10 Weeknight Dinners When You Have No Idea What to Make (Ready in 20 Minutes or Less)

It’s 5:47 p.m.
The fridge is nearly empty, your meat is frozen solid, and someone just yelled “I’m huuungryyyy” from the other room. Sound familiar? Welcome to dinner panic o’clock.

When there’s no plan, no thawed protein, and no time to spare, this list is your weeknight rescue. These dinners come together in 20 minutes or less, include at least one fruit or veggie, and lean on clever shortcuts—canned beans, frozen grains, bagged salad, and the not-just-for-breakfast MVP: the Whiskware Pancake Batter Mixer.

Even better? Every recipe includes a real task for kids to help with—whether that’s stirring, scooping, assembling, or sprinkling. It’s a fun way to get them involved and make dinner feel like a team effort.

Let’s make something quick, simple, and seriously satisfying.

1. Pancake Night 🥞

Breakfast for dinner? Yes, please—and yes, it can be quick and easy.

Main:
Whip up pancakes in a flash using store-bought pancake mix and the Whiskware Pancake Batter Mixer. This little kitchen MVP makes mixing a breeze—just add your mix and water, shake, and pour. No bowls to scrub, no clumpy batter, and no spills. Cleanup’s a dream because you mix right inside the sealed container (no extra dishes!), the smooth interior means batter slides out easily, and the handy spout keeps pouring mess-free. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe, so you can just pop it in when you’re done. Add mashed bananas before mixing, or sprinkle blueberries or chocolate chips after pouring for something a little extra.

Sides:

• Scrambled eggs or sausage links for some protein

• Fresh fruit or thawed frozen berries—serve them straight up, mix them into yogurt, or mash them slightly for a quick and tasty pancake topping

If you’re working with frozen fruit, just let it thaw in the fridge while you prep. Once soft, the berries become juicy and perfect for spooning over pancakes or adding a fresh, colorful side.

Healthy Swap:
Try a whole grain pancake mix or stir in a scoop of ground flax or chia seeds for an easy nutrition boost without changing the flavor.

Kids Can Help:

• Toddlers (2–4): Add fruit to plates or mash soft bananas if you’re mixing them in

• Kids (5–8): Shake the pancake batter mixer, sprinkle in extras like blueberries or chocolate chips, and help plate the pancakes

• Tweens (9+): Flip pancakes on the skillet, scramble eggs, or help set the table

Pancake night just got easier—and way more fun when everyone gets to pitch in.

2. Sheet Pan Quesadilla Bake 🌮

A hands-off dinner that feels like a party—and clean-up’s a breeze.

Main:
Mix canned chicken, salsa, sour cream, and shredded cheese in a bowl. Spread a layer of tortillas across a baking sheet to cover the whole bottom, then spread the filling evenly on top. Cover with another layer of tortillas and fold the edges over to seal. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, then slice into squares with a pizza cutter or sharp knife and serve.

Sides:

• Canned corn or chips & salsa

• Fresh fruit like grapes or sliced pineapple (or swap in whatever you have on hand)

Healthy Swap:
Use whole wheat tortillas or light sour cream to lighten things up without sacrificing flavor.

Kids Can Help:

• Toddlers (2–4): Sprinkle cheese on top — so satisfying and fun!

• Kids (5–8): Mix the filling ingredients and help layer the tortillas

• Tweens (9+): Spread the filling evenly and, with supervision, slice the quesadilla once it’s baked

Dinner’s done, and everyone had a hand in it—win-win.

3. Easy Philly Cheesesteak Skillet 🧀

All the cozy, melty goodness of a cheesesteak—without the fuss.

Main:
Sauté 1 pound of ground beef with sliced onions and bell peppers until cooked through. Stir in 2 ounces of cream cheese plus ½ cup shredded cheese until everything’s nice and melty. Serve it up on hoagie buns or with toast for a simple, satisfying meal.

Sides:

• Apple slices for a fresh crunch

• Canned or frozen green beans, quickly microwaved and tossed with a sprinkle of garlic salt

Healthy Swap:
Use ground turkey or lean ground beef and swap in light cream cheese to keep it lighter but still delicious.

Kids Can Help:

• Toddlers (2–4): Hand you ingredients like buns or cheese, and help wipe down counters

• Kids (5–8): Measure and add cheese to the pan, help wash veggies before cooking

• Tweens (9+): Chop softer veggies like bell peppers with a kid-safe knife, stir the skillet under supervision, and help assemble sandwiches

Dinner’s ready in a flash—and the whole crew gets to pitch in.

4. Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup 🍅

Classic comfort food that’s easy enough for everyone to help with.

Main:
Make grilled cheese sandwiches however your family loves ‘em. For a protein boost, add a slice of ham or turkey inside the sandwich or serve alongside. Simmer canned tomato soup according to package directions, then toward the end, stir in 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream, a teaspoon of honey to balance the acidity, and some chopped fresh basil.

Sides:

• Cucumber slices with ranch dip

• Frozen peas (steam or microwave for a quick veggie side)

Healthy Swap:
Use whole grain bread and opt for low-sodium tomato soup to keep it wholesome without sacrificing flavor.

Kids Can Help:

• Toddlers (2–4): Place cheese slices on bread

• Kids (5–8): Spread butter on the bread, tear fresh basil leaves for the soup

• Tweens (9+): Grill the sandwiches with supervision and stir the soup as it simmers

5. Spaghetti & Meatballs 🍝

A comforting classic that’s as quick as it is satisfying.

Main:
Boil your favorite pasta according to package instructions. Heat canned marinara sauce separately as directed. Cook or warm frozen meatballs following the package, then stir them into the sauce just before serving. Top everything with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan for that perfect cheesy finish.

