Fast Meals With Potatoes: Straightforward Recipes for Busy Weeknights

One factor you’ll at all times discover in my pantry? Potatoes. They’re arms down some of the versatile components you should use within the kitchen. I make them for breakfast (have you ever tried my candy potato breakfast hash I shared over a decade ago- that’s loopy?), they usually’re a go-to facet dish for lunch and dinner. 

However my favourite factor about potatoes needs to be how nutritious they’re. I do know this can be stunning given how typically folks speak concerning the excessive carb content material. However the fact is, we want advanced carbs! They offer us lasting vitality, promote higher blood sugar management, and help in digestion. They’re additionally loaded with potassium, a strong supply of vitamin C, and are filled with fiber.

Now, I do know there’s an enormous motive why dad and mom keep away from making potato-based dishes: prep and prepare dinner time. We’ve all pulled up a baked potato recipe, seen “45 minutes” within the directions, and sighed. However right here’s the excellent news—there are many potato recipes which might be fast, nutritious, and simply as scrumptious.

On this submit, I’m sharing my favourite fast potato recipes you’ll be able to whip up on a weeknight, deliver to a BBQ, or prep forward for the week. 

Fast Meals With Potatoes: Straightforward Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Veggie Potato Hash Bowl

This Veggie Potato Hash Bowl is cozy, hearty, and filled with taste. It has crispy golden potatoes, candy pops of pepper, earthy greens, and only a trace of smoky paprika. It’s considered one of my favourite fast potato meals (and makes a terrific breakfast!) as a result of all of it comes collectively in a single skillet. Use pre-cooked or microwaved potatoes, toss in your veggies, add egg or tofu for protein, and also you’ve obtained a balanced, filling meal in underneath Quarter-hour. 

And it’s not simply tasty—it’s filled with vitamin, too. Eggs or tofu give it a protein increase whereas the veggies add fiber, antioxidants, and nutritional vitamins for long-lasting vitality. Mainly, it’s a whole meal that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. 

Substances

• 1 cup diced cooked potatoes (steamed)
• ½ bell pepper, diced
• ¼ crimson onion, diced
• 1 cup spinach or kale
• 2 eggs (or tofu for plant-based)
• 1 tsp olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika
• Optionally available: ½ avocado or sizzling sauce to prime

Directions

Step 1: Warmth just a little olive oil in a big skillet over medium warmth. 

Step 2: Add your potatoes, onion, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring every now and then, till the potatoes are golden and the veggies are tender. 

Step 3: Toss within the greens and prepare dinner simply till they wilt down. 

Step 4: Push all the things to at least one facet of the pan. Crack within the eggs and scramble or fry them—your name. 

Step 5: Pile all of it into bowls and prime with creamy avocado slices or a drizzle of sizzling sauce (or each!). 

5-Minute Loaded Candy Potato

Creamy, just a little nutty, and completely satisfying, this loaded candy potato recipe is a fast and simple mealtime win. The hummus and tahini deliver a wealthy, velvety taste, whereas the chickpeas add that hearty, satisfying chew. 

It’s considered one of my favourite fast potato meals as a result of—spoiler alert—the candy potato cooks within the microwave in simply minutes if it’s essential to go that route. No additional pots or pans wanted. The toppings? Zero cooking required. Simply pile them on and dig in. 

Nutritionally, it’s the perfect of the perfect. The candy potato has fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamin C, the chickpeas provide a wholesome dose of plant-based protein, and the tahini delivers a ton of wholesome fat. It’s a flavorful meal that retains you full and your vitality regular. 

Substances

• 1 medium candy potato
• 2 tbsp hummus
• 1 tbsp tahini or Greek yogurt
• A handful of chickpeas
• Cumin, lemon juice, chili flakes

Directions

Step 1: Microwave the candy potato till it’s tender and gentle—normally about 5-7 minutes. 

Step 2: Slice the potato open, then use a fork to fluff up the within. 

Step 3: Pile on the good things: hummus, chickpeas, a drizzle of tahini, a squeeze of lemon juice, and your favourite seasonings. 

Wholesome Potato Nachos

These Wholesome Potato Nachos are all the things you like about conventional nachos—crispy, savory, completely satisfying—however with a contemporary, lighter twist. The skinny potato slices bake (or air fry) into golden little chips that pair completely with creamy guacamole and tangy salsa.

They’re additionally weeknight-friendly. Skinny slices imply they prepare dinner quick, and you may prep the toppings whereas they crisp. 

Better of all, they’re filled with goodness. Whereas the potatoes deliver advanced carbs, the black beans add fiber and plant protein, and the avocado delivers wholesome fat and antioxidants. Consolation meals with a nutrient-rich improve? Sure, please!

Substances

• 1 giant potato, thinly sliced
• ½ cup black beans
• ¼ cup salsa
• 1 tbsp guacamole (or Greek yogurt)
• Optionally available: Cilantro, lime, pickled jalapeño

Directions

Step 1: Air fry or roast thinly sliced potatoes at 450°F for about 12 minutes, till they’re golden and crisp. (Searching for an air fryer value each penny? Take a look at the COSORI air fryer—it has the perfect opinions!). 

Step 2: Pile on the black beans, salsa, and all of your favourite toppings. Serve instantly whereas they’re heat and crunchy. 

Fast Mashed Potato and Greens Bowl

This fast mashed potato bowl is the form of cozy, stick-to-your-ribs meal that also feels contemporary and light-weight. Fluffy, creamy potatoes are paired with brilliant steamed greens and completed with a drizzle of olive oil. Does it get any higher than that?

