4 Easy Meals to Serve to Last Minute Guests

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Do you ever have those moments where you blurt something out without thinking first? Like telling someone at church to come over for lunch or dinner that same day?

And then you’re like, “Crap!  I don’t know what to make!”

Well if that’s you, then this post will be right up your alley.

Most of the following meals are tried and true–tested many times on many different age groups.  They can be made for a small group or expanded to feed the masses–they are easy and universal. Each of these meals has basic ingredients and can be pulled together quickly and without a run to the grocery store.

(They are also great to cook when it’s 5pm and you don’t know what to make for dinner!)

 

 

Chicken, green beans, and potatoes:

This recipe has three ingredients that I always have on hand—chicken breasts (tenderloins work as well), green beans (fresh or canned), and potatoes (fresh or canned). I have seen this recipe made with a packet of dry ranch dressing mix and dry Italian dressing mix, but you could easily use your own mixture of seasonings as well.

I have made this recipe 10 different ways, and each time my whole family has loved it.  You don’t even need to make any sides if you don’t want to, but it is great served with a green salad and rolls.

This is also my go-to dish when I take someone a meal.  I have always received great feedback on this yummy recipe!

 

Stir-Fry: 

Sometimes I call this recipe, “cleaning out the crisper,” because that’s exactly what you can do to create an absolutely delicious and fancy-looking meal.  Add onions, peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, water chestnuts, and anything you can imagine, really!  And if you’re like me, then you always keep white rice on hand to serve with all the vegetables.

If you’ve never made stir fry before, this recipe is an easy one to follow and very yummy!

Let’s talk sauce—there are so many options for homemade stir-fry sauce or there are even store bought sauces that are just as tasty. My favorite is Kinkoman Stir Fry Sauce sweetened with about a tablespoon of brown sugar.

 

Crockpot Chicken Tacos:

We love Mexican food here in this house and the great thing about this recipe is that it’s pretty mild but can be made as spicy as you’d like via the toppings.  I think this recipe would be great for a taco bar for kids and adults alike.  We keep corn and flour tortillas in the freezer and we always have a wide variety of toppings in the refrigerator—lettuce, tomato, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, jalapenos, and onion. The possibilities are endless.

And if you don’t have time to use the crockpot, then just quickly cook them on your stove top in a little butter and taco seasoning.

 

Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti:

I haven’t actually made this meal yet, but how could it be bad!? I’ve been seeing it everywhere on social media lately and it looks amazing!  So cheesy and creamy! I’m definitely making it the next time we have company.

The only ingredient that I don’t always have on hand is the heavy cream, but there is an easy substitute of milk and butter that I have used in the past that works great! (1 Cup Homemade Heavy Cream Substitute: 3/4 cup milk 1/3 cup butter. Melt butter and Combine.)

Bonus:  If you are crazy about spaghetti, then try this recipe for Taco Spaghetti—guaranteed to turn into one of your favorite meals!

 

Do you have any favorite meals to serve to unexpected or last minute guests?