Sides:

• Crispy garlic bread, toasted to golden perfection

• Quick sautéed frozen spinach with olive oil and garlic — an easy way to sneak in greens

Healthy Swap:
Try whole grain or protein-packed pasta and opt for a low-sugar marinara to keep it wholesome without losing flavor.

Kids Can Help:

• Toddlers (2–4): Sprinkle parmesan over the pasta

• Kids (5–8): Gently stir the sauce and butter the garlic bread

• Tweens (9+): Take charge of boiling pasta and warming the sauce and meatballs with supervision

6. Breakfast Sandwiches 🍳

Breakfast for dinner is a total crowd-pleaser—and way easier than you think. Start by baking eggs in a muffin tin at 375°F for 10–15 minutes or frying them gently in a pan (make sure to break the yolks so they cook through nicely). Meanwhile, heat up precooked sausage patties and toast your English muffins until golden brown. Don’t forget to butter those muffins—it’s the little touches that make all the difference.

Layer the warm eggs, sausage, and a slice of melty cheese onto the toasted muffins, and you’ve got a handheld dinner that feels both cozy and fun.

Sides:

• Fresh fruit salad

• Baby spinach tossed with a simple vinaigrette

Healthy swaps? Whole wheat English muffins and low-fat cheese work great here to lighten it up without skimping on flavor.

Kids Can Help:

• Toddlers (2–4): Add fruit to bowls for the salad

• Kids (5–8): Assemble sandwiches and crack eggs into the pan or muffin tin (with help)

• Tweens (9+): Take charge of baking the eggs and toasting & buttering the muffins

7. Taco Rice Bowls 🌯

Mini Recipe:
Cook instant rice according to the package instructions (brown or white). While that’s going, heat canned black beans and frozen corn separately—either in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you’re adding meat, brown ground beef with taco seasoning or reheat some leftover rotisserie chicken. Once everything’s hot, layer it into bowls: rice, beans, corn, meat (if using), salsa, and shredded cheese. Mix it all together or keep toppings separate for picky eaters.

Sides:

• Canned corn or green beans

• Mandarin oranges

Healthy Swap:
Use brown rice, low-sodium beans, or skip the meat for a vegetarian version.

Kids Can Help:

• 2–4: Dump beans, corn, or cheese into bowls

• 5–8: Stir toppings, scoop rice

• 9+: Cook rice, heat toppings, brown beef (with supervision)

8. Chicken Caesar Wraps 🥗

These wraps are the definition of “throw it together in five minutes and feel like a genius.” Grab a bagged Caesar salad kit, add some leftover rotisserie chicken, and roll it all up in a tortilla. That’s it. It’s crunchy, creamy, and hits every time. Bonus points if you warm the tortillas first to make them easier to roll (and less likely to split).

You can swap in a ranch or Southwest-style salad kit if your kids side-eye Caesar. And if you’re packing it for later, just keep the filling and tortillas separate until it’s time to eat — no soggy wraps allowed.

Sides:

• Pretzels

• Apple slices

Healthy Swap:
Try a Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing or use less cheese and croutons if you want to lighten it up.

Kids Can Help:

• Ages 2–4: Toss chicken into the salad bowl

• Ages 5–8: Mix the salad, help roll the wraps

• Ages 9+: Shred the rotisserie chicken, warm tortillas, and wrap it all up

9. Veggie Fried Rice 🍚

This one’s perfect for those nights when you need something warm, filling, and just a little comforting — without resorting to takeout. Veggie fried rice comes together fast using pantry and freezer staples. Start by sautéing frozen mixed veggies in a little sesame oil for flavor (you can use olive oil if that’s what you’ve got), then scramble in an egg right in the pan. Stir in warmed-up instant rice and a splash of soy sauce, then toss in some pre-cooked cubed ham for a little protein boost.

Sides:

• Pineapple chunks or canned peaches

• Shelled edamame

Healthy Swap:
Try brown rice or cauliflower rice for more fiber and fewer carbs — either works great in a skillet meal like this.

Kids Can Help:

• Ages 2–4: Add cubed ham or scooped veggies to the pan (with supervision)

• Ages 5–8: Crack and beat eggs, help mix everything together

• Ages 9+: Cook the full dish start to finish with a little guidance

10. Pita Pizzas 🍕

Pita pizzas are the ultimate “make your own” dinner that’s quick, customizable, and somehow way more fun than a regular pizza night. Just grab some pita rounds, spread on your favorite sauce (marinara or even pesto if you’re feeling fancy), sprinkle cheese, and pile on whatever toppings you have on hand — veggies, pepperoni, olives, whatever your crew loves. Pop them in the oven at 400°F for 8–10 minutes until the cheese melts and the edges crisp up perfectly.

Bonus: these mini pizzas cook fast, so you won’t be stuck waiting around, and cleanup is a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights or even a weekend family pizza party.

Sides:

• Baby carrots with hummus

• Fresh fruit

Healthy Swap:
Use whole grain pitas and load up on veggies for a nutrition boost without sacrificing taste.

Kids Can Help:

• 2–4: Sprinkle cheese and add toppings

• 5–8: Spread sauce and help assemble pizzas

• 9+: Bake pizzas and cut into slices (with supervision)

When dinner panic strikes, this list is your new best friend. Print it, pin it on the fridge, or save it wherever you can see it—because these 10 dinners have got your back on those “what do I even make?” nights. And if you want to level up your pancake game (and save serious time and mess), snag a Whiskware Pancake Batter Mixer—it’s the ultimate easy dinner hack you never knew you needed.

Try these meals, get the whole family involved, and don’t forget to tag us @Whiskware so we can cheer you on! Happy cooking, friend. You’ve got this.