It’s excellent for busy nights. You need to use leftover mashed potatoes (take a look at my slow-cooked mashed potatoes recipe), toss in some greens, and your favourite protein, and have dinner prepared in minutes. 

Substances

• 1 cup cooked/mashed potatoes (reheat if batch-cooked)
• 1 cup steamed greens (broccoli, kale, or peas)
• 1 boiled egg or tempeh
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Sea salt, cracked pepper, garlic powder

Directions

Step 1: Heat up your mashed potatoes and evenly steam your greens. 

Step 2: Pile them right into a bowl, add your favourite protein, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle on just a little seasoning. Yep, it’s that straightforward.

Creamy Greek Yogurt Potato Salad

I like potato salads, however don’t love the fats content material that mayo brings to the dish. Because of a mixture of yogurt, mustard, and contemporary herbs, this creamy dish affords all the flavour with out the added fats. Plus, it’s simply as wealthy, tangy, and refreshing as a conventional potato salad—if no more! It’s considered one of my go-to fast potato dishes as a result of it’s made with easy components and takes lower than 25 minutes. It may be prepped forward for straightforward lunches or a ready-to-go facet. 

One of the best half? It’s a lot extra nutritious. You get advanced carbs, potassium, and vitamin C from the potatoes. Then, you load up on protein and probiotics from the Greek yogurt, And eventually, the herbs and veggies provide you with a lift of nutritional vitamins and antioxidants. When one thing is pretty much as good for you because it tastes, you guess it deserves a spot in my recipe ebook. 

Substances

• 1 ½ lbs child potatoes or Yukon golds, minimize into bite-sized items
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (use complete milk Fage for greatest texture)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to style
• ¼ cup chopped dill or parsley
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 2 scallions or ¼ crimson onion, finely sliced
• Optionally available: 2 chopped boiled eggs or 1 tbsp capers for additional punch

Directions

Step 1: Add potatoes to a pot of salted water and simmer till fork-tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and allow them to cool simply sufficient to deal with. 

Step 2: In a bowl, whisk collectively Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, vinegar or lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a style and regulate the seasoning if wanted. 

Step 3: In a big bowl, toss the potatoes with the dressing, celery, onions, and herbs. Stir gently so that you coat all the things with out breaking the potatoes aside an excessive amount of. 

Step 4: You possibly can serve it chilled or at room temperature. Let it sit for 10-Quarter-hour first so all these flavors can soak in. 

Find out how to Cook dinner Potatoes Shortly

Reduce potatoes into small chunks. 

If you minimize potatoes into small cubes, they prepare dinner a lot quicker—whether or not you’re baking, steaming, boiling, or sautéing. As an alternative of ready virtually an hour for a complete potato to bake, you’re simply 10-12 minutes. Huge time saver!

Plus, you’ll be able to season them any means you want. I’m an enormous fan of tossing mine with contemporary (or dried) herbs from the backyard, just a little lemon zest, and a drizzle of olive oil. Easy, contemporary, and so good. 

Microwave them for a baked potato.

If you happen to’re craving a baked potato loaded with all of your favourite toppings, the quickest method to make it’s within the microwave. Pierce the entire potato a number of occasions with a fork, place it on a microwave-safe plate, and prepare dinner on excessive. Set about 4-6 minutes for small potatoes or 8-10 for bigger ones. Flip it midway by way of so it cooks evenly.

One of the best half? In addition to how fast it’s, microwaving really helps potatoes maintain extra of their vitamins in comparison with boiling. Quick and wholesome—sure, please!

Slice potatoes tremendous skinny and prepare dinner in a pan. 

If you happen to’re whipping up my Wholesome Potato Nachos or simply sautéing potatoes for a fast facet, the quickest trick is slicing them tremendous skinny. A mandolin works wonders right here for even slices. 

Warmth a cast-iron skillet with just a little olive oil and a splash of water. Then cowl the skillet to let the potatoes steam and soften. For that excellent golden crunch, simply uncover the pan for the previous few minutes. The entire thing takes about 8-10 minutes—it’s fast, straightforward, and so good.

Grate potatoes and sauté them in a pan. 

Craving that crispy hash brown crunch however need a lighter, more healthy model? You possibly can have it in underneath 10 minutes! Simply grate a potato, squeeze out as a lot moisture as you’ll be able to, and toss it right into a sizzling skillet with just a little avocado oil. They prepare dinner up quick, get completely golden, and have a pleasant, savory kick. All with out the additional grease!

Parboil and end cooking one other means. 

I like a very good oven-roasted batch of potatoes, however wow—they’ll take without end to prepare dinner. My shortcut? Parboil them first for about 5-7 minutes, simply till they’re tender. Then pop them within the oven (or air fryer) at 450°F for 10-Quarter-hour. You continue to get that crispy outdoors and fluffy inside—simply in half the time. 

Nutritious and scrumptious, straightforward recipes your loved ones will love!

Busy weeknight? Hungry youngsters? Zero need to spend hours within the kitchen? I’ve been there—extra occasions than I can depend. The excellent news is, you’ll be able to nonetheless get a wholesome, filling meal on the desk in half-hour or much less. 

And since potatoes are principally the final word consolation meals and a dietary powerhouse, they make the right base for fast meals everybody loves.

Listed here are a few of my favourite potato recipes we make on repeat all 12 months lengthy: