When you’re bushed after a busy day but have to get supper started all the same, cut short your kitchen duty with a no-fuss menu. Here’s a main dish that you can put on to cook, then leave unwatched while you enjoy some quiet time, catch up with your kids or unwind with your husband. A store-bought dessert (cookies, ice cream) or fresh fruit makes a fine finale.

Serves 4
 
Picadillo
Orzo with Tomato and Onion
Steamed String Beans with Lemon
 

1) Start this dinner in 20 minutes or less

2) Forget it for one hour

3) Get it on the table in 15 minutes or less

 
Picadillo
(Mexican Hash)
 
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tart apple, peeled and chopped
¼ cup slivered almonds
1 pound ground round steak or turkey
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 cup white wine or apple juice
1 to 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
2 teaspoons cumin
½ teaspoon oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 bay leaf
1/8 teaspoon hot-pepper sauce (optional)
½ cup pitted olives (optional)
1 cup yogurt or ½ cup sour cream
2 cups shredded lettuce
 
In a large, deep skillet, heat oil. Add onions and garlic and sauté over medium heat until onions begin to brown. Add apple and almonds; sauté for 2 minutes. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until all pink is gone. Reduce heat to low and stir in tomato paste, then add wine or juice, vinegar, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, bay leaf, hot sauce (if using), 1 cup water and olives (if using). Cover; simmer over low heat.
 
Relax for 45 minutes.
 
Stir picadillo; cook uncovered for 5 minutes. Prepare pasta:
 
Orzo with Tomato and Onion
 
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup orzo (small rice-shaped pasta)
½ cup canned crushed tomatoes
 
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, heat oil. Add onion and sauté. When water is boiling, add pasta. Stir tomatoes into onion; cover and simmer. Cover picadillo; remove from heat.
 
Prepare frozen string beans according to package directions. Stir pasta into pan with onion and tomatoes. Turn string beans into a serving dish; add a squeeze of lemon juice.
 
Serve picadillo over pasta with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream, and shredded lettuce on the side. Bring everything to the table—you’re ready to eat.