Some days you’re just holding on by a thread, and the thought of cooking a meal feels like the last straw. That’s where these 19 easy dinner recipes come into play. They’re a lifesaver when you’re one step away from cereal for dinner, again. These dishes are all about making life a little less hectic and a lot more bearable.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
When you’re too tired to cook a complex meal, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites come to your rescue. You can whip up this dish in just 20 minutes using a single skillet. Bite-sized chicken pieces are coated with cornstarch and spices and then cooked in avocado oil until golden and tender. They’re then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce made with Italian seasoning and a hint of cayenne for a slight kick. Garnished with lemon juice and parsley, adding a fresh contrast to the buttery richness. It’s quick to prepare and even easier to clean up. These bites are perfect for a flavorful dinner that doesn’t drain your energy, giving you more time to relax and less to worry about.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Broccoli Casserole
Broccoli Casserole is perfect for those days when you’re looking for comfort without effort. Ready in just 50 minutes, this dish combines steamed broccoli and melty cheese in a creamy blend that’s soothing and hearty. For a crispy finish, it includes a topping of crushed crackers combined with melted butter. This dish requires minimal prep and even less stress to make. Perfect for unwinding with a filling meal that takes care of you when your energy is low. This casserole is like a cozy blanket in edible form.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a lifesaver on hectic evenings. It assembles quickly and bakes in under an hour, creating a comforting meal of cheesy tater tots, tender chicken, and frozen corn, all brought together with a creamy mushroom soup. This casserole is a crowd-pleaser that allows you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time catching your breath. It’s great for keeping dinner prep simple and stress-free, especially on those nights you need a break.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is your go-to for a fast and filling meal. Ready in only 25 minutes, this dish mixes cooked pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy chicken, crunchy croutons, and tangy Caesar dressing for a refreshing yet hearty meal. It’s perfect for those days when cooking feels like too much, but you still want something hearty. This salad is great for whipping up a quick dinner or preparing in advance, making your life easier when you’re stretched thin.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole brings all the flavors of stuffed peppers without the hassle of actual stuffing. Mix ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and spices, top with cheese, and bake. It’s that easy. This comforting and filling dish comes together in just 45 minutes, perfect for when you want a nutritious meal but don’t have the energy to spend hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the taste of homemade comfort food with minimal effort, making your evening a little less stressful.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Tuna Macaroni Salad
This Tuna Macaroni Salad is a budget-friendly and straightforward meal option that is ready in only 40 minutes. Easily made and with ingredients you may already have, it’s a great recipe choice for beginner cooks. This one is a great choice for anyone looking to whip up a meal without spending a lot of time cooking. You’ll cook some elbow macaroni, mix it with ingredients like canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, sweet relish, and mustard. You can customize it a bit by using different types of mustard or swapping out some of the mayo for Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad
Reuben Bowls
These Reuben Bowls are a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s ready in only 30 minutes. The key components of the recipe will be to brown some deli corned beef, toss it with coleslaw or shredded cabbage, mix in sauerkraut, melt on some Swiss cheese, then drizzle homemade Thousand Island dressing on top of each bowl (or you can skip this and use store-bought dressing instead).
