Upgraded TV Dinners: 12 Fast and Easy-to-Eat Recipes

Upgrade your TV dinners with these fast and easy recipes from Martha Stewart.

Published: May 11, 2011

<p>These sophisticated sandwiches are familiar enough for children. The chicken can be marinated the night before and broiled the day of.</p><br /><p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="/recipefinder/apricot-cheddar-chicken-melt-recipe" target="_blank"><b>Apricot-and-Cheddar Chicken Melt</b></a></p>

Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Let's face it, after a long day, sometimes all you want to do is flop down on the couch, flip on the TV, and chow on an easy-to-eat dinner. Martha Stewart upgraded some of the classic TV dinners (think frozen burritos, pizza, and pasta) and came up with the following fast and easy recipes that go great with a side of your favorite sitcom or reality show.For more easy meals for you and the remote, try 12 lightning-quick no-cook dinners.

Apricot-and-Cheddar Chicken Melt

Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Sporting a hint of sweet apricot preserves, these open-faced chicken sandwiches are a delicious way to wind down from a busy day.

Recipe: Apricot-and-Cheddar Chicken Melt

Mini Spinach-and-Cheese Pizzas

<p>Bocconcini are just bite-size morsels of fresh mozzarella. Look for them at specialty food stores and Italian markets, as well as many supermarkets; they're usually packaged in water or whey for freshness. Choose part-skim ricotta instead of regular; it has comparable creaminess, with fewer calories and less fat. Whole-wheat pitas are fiber-rich — and tasty. </p>
<p><strong>Recipe:</strong> <a href="../../../recipefinder/mini-spinach-cheese-pizzas-recipe-mslo0511" target="_blank"><strong>Mini Spinach-and-Cheese Pizzas</strong></a></p>

Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Hand-held, bite-sized pizzas are perfect for a mess-free dinner on the couch. Plus, the whole-wheat pitas and vitamin-packed spinach won't leave you feeling like a couch potato.

Recipe: Mini Spinach-and-Cheese Pizzas

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Bean Burritos

<p>Stock your freezer with these healthy single-serving dinners (or hearty lunches). These vegetarian burritos reheat well in the microwave, making them A-OK for a workplace kitchenette.</p><p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="http://gogonow.org/recipefinder/bean-burritos-recipe-mslo0111%22 target="_blank"><b>Bean Burritos</b></a></p>

Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Try making a double batch of these spicy bean burritos — then you'll have some to enjoy right away and extra to freeze and eat later.

Recipe: Bean Burritos

Tomato-Pepper Soup with Ham-and-Arugula Wraps

<p>This soup-and-sandwich combo can be made up to a day ahead – perfect for packed lunches or a fun, casual dinner at home.</p><br /><p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="/recipefinder/tomato-pepper-soup-ham-arugula-wraps-recipe-mslo0511"><b>Tomato-Pepper Soup with Ham-and-Arugula Wraps</b></a></p>

Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Improve on basic grilled cheese and tomato soup by adding home-roasted peppers to this rich take on gazpacho soup. The perfect complement: a light feta, ham, and arugula wrap for dipping.

Recipe: Tomato-Pepper Soup with Ham-and-Arugula Wraps

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Zucchini Quesadillas

<p>A quesadilla is a tortilla typically filled with beans and shredded cheese then folded before being toasted or fried. Our version features cheese and cooked vegetables. Sour cream, shredded lettuce, sliced avocado, and bottled salsa make great accompaniments to quesadillas, so serve them on the side. Note: Shredded cooked chicken or sauteed shrimp are also delicious variations in quesadillas, as are roasted red peppers; peppers packed in oil have the best flavor.</p><p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="http://gogonow.org/recipefinder/zucchini-quesadillas-recipe-mslo0511%22%3E%3Cb%3EZucchini Quesadillas</b></a></p>

Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Stuffed with seasoned sauteed zucchini and corn, this vegetarian quesadilla can be eaten one-handed, keeping your other hand free to channel surf.

Recipe: Zucchini Quesadillas

Ham-and-Manchego Panini with Dipping Sauce

<p>A mix of apricot jam and piquant Dijon mustard plays up nutty Manchego cheese and ham in this grown-up grilled cheese sandwich.</p><br /><p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="/recipefinder/ham-manchego-panini-dipping-sauce-recipe-mslo0511"><b>Ham-and-Manchego Panini with Dipping Sauce</b></a></p>

Courtesy of Martha Stewart Living

Swap in nutty Manchego cheese for traditional Cheddar and grill up this couch-side sandwich and tangy-sweet dipping sauce.

Recipe: Ham-and-Manchego Panini with Dipping Sauce

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Open-Face Roast Beef Sandwich

courtesy of Martha Stewart Living

Catch-up on last week's episodes while you cook up a delicious roast beef sandwich. Serve with a spicy horseradish dressing and watercress for the main event!

Recipe: Open-Face Roast Beef Sandwich