19 Dinner Ideas for Busy Moms from Different Countries!

Hey! Today I’m super excited to share with you some amazing dinner ideas for busy moms.

Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just life in general, finding time to cook can be a challenge. 

But fear not, because I’ve got 19 quick and delicious recipes from around the world that are sure to make your evenings easier and your family’s tummies happy. 

Let’s get cooking!

19. Mexican Tacos

Tacos are a staple in Mexican cuisine and perfect for a quick dinner. 

Simply cook some ground beef with taco seasoning, and serve with soft or hard taco shells. 

Add toppings like lettuce, cheese, salsa, and guacamole. 

For a healthier twist, you can use turkey or even black beans.

18. Italian Pasta Carbonara

This classic Roman dish is both simple and scrumptious. 

Cook pasta (spaghetti or rigatoni work best), and while it’s boiling, fry some pancetta or bacon. 

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and grated Parmesan cheese.

Once the pasta is done, toss it with the bacon and then quickly mix in the egg and cheese mixture to create a creamy sauce.

17. Japanese Teriyaki Chicken

Teriyaki chicken is a delightful dish that’s quick to prepare. 

Marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. 

Then, pan-fry until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. 

Serve over a bed of steamed rice with a side of steamed broccoli.

16. Indian Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is a beloved Indian dish that’s both rich and flavorful. 

Cook chicken pieces with a mixture of butter, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices including garam masala, cumin, and turmeric. 

Stir in some cream or yogurt towards the end and serve with warm naan bread or basmati rice.

15. Thai Green Curry

This dish is perfect for those who love a bit of spice. 

Sauté green curry paste with coconut milk and add chicken or tofu. 

Toss in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, bamboo shoots, and zucchini. 

Serve this aromatic curry with jasmine rice for a complete meal.

14. Chinese Stir-Fry

Stir-fry is incredibly versatile and quick. 

In a hot wok, stir-fry strips of chicken, beef, or tofu with garlic and ginger. 

Add a mix of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots. 

Finish with soy sauce and oyster sauce. Serve over steamed rice or noodles.

13. Greek Gyros

Gyros are a tasty and quick dinner option. 

Grill chicken or lamb slices and serve them in warm pita bread.

Top with tomatoes, red onions, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. 

This dish is as fun to make as it is to eat!

12. French Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a healthy and delicious vegetable stew from Provence. 

Sauté garlic and onions in olive oil, then add eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. 

Let it simmer until the vegetables are tender. Serve with crusty bread or over couscous.

11. Spanish Paella

While traditional paella can take some time, a simplified version is perfect for busy evenings. 

Cook chicken, shrimp, and chorizo in a large skillet with onions, garlic, and bell peppers. 

Add in some rice and saffron-infused chicken broth. Let it simmer until the rice is cooked and all the flavors have melded together.

10. Moroccan Couscous

Couscous is a fantastic base for a quick and flavorful meal. 

Cook the couscous according to the package instructions and top with a stew made of chicken, chickpeas, carrots, and zucchini, all simmered in a sauce of tomatoes and spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon.

9. Korean Bibimbap

Bibimbap is a colorful and healthy Korean dish. 

Cook rice and top with sautéed vegetables (like spinach, carrots, and bean sprouts), marinated beef, and a fried egg. 

Serve with a dollop of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for an extra kick.

8. Lebanese Falafel

Falafel is a great vegetarian option that’s packed with flavor. 

Blend chickpeas with onions, garlic, parsley, and spices, then form into balls and fry until crispy. 

Serve in pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, and tahini sauce.

7. Brazilian Feijoada

Feijoada is a hearty black bean stew with pork, traditionally served with rice and collard greens. 

For a quicker version, use canned black beans and pork sausages. 

Cook everything together with garlic, onions, and bay leaves for a comforting meal.

6. Vietnamese Pho

Pho is a fragrant and delicious noodle soup. 

Simmer beef or chicken broth with star anise, cloves, and cinnamon. 

Cook rice noodles and top with thinly sliced beef or chicken, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges. Pour the hot broth over the top and enjoy.

5. Turkish Kebab

Kebabs are versatile and easy to make. 

Marinate chunks of chicken or lamb in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices like cumin and paprika. 

Grill the meat on skewers and serve with flatbread and a fresh salad.

4. Italian Margherita Pizza

Pizza is always a hit and making your own can be quick and fun. 

Use store-bought pizza dough, top with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

3. South African Bobotie

Bobotie is a sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for a family meal.

Cook ground beef with onions, garlic, curry powder, and dried fruit like apricots and raisins. 

Top with a mixture of beaten eggs and milk, then bake until set. Serve with yellow rice and chutney.

2. Russian Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff is creamy and comforting. 

Sauté strips of beef with onions and mushrooms, then simmer in a sauce made from sour cream, mustard, and beef broth. Serve over egg noodles or rice.

1. Indonesian Nasi Goreng

Nasi Goreng is a flavorful fried rice dish. 

Cook rice and stir-fry with a mixture of shrimp, chicken, or tofu, along with vegetables like carrots and peas. 

Season with soy sauce, garlic, and chili. Top with a fried egg for an authentic touch.

Summary

There you have it—19 delicious dinner ideas from around the world that are perfect for busy moms. 

Each of these dishes brings a taste of different cultures right to your kitchen and proves that you don’t need a lot of time to create a fantastic meal. 

Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, sweet, or savory, there’s a recipe here that’s sure to satisfy. Happy cooking!