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
For a dinner that’s easy yet hearty, try this Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. It combines steamed broccoli and cauliflower with crispy bacon and a rich cheese sauce of cream cheese, sour cream and cheddar, all baked to perfection. This dish is straightforward to prepare and can be made ahead of time, so you’ll have a delicious, veggie-packed meal ready to go. It’s perfect for those days when you’re low on energy but still need to feed yourself or your family well. This casserole helps take the pressure off cooking.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken Tortellini Soup is a comforting bowl that’s perfect for days when you need a quick but hearty meal. This soup pairs shredded chicken and cheese-filled tortellini with a mix of carrots, celery, and onions in a flavorful broth, seasoned with Italian herbs and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. It’s easy to prepare and even better as leftovers, making it a great option for meal prepping or for nights when even cooking seems like too much work. This soup will fill you up and help relieve the stress of a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
When you’re short on time or energy, Shake and Bake Pork Chops are your go-to. You get crispy, juicy pork chops in 25 minutes flat. Just coat them, bake them, and you’re set. Baking rather than frying the chops means you get to unwind while waiting for dinner to cook. This is the perfect pick for nights when you need a quick, delicious meal without the hassle. It’s a straightforward dish that’s both comforting and easy to clean up, which is exactly what you need after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is perfect for frantic days. It’s ready in 30 minutes — just brown the beef, mix in spinach, cauliflower rice, and a creamy base, then bake. This hearty, flavorful, and nutritious meal is great for unwinding after a long day. It combines the richness of beef with the health benefits of spinach and cauliflower in a meal that feels both indulgent and responsible, perfect for recharging without feeling overwhelmed.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Spinach Chicken Bake
When you need a comforting dinner without the effort, try Spinach Chicken Bake. Layer chicken, cream cheese, and spinach, top with cheese, and bake. In 30 minutes, you’ll have a comforting meal perfect for those nights when even simple tasks feel overwhelming. This dish combines creamy, cheesy textures with the nutritional goodness of spinach for a balanced meal that’s soothing and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for those days when you’re looking for relaxation and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Fajita Baked Chicken
For a dinner that’s simple yet filling, whip up Fajita Baked Chicken. Layer seasoned chicken with cream cheese, mozzarella, and sweet peppers, then bake. It’s all done in 30 minutes, making your evening a bit easier and a lot more fun. The spices — chili powder, paprika, cumin, and a touch of cayenne — lend a robust flavor profile. This dish brings a festive flair to your dinner table with minimal effort, perfect for revitalizing your spirits on a hectic day. It’s also packed with flavors that are sure to lift your mood.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Baked Ravioli
Baked Ravioli is the ultimate comfort food shortcut. Layer frozen ravioli with marinara and cheese, then bake until bubbly. This dish gives you lasagna vibes with less work, perfect for those nights when you’re too spent to cook but still crave something good. With each bite serving cheesy goodness and rich tomato flavors, this dish is a stress-free way to end your day. It’s also great for serving a family or guests without fussing over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Canned Chicken Patties
Canned Chicken Patties are a breeze to make and perfect for tired evenings. Mix canned chicken with eggs and Parmesan, fry them up, and serve. It’s a straightforward dish that’s great for any night you need something quick and good without much effort. This dish not only saves you time but also keeps your kitchen clean and your stress levels low. It’s perfect for those times when you want to serve a meal that feels home-cooked without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
When you’re barely hanging on and need a meal fast, Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is here to help. It takes just 30 minutes and combines beef, cauliflower rice, and cheese into a hearty dish. It’s a great solution for filling up without stressing out in the kitchen. Packed with flavor and requiring minimal cleanup, this skillet meal is perfect for end-of-the-day exhaustion. It’s comforting and filling, allowing you to relax after dinner instead of worrying about dishes.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Cabbage and Sausage
When your energy is low and you need a quick, hearty meal, Cabbage and Sausage is a great go-to. This recipe involves cooking cabbage and onions with a splash of apple cider vinegar in one pan, then adding seared sausages for a rich flavor. It’s ready in less than 30 minutes and is best served over rice or potatoes. This dish is not only easy to make but also comforting, making it perfect for those nights when you need a hearty dinner that demands less of your time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
When you need a light yet filling meal quickly, the Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is a perfect choice. Shrimp cooked with garlic, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, grape tomatoes, and coconut milk, finished with fresh spinach, this dish is full of flavor and nutrition and ready in just 25 minutes. It pairs perfectly with pasta or veggies and is great for those days when you’re looking for a nutritious meal that’s easy to make, helping you get back to relaxing sooner.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Shawarma Kebabs
Shawarma Kebabs is a quick and easy dinner option that’s still exciting and delicious. Marinate chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, and a mix of spices such as cumin, paprika, and cinnamon, then bake on skewers. This method is simple and quick, perfect for when you’re too tired to grill but still want something delicious. Serve with tzatziki or feta cheese for a meal that’s both effortless and comforting. It’s the recipe you need for unwinding after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs