s a no-fuss dish for when you don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen. Works for lunch, dinner, or even as something to share.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad

Cacio e Pepe

Pasta doesn’t need to be complicated. Cacio e Pepe keeps it simple but doesn’t feel like skipping effort. A quick option to pull together for a no-frills dinner that still tastes great. You can have it ready before anyone’s asking how long it’ll take.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Sheet Pan Pancakes

Forget flipping pancakes over the stove. Sheet Pan Pancakes let you skip all that work without skipping breakfast altogether. Less mess, less waiting, it’s all done at once. Perfect for feeding more than just yourself, with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pancakes

Chickpea Nuggets

Tired of all the usual options at snack time? Chickpea Nuggets are the alternative you didn’t know you needed. They’re quick to put together and don’t rely on many ingredients. Ideal for appetizers, snacks, or something to munch anytime.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Nuggets

Spaghetti Marinara

You don’t need much to whip up something fast and crowd-pleasing. Spaghetti Marinara keeps things simple with an easy-to-pull-off sauce and pasta that’s hard not to love. It’s a go-to for when you want something solid without overthinking dinner. Prepared in less time than you’d expect, it’s ready to hit the plate in no time.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Cheese Quesadilla

Sometimes you just want something reliable without any fuss. Grab a pan and make Cheese Quesadilla for an easy snack or meal that hits quickly. Melty cheese and crispy edges make this satisfying without extra effort. It’s the kind of recipe that works when you just need it done fast.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Quesadilla

Easy Flatbread Pizza

Dinner doesn’t need to be complicated, and this proves it every time. Easy Flatbread Pizza combines everything you need into one quick assembly. Great for busy nights or when a casual bite hits the craving. This recipe gets dinner done without messing up the kitchen too much.
Get the Recipe: Easy Flatbread Pizza

Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

Nothing beats the comfort of something warm and filling when time is tight. Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup is the perfect quick option for a fast hit of richness. It’s a simple way of getting it all together for a no-fuss meal. Bring this out when you want something dependable that feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

Easy Burrito

If you’re looking for something you can grab and eat without a mess, this is the answer. Easy Burrito nails it with no hassle and all the basics wrapped into one. It’s quick, it’s compact, and it doesn’t require much work at all. Keep this recipe handy for those days when cooking needs to fly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Burrito

Spinach Pizza

Don’t let the name fool you; making Spinach Pizza is hardly time-consuming. It brings everything together for an easy dinner that doesn’t stretch beyond essentials. Handy for when you want something good without the wait. Load it on, pop it in, and let it be dinner without much thought.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Pizza

Best Lemon Pasta

There’s nothing tricky about making Best Lemon Pasta, just a solid meal without extra steps. It’s got just enough zip to stand out, while remaining simple to prepare. Great for those dinners that need a touch of uniqueness but no extra effort. Maybe not the fanciest dish, but it’ll get the job done quickly.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

7 Layer Salad

You could almost call this a salad built to impress without trying too hard. 7 Layer Salad stacks up just right with minimal prep and maximum payoff. Great for quick gatherings or meals that call for something appealing without added work. Once you toss this together, the work is basically done.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Grilled Eggplant

Straightforward and easy to make, Grilled Eggplant is as simple as it gets. Light charring on the outside makes it a solid addition to your roster of meals. Handy for pairing alongside something else without adding effort. It’s a recipe to keep when cooking needs to be basic or fast.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Eggplant

Hash Browns

Breakfast or snack time doesn’t need to stretch beyond 20 minutes. Hash Browns are quick to prepare with no need to overthink it. Crispy, simple, and always reliable whenever hunger calls. A great recipe to keep on hand and easily check off the list.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Neapolitan Pizza

You don’t have to travel far for this restaurant staple, Neapolitan Pizza is surprisingly simple at home. Minimal effort gets it on the table fast without missing the point. Thin, crispy, and ready in less time than you’d imagine. Makes for an easy meal without stretching beyond the basics.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza

Penne Alla Vodka

Simple pasta dishes don’t need all the bells and whistles. Penne Alla Vodka pulls off creamy and bold all in less time than you’d assume. Perfect for a dinner that feels a little fancy without extra steps. Quick to make, easy to enjoy, and doesn’t leave you stuck in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Pizza Salad

Salads don’t always need to stay plain, and this works to change that. Pizza Salad builds over basic greens for something more interesting and quick to assemble. Tossed together fast, it can hit the table without much effort. Great recipe to keep ready for casual meals or last-minute plans.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow)

A quick meal can be just what you need on busy days. Quick Thai Omelet delivers protein and satisfying simplicity with minimal fuss. It’s quick, hearty, and perfect when you don’t want to overthink cooking. This dish is ready in no time and pairs well with almost anything.
Get the Recipe: Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow)

Refried Beans

Some dishes can be your go-to for quick fixes. Refried Beans are that comforting side or filling you can make effortlessly. It’s versatile enough for wraps, bowls, or on its own with a little topping. Nutritious and easy, it’s a no-brainer for quick meal ideas.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Craving something that hits with heat and freshness? Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is it. Perfectly balanced for a quick side or snack, it has crunch and spice that’ll keep you coming back. It’s so quick you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Margherita Pizza

Everyone loves a simple, classic meal that brings a lot to the table. Margherita Pizza keeps it minimal but rich enough to impress without much effort. A few ingredients and quick preparation make it an unbeatable choice for pizza nights. You can make it your own with extra toppings or keep it traditional for an easy treat.
Get the Recipe: Margherita Pizza