Cooking hacks for busy people: 27 quick & easy wins

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Don’t have time in the kitchen? Don’t sweat it because here are 27 quick & easy wins just for you. These cooking hacks are lifesavers for busy people who still want to enjoy delicious home-cooked meals. I’m talking about using your kitchen tools in clever ways, getting creative with what’s already in your pantry, and making meal prep as easy as 1-2-3. Trust me, with these tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be whipping up great meals in no time. So, are you ready to make the most of your kitchen time? Come on, let’s get cooking!

A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.
25 Minute Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Some picking up a slice of cheese quesadilla.
Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Craving a snack that’s both speedy and pleasing? Enter the air fryer cheese quesadilla, a genius cooking hack for busy moments. It’s all about that golden, gooey perfection in just a few minutes, making it a go-to for anyone wanting instant comfort without the kitchen marathon. Quick, cheesy, and utterly delicious – a game-changer for those hectic days.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

A bowl of freshly made Copycat Chipotle corn salsa with a serving spoon in it.
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Need to improve your meals without the fuss? Here’s a go-to cooking hack: copycat Chipotle corn salsa. Busy schedules often mean sacrificing flavor, but not anymore. This salsa is a quick and easy solution to spice up your tacos, salads, or burritos, bringing the taste of your favorite restaurant home in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Egg Bites

Egg Bites on a board with a little parsley on top.
Egg Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Let’s talk about a breakfast hack for the busiest of mornings – egg bites. These little protein powerhouses are the ultimate quick and easy win, allowing you to prep them in advance. A grab-and-go breakfast that’s bite-sized, delicious, and keeps you energized throughout the day. Busy folks, rejoice!
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

Hash Browns

Hash Browns on a white plate with an egg and avocado.
Hash Browns. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mornings just got a whole lot better with this cooking hack – crispy hash browns. Busy days call for quick wins, and these golden-brown wonders transform your breakfast routine in a flash. Waking up to a plate of crunchiness that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen – a breakfast game-changer for the time-strapped.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Tortilla Pizza

Four tortilla pizzas on a wooden cutting board.
Tortilla Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Ever wish for a homemade pizza without the hassle? Enter the tortilla pizza, a cooking hack that’s a savior on busy nights. Quick, customizable, and oh-so-delicious, it’s the ultimate canvas for your favorite toppings. When time is of the essence, this recipe ensures you get your pizza fix without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Pizza

Creamy Avocado Sauce

Avocado sauce in a bowl with it's ingredients surrounding it.
Creamy Avocado Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Meet your go-to cooking hack for flavor elevation – creamy avocado sauce. For busy individuals, this sauce is a game-changer, effortlessly adding a burst of taste to tacos, salads, or sandwiches. Quick, versatile, and downright delicious – it’s the secret weapon for those craving a delicious upgrade without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Avocado Sauce

Waffles

Freshly made waffles on a plate with strawberries.
Waffles. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crispy, fluffy waffles in a hurry? Now that’s a cooking hack perfect for busy mornings. Forget about complicated breakfasts – these quick waffles are a game-changer. Whether enjoyed plain or loaded with your favorite toppings, they provide a perfect start to your day without keeping you stuck in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Waffles

Pizza Salad

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Juggling the desire for pizza and a fresh salad? Here’s the cooking hack: pizza salad. Combining the best of both worlds, this quick dish offers all the flavors of pizza in a fresh and crisp salad form. It’s the perfect compromise for busy days when you want it all without the lengthy prep.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Cacio e Pepe

A plate of spaghetti with parmesan cheese on a green cloth.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Craving a taste of Italy without the plane ticket? Cacio e pepe is the cooking hack you need. Busy nights call for quick and flavorful solutions, and this Roman classic delivers. It’s like indulging in the simplicity and satisfaction of this pasta dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Bellissimo!
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

French Bread Pizza

Four slices of French bread pizza with tomatoes and cheese on a cutting board.
French Bread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When the thought of making traditional pizza feels overwhelming, here’s your cooking hack: French bread pizza. Crispy French bread, your favorite toppings, and minimal effort create a speedy and satisfying alternative. It’s the go-to recipe for busy evenings when cooking from scratch seems like a daunting task.
Get the Recipe: French Bread Pizza

Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Chipotle black beans cooked and in a serving bowl.
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Craving the flavors of Chipotle without the wait? Enter the cooking hack: copycat Chipotle black beans. Busy nights call for quick and flavorful solutions, and these beans deliver. It’s a shortcut to bringing the taste of your favorite restaurant home, adding a burst of flavor to your meals in no time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Neapolitan Pizza

A quick and easy pizza recipe on a white plate.
Neapolitan Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Missing the authentic taste of Naples? Say hello to the Neapolitan pizza, your cooking hack for quick pizza satisfaction. Busy days don’t have to mean compromising on flavor – this recipe brings the essence of Naples to your table without the wait. It’s a delicious shortcut for pizza lovers on the go.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza

