Between work, school drop-offs, after-school activities, homework, and trying to get everyone fed before bedtime, weeknights can feel like a sprint. As the school year kicks into gear, it seems like the windows of free time begin to shrink. But here’s the good news: your gas grill or griddle can be your ultimate weekday time-saver.
Weeknight grilling might sound like one more thing to manage, but it’s actually the opposite. With just a bit of planning and the ease of propane cooking, you can get dinner on the table faster, easier, and with way less cleanup than typical methods.
What Makes Weeknight Grilling Easy:
1. It’s faster than you think
Gas grills and griddles heat up quickly, so they’re perfect for weeknight dinners. There’s no waiting around like you would with charcoal or even the oven. While your grill preheats, you can prep sides, toss a salad, or tidy up around the house. Meals come together in one go, and there’s minimal cleanup afterward.
2. It breaks up the weekday monotony
Microwave meals and stovetop stir-fries can get old fast. Grilling outside gives you a chance to decompress from the day, soak up some fresh air, and maybe even turn dinner into a quick family moment on the patio when the weather allows.
3. It’s kid- and schedule-friendly
With school back in session and calendars filling up, weeknight grilling gives you the flexibility to cook on your timeline. Plus, grilled meals tend to be crowd-pleasers, and you can customize them to even the pickiest eaters.
Smart Prep for Fast & Easy Weeknight Dinners
The secret to easy weeknight grilling lies in a little weekend prep. Spend some time chopping veggies, portioning proteins, and mixing sauces ahead of time so everything’s ready when you need it. You can even store marinated meats in bags the night before so they’re ready to hit the grill. It also helps to keep a few pantry and grill staples on hand, like seasoning blends, buns, or tortillas. These quick fixes can turn your prepped ingredients into flavorful meals without the stress.
Make the Most of Grilling Time
Weeknight grilling is both fast and efficient. While your grill or griddle preheats, take a few minutes to prep your sides, toss a salad, or knock out a quick cleanup. Instead of standing in front of the microwave or waiting on the oven, enjoy a few peaceful minutes outside as dinner comes together. Whether you’re solo or cooking for your family, grilling can transform even the busiest evening into a chance to unwind and connect.
Plan Ahead - Pick Up a Blue Rhino Propane Tank
No matter what day of the week it is, nothing throws off your dinner plans like an empty tank. Avoid last-minute store runs by grabbing a fresh Blue Rhino on your way home during your regular errands. Gas grills and griddles are ideal for busy nights. There’s no waiting around for charcoal to heat up, and no mess to deal with afterward. It’s fast, simple, and ready when you are.
Quick & Easy Weeknight Grill Recipes
Turkey Mushroom Quesadillas (National Turkey Federation)
Melty, savory, and done in minutes. Leftover turkey works great, or skip the meat for a great meatless Monday option.
Steak Street Tacos
A quick overnight marinade is all it takes, then just grill and assemble. Perfect for Taco Tuesday.
Pork Smashburgers (Operation BBQ Relief)
Crispy edges, juicy center, and done in minutes. These griddle-friendly burgers bring serious flavor.
Hibachi Chicken and Rice Delight
Sizzle up tender chicken, veggies, and rice all on the griddle for a quick, flavorful dinner.
BBQ Spiced Shrimp (Operation BBQ Relief)
Shrimp cooks quickly, and the fresh herbs help make this meal feel special even on a busy weeknight
Cheesy Sausage and Mushroom Pizza (National Pork Board)
Picky eaters? Swap toppings as needed. Skip preheating the oven because this pizza cooks up fast on the grill!
Check Your Grill’s Propane Tank Regularly
A quick propane check on Sundays can set you up for a smooth week of grilling. With a fresh tank ready to go, you’ll spend less time scrambling and more time enjoying dinner and relaxing. Plus, exchanging your tank is easy with Blue Rhino. Just text the word FIND to 75653* to find a location near you or use our handy Propane Finder.
*Text and data rates may apply.
Published: 2025.08.06