20-Minute Recipes That Will Change Your Life

Sometimes you only have 20 minutes to get a meal on the table. These recipes require just that much time to make. Ready, set, cook! 

A classic grilled cheese sandwich is one of the easiest things to make, and it's delicious no matter what meal you make it for. With thick white bread, American cheese and a combination of butter and mayo for the ultimate golden crunchy exterior, you've got everything you need for a divine sandwich or two (or three). Upgrade your grilled cheese with these 20 different versions with these mouthwatering spins that can also be on your table in no time.

For the Classic Grilled Cheese recipe, click here.

This recipe is loaded with mushrooms, cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, green beans and baby corn, but you can make it with any combination of seasonal vegetables you have on hand. The veggies are toasted in a cumin-infused oil and then sauteed with butter, black pepper and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve with some simple grilled chicken for a quick, healthy dinner.

For the Simply Spiced Seasonal Vegetables recipe, click here.

This Mexican-inspired dinner recipe takes less than 20 minutes to prepare and has all the best taco flavors in a single casserole. Top with whatever you like, but don't skip the crunchy tortillas.

For the Taco Casserole recipe, click here.

This noodle bowl can be made in just 20 minutes, which is way quicker than waiting for your Thai takeout order to arrive at the door. The peanut sauce uses salty soy sauce, rice vinegar and sesame oil for unbeatable Asian flavors. Pair with some quick-cooked shrimp for an out-of-this world combo.

For the Sesame Peanut Noodle Bowl recipe, click here.

This skillet meal is one of the best takes on macaroni and cheese. With the use of leftover chicken, you can have this kid-friendly meal on the table in 20 minutes.

For the Skillet Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe, click here.

You forget how good egg salad is until you make egg salad. Creamy mayo, crunchy green onions and a kick from the dill makes this recipe a genius way to use up a carton of eggs in under 20 minutes. 

For the 'Dill-licious' Egg Salad recipe, click here.

Out of the many ways to make a grilled cheese sandwich, this version with balsamic vinegar, mushrooms, caramelized onions and brie is pure decadence. It's slightly tart from the balsamic vinegar, a little sweet from the caramelized onions, and creamy and crunchy from the oozing brie cheese and crusty bread. With so much going for it, 20 minutes is a steal. 

For the Balsamic, Mushroom and Onion Grilled Brie Cheese Sandwich recipe, click here.

Speaking of mac and cheese, remember the classic childhood combo of boxed mac and hot dogs? Bring this comfort food back for game day at home (or any day you need a bite of nostalgia).

For the Mac 'N' Cheese Hot Dogs recipe, click here.

This is a quick, thrifty and kid-friendly meal that will take you back to your own childhood. A rich meat sauce and buttery hamburger buns are the only components of sloppy Joes, and the meat sauce itself comes together quickly using both pantry ingredients and fresh bell peppers.

For the Kid-Friendly Sloppy Joes recipe, click here.

"Cacio e pepe" means "cheese and pepper" in Italian, and with the right ingredients and technique, it's one of the simplest dishes you can make. All you need is black pepper, grated pecorino Romano (or Parmesan), butter, olive oil and spaghetti — you don't even need a full 20 minutes. And the one restaurant trick you need to know to make this perfectly each time involves the reserved pasta water, so make sure not to drain the spaghetti once it's cooked.

For the Cacio e Pepe recipe, click here.

Prawns are an integral ingredient in some of the best Indian dishes, either in a sauce as a main dish or as a fast seafood snack on their own. You can absolutely use shrimp and toss them in the delicious combination of spices and saute with garlic, chili and mustard seeds. The results are light, delicious, tangy and sweet. 

For the Masala Prawns recipe, click here.

Considering pesto is so full of flavor, someone not familiar with making it might think it takes a lot of time. But all you really need is 15 minutes, good-quality ingredients and a food processor or blender. This recipe calls for toasted pine nuts and uses green garlic, which is similar to snappy green onions. If you venture out to your local farmers market, keep an eye out for the stalky vegetable.

For the Green Garlic and Basil Pesto recipe, click here. 

When you want to spend even less time in the kitchen, especially during breakfast, hold on to this recipe. With the ease of an Instant Pot, some cheese and crispy bacon, the classic egg bake is taken up a few notches. 

For the Instant Pot Cheesy Egg Bake recipe, click here.

What's even more impressive than an under-20-minutes breakfast or dinner is a seven-minute dessert recipe. Yes, not even a whole 10. Mug cakes are perfect for random sweet tooth cravings and don't require an oven. This red velvet cake is made right inside a mug and is cooked in a microwave then topped with an easy cream cheese frosting.  

For the Red Velvet Mug Cake With Pecans And Cream Cheese Frosting recipe, click here.

This Middle Eastern dip is delicious with pita bread, chips, carrots and bell peppers or as a sandwich spread. And considering it takes only 10 minutes to make, you don't need to buy store-bought hummus ever again. 

For the Classic Hummus recipe, click here.

This comforting fall soup is super easy to make, which is what you want if you're a little under the weather. And it brings both heat and flavor to knock you right back up. Simply puree the ingredients in a blender, add the spices and leave it to simmer until you're ready to curl up on the couch.

For the Ginger Soup recipe, click here.

Soupy and savory homemade ramen is only 15 minutes away. All you need is chicken, some stock, soy sauce, garlic, ginger and ramen noodles. For a picture-perfect bowl, top your ramen with leafy herbs, a soft-boiled jammy egg and some crunchy carrots.  

For the Chicken Ramen Soup recipe, click here.

If you don't like to spend a lot of time baking but still want homemade sweets, these chocolate crinkle cookies fit the bill perfectly. Besides the almond flour and coconut flour (which make them gluten free), the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples. 

For the Gluten Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies recipe, click here. 

Recreate fast food favorites at home with this copycat Chipotle cilantro lime rice. This quick and easy citrusy rice is the ultimate match for burritos or a bowl layered with a heaping pile of beans, cheese, guacamole and salsa.  

For the Cilantro Lime Rice recipe, click here.

Salads are a known go-to option for speedy lunches and dinners. This spring salad with romaine, blanched asparagus, frozen peas, radishes and more is the fresh plate you need in the middle of fall or winter. And if you have leftover grilled chicken, even better. 

For the Spring Green Salad with Asparagus recipe, click here. 

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