25 Minute Black Bean Burger

A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.
25 Minute Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Busy but craving a protein-packed meal? This cooking hack has you covered – 25-minute black bean burgers. Quick, delicious, and vegetarian, these burgers are a win for those who want a perfect option without spending hours in the kitchen. Fast food just got a healthy makeover.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger

Marinara Pizza

A cooked and sliced marinara pizza.
Marinara Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a classic pizza experience without the wait, try the cooking hack: marinara pizza. Simple yet pleasing, it brings the timeless flavors of tomato sauce to the forefront. Perfect for busy days when pizza cravings hit and you need a quick and delicious fix.
Get the Recipe: Marinara Pizza

Air Fryer Asparagus

Air fried asparagus with garlic and parmesan on a white plate.
Air Fryer Asparagus. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Roasting asparagus has never been quicker, thanks to the cooking hack – air fryer asparagus. A speedy and healthy side dish for busy nights, it requires minimal effort for perfectly cooked asparagus that complements any main course. It’s a time-saving hack for a nutritious addition to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus

Mashed Potato Fritters

A stack of mashed potato fritters.
Mashed Potato Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Leftover mashed potatoes? Turn them into a delightful snack with this cooking hack: mashed potato fritters. Clever and tasty, these fritters are a game-changer for busy days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Repurposing leftovers has never been this delicious.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Fritters

Spaghetti Marinara

Spaghetti marinara in a bowl with fresh basil on top..
Spaghetti Marinara. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Craving a classic but short on time? Meet the cooking hack: spaghetti marinara. A timeless pasta dish, it’s perfect for busy schedules. Enjoy the comforting flavors of marinara without the lengthy preparation, ensuring you get a delicious meal without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Easy Flatbread Pizza

Two slices of pizza with tomatoes and herbs.
Easy Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Need pizza pronto? Embrace the cooking hack: easy flatbread pizza. Quick, customizable, and a perfect alternative to traditional pizza, it’s perfect for busy evenings when pizza cravings strike. Top it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a delicious homemade pizza in no time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Flatbread Pizza

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Indulge in rich flavors without the wait with this cooking hack – penne alla vodka. Quick, creamy, and oh-so-delicious, it’s the perfect pasta option for busy nights when you want a comforting dish without the hassle. Restaurant-worthy pasta, made right in your kitchen, in no time.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Easy Burrito

Someone stacking veggie burritos.
Easy Burrito. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Craving a meal on the go? This cooking hack has you covered – the easy burrito. Quick, easy, and customizable with your favorite fillings, it’s the perfect solution for busy days when you need a delicious meal without the time-consuming prep.
Get the Recipe: Easy Burrito

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

A delicious and simple pasta recipe topped with parmesan cheese and parsley.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Busy evenings call for simplicity without compromising flavor – enter spaghetti aglio e olio, your go-to cooking hack. A garlic-infused delight in minutes, it’s the perfect solution for when you want a delicious pasta dish without the complexity. Simple, easy, and quick – the trifecta for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Refried Beans

A bowl of homemade refried beans and lime wedges.
Refried Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Busy days don’t mean sacrificing flavor, especially with this cooking hack: refried beans. Whip up flavorful refried beans in no time, adding a versatile burst of taste to your Mexican-inspired dishes. It’s a game-changer for those who want a quick and delicious addition to their meals.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans

Aloo Palak

Two bowls of potato and spinach curry on a green cloth.
Aloo Palak. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Experience the combo of spinach and potatoes with this cooking hack – speedy aloo palak. A flavorful option for busy nights, it’s a quick and nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. Perfect for those craving a dish without the kitchen marathon.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Palak

Easy Caprese Salad

Caprese salad in a serving bowl, with tomatoes, oil and balsamic glaze nearby.
Easy Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Slice, assemble, and savor the cooking hack – easy caprese salad. Perfect for busy days when you want a light and refreshing option without the need for extensive preparation. It’s a quick and delightful dish showcasing the beauty of fresh ingredients without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Garlic Dip

Garlic dip in a serving bowl with fries by it.
Garlic Dip. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Upgrade your snack game with a quick and zesty cooking hack – garlic dip. A perfect companion for chips, veggies, or any of your favorite snacks, it’s an ideal solution for busy days when you want a flavorful dip without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Dip

Aloo Gobi

A bowl of cauliflower curry with tomatoes and cucumbers.
Aloo Gobi. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a quick and flavorful Indian dish, try this cooking hack: aloo gobi. Perfect for busy days when you crave spice without the prolonged cooking, it’s a game-changer that brings a taste of India to your table in no time.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi

Sweetcorn Fritters

Sweetcorn fritters in a stack.
Sweetcorn Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside – these sweetcorn fritters are your cooking hack for a quick and satisfying snack. Perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without the fuss, they deliver a perfect crunch with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Sweetcorn Fritters

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